Category: Events

    World Whale Day 2017

    Events

    Next weekend, Saturday February 18th, is World Whale Day. It takes place right here in Kihei.

    humpback whale
    The Parade of Whales

    The Parade of Whales starts at 9AM at the Alanui Ke Alii/South Kihei Road intersection and ends at Kalama Park. It’s not a big one, though last year was a lot of fun (it lasted about 45 minutes or so). Hint, sit or stand facing the ocean, that way you get a great view in addition to entertainment AND you don’t have the sun in your eyes!

    Also, you guessed it, South Kihei Road is blocked off for the duration of the parade.

    humpback whale
    fun humpback whale model (an adult humpback is the length of a school bus)

    Following the parade there is a festival at the Kalama Park ball field across the street from Foodland. There are kids games, food, live music, a silent auction, local Made in Maui vendors and also a whale information gallery. As far as I can tell, the festival runs from 9:30AM – 6PM.

    Admission to the festival is $5 (the parade is free, of course).

    seabury hall
    a local middle school marching band bringing up the rear

    Where to park? You can park for free at both Azeka Mall and Hope Chapel, and yes, there is a free shuttle.

    The Pacific Whale Foundation is the main sponsor of this event.

    It’s Whale Season

    January-March are of course humpback whale season here on Maui. Have you been watching the whales? Do you prefer to watch from shore or by boat?

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    Orchids and Art this weekend!

    Events

    Here are a couple events to check out this weekend – who doesn’t love orchids and art?

    Do you love orchids? The Maui Orchid Society is hosting the Valentine’s Orchid Festival later this week. The show is taking place at the Maui Mall in Kahului from Thursday February 9th until Saturday February 11th from 9am-4pm. This is a juried event, however, many of the orchids are also available for purchase!

    Personally, I love orchids, but I don’t have much of a green thumb. Fortunately I live on Maui and my hubby has better luck with them. When given an orchid I enjoy it indoors until it finished blooming. Then I transplant it into my flower bed. Some of them (okay, I mentioned not having a green thumb) do really well and have been re-blooming over and over again!

    Also this weekend, check out the Annual Maui Open Studio event! This weekend (Saturday and Sunday) various Kihei and Wailea artists are opening their studios to the public between 11am-6pm. Pick up a guidebook, look online, or just stop and follow the Maui Open Studio sandwich board signs around town.

    Our very own Beth Cooper is having an open house in Kihei this weekend (artist #16 in the guide book this weekend). We have two of her original paintings hanging at condos – one at Maui Kamaole, another at Palms at Wailea! Beth is a lovely person, full of vibrant energy who works with us at our condos. I just love her fun colorful art!

    Beth Cooper art
    Beth Cooper with my new oil painting of Kamaole III beach park!

     

    Another artist to check out is Dale Zarella. You can often find him working on his latest wood sculptures overlooking Charlie Young Beach. Absolutely beautiful – check here for a blog post I wrote about him a while ago.

    By the way, if you can’t go this weekend – there are three weekends of artists to see. This weekend is Kihei and Wailea. February 18 & 19th Lahaina, Central, North Shore and Hana – although keep in mind, that’s also the annual Whale Festival in Kihei’s dates. February 25 & 26th is upcountry artists!

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    Attend a PGA golf tournament!

    Events

    Every year the first PGA golf tournament of the year is held right here on Maui. It takes place in Kapalua at the famed Plantation Course. What a great opportunity to check out a beautiful golf course and admire the view.

    Last year was my first time going to the PGA golf tournament. While the kids play golf, I was sure I’d be completely bored. Surprisingly I enjoyed myself (though I did get a sunburn).

     

    plantation course
    Nearing the 10th hole at the Plantation Course

    We went again this year – the sponsor has changed, it’s now called the SBS Tournament of Champions. Tickets are cheap – we had bought ‘any day’ passes at $15/adult directly at the Kapalua Golf Course club house (that includes free admission of up to 3 children per adult). You can also buy tickets at Ticketmaster. We drove to Lahaina where there was free event parking (just behind the tennis courts and the Kaanapali fire station). From there we took the free shuttle bus to the Plantation Course past Kapalua. It’s about a 10 minute ride, shuttles were going every 20-30 minutes. Note, you have to take the shuttle, there is no drop-off zone – there just isn’t a good turn-around location. There may be exceptions for mobility-challenged guests, but you would need to check into that.

    Note: they do have a restriction on purse-size, so if you must, bring the smallest you have. I didn’t know, and was asked to ‘check my bag’ at a counter. They did have plastic bags for purchase ($1/each), so I didn’t need to leave anything of value in my purse. We received a program and map of the course, volunteers told us where good viewing areas were.

    plantation course
    The first tee at the 2017 SBS Tournament of Champions

    We had planned ahead and arrived just in time to see Jason Day, Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth (the winner of last year’s tournament) tee off. We then wandered to the 9th hole where we sat in bleachers for a while, watching the pros. After buying water and snacks, we walked to the 10th hole (a walk through a ravine) and watched a number of players try their luck there. As a bonus there was a lot of humpback whale activity to watch at that hole too.

    We stayed about 3 1/2 hours, then caught the shuttle bus back to the parking lot and carried on with our day.

    I must say, I was impressed at how well organized the event was. The tournament continues through tomorrow, after which the pros fly to Oahu for their next tournament.

    Do you love golf?

    I know of several golf loving visitors who volunteer at this PGA golf tournament every year. Look into it!

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    Christmas Services in South Maui

    Events
    Christmas services
    Looking out the window at historic Keawalai Congregational Church in Makena

    It is hard to believe we are just a few days from Christmas! This year has flown so quickly. For some, this is the one day of the year they will go to church. Here is my annual list of Christmas services in South Maui, should you be interested in attending church. Please check with the church for more information.

    Calvary Chapel South Maui

    • Saturday, Dec 24th 5:30pm candlelight (at Lokelani Intermediate School)

    Hope Chapel Maui

    • Friday, Dec 23rd 6pm & 8pm (candle light)
    • Saturday, Dec 24th 6pm & 8pm (candle light)
    • Sunday, Dec 25th 9am

    Kealawai Congregational Church (limited seating and parking)

    • Saturday, Dec 24th 6:30pm candlelight, outdoors
    • Sunday, Dec 25th 7:30am, 10am

    Keolahou Hawaiian Congregational Church (little green church in North Kihei, drive by, I’m sure they have signs about their services posted)

    • Saturday, Dec 24th – unknown
    • Sunday, Dec 25th – unknown

    Kihei Baptist Church

    • Saturday, Dec 24th 6pm candlelight
    • Sunday, Dec 25th 10am

    Kihei Lutheran Church

    • Saturday, Dec 24th 5:30pm 7 7pm
    • Sunday, Dec 25th 9am

    St Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church

    • Saturday, Dec 24th 6pm, 9pm, midnight
    • Sunday, Dec 25th 7am, 9:30am

    However you celebrate Christmas – we hope you have a wonderful day!

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    Maui’s November events!

    Events

    How is it November already? I find this so hard to believe. Although…. the sun is setting earlier (around six) and the weather has been slightly cooler…. After a long hot summer, it’s refreshing to have some ‘cooler’ temperatures. Okay, it’s still in the high 80s, but not in the low 90s! Time for a list of Maui’s November events!

    This weekend:

    maui's november eventsNovember 5 8:30-4pm the 3rd annual Made in Maui County Festival on the outdoor lawn at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. I just read there are 40 new vendors at this event. I went a few years ago, it was great! Think craft fair – Christmas shopping! Admission is $5/person.

    November 4, 5, 6 and 13 Seabury Hall’s drama department presents – Sister Act, the musical! Check website for tickets and go for an upcountry drive!

    November 5 is Maui’s first ever Maui Comic Con! It’s taking place at the Lahaina Cannery Mall (in Lahaina, just before you get to Kaanapali). Tickets are free.

    November 6-12 is Wailea Restaurant Week. Twice a year Wailea Restaurants get together to offer prix-fixe 3 course menus. This is a great way to try out a new restaurant or two! No coupons required, but reservations are recommended! Check out the website for participating restaurants and menus.

    November 15 Dine Out for Hospice with 30 participating restaurants.

    November 17-December 28 Maui Film Festival presents First Light. More information on films, dates and times coming soon – check out their website!

    November 25-December 11 Mary Poppins at the Historic Iao Theater!

    November 27th Maui Choral Arts Association presents Yule Be Home For Christmas at the Castle Theater.

    I hope you have a great vacation, and also that you are able to take in some of Maui’s November events. I’d love to hear what you thought of them!

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    Made in Maui County Festival and website!

    Events

    Made in Maui County FestivalThis year the County of Maui is hosting its 3rd annual Made in Maui County Festival. This event is a coming together of local vendors, showcasing companies with headquarters in Maui County (Maui, Molokai and Lanai). The products sold must have at minimum 51% value added in the County of Maui. This is Maui’s largest product show.

    This year’s Made in Maui County Festival is being held Saturday, November 5th from 8-4pm on the lawn at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. Admission is $5 with kids 12 and under free. In addition to some great shopping (Christmas shopping anyone?), there will also be food demonstrations and a fashion show.

    I attended the first one 2 years ago, it was amazing! Who knew we had all this talent on Maui?

    Shop locally – online!

    If you can’t make it or want a preview of what may be there, they have just launched a new website – the Made in Maui County Marketplace! All vendors who have a booth at the Made in Maui County Festival are eligible to be listed on this site. While you don’t purchase here, it links you back to the vendors’ individual websites where you can purchase, get more information and contact them directly. Pretty cool!

    What are you shopping for? Do you have your Christmas lists put together? Maybe you’re looking for that perfect keepsake to remember your special Maui time by.

    As you come to Maui and consider buying souvenirs, keepsakes and gifts, thank you for shopping local! It keeps money in our local economy, creates jobs, contributes to the community and encourages entrepreneurship! Mahalo!

    As you return home, carry forward that aloha and consider supporting your local shops and entrepeneurs also. You will make their day!

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    This weekend check out Maui’s premier craft fair!

    Events

    The Seabury Hall Craft Fair is arguably Maui’s premier craft fair. It is set on the beautiful private prep school campus high above Makawao with beautiful bi-coastal views. This time of year is particularly beautiful with upcountry’s signature purple-blooming jacaranda trees in full bloom! The best part is – it’s the day before Mother’s Day, so you can pick up something for mom, or even let her choose! It’s also a great place to pick up locally made souvenirs and thank you gifts!

    Maui's premier craft fair
    Seabury Hall campus

    It is held this Saturday, May 7th from 9am-4pm. Admission is $5/adults, children 12 and under are free. I believe parking is $5 (across the way at the Oskie Rice Arena) and $10 for premium (on campus) parking. Can’t make it this year – it is always the Saturday before Mother’s Day.

    For the adults there are over 100 local crafters and artist booths (no made-in-China here), a silent auction, rummage sale, restaurant alley, bake shop, live music, and of course the beautiful views. This really is a special peaceful place.

    Maui's premier craft fair
    blooming jacaranda tree

    The kids zone includes two giant slip and slides, bounce castles, face painting and many games.

    How to get there? Take the Haleakala Highway upcountry to the Makawao turnoff. Turn left and follow the road to Makawao’s only four way stop (Makawao Ave/Baldwin Ave). Turn right (you will see Casanova’s and Poli’s Mexican at that corner). Continue driving up Haleakala, past pastures (check out the cows – this is farming country!) and great old trees. The school will be on the right side with additional parking on the left. Seabury Hall’s address is 480 Olinda Road, Makawao.

    The craft fair is a financial aid fundraiser for this prestigious college prep school.

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    Elvis in Hawaii!

    Events

    How about an Elvis show while on Maui?

    This past week we had family visiting and wanted to see a show as a group. Unfortunately it was windy and cool and an outdoor luau next to the ocean was going to get a little cold.

    An indoor show was the alternative. Did you know Maui has its very own Elvis impersonator show? Darren Lee (who is originally from Edmonton) and his Burn’n Love show perform several nights a week at the Maui Theater in Lahaina, the same theater where you can also see the popular Ulalena show.

    Yes, our family has a bunch of Elvis lovers ~ in fact, we have Elvis lovers that span the generations. An uncle and aunt who were actually at Elvis’ ‘Aloha from Hawaii’ concert in 1973 (the first concert to be live-broadcast ever), a few Elvis lovers in their 50s and even my elementary-aged son. It makes me laugh. Okay, so yes, I too enjoyed this show – watch the keyboard player, he is great and plays numerous instruments!

    We saw Darren Lee’s Elvis show several years ago and figured – sure, it was a fun performance then, let’s try it again!

    Darren Lee again didn’t disappoint. He has a great band, fun dancers and his Elvis act is great! In 1997 Darren Lee was ranked the ‘#1 Elvis Tribute Artist’ in Memphis and performed as Elvis in Las Vegas for eleven years. His Maui Burn’n Love show has been running for three years now and focuses on Elvis the King in his Hawaii days, showing old photos and video footage.

    But Cara, an Elvis impersonator? Yes, I admit…. for the first ten minutes I thought – this is just a little cheesy, watching an Elvis impersonator croon Elvis tunes. But after a little while, you stop overthinking it, start singing along (perhaps in your head), grooving to the tunes, dancing in your seat….

    If you at all enjoy Elvis, check it out!

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    Support Hawaiian language education on Maui!

    Events

    Did you know there are two official languages in Hawaii? English and Hawaiian. Just a few decades ago, the Hawaiian language was a dying language. In 1978 Hawaiian became the second official language in Hawaii (the only State to have two official languages) and there has since been a renewed push to revive Olelo Hawai’i (the Hawaiian language). There are Hawaiian language immersion schools, children in public schools have Hawaiian culture/language classes… Even so, there aren’t that many people who can speak it fluently.

    Hawaiian language
    the 29th annual Ho’omau – supporting Hawaiian language on Maui

    This Saturday, March 19th, go to the Maui Botanical Gardens in Kahului to get steeped in Hawaiian culture and support Hawaiian language education on Maui!

    Maui’s only Hawaiian language preschool (Punana Leo o Maui) is hosting the 29th annual Ho’omau – an event which features Hawaiian music, crafts and demonstrations. There will be a live and silent auction, ono (good) Hawaiian food, keiki (kids) games etc.

    Tickets are $10 presale (available at U’i Gallery, Native Intelligence and all Minit Stop locations) and $15 at the gate.

     

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