may • 2014 keiki cover models

We want to send a warm aloha to the Kamakana family, who have their three beautiful keiki on our May 2014 cover: Madison, Cheyenne, and Jameson Kamakana.

Madison is 11 years old, Cheyenne is nine, and their brother Jameson is five years old.

Mom is Malia Armitage who works as a concierge at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui and dad is Jason Kamakana, housekeeping manager at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa.

The family lives in Haiku; Madison attends Kamehameha Schools Maui, and Cheyenne and Jameson go to Haiku School. Madison plays volleyball, and all three of the kids love to go to the beach, surf, and hike–this active family loves most outdoor activities.

Mom shares, “My children are my life; they inspire me every day to want to be a better person. I love you Maddie, Chy, and James! Thank you for being such amazing children!”

sangrita grill + cantina: mexican ‘soul food’ in the heart of ka‘anapali

Aficionados of authentic Mexican cuisine rejoice: Sangrita Grill + Cantina is now open at the Fairway Shops in Ka‘anapali. Created by Chef Paris Nabavi, who also owns Pizza Paradiso Mediterranean Grill in Honokowai, Sangrita offers inspired versions of genuine Mexican soul food, plus Maui’s largest selection of artisanal tequila and mezcal.

“Nothing on this menu is like anything you’ve ever tasted before,” Chef Paris tells Janet and me as we sit down at one of the rustic wood tables in Sangrita’s charming dining room. “This is serious Mexican food like what you’d find in Mexico City—the heart of Mexico.”

report from the island of lana‘i, part 3 of 3: going off the beaten path

With only 30 miles of paved roads on a chunk of land that’s 140 square miles in size, there are plenty of opportunities to go off the beaten path on the enticing island of Lana‘i. Sure, you can rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle and explore on your own, but it’s much more fun to go with someone who knows where all the good stuff is.

Happily, two such opportunities exist on Lana‘i: horseback riding with Lana‘i Grand Adventures, and hoofing it on your own steam with Hike Lana‘i.

Giddyup with Lana‘i Grand Adventures

Just a short distance from the Four Seasons Resort Lana‘i Lodge at Ko‘ele are the Stables at Ko‘ele, where I’m scheduled for a horseback ride with Lana‘i Grand Adventures. Stable manager Molly and guide Tyrel greet me and take me to meet my trusty steed Hickory who, on first glance, seems to be a good-natured sort. We actually make a rather fetching pair, with his light-colored coat, mane, and tail being a good match for my own blonde hair.

willowstream spa unveiled at the fairmont kea lani, maui

The new, multi-million dollar Willow Stream Spa is now open at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui. The luxurious new spa encompasses 9,000 square feet comprising of eight manicure and pedicure stations, one make-up station, three outdoor spa cabanas and 13 interior treatment suites.

The Nalu (Wave) Suite features Maui’s only state-of-the art wave massage table that simulates the feeling of floating. The Hui (Gather) Suites include four treatment rooms with a private foyer, perfect for small groups and wedding parties. The Wailele (Waterfall) Suite offers a multiple-nozzle Vichy Shower for signature body services and scrubs. Additional features include multiple sensory experience showers inspired by varieties of Maui rain, steam and sauna, a soothing pālolo (mud) bar and an invigorating hot stone foot bed. The new spa accommodates 22 guests per hour, making it ideal for meetings and incentive travelers, as well as vacationers.

seabury hall creating hope for a brighter future: 41st annual craft fair

Seabury Hall will celebrate its 41st annual Craft Fair from 9am-4pm, on Saturday, May 10 on the Seabury Hall Campus at 480 Olinda Road in Makawao.

The Craft Fair has been raising money to fund financial aid for their students since 1973, giving hundreds of kids the opportunity to pursue their dreams and hope for a brighter future.

The Seabury Hall Craft Fair brings together more than one hundred of Hawai‘i’s best artists and crafters, in addition to great entertainment, specialty foods, beautiful flower arrangements, exciting children’s games, a silent auction, and the island’s largest rummage sale. All proceeds from the Craft Fair support Seabury Hall’s financial aid program.