the ritz-carlton, kapalua, celebration of the arts: march 29 – 31

For the 21st consecutive year, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, will bring together Hawai‘i’s most reputable artisans, educators, cultural practitioners, and entertainers for an amazing and well-respected cultural event in the state, Celebration of the Arts. This much anticipated event will begin on Friday, March 29, and conclude on Sunday, March 31, with the coveted and expansive Easter Brunch.

The theme for the 21st anniversary of Celebration of the Arts, “E ulu..e ulu mau… to grow and grow forever,” promises a nod to the days of nostalgic Hawai‘i, while looking forward to the future and the impact today’s decision have on tomorrow. Opening ceremonies include Hawaiian practitioners reciting their genealogy through traditional oli (chants), while music and hula will be enjoyed continuously throughout the weekend. Hands-on art, demonstrations, films, cultural panels, music, and dance will serve as the common thread to allow visitors and residents the opportunity to interact and appreciate the “#1 Rated Annual Festival,” according to Modern Luxury Hawaii magazine. The event has also been the recipient of the “Keep it Hawai‘i Kahili Award,” a highly sough- after honor presented by the Hawai‘i Tourism Association.

march • 2013 keiki cover model

Aloha to the beautiful and energetic Bianca Nicky Perez-Duque, who had a great time playing dress up for this photo shoot at ‘Iao Valley last month.

Our keiki cover girl is four years old. Dad is Dixon Duque, who works in Service Express at Westin Ka‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas, and mom is Jenny Perez in the Front Office at Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel.

The family lives in Lahaina; Bianca loves to sing and dance, and her favorite TV show is Curious George.

Dad shares, “She is so full of energy. Bianca always wants to play around, especially with her cousin Sean and her grandparents. She is our pride and joy, and motivates us every single day!”

maui gold pineapple tour: preserving maui’s pineapple legacy

“Maui Gold is the only pineapple company in the U.S., this is the only pineapple tour in the U.S., and I’m the only pineapple tour guide in the U.S.,” proclaims Steve, who announces he’ll be our captain for the day. Janet and I, as well as everyone else aboard the colorfully painted pineapple bus, break into appreciative applause.

It’s a breezy day in Hali‘imaile: brilliant blue sky punctuated with fluffy white cumulus clouds, and strong trade winds riffling nearby fields of tall sugarcane. But today, it’s all about the pineapple—an industry that was nearly lost when Maui Pineapple Company shut down its operations in 2009, after 100 years in business. Fortunately, a hui of former investors started up Hali‘imaile Pineapple Company, purchasing the assets of Maui Pineapple and licensing the “Maui Gold” trademark, keeping 65 of the former employees in the process.

the ma‘alaea waterfront restaurant: version 2.0

In mid-2011, the Smith Family, owners of the venerable Ma‘alaea Waterfront Restaurant, announced they were closing temporarily for renovations. As the months passed, most of us feared this beloved eating establishment was gone for good. Then, in the spring of 2012, there was much rejoicing throughout the land of Maui: The Waterfront would indeed reopen, but in an entirely new location—at the Harbor Shops, in the spot formerly occupied by the Ma‘alaea Grill. Hooray! But would there still be tableside Caesar salad on the menu?

Eager to know the answer, my gal pal Janet and I recently went to check things out. The Waterfront used to be tucked away inside an obscure condo complex with extremely limited parking. The decor was rather outdated, with red, semi-circular booths that some found romantic (I’m afraid they didn’t quite do it for me). The new and improved Waterfront has a totally different vibe—casually elegant comes to mind—with comfortable seating overlooking the bobbing boats at Ma‘alaea Harbor and, to the left, the verdant slopes of Haleakala. Blazing tiki torches outside and mellow island-style music playing in the background set the scene for a memorable Maui dining experience.