MAUI
The Valley Isle.
GETTING THERE:
Air Canada Direct flights to Maui during high season;
www.aircanada.com
United Airlines Flights connect through United States;
www.united.com
West Jet Several flights weekly connecting through Vancouver;
www.westjet.com
GETTING AROUND:
Car Rental Recommended mode of transport on the island; Shuttles available to and from the Kahului Airport;
WHERE TO STAY:
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua Situated on 54 acres (including the Honokahua Preservation Site, an ancient Hawaiian burial ground) this oceanfront hotel recently completed a $180 million refurbishment. The hotel features 463 guestrooms, including 107 one and two-bedroom Residential Suites; six restaurants; and the new Ritz-Carlton Spa; two championship golf courses; and Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program with a variety of outdoor activities with trained naturalists. Cultural expert Clifford Neole is a fount of knowledge on Hawaii and is regularly on hand. One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Kapalua, Maui; (808) 669-6200; www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/KapaluaMaui/Default.htm
The Hotel Hāna-Maui With a history dating to 1946 the hotel has mindfully kept an old fashioned plantation aesthetic in its 22 bungalow style bay cottages featuring private patios and views of Hana Bay and 47 Sea Ranch cottages including seven private one-bedroom ocean front suites. The eco-conscious resort maintains a sense of tranquility throughout its extensive, lush grounds. Use of the award winning Honua Spa is complimentary to guests, as is daily yoga and many other sporting and cultural activities (inquire for details). 5031 Hana Hwy, Hana; (808) 248-8211; hotelhanamaui.com
WHAT TO DO:
Surfing Goat Dairy Goat farm and dairy in lower Kula that has been producing award winning goat cheese for nine years. Owners Thomas and Eva Kafsack produce a variety of soft cheeses, cream cheeses and feta under colourful names including “Udderly Delicious” (plain) It’s Not Sushi (tuna, real wasabi) and Rolling Green (fresh garlic chives). 3651 Omaopio Road, Kula; (808) 878-2870; www.surfinggoatdairy.com
Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm Lavender, and protea farm located at 4000 ft. in Maui’s cooler uplands with panoramic views of the surrounding area and a serene atmosphere. Olive trees, hydrangea and various other plants also grow on the property. Relax with a cup of lavender tea and lavender scones on the terrace, or browse the gift shop for unique items made locally with lavender. Educational walking tours offered five times daily, seasonal wreath workshops, Gallery Gift Shop open daily, gourmet lunch basket available, car tour available twice daily. 1100 Waipoli Road, Kula; (808) 878-3004; www.aliikulalavender.com
The Pacific Whale Foundation (Store) Operates a variety of sightseeing tours unders its mission of conservation and education including whalewatching tours. 612 Front Street, Lāhiana; (800) 942-5311; www.pacificwhale.org
Old Lāhainā Lū‘au Old style luaus seven days a week. Includes dining and entertainment. 1251 Front Street, Lāhiana; (808) 667-1998; www.oldlahainaluau.com
Goofy Foot Surf School Maui Tim Sherer and his team expertly guide clients through the basics of surfing. 505 Front Street, Suite 123, Lāhiana; (808) 244-9283; www.goofyfootsurfschool.com
Maui Digital Images, LLC. Owner Steve Francois deftly captures surfers catching waves and other scenes of Hawaiian life. (808)357-4631; mauidigitalimages.com
Maui’s Winery Several wines available as are tours of Ulupalakua Ranch. (808) 878-1266; www.mauiwine.com
Hāna’s Cultural Center & Museum Collection of artifacts, antique Chinese and Japanese bottles and thousands of photographs of the Hana District. Open daily. Admission is free, however, a donation is suggested. www.hookele.com/hccm
Kahanu Gardens Ancient temple site. (808) 248-8912 www.ntbg.org
WHERE TO EAT:
Banyan Tree (at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua) Chef Ryan Urig serves seasonal worldly fare at this Signature Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua restaurant. Featuring an outdoor bar, lounge and covered terrace, the restaurant overlooks the Pailolo Channel (whales are spotted during their migrating season). Open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/KapaluaMaui/Default.htm
Mala Ocean Tavern Chef Mark Ellman and his wife Judy have created a lively oceanside restaurant. Local and organic dishes, vegan options and comfort food like the Snake River Farms Kobe Beef Cheeseburger round out the menu. 1307 Front Street, Lāhiana; (808) 667-9394; www.malaoceantavern.com
Spago and Ferraro’s Bare E Ristorante Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck mixes Hawaiian and California cuisine at Spago on Wailea Beach. The Italian menu at Ferraro’s is enhanced by a wood-burning oven and beautiful location. 3900 Wailea Alanui Drive; (808) 874-8000; www.fourseasons.com
TOURISM OFFICE:
Maui Visitors Bureau; www.visitmaui.com
LANA`I
Pineapple Island.
GETTING THERE:
Expeditions Ferry Reliable transport between Maui and Lanai across the Auau Channel year round, departing five times a day. The 15 mile crossing lasts 45 minutes. An added bonus is the free whale watching during the season. Adult: $30.00 each way; Child: $20.00 each way; www.go-lanai.com
Island Air Travel is between Lana’i and Oahu only. www.islandair.com
WHERE TO STAY:
Four Seasons Resort Lāna’i at Manele Bay Ocean-side 236 guest room resort (including 21 suites). All rooms feature a private terrace. Beach facilities, tennis, two world-ranked golf courses and other recreational activities available. Several dining options. 1 Manele Road, Lāna’i City; (808) 565-7700; www.fourseasons.com/manelebay
Four Seasons Resort Lāna’i The Lodge at Ko’ele English country style manor meets plantation at this 102 room two storey resort in Upcountry Lanai. Spa service, stables, and sporting clays available. One Manele Road, Lāna’i City; (808) 565-7700; www.fourseasons.com/koele
WHAT TO DO:
Lāna’i Pine Sporting Clays Archery and clay shooting course. 828 Lāna’i Avenue, Lāna’i City; (808) 559-4600 www.claytargetsonline.com/club.php/450
Mike Carroll Gallery Art gallery in the heart of the city. 443 Seventh Street, Lāna’i City; (808) 565-7122; Monday-Saturday 10-5:30; www.mikecarrollgallery.com
Lāna’i Animal Rescue Center Sponsor a cat or dog or visit the animals at this first of its kind center on Lanai. www.lanaianimalrescue.org
Challenge at Manele Designed by Jack Nicklaus, one of two golf courses at the Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay. www.golfonlanai.com/manele
Lāna’i Culture & Heritage Center A newly opened clutural centre that explore the island’s past. Lāna’i City; (808) 565-7177 ; www.golfonlanai.com/manele
Munro Trail Hike or drive this trail which winds through pine, ironwood and eucalyptus to lookout points and views of several other Hawaiian islands.
WHERE TO EAT:
Ihilani Restaurant at Manele Bay An award-winning Italian restaurant with sea views. One Manele Road, Lāna’i City; (808) 565-2388; www.fourseasons.com/manelebay
Lāna’i City Grille Locals and visitors alike are regulars at Friday and Saturday nights which feature live music in the back terrace at this casual dining spot. One Keomoku Road, Lāna’i City; (808) 565-7211; www.hotellanai.com
Lāna’i Ohana Poke Market Family owned poke storewith fresh fish and sushi. 834-A Gay Street, Lāna’i City; (808) 559-6265
TOURISM OFFICE:
Lāna’i Visitors Bureau www.visitlanai.net
MORE MAUI AND LANA’I:
City Style and Living Magazine Summer 2010.