· Malama Maui - Exploring our Natural Resources
If you're seeking new island experiences, you'll find many engaging and educational activities through Maui County's agricultural, cultural and natural attractions. Maui Visitors Bureau's newest campaign, Malama Maui, is poised to preserve and care for our islands' agricultural and cultural resources.

Travelers who thrive on exploring unbeaten paths, making new discoveries, seeing the small town way of life, and learning the "why" of what they encounter will find the islands of Maui Nui are almost inexhaustible in their 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 presents award-winning, eye candy blooms in a very informational walking tour and luncheon for orchid lovers. Shim Coffee, Protea and Botanical Farm Tour offers a visit to a working coffee plantation, which also grows exotic protea flowers and fruit trees, 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 walking tour, luncheon tour and seasonal craft tours. Two formal gardens are open for touring daily: Enchanting Floral Gardens in lower Kula features over 1500 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants and flowers from all over the world, and 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's a new 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 new 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 through experiencing the skills and lifestyle of old Hawai'i. It begins with an island style breakfast buffet feast and a hula kahiko (ancient hula) show. To find out more about Hawaii'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 charts the growth of Maui's sugar industry, looks at plantation camp life and the plantations' influences on island water resources, and displays the inner workings of a sugar mill. For a history of the pineapple plantations on Maui, take Maui Land & Pineapple Company's Pineapple Plantation Tour, which is led by plantation workers and goes straight into the fields where you can pick a fresh pineapple.

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 resident's way of life.

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 Keahikawelo, 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 dryland plants still thrive. Down toward Kaiolohia Bay, a field of Hawaiian petroglyphs are etched into boulders overlooking the beach with its famous shipwreck. For an adventure on the water, try a private rafting charter with Trilogy Lana'i Ocean Sports, which follows the footsteps of Hawaiian royalty to King Kamehameha's summer retreat at Kaonolu and Kaumalapau along the southern coastline.

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 called "heiau" can also be found on Moloka'i. One that is as large as a football field, 'Ili'ili'opae 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 Honouliwai Taro Patch Farm is a small, family business which will immerse you in the traditional aquafarming 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 now available on a regular basis. Just ask, and you'sll be rewarded.

A couple's massage package is a perfect way to renew romance. Resort spas, such as Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa and The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, both on Ka'anapali Beach, and Spa Kea Lani at The Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea feature couple's suites with two massage beds and a private whirlpool bath. The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea offers tandem massage in a tropical, thatched-roof hideaway near the beach. Hydrotherapy baths and luxurious pools contribute to an all-day experience at the Spa Grande in Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa or at Diamond Spa in Diamond Resort Hawaii. Gift certificates from day spas, such as Makai Massage & Bodywork in Napili Kai Beach Resort, Mandara Spa in Wailea Marriott Resort, and The BodyCare Retreat in Makawao, will bring your loved one to an unearthly realm of tranquility.

Spa skin treatments utilizing unique island-grown ingredients for body scrubs, wraps and facials make a very special gift. Don't forget that most spas offer a complement of facials for men as well as women and teens. Signature spa products, such as body oils and bath gels, sun and skincare lotions, and hair products allow the gift recipient to take a piece of the islands back home.

While planning your island getaway, why not take advantage of a luxury adventure experience that can be catered to your whims and desires. Maui Eco Adventures of Lahaina specializes in personal guide service which includes customizing a tour for "privacy and peaceful pleasure." For example, begin with a helicopter jaunt to a remote beach on the island of Lana'i, explore the coral reefs and rugged coastline by kayak, then relax with a beach massage or nap while a personal chef prepares a gourmet dinner or lunch for two. After your repast, board a private sailing yacht or high-speed race boat from Island Star Sailing Excursions for an ocean cruise back to Maui as the sun makes its descent over the horizon.

For land lovers, a private oceanfront dining experience makes a truly special gift. Imagine the scenic alfresco setting of an elegantly set table for two under gently swaying coconut palms as your personal waiter serves a four-course dinner of savory island dishes complemented with your favorite wine. Most luxury hotels and resorts offer this type of dining option. There are also island catering companies and personal chef services available to create the ultimate dinner experience.

Indulge and relive romance! 

West Maui
Pineapple Grill at Kapalua Resort, 200 Kapalua Drive - Pacific Island Cuisine; open for lunch and dinner in the Bay Course Clubhouse
Kahana Sands Restaurant & Bar, 4299 Lower Honoapiilani Road - Hawai'i Island Cuisine; open for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Sands of Kahana resort
WM The Restaurant, 3350 Lower Honoapiilani Road - Continental fine dining; opening soon for dinner in the Honokowai Marketplace
Son'z at Swan Court, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa in Ka'anapali - Classic Continental cuisine with a contemporary flair in fine dining; opening soon for dinner
Maui Wave Riders Bar & Grill in Lahaina Center, 900 Front Street - Casual fare with large bar; open for dinner and late night
Blu, 839 Front Street - Currently operating as Cafe O' Lei Lahaina, it offers casual, high-quality fare in the cuisines of the Mediterranean Rim; open for lunch and dinner
Lahaina Store Grille & Oyster Bar, 744 Front Street - Raw oyster bar and island grill cuisine in Maui's only rooftop restaurant, located in the historic Lahaina Store building, opening soon for lunch, dinner and late night

South Maui
Tastings Wine Bar & Grill, 1913 South Kihei Road - Island inspired American style tapas paired with wines; open for dinner and late night in the Kihei Kalama Village
Cafe O' Lei Kihei in the Rainbow Mall, 2439 South Kihei Road - the latest incarnation of the Cafe O' Lei restaurants, featuring an eclectic mix of Seafood, Sushi and American cuisine; opening soon for lunch and dinner

· Golf Tips from the Pros
Makena Golf Courses are one of those hidden secrets that can be found nestled against the far southwestern reaches of Haleakala. Both North and South Courses have been designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The South Course boasts natural rolling fairways, undulating greens interspersed with black lava and kiawe trees, and captivating panoramic views set against Pu'u Olai cinder cone. The North Course goes out of its way to make golfers feel at one with its natural surroundings, such as blue water views and mountainscapes. Old Hawaiian lava rock walls and natural gullies and streambeds were left intact, along with Makena's indigenous kiawe trees. The Prince Golf School, with headquarters at the Maui Prince Makena Resort, offers a complete teaching and instructional program for every level of golfer. Visit makenagolf.com.

Here are some stroke saver tips from Makena's Assistant Head Professional Renee Lee, PGA. Part of the Makena Golf Courses staff since 1997, Renee became a PGA member in 2001. She recently married Eddie Lee, PGA, head professional for Wailea Golf Club. They make a great team in local golf tournaments, including the Aloha Section Pro - Pro Championships, especially since Renee is often the only female player.
1) Use the club that will allow you to hit the fairway - the long ball hitter does not win at Makena. The reason is both the north and south course have limited parallel fairways, therefore, a sprayed tee shot is lava bound. It takes tremendous discipline to select a 3 wood, hybrid or long iron, but you will be rewarded when your tee shot is center cut.
2) Take one to two extra clubs on uphill shots - it's better to miss long than short at Makena Golf Courses! Reasoning is that these courses were designed with all their troubles (false front greens, bunkers and ravines) on the near side of the green. Remember, it is better to error long than short.
3) Reading grain and grade - what you see is not necessarily what you get. The grade (gravity) and grain (bend of grass) are both factors in the behavior of a putt. But remember this: grade always prevails!

Maui Gold Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Chef/Partner Joey Macadangdang
Pineapple Grill

Ingredients:
1 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup all purpose flour
1 pinch salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup of diced pineapple
("Maui Gold" fresh, cooked with a dash of cinnamon, brown sugar and butter)
Dark Rum Sauce *
Macadamia Nut ice cream
(Maui's "Roselani Tropics" brand is highly recommended)
2 tbsp. coconut flakes (toasted)

Method:
Using a mixer, cream butter and sugar together. Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Add egg to wet mixture, then fold in dry ingredients and mix at low speed. Fold in sour cream and reserve the mix. Place pineapple in a 24 oz. non-stick loaf pan and spread soft butter inside. Pour batter into about half of the pan and tap the side of the pan to make the batter even. Bake for at least 20 minutes in preheated oven at 300 degrees.

* Dark Rum Sauce
1 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 tbsp. granulated sugar
1 tsp. brown sugar
Dash of cinnamon
2 tbsp. corn syrup
2 tbsp. dark rum
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

In a pot, place butter, sugars, corn syrup, cinnamon and bring to a boil. Add rum and flame to burn off alcohol. Slowly whisk in cream, keep warm and reserve. 

Presentation:
Place upside down loaf cake in the center of a plate and glaze with sauce over the top. Place Macadamia Nut ice cream on top and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes. 

"It was the morning of July 30, and my wife C. and I decided to snorkel at Ka'anapali Beach for the first time. We arrived around 10:30 am and were surprised to see a large school of dolphins swimming near the beach. We quickly put on our gear and C. got her underwater disposable camera ready for a possible encounter with the Spinner dolphins. We swam out past the mooring anchors to which boats sometimes attach and waited patiently for our first meeting ever with the Spinners. The dolphins swam back and forth, in an area about 1/2-mile long next to the beach. Occasionally two or three dolphins would breach and spin in the air, to the delight of the lucky people standing on the beach who were watching the show. Roars of approval from the observers on the beach prompted the spinners to continue to entertain for more than an hour. Meanwhile, as we swam around in the water, the dolphins would occasionally swim by us, spin and play around with each other. On one occasion, C. was taking a picture of three dolphins in front of her, when out of nowhere, 14 or 15 dolphins came up from behind us. It was quite a surprise, as there was no sound at all. I quickly tapped C. to warn her of this stealthy encounter, and she turned her camera and just clicked away. This is what she captured on film and what will always be our magical and memorable Maui moment and one of the most thrilling experiences of our lifetime."