platinum tours maui hosts etiquette training with ‘manners in momentum’

Platinum Tours Maui is Maui’s newest luxury transportation company featuring island tours and private charters including special events, weddings, shuttles and more.

Once you step onto one of their luxurious buses, your guests will know they are traveling in style. There is plenty of room to stretch out and make yourself comfortable. These buses were originally designed for maximum capacity seating but they have been redesigned to accommodate a much more comfortable cabin with the installation of custom-designed captain’s chairs, taking touring and transportation to a whole new level.

migrant launching ‘be happy’ hour 4-6pm with chef sheldon simeon at the wailea beach marriott

This summer, soak in the sun and catch the stunning sunset vistas while enjoying “Be Happy” hour at MiGRANT located in the beachfront Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on Maui. “Be Happy” hour launches Monday June 23, 2014 from 4-6pm daily.

Join Chef Sheldon Simeon, Top Chef Finalist and Food & Wine Magazine’s People’s Best New Chef for the Pacific & Northwest for stunning ocean vistas and spectacular sunsets as MiGRANT opens it’s doors for “Be Happy” hour. A must visit for locals, visitors and neighbors alike, this is the perfect spot to grab a refreshing after work cocktail, gather with friends or enjoy a delectable bite. Celebrating local and seasonal ingredients and libations, this casual and dynamic gathering spot brings together the best of sun, summer, coastal relaxation and spectacular Modern Local Cuisine.

ocean vodka hosts concierge & guest service professionals party upcountry

Last month Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery hosted approximately 85 of Maui’s guest service professionals for a fabulous party at their Upcountry Maui farm and distillery.

Situated on an amazing 80-acres just up Omaopio Road on the lower slopes of Haleakala (just next to Surfing Goat Dairy), the Ocean Vodka headquarters captures panoramic views of both the north and south shores and was the perfect spot to celebrate after work! Guests arrived at about 4:30pm and strolled through the gardens and sugar cane fields (Ocean Vodka is the only vodka in the world made from organic sugar cane and deep ocean mineral water) to the green grass plateau with amazing views.

july • 2014 keiki cover model

We want to send a warm aloha to Laci Ann Akana, our July keiki cover girl, and her ‘ohana this month.

Laci is is six years old, and attends Maui Prep Academy in Napili, where she just completed kindergarten. Her favorite subjects at school are performing arts and word spelling.

Mom is Debbie Akana, marketing executive at Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club.

Mom shares: “Laci is learning to read music and likes to play the piano. She loves tumbling, riding her bike, and going to the beach. Her favorite TV show is Garfield. Laci helps me get through my days—I thank God, and feel blessed every day that I have her.”

going ‘over the edge’ with rappel maui: have you walked down a waterfall lately?

What’s the most adrenaline-inducing outdoor activity currently offered on Maui? If you guessed rappelling down a waterfall, you’d be correct! Since June of last year, Rappel Maui has been offering experienced canyoneers, as well as complete novices, an opportunity to have the once-in-a-lifetime experience of walking down a waterfall.

My grown-up son Tyler has been accompanying me on outdoor adventures since he was a little tyke, so he was the logical choice to tap for this activity. We meet the Rappel Maui van at the park & ride lot in North Kihei where our guides for the day introduce themselves. Manager Dave Black has been canyoneering for nearly 50 years, and wrote the book on the subject. Literally. His “Canyoneering: A Guide To Techniques For Wet and Dry Canyons” is the only guide that’s been endorsed by the American Canyoneering Association. Dave’s colleague today is Mark Paranada, a 30-plus-year firefighter who’s now retired and leads trips for Rappel Maui a few times a week.

saltimbocca: modern italian cucina at the ma‘alaea harbor shops

Mamma mia, who doesn’t love Italian cuisine? According to the Food Network, it’s the most popular ethnic cuisine in the entire country. And no wonder: Italian food is warm and satisfying like a hug from your nonna (grandmother). Saltimbocca, one of the newest entries into the Maui dining scene, promises authentic Italian cuisine and affordable fun in a warm family atmosphere, and it delivers handsomely on all three.

It’s a typical windy evening in Ma‘alaea when Charles and I enter the warm, welcoming Saltimbocca. Occupying the prime oceanfront spot at the Harbor Shops, Saltimbocca’s drop-dead-gorgeous commanding views have made this spot one of our all-time favorites.

Our server Joe (he tells us he also goes by Joseph or Giuseppe) says Saltimbocca’s Chef Mirko hails from Southern Italy, making him the “real deal.” Assistant server Jobi brings house-made focaccia and sourdough bread—both are absolute knock-outs—along with olive oil and a robust balsamic for dipping. Restaurant owner Masha Bateman delivers glasses of bubbly champagne perfect for sharing a “Lucky We Live Maui” toast.