New on Maui and Lana'i for the Fall of 2010

Culture and Agri-Tourism

By John Fischer, About.com Guide

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A day of cultural fun awaits all at the Makahiki Festival, held at the Ocean Lawn at The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas. Organized by newly-appointed guest services manager Makalapua Kanuha, the one-day event on November 19, 2010 showcases Hawaiian games and demonstrations such as "'Ulu Maika" – observed as age-old traditions. Other activities include canoe rides off North Ka'anapali Beach, delicious Hawaiian plate lunch served at Pailolo Sports Bar & Grill as well as a craft fair with locally-made crafts, handmade jewelry and soap, art pieces, souvenirs and more.

"E Ho'oulu Aloha – To Grow in Love," a celebration of Hawaiian arts, culture, food and entertainment on Saturday, November 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Bailey House Museum. Uluwehi Guerrero shares his talents along with Uncle Richard Ho'opi'i and Lei'ohu Ryder. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 on the day of the event. Children under 12 are admitted free with a paid adult. Tickets are available at the Bailey House Museum at 2375-A Main Street, in Wailuku, 808-244-3326.

As the day dawns on January 1, 2011 guests of the oceanfront condo rental property Ka'anapali Ali'i are invited to participate in "First Light - E ala e! (Awaken)" This native Hawaiian sea-water cleansing ritual is also known as Hi'uwai. A symbol of cleansing all impurities of the past year, this Hawaiian ritual of purification involves wading silently into the tranquil sea while releasing problems, stress or grief. Cultural practitioner Fred Torres will lead the event. Start your 2011 New Year purified in the warm waters of Maui! Visit www.kaanapalialii.com or call 866-966-7169 for reservations.

"Voluntourism" has become a worldwide travel trend as travelers seek ways to "give back" to places they treasure. Now it's easy to experience the satisfaction and fun of "voluntourism" on Maui. Through Pacific Whale Foundation's Volunteering on Vacation, you can help out for a few hours on behalf of Maui's environment. It's free and it lets you experience aspects of Maui that are often missed by travelers. Many of the programs protect sites that have cultural and historical significance, so participants learn about Hawaiian culture and Maui's unique plants and wildlife. Participate for three hours and get a free tote bag. Call 808-249-8811 ext. 1 or visit their website.

Spearheaded by resort associates, the Sustainable Council is a key initiative at The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas towards becoming an environmentally-friendly resort. Its best practices include "Styrofoam Elimination" with reusable and/or biodegradable products in place, "Green Housekeeping" program to increase indoor air quality by limiting cleaning chemicals that pollute the environment and "Waste Minimization, Recycling and Organic Waste Management" to divert minimum 20% of its trash from the landfill. The resort's restaurants and deli stores offer "Sustainable Menus" to promote healthy eating habits and use of locally-grown nutrients, supporting local organic farmers and businesses.

Maui Open Market (M.O.M.), has opened at the Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu. Maui Open Market is a combination Farmers Market and Arts & Crafts Fair with food and shaved ice. M.O.M is seeking to become the premier Maui produced Arts and Craft's Fair. Open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every Sunday and Monday to the public, admission and parking is free. M.O.M's mission is to provide reasonable vendor opportunities to local farmers, artists and craftspeople to sell their Maui products to the residents and visitors on Maui. For more information, visit their websites.

John Fischer
Hawaii Travel Guide