MAUI, MOLOKA'I AND LANA'I:  NATURALS FOR ISLAND HOPPING

Many travelers have been to their favorite vacation destination, the Hawaiian Islands, time and again, and remain eager to return. Now is the time to get creative with your itinerary and take a multi-island trip you’ll never forget. 

A natural choice for island hopping are the isles of Maui Nui: Maui, Moloka‘i and Lana‘i are the only islands in Hawai‘i linked by ferry crossings over clear, blue channel waters. With Maui as your home base, you’ll find a variety of day and overnight trips can be easily planned to either Lana‘i or Moloka‘i, by utilizing the 45 minute Lahaina to Lana‘i Expeditions ferry or the 90 minute Lahaina to Kaunakakai Maui-Moloka‘i Ferry, “the Moloka‘i Princess.” Of course, the airlines continue to offer quick flights between islands.

Another tip is to develop a themed vacation, especially for those who have a strong interest in a particular subject, like health and wellness or horticulture, or families with children in school who may want to learn about island history or experience a cultural adventure.

By knowing your options and letting your imagination soar, you can tap into bounty of engaging and educational activities through Maui County's agricultural, cultural and natural attractions. Read on for a sampling of what's being offered so you or your Travel Agent can tailor the perfect multi-island itinerary.

MAUI
Travelers who thrive on exploring unbeaten paths, making new discoveries, and learning the “why” of what they encounter will find Maui is almost inexhaustible in its attractions.

Dig a little deeper, and you’ll soon see that Maui's rich volcanic soil is home to flourishing farms and charming botanical gardens. Upcountry, traversing the misty slopes of Haleakala, are three farm tours that showcase Maui's popular flowers and herbs: orchids, protea, and lavender. Orchids of Olinda present award winning, eye candy blooms in a very informational walking tour with lunch. Shim Coffee, Protea and Botanical Farm Tour offers a visit to a working coffee plantation, which also grows exotic protea flowers and provides a short lesson on the history of Chinese immigrants in Kula. Ali‘i Kula Lavender features an outstanding display of 45 varieties of the fragrant herb to be discovered in a variety of combo tours. Two formal gardens are open for touring daily:  Enchanting Floral Gardens in lower Kula features over 1500 species of plants and flowers from all over the world, while Kula Botanical Gardens in upper Kula offers a highland garden showcase of proteas, bromeliads and trees.

While today's farms and farming methods may be different from those of ancient Hawai‘i, there is an activity, which allows visitors to go back in time and discover how an ahupua‘a (self-sustaining land division) and the people who maintained it lived and worked. From the estimable folks at Old Lahaina Lu‘au comes a day program, “Ho‘omana‘o” (to remember). Featuring three interactive stations, which demonstrate Hawaiian warfare, hula (dance), along with farming and fishing, this cultural activity is a way to watch, listen, touch, taste and learn the skills and lifestyle of old Hawai‘i. To find out more about Hawai‘i’s multi-ethnic plantation era of the 20th century, there’s no better showcase than the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum. Set in an old plantation manager’s house near a working sugar mill, this museum and outdoor exhibit examines Maui's sugar industry, camp life and the plantations’ influences on island water resources. For a history of the pineapple plantations on Maui, take Maui Land & Pineapple Company's Pineapple Plantation Tour, which is led by the workers and goes straight into the fields.

From plantation field workers to small business entrepreneurs, Maui's immigrant families started the “mom-and-pop” businesses that can still be seen today, if you know where to look. One example is The Hasegawa General Store in Hana, established in 1910, which is a trip back in time to rural small town America. Visitors who seek these stores, bakeries and diners nestled in Maui's picturesque small towns will receive a rewarding glimpse into the island way of life.

MOLOKA‘I
Lauded as “Hawaiian by Nature,” Moloka‘i is the island where you can discover the archaeologist within. A necklace of ancient fishponds is strung for miles along the pristine waters of the south shore, offering a fair picture of former lava rock pens that once teemed with wild fish. Ancient temples known as “heiau” can also be found on Moloka‘i. One that's as large as a football field, ‘Ili‘ili‘lopae Heiau, and made from round stones is only a ten minute walk from the main highway. The entire area provides a look at how daily village life in old Moloka‘i might have been. In the lush, tropical East End of the island, a new crop of eco-tours is being cultivated. The Halawa Valley Taro Patch Farm is a small, family business, which will immerse you in the traditional aqua farming methods of terraced taro patches. A gentle giant of a pet, Bigfoot the Asian water buffalo, is on hand for plowing demonstrations. At the end of the road is mystical Halawa Valley, filled with rugged cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Guided hikes to the falls and to numerous archaeological sites are available on a regular basis.

LANA‘I
To enjoy nature's stunning beauty along with a relaxing local lifestyle is to get to know Lana‘i. Formerly a pineapple plantation, the island's main town of Lana‘i City remains a snapshot of small towns from the 1950’s and 60’s. Family owned and operated general stores; cafes and “plate lunch” diners encircle the town square, offering a real aloha style experience. The island is also a study in natural wonders, many of which are steeped in ancient Hawaiian history. A short road trip in a rental jeep or via a luxury 4x4 tour will lead to Keahiakawelo, the unearthly “Garden of the Gods,” a vista of windswept red soil punctuated by unusual rock formations. A short walking trail maintained by The Nature Conservancy meanders through Kanepu‘u Preserve, where native coastal dry land plants still thrive. Down toward Kaiolohia Bay, a field of Hawaiian petroglyphs is etched into boulders overlooking the beach with its famous shipwreck. For an adventure on the water, try Trilogy Lana‘i Ocean Sports, which follows the footsteps of Hawaiian royalty to King Kamehameha’s summer retreat at Kaunolu and Kaumalapau along the southern coastline.

With these options, you can have an authentic vacation experience in the living, breathing culture of Maui, Lana‘i and Moloka‘i.

Enjoy Stunning Vistas On Two New Hiking Trails In Kapalua

Kapalua Resort has opened of two hiking trails – the Village Walking Trail and Maunalei Arboretum Trail.  These trails represent the first in a series of over 100 miles of planned walking and hiking trails throughout the resort's 23,000 acres. Designed for all fitness levels, these trails are complimentary and open to visitors and local residents. 

The Village Walking Trail follows the established system of cart paths and roadways located on Kapalua Resort's former Village Course. These scenic trails offer guests and residents the opportunity to soak in the majestic landscape of the West Maui mountainside (Mauna Kahalawai) at a relaxed pace. Stunning panoramic views of the neighboring islands and a hidden lake with ducks awaits those that venture to the top of the course. 

“There’s a real lack of hiking resources island-wide,” said Maui Land & Pineapple Company's development coordinator Yarrow Flower. “Our vision for the 100 mile trail system is to give residents and visitors the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Maui in a unique setting.  To be able to share this with the community is important to us.” 

The more remote Maunalei Arboretum Trail begins above The Plantation Estates in a series of loops that meander three miles along Honolua Ridge to the top of Pu‘u Ka‘eo.  On this newly opened trail, hikers will encounter Kapalua Resort's unique arboretum.  Created 80 years ago by D. T. Fleming, the visionary manager of Honolua Ranch, the arboretum boasts numerous plant and tree species collected from around the world. Known as an innovative thinker, Fleming diversified Honolua Ranch’s crops by introducing plantings such as pineapple, coffee, watermelon, mango, lychee, avocado and aloe. In addition to unique plants from around the world, the Ridge Trail is home to many native plants. 
There are three routes on the Maunalei Arboretum Trail: The Lower Arboretum Loop (one half mile), the Banyan Loop (1 mile) and the Pu’u Ka‘eo Ridge Trail (1.25 miles one-way). These trails are perfect for hikers looking for a relaxing stroll in the woods or a more challenging trek up the mountain to catch a glimpse of breathtaking Pu’u Kukui Watershed Preserve. 

Kapalua Resort offers complimentary shuttle service for hikers to the Maunalei Arboretum trailhead.  The shuttle departs in front of the Kukui Room at the Honolua Village Center daily at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.   For more information, please call the concierge at 808-665-5454. For hikers interested in The Village Trail system, check-in at the Kapalua Logo Shop for this self- guided experience or visit http://www.kapalua.com/adventures-on-resort-adventuers/hiking.php

PLAY MAUI'S GOLF COAST FOR A PERFECT PAR

For golfers who think performing below par is a good thing, a golf vacation to Maui is sure to be a hit. With 9 championship courses in four spectacularly scenic resorts, no one’s got a scorecard quite like the magical island of Maui.

Maui Golf Coast has something for everyone -- high handicappers, scratch players, social golfers, or swing fanatics – Kapalua, Ka‘anapali, Wailea and Makena Resorts have the courses to suit everyone to a tee. Collectively known as Maui's Golf Coast, they offer virtually everything a golfer could want.

Kapalua
Cool green Kapalua is home to two exceptional layouts and an unrivaled golf academy in a gracious and luxurious setting brimming with history and wondrous natural beauty. The courses meander past quaint historic buildings, along sea cliffs, through pine forests, and up lush volcanic ridges high above the ocean.

Ka‘anapali
The ultimate coastal play ground, nestled along a three mile golden sand beach and long favored by Hawaiian royalty as the place to play. The venerable resort's two 18 hole courses are renown for their convenience, playability, gorgeous ocean vistas and thousands of coconut trees.

Wailea
It is one of the most highly celebrated luxury destinations in Hawaii. At the Wailea Golf Club, three award winning layouts offer superb course conditions and magnificent ocean views from every hole. Protected by Mount Haleakala, the weather is dry and sunny with gentle breezes.

Makena
On Maui's southern coast, it's an oasis of seclusion and serenity with just one hotel and 36 holes of golf. The courses are manicured gems lying among thickets of indigenous plants. One slopes down to the sea, and the other climbs up to the hills, offering fairways lapped by ocean waves or back dropped by stunning Pacific panoramas.

Follow the pros
Golfers who fantasize about playing like the touring pros can at least tread in their footsteps. Each winter, Maui hosts two televised professional golf tournaments that collectively star the finest players on the Champions and PGA Tours: the Mercedes-Benz Championship at Kapalua and the Wendy’s Champions Skins Game at Ka‘anapali.

Golf's biggest hazard
A warning to golfers: Maui's worst golf hazard is not even located on the course. Countless vantage points from the tee, in the fairway and on the green offer splendid vistas of the azure Pacific Ocean and offshore islands.

Make life easier
Airport security restrictions have made traveling with golf clubs more challenging. Golfers can start their vacation on the right foot by leaving their equipment behind. Maui's Golf Coast courses provide rental clubs and shoes, but if they insist on bringing their own, there are services that will ship golf clubs to and from the islands, thereby avoiding the hassle of traveling with them.

Off the course
Golfers can round out their perfect vacation with a host of services and amenities. Private lessons and clinics, personal training sessions, soothing sports massages at world ranked spas, golf apparel and equipment from award winning pro shops, superb dining at clubhouse restaurants – all these and more are at your disposal.

1-800-525-MAUI
http://www.mauigolfcoast.com/

Maui's Golf Coast Resorts & Courses: 

Kapalua Resort - 1-877-KAPALUA
www.kapalua.com
Kapalua Bay Course
Kapalua Plantation Course

Ka‘anapali Resort - 1-866-454-GOLF
www.kaanapali-golf.com
Royal Ka‘anapali Course
Ka‘anapali Kai Course

Wailea Resort - 1-888-328-MAUI
www.waileagolf.com
Wailea Old Blue Course
Wailea Gold Course
Wailea Emerald Course

Makena Resort - 1-800-321-MAUI
www.makenagolf.com
Makena North Course
Makena South Course

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This issue’s delicious recipe comes from Beverly Gannon,   consulting chef for the newly opened Lanai City Grille at the recently renovated Hotel Lana'i. Bev is acclaimed as one of the 12 original founders of the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement.  She is Chef and owner of Hali'imaile General Store, Joe’s in Wailea and Celebration’s Catering.

Her resume highlights include winning Honolulu Magazine's coveted Hale 'Aina Award  in 2004, 2003, 2002, and 1999.  Bev was nominated for the "2004 American Express Best Chef Award: Hawai'i and Northwest Region" by the James Beard Foundation. She is a local and national celebrity, appearing on NBC's Today Show, CBS's Early Show, the PBS series Hawai'i Cooks with Roy Yamaguchi.  Since 1999, Bev has been the corporate chef for Hawaiian Airlines and in October 2003, Conde Nast Traveler magazine named Hawaiian Airlines the top domestic carrier in the United States for both food and cabin service.  Her most recent accolade was to attain the title of 2007 Best Chef/Chef of the Year by readers of the Maui News.

Hotel Lana'i is an historic landmark, built in the early 1920's, where  guests are treated to the personal and family like ambiance one might expect from a country inn. Originally built  by James Dole as lodging for Dole Plantation executives, it was the first and only hotel on Lana'i until 1990. Today, the owner operated hotel has 11 charming guest rooms and a cheerful restaurant, the Lana'i City Grille. It is also home to Opal’s, a boutique gallery featuring an array of gifts including locally made artwork and jewelry.

The Lana'i City Grille is  In harmony with the ambiance of the Hotel itself.  Designed by culinary genius Bev Gannon, the menu is a tantalizing collection of vibrant flavors and colors inspired by the island.  Anticipate generously portioned entrees including locally caught fresh seafood, prime meats and the signature rotisserie chicken.  Complement your meal with a classic “Lana'i Tai” or a glass of your favorite wine or ale. Kick off your weekend with “Friday Under The Stars”, an exceptional evening of fine food and live music every Pau Hana Friday at Lana'i City Grille. In the pine scented air, under a canopy of stars, the outdoor lanai offers diners a front row seat to a musical soiree featuring an assortment of local talent.

The restaurant is open from Wednesday – Sunday 5:00 - 9:00 PM. Reservations are highly recommended, call 808 565 7211.  Please go towww.hotellanai.com for more information. 

For a little taste of Lana'i right at home try Bev's Spicy Crabcakes with Papaya Chutney.  Bon Appetit!

Spicy Crab Cakes With Papaya Chutney
Serves 6

Ingredients: 
1 lb. Fresh crab meat 
1 Egg 
1/4 Cup Mayonnaise
2 T. Chopped cilantro 
1 T. Thai Chili Sauce 
1/2 T Cumin 
1/2 Cup Fine bread crumbs 
1 Cup Cornmeal 
2 T. Butter
Pepper to taste

Method: 
Combine crab, egg, mayonnaise, cilantro, chili sauce, cumin, bread crumbs, pepper and mix throughly. 
Form into 12 crab cakes. 
Lightly coat with cornmeal. 
Saute in butter until golden brown. Serve with Papaya Chutney.

Papaya Chutney Ingredients: 
2 Cups Papaya, seeded and diced 
1 med. (1/4 cup) Onion, peeled and diced 
1 large (1/2 cup) Red pepper, peeled and diced 
1/2 Cup Sugar 
1 t. Allspice 
1 t. Cider vinegar 
1/2 Cup Water
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Cook until thickened.