march • 2017 keiki cover model

We want to say Mahalo to our cute keiki cover boy, three-year-old Landon Halelu Kuloloio and his whole ‘ohana for sharing his smile with us this month.

Great-grandma Joyce Tihada entered Landon for our cover, and she has been working at Sheraton Maui Resort in the PBX department for 50 years!

Landon’s Mom is Joyce’s granddaughter Precious Naleieha, who works at Kahului Elementary School.

Mom shared, “Landon loves big trucks, getting dirty and playing in the ocean. He is always full of energy, he keeps himself and other entertained! He loves to sing, dance and is a sweetheart who can change your bad mood with his smile.”

shearwater tavern in kihei: globally inspired cuisine, neighborhood-style fun

Azeka Mauka Shopping Center in Kihei is positively whirring with activity since the opening in December of Shearwater Tavern, the newest addition to acclaimed Chef D.K. Kodama’s restaurant group. Occupying a portion of the former Stella Blue’s space, Shearwater is named for the wedge-tailed bird (‘ua‘u kani) that lives at sea but comes to shore every year to nest in the same burrow, where both parents raise their new offspring. One of the three shearwater colonies on Maui is located near the restaurant, and it served as inspiration for this gastropub’s concept: Always returning to our home on Maui wherever we may wander; being a part of the land we call home; and maintaining a strong ‘ohana spirit.

maui animal farm & petting zoo: unleash the inner keiki in all of us

There are some things that just naturally go together: peanut butter & jelly, macaroni & cheese, cake & ice cream. In the non-food world, there are also things that go together—like kids and animals. Who can resist the joy and wonder on the face of a child when he or she holds a baby goat, a guinea pig, or even a chicken or a tortoise? All this and more awaits visitors of all ages at Maui Animal Farm and Petting Zoo on the hill above Launiupoko, where you can take a guided tour to meet, learn about, and feed some irresistible furry and feathered friends.

The petting zoo, which was founded by Teresa Waters and originally named Lahaina Animal Farm, was acquired in September by business partners Heidi Denecke and Heather Harkness-Pastrana, and renamed Maui Animal Farm and Petting Zoo. Heidi is a leisure sales manager for Classic Resorts, and Heather is a riding instructor and horse trainer. They first met at a horse show three years ago, and discovered they both had a vision for a multipurpose equestrian center on Maui’s west side. They plan to establish the West Maui Equestrian Center, which will offer riding lessons for all ages, along with therapeutic riding programs and facilities for polo matches. An animal education center was also part of their plans, so when Teresa Waters approached them about taking over the petting zoo, Heidi and Heather jumped at the opportunity.

hst windsurfing, surfing, sup & kitesurfing school

2013 Naish WS – Freeride

Celebrating 32 years in Maui’s world of windsurfing, surfing, stand-up-paddling and kitesurfing HST is the go-to place to learn for all levels of ocean sports enthusiasts.

HST was founded in 1985 by Alan Cadiz. Alan at that time was the World cup windsurfing Champion and he grew up on the island of Oahu surfing and sailing Hobie cats. The blending of both sports into windsurfing was a natural transition for him.

HST WINDSURF:

In today’s sport, windsurfing gear is finely tailored to each persons skill level, size and their goals. Even very small kids can learn to windsurf on equipment perfected for their size. For the beginner, of any height and weight, the boards are relatively wide and stable so that balance issues are minimized. As each student progresses through the skills of windsurfing the boards become smaller and the sails become larger which enables the athlete to gain more speed and maneuverability. The learning curve of windsurfing is more like learning to golf or ski – it can be a lifetime pursuit.