january • 2013 keiki cover models

Happy New Year to our cover model brothers Ashton Jay Munar Chargualaf and Caleb Ramon Munar Chargualaf and their entire family!

The boys’ mom is Jodie Munar, who works as a guest relations coordinator at Ho‘olei at Grand Wailea Resort, and dad is Justin Chargualaf, general manager of Maui Oceanfront Days’ Inn in Kihei.

Ashton is a high spirited and energetic seven-year-old who is in third grade at Kihei Elementary School. His favorite subjects is science. He loves music, helping out mom and dad in the kitchen at home, and exploring nature.

Caleb attends Maui Evangelical Preschool, and he idolizes his brother and ensures that he is included in everything. “He is polite, smart, and loving,” shares  mom.

Jodie and Justin share: “These two boys are our biggest helpers, and love to plan visits to their grandparent’s house to make time for everyone. They bring love, warmth, and high spirit to us all. Because of our boys, we work very hard to always pursue nothing but the best!”

maka‘ika‘i ma loko o lahaina: a journey through lahaina’s past

Lahaina is a town that’s best explored on foot. Whether it’s poking into the shops on Front Street, or taking in the many historic sites of this original and storied capital of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i, hoofing it allows you to take your time and really get a feel for Lahaina’s colorful past and vibrant present.

Tour company Maui Nei Native Expeditions, in partnership with the nonprofit organization Friends of Moku‘ula, offers a two-hour walking tour of Lahaina that explores the culturally and historically significant sites of Lahaina, including some that are lesser known. The tour has received many accolades, including two “Kahili” awards from both the Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau (2002) and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (2007). My gal pal Janet and I are meeting up with guide Kalapana Kollars at the Lahaina Visitor Center near the harbor.

talk story with chef alan wong: finding out what makes him tick

Cocktail Lounge at Amasia by Alan Wong

Last year’s opening of Alan Wong’s Amasia at the Grand Wailea Resort was one of the most anticipated events in this foodie’s recent memory. We snagged an interview with the culinary mastermind behind the concept and the cuisine.