At the southern-most tip of Maui, Makena Beach and Golf Resort offers outdoor enthusiasts of every kind a true retreat. The beachfront resort, now under new ownership, still offers 291 guest rooms and 19 deluxe suites, all with ocean views, a signature sushi-bar, Zen-Zen Restaurant Pacifica, and an on-site luau. The resort's arms wrap around a central courtyard themed after a Japanese meditation garden, complete with wooden bridges and colorful koi (carp) ponds. But it's what is beyond that really rocks.
Land lovers rejoice. Makena's golf course, located on 1,800 coastal acres, offers 18 challenging holes framed by sweeping mountain and ocean views. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., the course walks like a nature path through original island terrain. Makena Tennis Club offers six Plexipave courts, two of which are lit for night play, as well as services including private lessons, clinics, player matching, pro-shop and equipment rental. Plus, nearby hiking trails offer a great way to take in the scenery (and get a workout, too.)
Water enthusiasts have their pick of two swimming pools and Jacuzzis, plus world-class Maluaka Beach just steps away. The crystal blue water beacons swimmers from around the globe, while the rugged lava coastline offers some of Maui's best snorkeling. The resident beach activity center can help step up your game with stand-up paddleboard lessons, Hawaiian outrigger canoe rides, kayak/ snorkel eco-tours, and more.
Makena Beach and Golf Resort 5400 Makena Alanui, Makena, HI, 96753, or call toll-free: (800) 321-MAUI.
Discreetly nestled on a Wailea hillside is Maui's only luxury boutique hotel and resort, Hotel Wailea. With just 72 luxury suites, the intimate resort has always marched to it's own drummer compared to the mammoth neighbors down the road. New ownership has embraced that difference and given the property a stylish redux. Retro-inspired furniture lends their pool a hip, lounge-y feel, while all the resort's spacious 900 square-foot suites have been vamped up with vibrant island décor and mod accents. Truthfully, with separate bedroom and living areas, luxury linens, deep soaking tub, and kitchen, you may just opt to chill-out in your suite in the provided plush bathrobe.
Knowing its clientele likes to partake in a little indulgence, Hotel Wailea has a few tricks to help coax you out of your room-the first of which is complimentary spa access. Yes, you read correct. Guests are welcome to the Spa Wailea's hydrotherapy system, which includes the traditional Japanese ofuro bath, whirlpool, pressure body shower, reclining baths, and dry sauna. Early birds will love the delicious baked goods at the daily complimentary continental breakfast, and night owls can feast at Capische restaurant, one of Maui's most lauded fine-dining restaurants.
Ready to step out? Not only will the resort's free shuttle service deliver you to nearby destinations like The Shops at Wailea for a little retail therapy, or world-class beaches like Wailea Beach, but Hotel Wailea guests are offered the added luxury of signing privileges at Grand Wailea Resort, making access to additional spa services, retail shops, restaurants and bars as easy as a pen-stroke.
Hotel Wailea 555 Kaukahi Street, Wailea, HI, 96753, or call reservations toll-free: 800-800-0720.
Brand new to Ka'anapali is Honua Kai Resort & Spa. Situated on the seemingly endless white sand stretch of famed North Beach, this new-kid-on-the-block is pulling out all the stops to make its mark in the neighborhood. Whether it's in one of their well-appointed suites or at one of three decadent pools, the spacious 38-acre property offers you just that, room to spread out.
Top-notch amenities extend from the room and beyond. Suites range from a generous 580 square feet up to a palatial 2,650, and all feature the tasteful décor of a luxury island home-from teak and travertine, to full gourmet kitchen with Bosch appliances, to ample glass-railed lanais that seemingly sweep the sparkling oceanfront views right into the living room. Later this year, Honua Kai will open a 7,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art spa promising the purest botanicals delivered with a contemporary touch. The three pools offer specialized recreation areas for adults or families with kids, while onsite Beach Activities of Maui caters to any pool or beach activity need. And, much to the envy of the whole island, the resort boasts two fabulous new eateries: Duke's Beach House, a casual yet classy oceanfront restaurant that is an homage to it's namesake, legendary Hawaiian surfer and waterman Duke Kahanamoku, and the charming 'Aina Gourmet Market featuring a coffee bar, hot panini sandwiches, and a deli case chock full of treats and healthy grab 'n go meals all based on the locally-sourced "100-Mile Menu" concept.
Honua Kai Resort & Spa 130 Kai Malina Parkway, Lahaina, HI, 96761, or call reservations toll-free 888-718-5789.
If these new island eateries are any indication, 2010 is going to be a delicious year. With creative approaches and menus with broad appeal, these restaurants offer top-notch experiences at every level of dining. Grab your fork and let's explore.
Take a quick and affordable tour of the Mediterranean at the new Bistro Casanova in Kahului. Contemporary decor, attentive staff, central location, and reasonable prices make this restaurant a great value-and a quick favorite among locals. For lunch: crisp, fresh salads (try the duck), crepes, and traditional grilled panini. Adding a side of the rosemary French fries is highly recommended. For dinner: paella for two, homemade pastas (try the tortellini), and entrees of fresh local fish and steaks. If you aren't in love by then, dessert will tempt you further. Save room for a "Mistress", a naughty blend of Nutella and banana wrapped together in a fluffy crepe. Buon Appetito!
Bistro Casanova 33 Lono Ave., Kahului, HI, 96753, or call (808) 873-3650.
Ever expanding her empire, Maui celebrity chef Bev Gannon has a new address in Wailea. Gannon's: A Pacific View Restaurant opened this January at the Wailea Gold and Emerald Clubhouse after extensive renovations to the existing open-air locale. Handsome upgrades extend beyond décor to the menu, which feature Gannon's emphasis on down-home comfort food made with the freshest local ingredients. This is an all-purpose restaurant: Sunday brunch, off-the-greens lunch, special occasion dinner, even the cocktail jet set have a niche at the sexy new "Red Bar." Perhaps the only thing Gannon herself cannot upstage at her newest location is the million-dollar Wailea ocean views.
Gannon's: A Pacific View Restaurant 100 Wailea Golf Club Drive, Wailea, HI, 96753, or call (808) 875-8080
Only in the islands would a seemingly delicate, if somewhat snooty, food like crepes get paired with the most un-daintiest of "local grindz", the loco moco-a plate-buckling pile of rice, hamburger patties, fried eggs all slathered in brown gravy. But this is Hawaii, and at the new Paradise Found Creperie in Lahaina you can have your loco moco and crepe, too. At this casual, walk-up eatery, creative crepes-breakfast, savory, and sweet-share the menu with mouthwatering panini sandwiches and house made gelato.
Paradise Found Creperie 170 Papalaua Street, Lahaina, HI, 96761, or call (808) 661-1747
Leave it to eclectic chef DK Kodama to design a restaurant that pushes the limits of Hawaii's love affair for mixed plate dining. He's done sushi bars, steakhouses, tapas, and now, Cane & Taro, which offers favorites from all of the above. New menu specialties like Temaki-style fish burritos (see the home version of this in our Chef's corner section) or Kalbi beef tacos with kim chee slaw dreamed up by Executive Chef Ivan Pahk await adventurous eaters, or chart your own path: Buffalo chicken wings, mango-crab salad hand roll, and fettuccine Bolognese, anyone? The prime open-air location at Whaler's Village offers glimmering views of Ka'anapali beach, as perfect for a sandy-footed lunch as it is for a casual evening out.
Cane & Taro 2435 Kaanapali Parkway, Lahaina, HI, 96761, or call (808) 662-0668.
One thing is for certain: Maui has something for everyone. The island's varied terrain is ripe with possibilities, and these three new activities have not skipped a beat in designing adventures sure to be the highlight of your next visit. By air, land, or sea, here are three new ways to get out and enjoy Maui.
Zoom through the air on the new Flyin' Hawaiian Zipline Tour. Maui's longest course, the five-hour tour includes eight zipline experiences, including a backwards zip and the grand finale line, a whopper at over two-thirds of a mile long. The innovative course spans lengthwise across the West Maui Mountains whizzing you from Waikapu all the way to Ma'alaea, crossing eleven ridges and nine valleys along the way. Flyin' Hawaiian designed this tour with conservation of native eco-systems in mind and has included a planting of an endangered Hawaiian hibiscus seedling in every tour. Moderately strenuous, there is a little hiking required in between platforms, but for the most part, this is a perfect activity for the whole family (as long as kids are over 10 years old and 75 lbs.) Maximum weight is 250 pounds. Visit www.flyinhawaiianzipline.com or call (808) 463-5786 for schedules and reservations.
Take to the sea to see what's "SUP." The craze over Stand-Up Paddle boarding has people out enjoying the water from a different perspective, yet there is a certain amount of safety, skill, and etiquette that is required to finesse a ten foot board around a crowded beach. Elite ocean athlete and certified lifeguard Maria Souza developed Maui's first (and only) Stand-Up Paddle Boarding School to answer these questions and more. Her 90-minute lessons include proper technique, helpful ocean knowledge, and proper warm-ups and cool-downs. Choose to have your lesson in flat water or, conditions allowing, in the surf. No previous experience required, however you must know how to swim and kids must be at least seven years old. To join the fastest growing ocean sport in the world, contact Maria Souza Ocean Sports by calling (808) 579-9231, or at www.standuppaddlesurfschool.com.
If stopping to smell the roses (or rosemary) is more your idea of a thrill, then this farm to table adventure fits your bill perfectly. Maui Culinary Tours gets you up close and personal with true island cuisine by touring Upcountry Maui's agriculture belt. Visit farms and ranches, walk the fields, feel the dirt, enjoy ripening fruit on the vine, and meander many a local farm stand for fresh-picked produce. Talk story with the farmers. Get to know a mushroom grower. Soak in the scenic pastoral beauty and unparalleled views of Kahoolawe, Lanai and West Maui in the distance. And once you've seen it sprout, its time to see how it gets served. Finish up your tour with a gourmet dining experience prepared by some of the island's best chefs. Those looking for a shorter experience can opt for the farmer's market tour complete with family-style picnic. Get fresh-contact Maui Culinary Tours at www.mauiculinarytours.com, or by calling (808) 283-5924.
Aloha Nancy and Jim,
The Outrigger Enterprises Group assumed management of the Kapalua Villas in mid December. The Villas are a collection of one-, two- and three-bedroom villas located throughout the Kapalua Resort area in Maui. The property will continue to be called The Kapalua Villas and will be operated by Outrigger. You can call the property toll free within the US and Canada at 800 545 0018 or visit www.KapaluaVillas.com for more information.
Aloha Ralph and Sally,
Mahalo for asking, we are delighted you want to volunteer during your vacation. A new volunteer opportunity will occur every 3rd Saturday of the month, it is a Volunteer Community Work Day at the Olowalu Cultural Reserve, from 7 am to 11 am. For more information please go to www.olowaluculturalreserve.com or call
Aloha Liz and Dean,
The Na Hoku O Hawaii Festival is scheduled for May 27-30 at the Hawaii Convention Center and throughout Waikiki on the island of Oahu. The festival will include the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts Na Hoku Hanohano Awards and the Lifetime Achievement Luncheon. Overall, the festival celebrates the power of music and Hawaii's unique culture. For more information and tickets please go to: www.nahokuohawaiimusicfestival.com
Aloha Bill and John,
You can see the Wendy's Champions Skins game at Kaanapali on
ESPN and ESPN HD on Saturday, February 27 4-6 PM EST (1-3PM PST) and on Sunday, February 28 2-4 PM (EST) (11 am -1 PM PST).
And you can watch a new show on NBC Sports called the Global Golf Adventure on Saturday, March 27 on NBC Sports, at 2PM EST (11am PST).
This edition of the 2010 Global Golf Adventure will feature golf on Maui and Lanai.
Best Regards, The Insider Team

Happy 10th anniversary! Wake up to a message that we can change rooms to the room next door to 6202. Same great view and 1 room closer to Black Rock and a King bed. Get up pretty early and just have coffee in the room - gear up and off to snorkel - WOW! So many fish it was great! And guess what comes swimming by - a honu! Is was so excited I was almost losing my breath so I had to calm down - just hung around for awhile and took some pictures - this was so awesome to see! I could go home happy now. Went to the buffet breakfast at the hotel - really yummy and they had awesome pancakes that we put coconut and mac nuts on- Yum!
Took a long walk down to the Hyatt for a Kaanapali sunburn at the bar - another yum. Walked around the hotel and did a little shopping at the Macy's they have there. Danny got two bathing suites and I got a pair of white linen pants to wear over my suits and a plumeria necklace.
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This recipe is from DK Kodama, one of Hawaii's star chefs and the creator of the highly acclaimed Sansei Restaurant. His exciting, new restaurant, Cane & Taro has a plantation feel serving contemporary "comfort" foods for breakfast, lunch & dinner. It is ideal for families right on the panoramic Kaanapali Beach. You can come and have this delicious Temaki style Fish Burrito at Cane & Taro or try this home version yourself.
2. Mix together the cabbage and the Kim Chee Slaw Dressing, toss till mixed.
3. Lay the tortillas on cutting board with straight edge of tortillas facing the left, place fish from the middle of the straight edge towards 4 o 'clock on curved edge of tortilla, place slaw over fish, kaiware sprouts over slaw (green tops of kaiware facing curved edge of tortilla), and tomatoes over the kaiware. Take the bottom of tortilla and roll over everything, bottom of tortilla should go towards 3 o'clock, continue rolling till shaped like a cone.
4. Ladle enchilada sauce on plate, place burritos with open side facing the outside of plate, ladle black beans beside the burrito. Place tortilla chips beside the black beans, top chips with salsa. With squeeze bottle of Avocado cream, squiggle over burritos.
2. Add celery, carrots, onions, garlic and red jalapenos. Cook until vegetables are wilted approximately 10 minutes.
3. Add black beans, chicken broth, and chicken base; cook until heated through.
4. Add sugar, paprika, chili powder and cumin; mix in well and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer, label and store refrigerator.
2. Add the remaining ingredients; bring sauce to a slow simmer and let cook for approximately 2 hours.
3. Remove from heat and discard the bay leave from the sauce. Puree sauce with an immersion blender and then cool in an ice bath. Label and store in the refrigerator.
Maui's largest celebration of whales is an all day family celebration that starts off with the Parade of Whales from 9am to 10am traveling south along South Kihei Road on Maui, ending at Kalama Park by the big whale statue. It features live entertainment all day, including hula and performances by some of Hawaii's most popular musicians. A Hawaiian craft fair will feature the work of local crafters. Enjoy a children's carnival, great food by Maui restaurants at the many food booths. There are informational displays about whales, the ocean and Maui's natural environment. For more information, go to www.mauiarts.org.
Join the Pacific Whale Foundation's researchers and count the humpback whales seen from Maui's shores. Last year, volunteers counted 1,010 humpback whale sightings within three hours. For more information, please visit www.pacificwhale.org.
This is a community event with entertainment, food, crafts, flower demonstrations, and a farmer's market. Proceeds benefit Haiku School, Haiku Boys & Girls Club and Haiku Community Association for local youth education. For more information, please go to www.haikumaui.org.
Lahaina celebrates the annual migration of Pacific Humpback whales with ocean arts festivities. Artists will display their best marine-themed art for sale, while Hawaiian musicians and hula troupes entertain. Enjoy a kid's ocean art contest; whale photo displays and a creature feature touch pool exhibit by the Maui Ocean Center. Free admission; hours are from 9am to 5pm. For more information, please visit www.visitlahaina.com.
Lima Wela, or "Hot Hands," is the fast strumming trio, Willie K, Joe Cano, and Avi Ronen. They will perform a mixture of Latin, Hawaiian, Jazz, Rock, and Rhythm and Blues. For tickets and other events in March, please call (808) 242-7469 or visit www.mauiarts.org.
Renowned for lightning-fast fingers and revolutionary playing techniques, this ukulele virtuoso is a true phenomenon that has to be seen and heard. For tickets and more information, please call (808) 242-7469 or visit www.mauiarts.org.
18th annual is a celebration of the people, arts and rich culture of Hawaii, with workshops, demonstrations and entertainment. For more information please go to www.celebrationofthearts.org or www.kapalua.com.
Third annual Maui County Agricultural Festival is a must-attend event for those seeking to learn about local agriculture, and its vital role in creating a sustainable future for Maui. The festival will include a Farmers Market, farm and barnyard games and informational booths, a living farm, demonstrations and contests at Center Stage. Admission is free, from 9am - 4 pm. For more information, please go to www.mauicountyfarmbureau.org.
Barry Flanagan and Nathan Aweau together formed Hapa, one of Hawaii's premiere music groups. They are known for their inspirational melodies of American acoustic folk and rock. For tickets and other events in April, please call (808) 242-7469 or visit www.mauiarts.org.
Celebrate Hawaiian culture with taro as the staple and symbol, at this annual cultural event. Saturday features an all-day celebration at Hana Ballpark with hula and cultural demos, Hawaiian music, arts and crafts, a farmers' market and food booths with taro dishes. On Sunday, enjoy a taro pancake breakfast and guided excursions to Kahanu Gardens and Heiau, and Kapahu Living Taro Farm. For more information, go to www.tarofestival.org.
Honoring the 137th birthday of Lahaina's famous landmark, The Banyan Tree was planted on April 24, 1873. This birthday party is celebrated with a cake, clown, games, and artists displaying nature artworks for sale, hands-on art activities for children as well as exhibits about the tree. Takes place at Banyan Tree Park and Old Lahaina Courthouse from 9:00am - 5:00pm. For more information, go to www.visitlahaina.com.
21st annual festival features celebrity chef demonstrations, entertainment and Maui onion recipe contest for amateurs and professionals, exhibits and a farmer's market. For more information, go to www.whalersvillage.com.
Annual Maui May Day Court by Hawaii duo, Robert and Roland Cazimero, along with Robert Cazimero's hula halau. For more information, please call (808) 242-7469 or visit www.mauiarts.org.
A celebration of the birth of hula, this cultural festival offers a variety of traditional dancers and musical entertainment, lectures, Hawaiian food and hand made crafts by the people of Molokai. For more information, go to www.visitmolokai.com/events.php.
2nd annual Brewers Festival is one of Maui's newest events. Sample fabulous brews from across the state and across the country, enjoy all-you-can eat pupu (appetizers) and great entertainment. For tickets and other events in May, please call (808) 242-7469 or visit www.mauiarts.org.
Inaugural South Maui triathlon features 1.5K swim course, 40K bike course, and 10K run Course, an Olympic distance triathlon. Register online. Maximum 700 participants allowed. For more information, please go to www.southmauitriathlon.com.
Hawaiian culture meets the Big Screen at this annual film industry event in Wailea Resort. Film premieres at the Celestial Cinema will be held in Wailea Golf Club's driving range; a Digital SkyDome is set-up at the Wailea resort, and films are also screened at The Maui Arts & Cultural Center. For more information, go to www.mauifilmfestival.com.
29th annual festival, hosted by Fred Dame, Master Sommelier and president of the Court of Masters Sommeliers, brings together world-famous winemakers, top master sommeliers, celebrated chefs and industry insiders for a series of wine tastings, festive gatherings and gourmet meals. The extravaganza includes The Grand Tasting reception, Kapalua Wine Tour and the popular Kapalua Seafood Festival. For more information, go to www.kapalua.com.
19th annual, free slack key festival featuring an all-star line up with some of Hawaii's slack key guitar musicians. For more information, go to www.mauiarts.org.
1727 Wili Pa Loop
Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii 96793
Phone: 800 525 MAUI(6284) · Fax: 800 244-1337
Contact us at info@visitmaui.com