down the hatch: a place to eat fish and other delicious things

It’s especially pleasing to encounter young entrepreneurs successfully pursuing their passion. Such is the case with Down the Hatch in Lahaina—a modern surfer dive lounge serving fresh, local food and drinks. Owners Javier Barberi, Dave Fincher, and Julian Bonfardin, all longtime Maui residents with Georgia roots, are bringing their brand of Southern aloha to the west side dining scene.

Located in the center courtyard of The Wharf Cinema Center, Down the Hatch (DTH) offers something for every palate, from Hawaiian-style kalbi ribs, to a lobster & crab stuffed grilled cheese sandwich, to Southern staples like the Louisiana po’ boy sandwich and chicken & waffles. Makes my mouth water just thinking about their menu! And their crew of experienced, longtime Maui bartenders will make just about any cocktail you want.

Javier opened his original Lahaina business—Breakwall Shave Ice Co.—on Prison St. in 2012. When the opportunity arose to open DTH in the summer of 2015, he moved Breakwall right next door, and snagged lifelong friend Dave, and new friend Julian, as partners. “I’m from Georgia, like Javi and Dave, but I didn’t know them back then,” says Julian. “I met Dave in college—we were roommates. We both studied hotel and restaurant management. The stars aligned, and we all ended up on Maui and found this opportunity. We took a leap of faith, and everything has been great so far.”

ritz-carlton, kapalua to host 24th annual celebration of the arts festival

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is proud to host the 24th Annual Celebration of the Arts Festival, March 25-27, 2016, where some of Hawai‘i’s most reputable artisans, educators, cultural practitioners, speakers and entertainers will convene to celebrate the islands’ cultural cornerstones.

Now in its 24th year, this highly anticipated festival allows visitors and locals alike the opportunity to experience authentic Hawaiian culture through various activities such as hands-on art demonstrations, informative speaker panels, historic films, cultural panels, and traditional music and dance. The Celebration of the Arts Festival has been deemed the “Number 1 rated cultural event” by Modern Luxury Hawaii magazine and has been the recipient of the coveted “Keep it Hawaii Kahili Award” presented by the Hawaii Tourism Association.

february • 2016 keiki cover model

Aloha to the Cappello family, whose daughter Gemma graces our February cover this month.

Dad is Charles Cappello, concierge at Starwood Vacation Services. Mom is Bianca Cappello, manager at Merriman’s restaurant in Kapalua. The family lives in Lahaina, and Gemma attends preschool in Kapalua. She loves ballet, dancing, and singing.

Dad shares, “One of my favorite memories is the first time Gemma met her little sister. I am inspired to work to my fullest every day for the future of my kids.”

Gemma’s auntie Kathryn Murphy is also a concierge at Westin Ka‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas. Mahalo for sharing Gemma with us this month!

capische? at hotel wailea, where fine dining and romance seamlessly intertwine

When I think “romantic restaurant,” I imagine a refined, intimate setting; attentive, yet unobtrusive service; and, of course, exceptional cuisine. Since February is the month for romance, Charles and I set out to find out why Capische? at Hotel Wailea, Relais & Chateaux, has been voted the island’s most romantic restaurant three years in a row by readers of Maui No Ka ‘Oi magazine. Here’s what we discovered.

Nestled on the hill overlooking Maui’s posh southern shore, Hotel Wailea became a Relais & Chateaux (R&C) property in 2015—the only property in Hawai‘i to hold that notable distinction—and is the only adults-only hotel in the state. Established in France in 1954, R&C is an exclusive association of small luxury hotels and restaurants around the world which value a uniquely local and authentic guest experience. The association’s mission is “to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character.” Member properties must have fewer than 100 rooms, and a fine dining establishment on site.

discover old hawai‘i: maui nei native expeditions’ new interactive cultural tour

Learning to pound poi; creating natural dye and using it to print on cloth; making and learning to play a nose flute—any one of these activities would make for an educational and fun morning. Four friends and I recently had the opportunity to participate in all three activities in one action-packed experience: “Discover Old Hawai‘i,” Maui Nei Native Expeditions’ brand-new interactive cultural arts tour in historic Lahaina Town.

We’re greeted by Maui Nei kumu Keoki Sousa at the Old Lahaina Courthouse. Keoki will serve as our guide/escort throughout the tour. Keoki is one of Maui Nei’s first kumu, and is a practitioner of Hawaiian healing traditions.

Keoki leads us past bustling Lahaina Harbor, to the sacred, chair-shaped pohaku hauola (birthing stone), where high-ranking royalty gave birth. “While the mother gave birth, the family would be right here with her praying and chanting for a baby girl, over a baby boy,” Keoki says. “The ancient Hawaiian culture was very much a matriarchal society, and the family’s mana was passed down through the mother’s lineage.”

10th annual whale tales february 12-15, 2016, at the ritz-carlton, kapalua

Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) researcher Jason Sturgis filming friendly whale, Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, Maui, Hawaii – Notice must accompany publication: Photo obtained under NMFS Permit

Whales bring wonder and awe into our island life. Immerse Yourself in the Wonder of Whales this President’s Day weekend. Join international research organization Whale Trust Maui for its 10th Annual Whale Tales event, and learn about whales from top international scientists, photographers, filmmakers, and conservationists. Whale Tales is a four-day educational event, full of presentations, a film premiere, benefit whale watches led by presenters, ocean activities, and opportunities to network with world- renowned personalities in whale research.

world whale day, saturday, february 13

This year’s World Whale Day sponsored by Pacific Whale Foundation will take place on Saturday, February 13 starting with a hometown parade down South Kihei Road at 9am. The parade includes participants of all ages and features costumed sea characters and ocean-themed floats created by community organizations, schools, local businesses and other groups.

The festivities continue center stage at Kihei’s Kalama Park with an exciting lineup of some of Hawai‘i’s top recording artists and entertainers. This year’s performers include Willie K., John Cruz, HAPA, Marty Dread, Amy Gilliom, George Kahumoku, and Cyril Pahinui.

maui plein air painting invitational 2016

Beginning February 13, 2016, the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational will bring together top plein air artists from Hawai‘i and the mainland to capture Maui’s Upcountry vistas, pristine beaches, majestic mountains, and historic towns.

In its 11th year, the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational event committee is mixing things up a bit–new locations for outside painting events, and nine new top-rung artists to dazzle art enthusiasts and collectors.