Warm up this Summer in Maui!
It's always a good time to visit Maui, but this summer is looking particularly inviting. There are new non-stop flights to get you to the Magic Isles, and an irresistible lineup of activities to enjoy there — many of them free. This is the time for the whole family to break away from the everyday and make some memories that will last forever.

More excuses to get away.
Pack your swimsuit, throw on some slippers and bring an extra tube of sunscreen.
Starting this summer, new flights from Alaska, Continental, United and Hawaiian Airlines will be offering nonstop service from major Mainland cities to Maui's Kahului Airport (OGG).
With direct flights to Maui, your vacation starts the moment you step on board.
Alaska Airlines
Oakland: 7:45am (Daily)
San Jose: 7:30am (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday)
Sacramento: 8:15am (Daily)
Sam Diego: 9:20am (Daily)
Continental Airlines
Orange County: 5:40pm (Daily)
Los Angeles: 5:05pm (Daily)
Hawaiian Airlines
Oakland: 12:20pm (Daily)
San Diego: 10:35am (Daily)
United Airlines
Chicago: 10:15am (Daily)
WestJet
Calgary: 7:30am (Saturday only)

Live with a little luxury.
Catch a lift to the golf course in your own private helicopter. HeliGolf Hawaii delivers you to the tee box aboard a first-class helicopter especially designed for comfortable sightseeing. The sweeping island scenery and exclusive aerial views on the way over would, themselves, spell a pretty good day, but there are still 18 holes on the course of your choice yet to play—with your own private golf pro. Hop over to Lanai to play at The Challenge at Koele or The Experience at Manele, hit the links like royalty (which you are, today) at Maui's private King Kamehameha Golf Club, or choose from any one of Maui's top-notch courses. Birdie or bogey, it won't matter—the return trip promises more thrilling, breathtaking views. Rounding out a day of indulgence is a five-star lunch and limo transfers to and from the airport. For info, call (808) 873-8687 or visit
www.Heligolfhawaii.com
Let Maui truly nourish you.
Savor a dining experience straight from the folds of a foodie magazine. Nestled among the idyllic rolling hills of Upcountry Maui is 8.5-acre O'o Farm, a diversified organic farm dreamed into being by the owners of Pacific'o and I'o restaurants. While the rows of gourmet veggies, herbs and fruits provide fresh produce for the restaurant's guests, you can get yours even fresher—pick it yourself and eat it right there! The O'o Farm tour begins with an exploration and harvesting of what's in season, and culminates in your bounty becoming a beautiful lunch prepared in a rustic outdoor kitchen by the resident chef Sean Christensen. While you are waiting for lunch, sip hot cider and hit farm manager Richard Clark up for gardening tips and advice. Relax at the sprawling wood dining table, chat with friends, and soak up the special country charm of this hidden gem of a spot. Bring some wine and toast to your good food and good fortune. For info, call (808) 667-4341 or visit
www.Oofarm.com

When places as alluring as Maui exist, finding free things to do is a pleasant surprise. After all, it is the Magic Isles. From historic landmarks and the arts to sunset cliff diving, a vineyard and a winding road that's an adventure in itself, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Old Lahaina Town
Once a bustling whaling port, this charming seaside town was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1962. Its historic sites and uniquely colonial architecture mixed with wonderful eateries and shops make for a great evening stroll.
Sunset Cliff Diving
Take part in a cultural and historic activity at Puu Kekaa (Black Rock), held every evening just before sunset fronting the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali. Call (808) 661-0031.
Tedeschi Vineyard
Take a tour of Maui's only commercial winery. Tasting room is open to the public from 9:00am - 5:00pm, seven days a week. Free guided tours available at 10:30am, 1:30pm and 3:00pm. Call toll free (877) 878-6058 or visit
www.mauiwine.com
Maui Arts and Cultural Center
A performing arts complex serving as a gathering place for celebrating creativity and discovery. Featuring free art at the Schaefer International gallery Tuesday - Saturday from 11:00am - 5:00pm. Call (808) 242-7769 or visit
www.mauiarts.org

The Orchid House and Gardens
From the moment you step in, you're inundated with the sweet scents and vibrant colors of orchids, ferns, palms and tropical flowers. Located at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Hotel. Admission is free. Visit
www.fourseasons.com/manelebay
The Munro Trail
Hike through lush rainforests and up to the summit of Mount Lanaihale. The trail is approximately 12 miles long and offers the perfect vantage point to see breathtaking views of Molokai and Maui.
Lanai Culture & Heritage Center
A center dedicated to the preservation of Lanai artifacts of traditional, cultural, historical and artistic value, with emphasis on the last 1,000 years of Hawaiian residency from early settlement to the end of the plantation era. For more info, call (808) 565-7177 or visit
www.lanaichc.org

Purdy's Macadamia Nut Farm
Since 1980, this five-acre farm in Kualapuu has been a favorite among visitors. Learn how to "crack a mac" and take a free tour of this charming plantation, hosted by owners Tuddie and Kammy Purdy. Open weekdays from 9:30am - 3:30pm and Saturdays from 10:00am - 2:00pm. For more info, call (808) 567-6601 or visit
www.molokai-aloha.com/macnuts/
Papohaku Beach
Three miles of soft sand and a gorgeous view of Oahu await at one of Hawaii's largest white sand beaches. Equipped with picnic and restroom facilities, this quiet and friendly beach is perfect for camping and family gatherings.

Are we there yet?
It's practically programmed into your kids' list of frequently asked questions. And being on Maui, Lanai or Molokai definitely makes answering a pleasure. Whether they're interested in sea life, the great outdoors, arts and crafts or music, all their built up energy can be put to good use. And at the end of the day, when they've fallen asleep on the car ride back, you'll know it was a trip they'll always remember.
Maui:
Maui Ocean Center
Kids will plunge at the opportunity to "Sleep With The Sharks." Maui Ocean Center and their educational team periodically offer 3rd through 8th graders the chance to roll out a sleeping bag in the infamous shark tank. This sleepover is jam—packed, from feeding sea turtles and hammerhead sharks to petting sea stars to exploring bioluminescent fish. Really, what could be more fun than cruising the aquarium after hours? With pizza for dinner, staying up late to watch movies, and falling asleep while giant tiger sharks whiz by, it's a totally awesome experience—and not so dangerous, after all. For more info, call (808) 270-7070 or visit
www.MauiOceanCenter.com
Hawaii Nature Center
Featuring a modern interactive science museum with 30 hands-on exhibits, children and the young-at-heart alike will find themselves mesmerized by the beauty of Hawaiian flora and fauna. Guided hikes also available. Call (808) 244-6500 or visit
www.hawaiinaturecenter.org
Lanai:
Lanai Pineapple Festival
Every 4th of July, the Pineapple Festival is held in honor of Lanai's pineapple plantation and paniolo (cowboy) history. Pineapple eating contests, live music, arts and crafts, kids' game booths and a spectacular fireworks display make for a fun-filled family day of adventure.
www.visitlanai.net
The Lanai Art Center
Let your kids express their creativity. The center provides art experiences in drawing, painting, fabric arts, children's arts and crafts, pottery, woodworking and more. Offered to all age levels; private lessons available. Call (808) 565-7503 or visit
www.lanaiart.org
Molokai:
Molokai Coffee Farm
Get ready for a journey through the Molokai coffee fields and around the 60 billion gallon Kualapuu Reservoir. Discover the wet mill, dry mill, roasting room and cupping room during the walk-through tour. Fun for the whole family, kids can enjoy activity books and adults can indulge in coffee tasting at the plantation. For more info or to place orders, please call 808-567-9490 ext. 26 or 27 or visit them online at
www.coffeesofhawaii.com/
Big Wind Kite Factory
Specializing in handmade kites and windsocks, the Big Wind Kite Factory is the most colorful shop on Molokai. Take a free tour, sign up for free kite-flying lessons, make paper kites or do a little souvenir shopping. For more info or to place orders for your very own handmade kite, call (808) 552-2364 or visit
www.molokai.com/kites
Kumu Farms
Give your children a first-hand look at how papayas are grown. Explore acres of herb gardens. Or get lost among the endless rows of banana trees. All at the most diverse working farm on Molokai. Expert culinary tips given free of charge. Call (808) 351-3326 or visit
www.kumufarms.com

May Events
May 14-15
Maui Matsuri Festival
Maui Community College — Central Courtyard Kahului, Maui
10th annual festival celebrating Japanese culture on Maui. This two-day event features contests, food and craft booths, cultural exhibits, keiki activities, live entertainment, demonstrations, an appearance by Kikaida and a free family movie night. www.mauimatsuri.com
June Events
June 12
Na Kamehameha Pau Parade & Hoolaulea
Front Street, Lahaina Town, Maui
This is a colorful parade through Lahaina Town featuring pau riders (riders in traditional costumes) on horses decorated with island flowers representing each island. This year's cultural celebration will feature crafts, island foods, Hawaiian music and pau dressing and rider demonstrations. www.visitlahaina.com
June 13
South Maui Triathlon
Wailea Beach Marriott, Maui
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. www.southmauitriathlon.com
June 16 - 20
Maui Film Festival at Wailea
Wailea Resort, Maui
Hawaiian culture meets the Big Screen at this annual film industry event in Wailea Resort. Film premieres at the Celestial Cinema and will be held on the Wailea Golf Club's driving range; a Digital Sky Dome is set up at the Wailea resort, and films are also screened at The Maui Arts & Cultural Center. www.mauifilmfestival.com
June 18
Clos Du Val Wine Dinner
Four Seasons Resort Lanai
Join Clos Du Val and Four Seasons Resort Lanai for an evening of inspiring food and wine pairings. For more info, call (808) 565-2335 or visit www.gohawaii.com/lanai/events/15393
June 24 - 27
Kapalua Wine & Food Festival
Kapalua Resort, Maui
29th annual festival, hosted by Fred Dame, Master Sommelier and president of the Court of Master 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. www.kapalua.com
June 27
Ki Hoalu Festival
Maui Arts & Cultural Center — A&B Amphitheater Kahului, Maui
19th annual, free slack key festival featuring an all-star lineup of Hawaii's slack key guitarists. www.mauiarts.org
July Events
July 3
Lanai's Annual Pineapple Festival
Dole Park, Lanai City
The Pineapple Festival was created to honor Lanai's pineapple plantation and paniolo (cowboy) history. Everyone will enjoy local foods, crafts and kids' game booths. A pineapple cutting demo opens the event and a fireworks display closes. www.visitlanai.net
July 2 - 4
Makawao Rodeo & Paniolo Parade
Olinda & Makawao, Maui
Maui Roping Club resents the largest rodeo in Hawaii. Come Friday evening to see the exciting Bull Bash at Osaki Rice Arena in Olinda. The Paniolo Parade opens the rodeo on Saturday morning along Baldwin Avenue in Makawao. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, watch competitors ride, rope and run for prizes; enjoy country music and dancing in the evenings. www.visitmaui.com
July 4
Fourth of July Fireworks
Front Street, Lahaina Town, Maui
Enjoy holiday specials in many oceanview restaurants and shops. Stroll historic Lahaina Town for an old-fashioned Independence Day celebration. Enjoy many different musicians in a free concert on the oceanfront lawn at the Lahaina Library starting at 5pm. Then watch the fireworks show as it lights up the sky around 8pm, presented by the Maui Chamber of Commerce. www.visitlahaina.com
July 18
Naish Maui international Paddleboard Championships
Maliko to Kahului, Maui
The course is a 9.54-mile stretch of coastline between Maliko Gulch and Kahului Harbor. www.mauipaddleboard.com
August Events
August 13
Maui Calls
Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului, Maui
MACC's annual gala features an evening of gourmet Pacific Rim dishes prepared on site by Hawaii's top chefs, fine wines, live music with dancing, a silent and live auction, fresh lei greeting and door prize drawings. www.mauiarts.org
August 14
Hana Cultural Center Hoolaulea
Hasegawa Fairgrounds, Hana, Maui
This years annual Hoolaulea will focus on the historic bridges along the scenic road to Hana. The celebration will be held at the Hasegawa Fairgrounds starting at 10am. The event will feature road and bridge displays, cultural events, food and entertainment for the whole family. www.hanaculturalcenter.org
August 25 - 29
Maui Photo Festival & Workshops
Hyatt Regency, Kaanapali, Maui
The Maui Photo Festival and Workshops is a signature event that celebrates digital photography with world-class photographers from around the world. www.mauiphotofestival.com
September Events
September 4
Maui Channel Swim
Club Lanai Resort, Lanai to Puu Kekaa, Kaanapali, Maui
Individuals or six-member teams compete for multiple prizes and one grand prize, followed by an awards banquet in Kaanapali. www.mauichannelswim.com
September 10 - 11
Lahaina Plantation Days Celebration
Lahaina Town, Maui
The event will be celebrating the lives and times of the Plantation Era at the Old Pioneer Mill site. There will be food, music, entertainment and keiki games from the Plantation Era. www.lahainarestoration.org
September 11
Hana Relays
Kahului Airport to Hana Ball Park, Maui
This is an incredible fifty-two-mile race along Maui's famous Hana Highway through some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Maui. The relay will begin at 5:30am. www.virr.com
September 11 - October 23
30 Years of Photojournalism
Maui Arts & Cultural Center—Schaefer International Gallery, Kahului, Maui
Photojournalist Matthew Thayer has been on the Maui scene covering people, sports, entertainment and events for 30 years. In addition to an exciting selection of black-and-white and color images, this exhibit will chronicle the old-school still camera photojournalism. See the evolution of the news and learn more about Maui! Free admission. www.mauiarts.org
September 18
Maui Tacos 5K Fun Run/Walk
Whalers Village, Kaanapali Resort, Maui
This will be the 10th annual Maui Tacos 5K Run that starts at 8:00am and finishes at Whalers Village in the Kaanapali Resort. www.mauimarathon.com
September 18
The Run Forest Run Front Street Mile Race
Front Street, Lahaina, Maui
This is a one-mile sprint down Front Street starting at 3:00pm in front of "Bubba Gumps." www.mauimarathon.com
September 19
Maui Half Marathon
Kaanapali Resort, Maui
The Maui Half Marathon is held concurrently with the full marathon. The half marathon will start at the marathon's finish line area near Whaler's Village within the Kaanapali Resort area. For more information or to sign up, go to www.mauimarathon.com
September 19
Maui Marathon
Kahului to Kaanapali Resort, Maui
The 40th annual Maui Marathon starts in Kahului at the Queen Kaahumanu Center. Marathon begins at 5:30am. It's been recognized as one of the most scenic marathon courses in the world. www.mauimarathon.com
September 26
Na Wahine O Ke Kai "Women of the Sea" Canoe Race
Hale O Lono Harbor, Molokai
The race will start at the entrance of Hale O Lono Harbor, Molokai, and begins at 7:30am. This race ends the 9-month season of outrigger canoe racing for women around the world. Na Wahine O Ke Kai is celebrating their 29th year as they compete in this 40-mile race to Oahu. The finish line is fronting the shores of the Hilton Hawaiian Village. www.nawahineokekai.com

Aloha Maui Insider,
Do you have a new Maui Travel Planner available?
Thanks, Bret and Pam
Yes, we have a beautiful new 2010-2011 Maui Vacation Planner. It is full of wonderful activities and accommodations. It's available online and in print. To access the online version of the 70-page planner or to order a complimentary printed copy of the new planner, go to
www.visitmaui.com
Mahalo,
The Maui Insider
Hi Maui Insider,
It's 4pm here in Sacramento California on May 1st, what time is it there in Maui?
-Lynn
Aloha Lynn,
Since Hawaii does not go on daylight savings time, when it's 4pm in Sacramento its 1pm here in Maui, i.e. 3 hours difference. If it were daylight savings time it would be 2pm, i.e. 2 hours different. If you lived on the East Coast it would be 7pm your time without daylight savings and 6pm with. I hope that answers your question.
Best Regards,
The Maui Insider
Dear Maui Insider,
Are there any ferry services available in Maui?
Looking forward to hearing from you, John
Aloha John,
Ferry service is available on a daily basis from Maui to Lanai and Molokai. The Maui Princess goes twice a day from Lahaina Harbor to Kaunakaki Harbor. For more information, visit www.MauiPrincess.com. Expeditions Maui-Lanai Ferry service goes five times from the public loading dock in front of the historic Pioneer Inn to the harbor in Lanai. Go to www.go-lanai.com for more information.
A hui hou (until next time),
The Maui Insider
Dear Maui Insider,
We would love to take our grandchildren to visit Kalaupapa on Molokai to learn more about Saint Damien. Are there any special arrangements we need to make?
Marilyn
Aloha Marilyn,
Kalaupapa is a wonderful place to visit. With spectacular scenery and an incredible history, visitors are treated to an unparalleled experience. There are a couple of ways to get there — by mule or by air. It must be noted, however, that visitors must be at least 16 years old to visit Kalaupapa.
If your grandchildren are not 16 yet, you can still get a wonderful view of the Kalaupapa Peninsula from the historic overlook. For more info on Kalaupapa, check out www.nps.gov/archive/kala/home.htm or if you're interested in the mule rides, visit www.muleride.com.
We hope you a wonderful time in Molokai.
Aloha,
The Maui Insider

Just after arriving on the beach our first day, not five minutes into our stay, a beautiful whale came fully out of the water straight up, right in front of us. Everyone on the beach gave her (or him), a round of applause. I was so sorry I didn't have my camera prepared, but the image will stay with us forever.
P.B.
Massachusetts
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My husband and I were in Maui the last two weeks of January this year. We've been coming every year for 10 years but never have I gotten a whale photo as good as this one. We were on the Teralani whale watching tour on January 22nd. Thought I would share!
K.W.
New Jersey
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NOTE: Whale season is from December 15 to May 15 but there are also great displays at the Maui Ocean Center about whales when you are here in the summer.
Share your favorite Maui moment or memory with Maui Insider E-newsletter readers. Please email us with your written description, photos or videos, to info@visitmaui.com and include your name, address and phone number. (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.

Chef's Fried Saimin
A fusion of flavors, fried saimin is a local favorite that can be found at the new Star Noodle in Lahaina. Executive Chef Sheldon Simeon graciously provided a version below for our readers to make at home. For the noodles he suggested cooked saimin, not the dried version. It's not always the easiest to find, but it is often the best tasting. At Star Noodle the noodles are house made so the fried saimin is delicious whether you are there for lunch or dinner. Visit Star Noodle at 286 Kupuohi Street in Lahaina. For more information, call (808) 667-5400.
Ingredients:
- Saimin noodles — 16 oz.
- Canola oil — 1 tbs.
- Spam — julienne ½ a can (6 oz.)
- Omelet — shreds from 2 eggs
- Green onions — chopped ¼ cup
- Yamasa Shoyu/Soy Sauce — 1 tbs.
- Hondashi (bonito fish soup stock) — 1 tsp.
Preparation instructions:
1. In wok or large frying pan, heat canola oil over medium high heat.
2. Add Spam and fry until slightly browned.
3. Toss in Saimin noodles and continue to fry until noodles are almost to desired doneness.
4. Add rest of ingredients and toss until incorporated.
5. Serve garnished with green onions.
