The Maui Insider, Maui Visitors Bureau -- Fall 08

fall08 The Maui Insider, Maui Visitors Bureau -- Fall 08 Link to to


*Aloha from the Magic Isles of Maui*	*Fall Edition -- 2008*


It's Fall again -- and here on Maui's Magic Isles we're savoring the changes as the long, slow days of summer fade away. But we're also tuning into what's new in Maui Nui. And we love to share...
*A hui ho -- until we meet again.*


In this Issue	*Maui Nui Events Calendar*
	*Gear Up For Fall On Maui!*
	*A Sample Platter -- New Maui Restaurants !*
	*Spa Scouting*
	*FAQs about visiting Maui*
	*Chef's Corner*
	*My Favorite Maui Moment*


SEPTEMBER	*MAUI NUI EVENTS CALENDAR SPOTLIGHT* Festivals of Aloha Maui, Moloka'i & Lana'i September - October Festivals of Aloha, Maui Nui Style! The celebration shares the unique island traditions of Maui, Moloka'i and Lana'i. On Maui, the 7th Annual Richard Hoopi'i Leo Kieki'e Contest brings together Hawaii’s finest amateur falsetto performers. Maui Ha'i Falsetto celebrates Festivals of Aloha on September 12th at the Maui Arts and Culture Center in the McCoy Studio Theater. On Moloka'i, the Festivals of Aloha will be on October 4th at the Mitchell Pau'ole Community Center. On Maui, “Heavenly Hana” celebrates with a week of festivities including a small town parade and a traditional ho'olaule'a (celebration). Maui events in Hana are scheduled for October 11-18. On Lana'i, Hawaii's “Most Enticing Island” will celebrate October 25th at the Lana'i Town Square in Dole Park. For the most current schedule of events, go to http://www.visitmaui.com/. Maui Marathon Race Events Ka’anapali Resort September 12-14 The Maui Marathon is one of the 10 most scenic Marathons in North America. You can enjoy a weekend of fun events. At the Westin Maui, you can visit the Fitness Expo on Friday and Saturday and later enjoy a carbo luau on Friday evening. On Saturday morning, the Maui Tacos 5K Fun Run/Walk goes around the resort and is open to everyone. The Lahaina Front Street Mile follows in Lahaina. Watch the action in the Full Marathon on Sunday, which begins in Kahului and continues for 26.2 miles to Ka’anapali. The Half Marathon is from Ka’anapali to Lahaina and back. The Maui Half Marathon Awards will start approximately at 9:00am in Whalers Village. Go to http://www.mauimarathon.com/ for more information.
OCTOBER	Maui County Fair War Memorial Complex, Wailuku October 2-5 The 86th Annual Maui County Fair “Where a Community Works Together” opens with the traditional parade on Thursday, October 2nd. The Fair gives the entire community the opportunity to come together to enjoy an alcohol free, smoke free and drug free family oriented event that has attractions like the Joyzone (rides), the Better Living tent, Arts & Crafts, Homemakers booths, Photo Salon, School Art, Bonsai, Orchidland, Recycling and Community Service exhibits, Contests, Keiki ID Booth, Horticulture exhibit, Livestock, Entertainment, and plenty ono (delicious) food. The Maui County Fair is all about reconnecting with friends and family in an environment where everyone can find something to appreciate. For more information, please visit http://www.mauicountyfair.com/. LPGA Classic Tour The Bay Course, Kapalua October 13-19 The Kapalua LPGA Classic will consist of the top female players in the world who will gather at the Arnold Palmer/Francis Duane designed Bay Course competing for their share of the $1.5 million purse, in a 72 hole hole tournament. The Kapalua LPGA Classic also hosts an 18 hole Pro-Am event. Each four member amateur team is paired with an LPGA Tour professional as they compete in a relaxed “best ball” scramble format for all handicap levels at the inaugural LPGA Classic. Go to http://www.kapalua.com/ for details. Xterra World Championship Maui Prince Hotel, Makena October 25-26 The 5K/10K South Maui scramble and Xterra Past Champions Forum is on Saturday, October 25th. The 12th annual XTERRA World Championship is the final race on the XTERRA Global Tour, it takes place on Sunday, October 26th. Covering acres of unyielding terrain, pro multisport athletes will compete for $125,000 in prize money. Roughly 550 of the best professional off road athletes will take on XTERRA's toughest course. This course consists of a 1.5K rough water swim, a 32K mountain bike ride on the lower slopes of Haleakala and a 12K trail run. The race will finish at Maui Prince Hotel. For more information, go to www.xterraplanet.com/races/
NOVEMBER	Hula O Na Keiki Festival Ka’anapali Beach Hotel November 7-9 Hula O Na Keiki is a solo hula competition for keiki (children) ages 5-17. Participants are required to learn, interpret and perform a Maui chant and a hula. Students from Hawai'i and around the world will compete in interview, dance, chant and costume categories. To compliment the keiki hula, weekend festivities include arts and crafts from all islands, great local food, cultural and hula workshops and Hawaiian entertainment. The competition is just one facet of the fascinating and educational three day event. Go to www.kbhmaui.com for a complete schedule. Na Mele O Maui Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali November 20 The 36th annual song and art competition showcases the music and visual art talents of Maui's most impressive youth voices who perpetuate our Hawaiian culture and heritage. Hundreds of Maui County students from K-12th grade compete for cash prizes and musical instruments. Na Mele O Maui also sponsors the High School Art Competition, a juried exhibit open to all Maui County's high school students. Go to http://www.kaanapaliresort.com/ for the event schedule. 25th Annual EA Sports Maui Invitational Lahaina Civic Center November 24-26 The nation’s premier early season college basketball tournament features eight teams competing for the Wayne Duke Championship Trophy. The teams are will be North Carolina, Notre Dame, Texas, Indiana, Oregon, Saint Joseph's, Alabama and host Chaminade University. Televised on ESPN for all 12 games. An up-to-date game schedule, ticket and general information are available at http://www.mauiinvitational.com/.
DECEMBER	Holiday Lighting of the Banyan Tree Banyan Tree Park, Lahaina Front Street December 6-7 At 6:30pm on Saturday, Lahaina’s historic Banyan Tree is lit up with thousands of Christmas lights for the entire holiday season. Santa Claus makes his appearance, island style and community choirs sing Christmas carols. See the World Culture Exchange Hula performances on stage. Kids are invited to play in real snow at the “snow zone” and families can take photos with a Hawaiian snowman. Enjoy a holiday arts and crafts fair along with Hawaiian musical entertainment. Tenants of the Old Lahaina Courthouse host children's holiday art activities and cookie decorating workshops. Go to http://www.visitlahaina.com/ for a complete schedule. Billabong Pro Maui Honolua Bay at Kapalua Resort December 8-20 The 10th annual event with an $80,000 purse, it is the Women's World Title Race for Surfing Professionals World Championship Tour. For more information, visit http://www.kapalua.com/.
JANUARY	Mercedes Benz Championship The Plantation Course -Kapalua Resort, Maui January 5-11 The PGA Tour's season opening, winners only event. This annual event is one of the most prestigious on the PGA TOUR – only champions from 2008 season may compete. It can be seen live in prime time on The Golf Channel. For more information, go to http://www.kapalua.com/. The Wendy's Champions Skins Game Royal Ka’anapali Golf Course January 16-17 Friday, January 16th will feature a ProAm Golf Tournament. On Saturday, January 17th and on Sunday,the 18th the 22nd edition of the Wendy's Champions Skins Game will be played at the stunning Royal Ka’anapali Golf Course. Both games will be televised on ESPN as the PGA’s most legendary pros will compete for $770,000 purse. To learn more about the Wendy's Skins Game, please visit http://www.visitlahaina.com/. FOR A YEAR-LONG LOOK AT MAUI EVENTS CLICK ON OVER TO OUR ONLINE CALENDAR OF EVENTS
	*FAQ's about visiting Maui* In this ongoing series, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions of visitors, as we strive to help make your trip to the Magic Isles the most comfortable it can be! Dear Insider, Are there any new spa services on Molokai? Yes, you can enjoy a relaxing manicure, pedicure, massage and/or facial at the Hotel Molokai's new Spa Center. For more information and appointments call 808 660 3334 Monday through Friday or go to www.hotelmolokai.com. Aloha Maui Insider, I am interested in the public bus service on Maui. Are there any new routes? There is a new free route in Lahaina, called the Lahaina Villager. The Kahului and Wailuku loops are also free. For a complete schedule of Maui Bus call 808 871-4838 or go to www.mauicounty.gov/bus. Hello Insider, I heard there the golf course was closed on Molokai? Is that correct? The Kaluako'i Golf course on Molokai is closed but the Ironwood Hills course is open. Nestled in cool up-country Kalae, the 9 holes at the Ironwood Hills course have been in continuous operation for 60 years. Call 808 567 6000 for details and pricing. If you have a question for us, please feel free to e-mail insider@visitmaui.com and we'll consider it for a future issue of the Maui Insider. The Maui Insider omits non-standard diacritical marks to accommodate the vast majority of internet users who do not recognize these marks when searching the internet. Also, accurate display of true Hawaiian 'okinas and kahakos would require users to have special Hawaiian fonts installed on their computers. *Back to the top of the page*

GEAR UP OR FALL ON MAUI!
Maui hosts three major sporting events this autumn. Here's how to get in on the action.

From the exacting precision of a professional golfer to the steady endurance of marathoner to the true grit of an off road triathlete, Maui prepares for action this fall by hosting three phenomenal sporting events: the 37th Annual Maui Marathon, the new Kapalua LPGA Classic, and XTERRA World Championship. These events attract hundreds of competitors from around the world who are ready to give it their all. Catch the action front-and-center as a spectator, or gear up for a little glory of your own as a participant. Not to worry if you are more weekend warrior than world class athlete, these sporting events offer a collection of shorter exhibition races designed for you to give it your all.

Thousands of participants will hit the ground running for the Maui Marathon on Sunday, September 14. Arguably one of the most scenic marathons, this course boasts a seventeen mile oceanfront stretch and a jaunt through the historic whaling town of Lahaina. The half marathon, held concurrently, offers much of the same scenery. Cheer runners on along the way or catch the finish at Whalers Village in Ka‘anapali.

If you are inspired to lace up your own running shoes, make a weekend out of it by participating in one of two bite sized events on Saturday, September 13. Runners can warm-up with the Maui Taco’s 5K Fun Run in the morning, or make the mad dash in The Front Street Mile later that afternoon. Not just for sprinters, the one mile run is a great way for kids to participate in the festivities. For course maps, times, and entry information, log on to www.mauimarathon.com.

New this year, The Kapalua LPGA Classic will invite the best in women's professional golf to Maui from October 13–19 for an official 72 hole, full field tournament. These ladies mean business. Held at The Bay Course at Kapalua Resort, players like Lorena Ochoa, Paula Creamer, Natalie Gulbis, Ai Miyazato and Annika Sorenstam will be competing towards a $1.5 million purse and the privilege of being the inaugural champion. The week long event includes two practice days, an 18 hole Pro-Am event, and four days of competition. Come walk the gracious rolling greens of the Arnold Palmer and Francis Duane designed course to take in the breathtaking views and the even more spectacular golf. Tickets are $10 per day or $35 for the week.

For a pretty penny you, too, can swing into action with the top ladies of golf. The Kapalua LPGA Classic Pro-Am event, hosted by touring professional Morgan Pressel, pairs a four member team with an LPGA Tour pro for a friendly “best ball” scramble. For more information on the Pro-Am and a full schedule of events visit www.kapalua.com/hawaii-golf/lpga-classic.

On October 26 athletes from thirty countries will battle each other, the humidity, and twenty seven miles of Makena’s most rugged terrain during the XTERRA World Championship, the final race of an international off road triathlon series. Based at the Maui Prince Hotel, the race begins with an ocean swim off Maluaka beach. Then competitors head out into a razor sharp lava rock field for the grueling mountain bike course. The home stretch is the run across loose sand, over stumps, rocks and anything else on this unpaved path to the finish. Spectators can catch some adrenaline and the best viewing at the Maui Prince, where TV screens will be broadcasting live coverage of the action. Food and beverage booths create a fun, festive atmosphere.

Curious to test your grit? Show up Saturday, October 25 for a 5K or 10K off road run on the official racecourse. For a full schedule of events and more information, visit www.xterraplanet.com/worldchampionship.

Back to the top of the page

SAMPLE PLATTER -- NEW MAUI RESTAURANTS

Island diners, prepare for some delicious news: There are three exciting new additions to the Maui food scene. While one restaurant honors Hawaii's rich cultural history, another imports a popular mainland concept, and the last pays homage to the seasons with a fresh, Farm-to-Table theme. Grab your appetite and let's get a taste of each.

Local flavors are polished to a classy perfection at Ko, new to The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui in Wailea. Named for the Hawaiian word for sugarcane, the restaurant's culinary theme is inspired by the crop’s profound effect on the island's food culture during the plantation era. With each new wave of immigrant labor - Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino - the traditional Hawaiian diet was introduced to exotic ingredients and new cooking methods. In the creative process, Chef de Cuisine Jake Belmonte, who was born in the Philippines, was able to draw from his own family roots, in fact his mom's lumpia (Filipino spring rolls filled with pork or shrimp and green papaya) has become a menu favorite. At Ko, traditional family recipes and ethnic home cooking have been reverently reworked with premium ingredients and a gourmet's skilled touch. A perfect example is the popular ‘Ahi “On The Rock” dish. Hawaiian ‘ahi is prepped with shichimi spices and is delivered to the table raw, accompanied by a miso ginger dipping sauce and a hot ishiyaki cooking stone. Using the traditional Japanese method, diners use the stone to sear their own ‘ahi. Other dishes incorporate a contemporary twist, such as beloved Hawaiian poke, served here with American Kobe beef instead of traditional seafood. The open air setting enriches the experience by inviting in the Wailea night sky, ocean breezes, and flower-scented Maui air. Ko is open for lunch and dinner, though hours may change seasonally. Reservations recommended. Contact (808) 875-4100, or visit www.fairmont.com/kealani/GuestServices/Restaurants/Ko.htm.

From the cultural melting pot to the real thing, next we're on to fondue. Popular concept restaurant “The Melting Pot” recently opened its first Maui location at the new Lahaina Gateway Center. Founded in Florida back in 1975, the fondue franchise has exposed countless diners to the delight of the time-honored Swiss specialty. Anything but traditional though, The Melting Pot's menu incorporates a world of flavor influences from Asia to America to the Caribbean. Even in coming to Hawaii, the restaurant has embraced local ingredients like taro bread (great dipped in the melted spinach artichoke appetizer), and plump Kula strawberries and juicy Maui Gold pineapple (perfect with molten chocolate fondue for dessert). The restaurant smartly accommodates a variety of diners from secluded booths for two for the romantics, to the swanky bar area for a girls’ night out, to the private dining room for larger parties. The participatory nature of fondue makes it a fun option for families or a group of friends. The Melting Pot is open for dinner, reservations are recommended. Contact (808) 661-6181 or visit http://www.meltingpot.com/.

No one gives a ripe red tomato or crisp fresh asparagus their due quite like Chef Peter Merriman. One of the original founders of the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement that revolutionized dining statewide, he has been leading the way in the Farm-to-Table movement for two decades. The opening of his latest venture, Merriman’s Kapalua, has been met with great enthusiasm. Moving into the most stunning perch, site of the former Bay Club restaurant, this restaurant delivers a powerful one-two punch: If the fresh seasonal menu doesn't completely bowl you over, the infinity edge views that beckon across the undulating blue sea to the silhouettes of Molokai and Lana'i certainly will. For more than just location, Kapalua resort has proved a good marriage for Merriman. Nearby Kapalua Farms provides acres of organic, fresh picked produce that helps support his mission of sustaining a menu created from ninety percent locally sourced ingredients. Prime beef cuts come from the boutique Maui Cattle Company, pole caught mahi comes in fresh from island fishermen, tropical fruits are from Hana, and the goat cheese is made fresh in Kula. Opt to enjoy the Kona Kampachi sashimi and a flute of organic sparkly in an oversized lounge chair on the gracious outdoor lanai, or eat in the crisply contemporary open air dining room. Merriman’s Kapalua is open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner nightly, reservations recommended. Contact (808) 665-6822, or visit www.merrimanshawaii.com/merrimans-maui.html.

Back to the top of the page

SPA SCOUTING

Rejuvenation and relaxation are important components to a successful Maui vacation, so take note of these exciting new ways to get pampered at local spas.

Experience a new spa:
Waihua, The Boutique Spa at The Ritz-Calton, Kapalua just opened in June as the finale to the resort's multi-million dollar renovation. Named for the moisture captured on the leaves of the taro plant that Hawaiians believed to be the most pure form of water, this new, beautifully appointed spa has taken cue from the host culture for details large and small. Natural color themes evoke the native upland forest, while textured design elements conjure images of dry stone riverbeds and bamboo forests. The locker rooms are highlighted with a whirlpool, steam room, and sauna enclosed in an area reminiscent of a secret lava rock grotto, its cavernous seclusion a helpful aid in decompression. For those who prefer company, Waihua offers the first co-ed indoor/ outdoor relaxation area in Hawaii. Perfect for couples, the area offers ample lounges and a whirlpool nestled in a lovely taro patch. In keeping the theme, raw native ingredients like alae (sea salt), kukui nut oil, awapuhi and coconut have been incorporated into many Hawaiian based spa treatments. While reverent to traditional culture, Waihua succeeds in also offering the latest in contemporary luxury from robe warmers to iPod docking stations. For a treatment menu and booking information call (808) 665-7079 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/KapaluaMaui/Spa/Default.htm.

Experience a new perspective:
Four Seasons Resort Lanai has taken the private island's theme to heart and reflected it back into two new spa experiences. At the resort's main spa at the Manele Bay property, guests can opt for true privacy with the “Spa After-Hours” treatment. Once closed to the public, the facility reopens for two exclusive hours that include tea service, a 50 minute treatment of choice, scalp massage, and detoxifying steam/ sauna, all followed by a gourmet spread of spa friendly appetizers. Privacy reigns up at the resort's Lodge at Koele property, too. The new Banyan Spa Suite is a private treatment room available for an individual or couple to experience the pure indulgence of exclusive service. Here guests can enjoy one of the resort's signature treatments, such as the pohaku stone massage or the hehi lani royal foot treatment, without sharing a moment of their experience with anyone else. Such is life on Hawaii's most enticing isle. For more information or to book treatments call (808) 565-2000 or visit www.fourseasons.com/lanai.

Experience an innovative new treatment
Awaken your senses to the new wine treatments at Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea Resort and Spa. Leave it to this trend setting spa, consistently named one of the best in the nation, to turn the nourishing power of grapes into a three part body treatment. Naturally laden with moisture enriching vitamins E and C, grape seeds are used as base for a luxurious bath, then again as an exfoliating body scrub, and lastly in a decadent hydrating body lotion. Choose either the Chardonnay Vintage Harvest Bath or the zingy Passion Fruit Cabernet Bath. To book a treatment call (808) 875-1234 or visit www.grandwailea.com/spa/Default.aspx.

Back to the top of the page

Delicious Recipes From Two New Hotspots

Just for fun we recently Googled "Maui food" and got 4,460,000 results. Seems like just about everyone knows that hearty appetites are well rewarded in Maui Nui.
With a slew of world class chefs, combining fabulous and fresh Maui ingredients into new Pacific Rim Cuisine delights, it seems that Maui's reputation among "foodies" is going nowhere but up. Here, with this issue's new recipes, are two reasons why. Enjoy!

Ko Restaurant
Fairmont Kea Lani, Wailea

Edamame Dip
Yield: 32 oz.

Ingredients:
1 bag Shelled soy beans (16 oz.) cooked until tender
15 cloves Roasted garlic
1 1/2 tsp. Hawaiian salt
1 tsp. Chili pepper flakes
2 tsp. Chopped parsley
2 Tbsp. Lemon juice
2 cups Olive oil

Method:
Puree all ingredients except olive oil until smooth. Then add olive oil in a slow stream until all incorporated.

Merriman's, Kapalua

Steamed Local Manila Clams
Serves One

Ingredients:
10-12 Clams
Julienne Onions
Sliced Garlic
Chorizo/Homemade Portuguese Sausage
Tomato Diced
1 T. Butter
2 oz. White Wine

Directions:
Sauté onions and chorizo
Add clams and 2 oz. white wine
Cover till clams steam open
Add chopped tomatoes, parsley, butter and squeezed lemon
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper

My Favorite Maui Moment

Thanks to all of you who have chosen to share your Favorite Maui Moments with us. We're overwhelmed with the joy and delight you experience on our islands.

The Maui Insider wants to continue to share your favorite Maui memory or handy travel tip with other Maui Insider readers. Please email us your stories, photos and videos

Just send your written description to insider@visitmaui.com and include your name, address and phone no. (only your initials will be printed, not your full name, in order to protect your privacy). If we reprint your story, you'll receive a gift of thanks from the Magic Isles.

Here's what we mean ...

Our honeymoon in Maui last July was so memorable and so amazing that to pick one favorite moment is almost impossible. But if I had to choose, it would be our adventure on the Road to Hana, including our hike to the Twin Falls. Through our narrated drive, we experienced more of Maui than I think is possible through any other island activity. Around every bend in the road, there is another amazingly beautiful vista to behold. We hiked to gorgeous waterfalls, tidal pools, black sand beaches, and hilltop oases. We saw stunning wildlife, both flora and fauna, unlike anything we had ever laid eyes on before. Towards the end of the narrated trip, we met a man selling coconuts on the side of the road. We stopped, enjoyed a bite to eat, played with the puppies in the back of his truck, and got his advice on whether we should continue past into Haleakala National Park. He suggested that we give it a try, so we did. It was exhilarating, just like the rest of the drive, but even more so because few people venture on. The varying landscape was awe-inspiring. To witness such beauty together was a magnificent way to begin our new life.

J.S.
Elkridge, MD

Back to the top of the page


*Back to the Maui Visitors Bureau Home page.*
MAUI VISITORS BUREAU 1727 Wili Pa Loop Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii 96793		Contact us at insider@visitmaui.com Phone: 800 525 MAUI Fax: 808 244-1337 Last update: 9/02/08