The Maui Insider

Evening doesn't need to be a snore for the kids. These family-friendly activities will have them begging for a later bedtime.

With a splash of Vegas vivre, Cirque Polynesia at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa delivers a feast for the senses. Brand new to Maui, the show whirls with colorful costumes, dramatic lighting, and electrifying performances by contortionists, aerial acrobats, and illusionists. The journey through thrilling acts of balance, skill, and courage are woven together by the live musical score. The artistry of the human body in motion is captivating for an audience of all ages. For reservations, call (808) 667-4540 or visit www.cirquepolynesia.com.

Designed for nature-loving young-ones, the Twilight Coastal Adventure offered by The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua's new Ambassadors of the Environment program is a good reason to keep your kids out past dark. Led by a trained naturalist, trekkers are taken on an exploration of the rich ecological diversity of Kapalua's native shoreline habitat. Turns out evenings are the best time to spy on the native shearwaters that nest along the cliffs. The experience is enriched with an infusion of Hawaiian history and culture, and a refreshing dose of salty ocean air. Originally founded by Jean-Michel Cousteau, the Ambassadors program seeks to foster a harmonious relationship between humans and the environment. Call (808) 669-6200 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/KapaluaMaui/AmbassadorsoftheEnvironment/Default.htm for more information.

Got a budding marine biologist on your hands? Satisfy their curiosity on Pacific Whale Foundation's Family Full Moon Tide Pool Exploration. Take advantage of PWF's trained staff and the full moon light to get hands-on with some interesting nightlife-the sea creatures that live in Maui's tide pools. Contact Pacific Whale Foundation at www.pacificwhale.org or call toll-free, 1-800-942-5311.

And just because we couldn't resist, here's one more reason to stay up late: Glow Putt indoor mini golf. If touching tide pool creatures sounds too slimy then don your favorite black light-friendly attire and head into Lahaina for a round of psychedelic mini golf. Really, who wouldn't think this was fun? Visit Glow Putt at 900 Front Street in Lahaina or at www.glowputtminigolf.com

When the sun goes down on Maui, nights light up a new world of fun. From world-class entertainment, to outdoor adventures, to swanky hot spots, Maui after dark offers something for everyone.

Ask a local what their favorite night out is and you are likely to hear the name Willie K. This popular musician, and original Maui boy, is a world-class guitar virtuoso who has played with the likes of Mick Fleetwood, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Bonnie Raitt to name a few. Live music fans can now catch Willie K Tuesday nights at the Rusty Harpoon Restaurant & Tavern in Kaanapali. Prepare for the unexpected. Willie's performances speed from rock 'n roll and blues to Hawaiian to, yes, opera almost as fast as his lightning-quick fingers work his guitar. Throw in a healthy serving of the entertainer's local-style humor and casual talk-story stage show and you have a night to remember. The two-hour show begins at 7 p.m. For information, visit www.williek.com or call Rusty Harpoon at (808) 661-3123.

The chic set will love coming out to play at Timba, a hot new nightclub in Lahaina. A bit of urban sophistication mingles with open-ocean breezes at this spectacular, second-story beachfront setting at 505 Front Street. As the evening ripens, the sprawling dark wood bar and clusters of crisp white couches drip with beautiful people-when even the cocktail servers are wearing designer outfits (courtesy of Tamara Catz), you bet partygoers arrive looking sharp. This crowd is sexy and they know it. Even the cocktails have style, evident by the menu of hand-muddled concoctions revealing the exotic influences of Brazil, Cuba, and France. Resident DJs keep each night fresh by spinning live music and vocals in with records, and the occasional guest DJ. Sample their hip setting online at www.timbamaui.com.

Thrill-seekers can chill out a different way-by zooming through the night air on Kapalua Adventure's Full Moon Zips. Once a month their 2,000-foot zipline becomes a nocturnal breath-taker. Real adventure begins at the observation deck at 1,400 ft. Step off and soar like a true night owl. From the comfort of your very own safety harness, you'll enjoy sweeping views of West Maui and beyond lit only by the moon's silvery glow. Your courage will be rewarded with hot chocolate and cookies. For more information and reservations, call toll-free at (877) 665-4386 or visit www.kapalua.com/adventures/.

Romantics often say, "It was in the stars." Find out if its true at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. The resort's rooftop Tour of the Stars reveals an intimate look at the night sky. Guided by the program's Director of Astronomy, you'll spy on stars, planets, and other celestial bodies through Hawaii's only recreational telescope, a 16-inch reflector telescope housed nine stories up. The cosmic tour is offered at 8, 9, and 10 p.m. daily, but lovers will want to take note of a special couples only tour offered at 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Stargazing complete with champagne and chocolate covered strawberries? The Hyatt really knows how to woo you. Call (808) 661-1234 for reservations or visit maui.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/activities/onsite/details.jsp?onsiteActId=424 for more information.

Once a mere adjective, "fresh" is now full-blown philosophy restaurateurs are staking their name on. From deli to fine dining, close regional sourcing is proving to be the new widespread vision-and these new Maui eateries are giving localvores reason to lust.

Leave it to the gents of Pacific O and Oo Farms to provide Maui with a new boutique grocery that is both swanky and sustainable. Their new Aina Gourmet Market and deli in Kaanapali's Honua Kai Resort is founded in the signature localvore credo of a "100-mile lifestyle" referring buying and eating local food. Both handsome, and handsomely stocked, patrons can swing by for fresh Kapalua eggs, Maui-grown coffee, and island-grown produce, as well as gourmet necessities like small-batch sea salts, fine wines, and cold-pressed olive oil. Produce from the owners' Kula farm stars in the deli's made-to-order paninis, fresh salads, and homemade sorbets. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., visit Aina Gourmet at 130 Kai Parkway in Kanapali or at www.ainagourmet.com.

The most stringent localvore will appreciate Market Fresh Bistro's goal to source the majority of their ingredients from within 100 miles of their Makawao restaurant. Plates like their All Maui Burger (Maui sirloin, Waipoli greens, Kula tomato, Maui onion, avocado aioli, and Maui potato chips) shrinks that radius to a relative stone's throw. A sincere appreciation for food is the driving force of this small, family-run operation. They live the farm-to-table philosophy by growing some of the produce and herbs they cook with. While their organic dishes are generating raves, their sincere, friendly service is winning hearts. In true bistro style, casual, outdoor seating offers the chance to stop and smell the flowers-and watch the farmers go by making their daily deliveries. Visit Market Fresh Bistro at 3620 Baldwin Avenue in Makawao for breakfast, lunch or dinner. For more information, call (808) 572-4877.

Welcoming back an old flame with open arms, Lahaina's love affair with Chef David Paul Johnson is red hot after a cool hiatus. Though DP has been off Maui for the last ten years, long-time island foodies who remember the stir he created with his award-winning first location are sure to swoon over his new restaurant, David Paul's Island Grill. The oceanfront setting at 900 Front Street boasts remarkably reasonable prices, a walk-in wine cellar open for label browsing, and, of course, cuisine that is insistently island-fresh. Focusing on seasonal and sustainable, David Paul's menu changes frequently. However, his distinctive, locally inspired and sourced offerings (chilled roasted beet soup with avocado-lemon cream or Big Island kampachi butterfish served with Kona lobster poached in lemon butter and lemongrass kim chee) provide the consistent creativity craved of him. Find out more by visiting www.davidpaulsislandgrill.com, or call (808) 662.3000.

To finish up, here's a sweet note of local gossip: Wailea is about to be served with another restaurant by Maui fav, Chef Bev Gannon. No flash-in-the-pan trendsetter, Gannon was one of the twelve original Hawaii Regional Cuisine chefs-arguably the group that spurred the eat local movement in the islands back in the '80s. Taking perch up at the Wailea Golf Club, her SeaWatch Restaurant redux takes hold in August. Though she warns major changes will not appear right away, one can bet that the same local seafood and meats that star in her home-style dishes at Joe's and Haliimaile General Store will find their way to the menu of the newest addition to her family of restaurants. Lucky us. Find out more at www.bevgannonrestaurants.com.

Aloha Maui Insider,

Aloha the Rogers Family,
We delighted that you looking volunteer opportunities during you stay in Maui. If you would like to get off the beaten path, learn about Hawaiian culture and wildlife, and make a difference for Maui's beautiful and fragile environment. Then you might like to participate in the Volunteering on Vacation program. It is a free program offered by the nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation, County of Maui Office of Economic Development and Hawai'i Tourism Authority that makes it easy for you to volunteer for just a few hours in a fun and meaningful way - and you'll get a free "Volunteering on Vacation Maui" tote-bag for your efforts. To sign up for one of the volunteer projects available each month, call 1-800-942-5311 ext. 1 or visit www.Pacificwhale.org.

Aloha Ms. Insider,

Aloha Shelley,
Yes there is an new free standing spa, it is the Kapalua Spa at 100 Bay Drive in Kapalua. It has just opened and there are 19 treatment rooms including 10 outdoor island style bungalows, three private stone soaking tubs and dual treatment space for couples. With an elegant beach house feel, it has the usual spa features plus cold-rain showers, a sunning deck and a saline infinity-edge pool. Other pampering options include a luxury beauty salon and juice bar with delicious, fresh spa cuisine to go. For more information or reservations call 808 665 8282 or go to www.kapalua.com.

Dear Maui Insider,

Aloha Sam,
The Hotel Wailea Maui has just opened, its perched 300 feet above the magnificent Wailea community at 555 Kaukahi Street in Wailea. It was formerly the Diamond Wailea resort. All 72 suites have been completely updated with flat screen televisions, i-Home clocks and other amenities. There is WifFi access throughout the resort and a weekly manager's reception. The luxurious spa has a Hydro Therapy Systems and offers special treatments such as the "Nightingale Facial." The award winning Italian restaurant Capishe? is at the Hotel Wailea,it offers al fresco dining with stunning panoramic views. For more information call 1 800 800 0720 or go at www.hotelwailea.com

Aloha Maui Insider,

Yes, there is a new guided walking tour by cultural specialist and kumu hula Luana Kawaa of Wahi Pana Tours, the storied landscapes of Maui. The new place tour is Na Wai Eha (the Four Sacred Waters) it includes Waikapu, Wailuku, Waiehu and Waihee. Luana cordially invites you and your family to join her on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. - noon. Lunch is provided but reservations are required call 808 205 0868 for the tour details.

This month we have two recipes in the Chefs corner. One scrumptious seafood recipe from David Paul who is featured in this months Think Global, Dine local article. And a second recipe for a sweet pineapple dish that you can make after you take the new pineapple tour which includes picking your own fresh pineapple. You can "dine from the vine" and enjoy five tasting tours. The newest, a Farm Tour, includes enjoying the farm-fresh tastes of organic produce and pineapple varieties while learning about Kapalua Resort's colorful plantation past and innovative farming future. After touring Kapalua Farms' diversified operations you pick a sweet Kapalua Gold™ pineapple.

Other Pineapple Farm Tours include the original two-hour Express Tour in spectacular West Maui or scenic Upcountry, and the specialty Signature Tour or Picnic Tour. The Upcountry Tour begins at the Haliimaile Plantation office located next to renowned Haliimaile General Store restaurant.

On all tours, guests can walk into the ocean view fields where workers are planting pineapple slips or sorting golden globes of pineapple - by hand. Learn about the unique growing cycle and cultivation techniques of Hawaii's pineapple and the only ones that were born and raised on Maui - Maui Gold, Kapalua Gold and Kapalua Emerald. For reservations, call (808) 665-5491, or book online at KapaluaFarms.com.

Island Style Snapper

• Put rice onto plate
• Place fish on top of rice
• Spoon soy mixture on top of fish
• Layer slaw on top of fish and rice, then drizzle hot oil on top of dish
• Garnish with sesame seeds

Kapalua Gold Pineapple Crème Brulée

I have traveled to Maui 4 times in the last 10 years because I love it there! All of my visits have been memorable, but the last visit there I have to say was my favorite. It was June and for my son's graduation from high school, as a grad present I booked a trip to Maui. My daughter Chloe, my son Kyle, my friend Tammy and I were all off to Maui from Washington State. I can remember looking at my kids as we were flying around the island before landing and I could see the excitement in their faces. They couldn't wait to explore this beautiful place.

Before we knew it, we were in and out of the airport with our rental car and on our way to Kihei where our condo is. I consider Kihei to be the best place on the island to stay, as it is the center of all the fun. Once settled in we headed to the rental counter to pick up our snorkel gear and boogie board which takes only minutes and provides inexpensive fun for everyone. We were quickly off to the beaches, not wasting a minute of precious time. My favorite place to snorkel was Honolua Bay, just past Kapalua. My kids had a blast! The beach was perfect, just like a post card. They snorkeled all day and saw hundreds of beautiful fish, a memory that will last a life time.

One thing about Maui, all of the beaches are amazingly beautiful. The next morning we geared up for Makena beach which was a lot of fun once we found it. We quickly learned that it wasn't as easy as we originally thought to find some of these local treasures but the challenge of the hunt had all of us focused on the goal. The reward was seeing the smiles on my kids' faces as they were swimming in the ocean waiting for the perfect wave to ride the boogie board and landing on the white sanded beach, sometimes racing their father to see who could ride the wave the farthest.

We all had so much fun that we didn't want to leave but we'll most definitely be back. Until then we have pictures and memories to laugh about and share with our friends. Thank you Maui for an unbelievable time of all our lives and we'll see you soon.

Mike

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1727 Wili Pa Loop
Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii 96793
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