november • 2017 keiki cover model

Mahalo to the Robillard family for sharing Kiju Marie and her smile with us this month!

Kiju Marie Robillard is nine years old, and attends Maui Preparatory Academy in Napili in the third-grade class.

The family lives in Kahana. Kiju’s mom is Minsun Robillard, director  of guest experience at The Westin Maui Resort and Spa, and her dad has been director of engineering at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua for the past ten years.

Mom shares, “Kiju loves to see people laughing, and she likes to come up with silly jokes and funny faces! Honestly, every day is a new highlight for me to see her becoming a kind, honest and genuine person!”

 

maui chocolate tour: savoring the ‘food of the gods’

Did you know chocolate dates back to 1900 B.C. when ancient Mesoamericans fermented, roasted, and ground cacao beans into a paste that they mixed with water, vanilla, honey, chili peppers, and other spices to brew a frothy chocolate drink? I didn’t either, until I attended the Maui Chocolate Tour and Workshop, a tasty and informative off-the-beaten path experience on an authentic cacao and vanilla farm in Huelo.

The tour and workshop were developed by Melanie Boudar, a master chocolatier who started Sweet Paradise Chocolatier in Wailea, co-owns The Art of Chocolate/Cacao Santa Fe in New Mexico, and serves on the board of the Fine Chocolate Industry Association. Lead tour guide Ann Tuomela has been extensively involved in the cheese and wine industry doing catering and tastings. Her love of food has led her to the complexities of chocolate. She is assisted by Kathy Tobin, who has served in the tourism industry. The farm itself is owned by Eddie Modestini and Nicki Doane, who also operate Maya Yoga Studio on the property.

2017 hula o na keiki at ka‘anapali beach hotel

Kaanapali Beach Hotel, Hawaii’s Most Hawaiian Hotel, is excited to announce the 27th Anniversary of Maui’s only children’s hula competition, Hula O Na Keiki. Open to students from around the world, the competition commemorates one of Hawaii’s richest traditions and will take place from November 10-11, 2017.

Participants ranging in age from five to seventeen will compete in their respective categories for coveted awards and titles, and the chance to win cash and prizes.

hui no’eau visual arts center presents hui holidays 2017

First Night & Holiday Night Markets
November 20, 2017 – December 24
Open Daily • 9am – 4pm • Free Admission

The Hui’s highly anticipated holiday shopping event returns with a winter wonderland of local and handmade items for everyone on your list! Join the Hui for a month-long holiday shopping extravaganza as its beloved Gallery Shop at Kaluanui expands to fill the entire gallery with a winter wonderland of local and handmade items and museum-quality stocking stuffers. Holiday shoppers can find rare and perfect gifts for your friends, teachers, keiki, and family! Hui Holidays also marks the return of the fabulously fun paper dress installation—a gallery centerpiece and an annual expression of holiday joy and creativity!

Hui Holidays First Night Celebration
Wednesday, November 29 • 5 – 8pm
Tickets: $30; 21+ event, Tickets available online at huinoeau.com or by calling 808-572-6560

Join the Hui for the special opening of Hui Holidays at First Night, where guests can do their holiday shopping in style while they enjoy drinks, pupu, and spirited music – all the while surrounded by the holiday décor of the dramatically decorated Kaluanui estate featuring its annual hand made paper dress by Maui designers Koa Johnson and Ry-n Shimabuku. First Night guests will have first access to the Hui’s beautiful and sought after hand made wreaths as well as exclusive First Night vendors in the courtyard!

the mill house now offering kama‘aina discount and private chef services

The Mill House is ready to send their chefs in home for an unparalleled dining experience guests won’t soon forget. With more than 10 years experience as a private chef, Executive Chef Jeff Scheer leads The Mill House award- winning culinary team, with a mind for quality and a heart for delighting clients. Jeff made his name known on Maui working as a private chef in homes, vacation rentals and on boats. He has spent the last few years building the kitchen and team at The Mill House. Now he is ready to lead these amazing Chefs in The Mill House Private Chef endeavor.

The Mill House now offers Kama‘aina discount of 15% off food. Valid Hawaii State ID or Drivers License must be present to receive the discount which applies at lunch, happy hour and dinner. Does not apply to beverages or alcohol. Please note this discount cannot be combined with any other discounts.