october • 2014 keiki cover models

We want to say Mahalo to Shayda Medeiros, Lead Rooms Control at Westin Ka‘anapali Ocean Resort, for sharing her keiki for our beautiful cover this month!

Kailani (9 years), Keana (8 years), Kalei (8 years) Medeiros-Sodetani, and baby Joey Gunn (6 months), were all smiles at our recent photo shoot.

The three sisters attend King Kamehameha III Elementary School. Mom shared, “Life with Kailani, Keana and Kalei is truly a blessing. They are intelligent, witty, thoughtful and full of love. If I had one wish, it would be that they remain exactly who they are. Perfectly beautiful inside and out.” Their grandpa “Papa Scott” also works in the industry as Resort Manager for Worldmark by Wyndham in Kihei.

merriman’s kapalua brings on the brunch

It’s difficult to imagine a more breathtaking venue for enjoying a sumptuous meal than Merriman’s Kapalua, which sits on the point overlooking spectacular Kapalua Bay. Known for dazzling sunset views, Merriman’s now offers an opportunity to take in its exceptional surroundings during the day, while dining on some of the most innovative brunch menu items imaginable.

“We have such great views of Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, and the channels in between, it’s a natural spot to enjoy brunch,” says chef/owner Peter Merriman, who was one of the original 12 founding chefs of Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine, a successful joint effort to move away from ingredients shipped over long distances, and preparations that copied continental recipes not well suited to conditions in Hawai‘i.

maui hawaiian village: a cultural gem in waihe‘e valley

Nestled within verdant Waihe‘e Valley is Maui Hawaiian Village, where you can step back in time and experience early Hawaiian life up close and personal. Property owner Joshua Chavez has partnered with the Hewahewa family, longtime Waihe‘e Valley residents, to provide an opportunity to share the traditions and values of the Hawaiian culture that sustained life for generations through food, shelter, clothing, and medicine.

Janet and I are greeted at the Kahului Park & Ride lot by spunky Janai Kealoha, who drives us to the Village in a luxury air-conditioned van. Janai tells us we’ll be visiting the site of a seventh-generation family taro farm in West Maui, an area that’s often referred to as the “breadbasket of the island.”

xterra worlds return to maui for 19th straight year: october 25 – 26

In 1996, mountain biking and triathlon met in a duel of the fittest on the island of Maui. The race consisted of a rough water swim, a mountain bike race, and a trail run. It represented a bold new racing format that attracted outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, mountain bikers and triathletes. The mountain bikers brought their laid-back style and bold self-assurance. The relationship flourished into an internationally-recognized brand called XTERRA, and today there are tens of thousands of athletes not only taking part in the races, but truly living the lifestyle.