Mele Kalikimaka

Morimoto (Maui)

Just opened three weeks ago but the food is on par. Morimoto in Wailea aims to please:

Takuni - 10 hr roasted pork belly on jook (rice porridge)

Hamachi Tacos - hamachi, avocado, white sauce, tomato, micro greens 

Mori Christo (not shown) - yellow tail, avocado, egg, aiolisandwich

 

Road to Hana - green tea three ways with lilikoi ice cream

Amasia BOGO (Maui)

Buy one 5 course tasting meal, get one free. Not a bad deal for Alan Wong. But the 5 course meal does run $95.

I still think there are better places to dine, but as I posted elsewhere his frozen pineapple that is shaved like ice is unique. (And yes, you can just walk in for the dessert menu; they close at 10:30pm.)

Andaz Hotel (Maui)

A little taste of Honolulu on Maui. Personally I love it here--it's very me, 100%. I actually almost-purchased some of the same furniture and accessories for my own place so...it's like walking into my own home perhaps. :) 

This is one of those non descript types of places--no building signage as you drive into Wailea (or maybe it's because the hotel just opened weeks ago), and no signs for the restroom (you'll be pointed to an unmarked hallway). Architecture and design wise, it's all about the lines, with a neutral beige and gray color palette that highlights the blue ocean. 

I understand the critiques from the locals though--they are right, it doesn't feel like maui here. As far as capturing a sense of place, the space falls short. Still it's a nice niche for a crowd with a modern sensibility. 

I actually feel more comfortable here than the Four Seasons--a bit more artsy, casual and relaxed. And I can earn hotel points on my Hyatt rewards card. :)

Free Wednesday Running Club (Maui)

Pick up your shoes and join others in a weekly sunset run. "Run With Jen" meets every Wed at 5:30 at the Lululemon store at the Wailea Gateway. 

Free Scenic Yoga Classes (Maui)

Imagine doing yoga in this amazing space--waterfalls in the background, and a beautiful Hawaiian sunset in the foreground!

Well, you can--and for free. :)

Open community classes are held free of charge at 6pm on the last Thursday of each month at the Wailea Hotel. 

Lululemon (Oahu, Maui)

Free Community Yoga classes at this nationwide chain. The new store at the Wailea Gateway plaza (Maui) offers one class on Saturdays at 9am--get there early as the space is well packed. Yoga mats can be provide though most folks bring their own. Was impressed with Jeremiah who is one of the top instructors I've ever practiced under (go Jeremiah!) :)

With such a growing popularity of yoga across the island among locals and at the resorts among tourists, a Lululemon store was certainly needed on Maui. The store sells well made yoga wear, mats and accessories (which can be a tad pricey).  They offer free community class at their Ala Moana Shopping Center location as well (Oahu).   

The Mercantile (Maui)

Makawao is one if my favorite boutique towns in Maui. And The Mercantile is a fun store that's always a must on my list to see. Cute items for the island home and small gifts that speak of the sea. 

Shown here are toss pillows ($98) that bring the beach vibe to any room. 

Honolulu Cookie Company (Oahu)

On the Big Island one cannot compete against the treats of the Big Island Candy company--home of the chocolate dipped shortbread cookies in Hawaii. 

On Oahu, however, these pineapple shaped cookies from the Honolulu Cookie Co ready to go inseasonal packaging   (shown above for Christmas) make nice gifts for the office and anyone who enjoys a buttery tropical inspired cookie. 

Oakley Hawaii

Oakley stores produce special tees just for Hawaii. A small line of clothing, sunglasses and accessories make sporty gifts for him and her. 

Louis Vuitton & Prada deal in Hawaii

If I haven't posted this before here's the insider scoop when you buy merchandise from Louis Vuitton and Prada in Hawaii:

- Items are generally priced $400-600 cheaper than the mainland

- Sales tax is only 4% in Hawaii 

The Ala Moana (Oahu) store is huge with two stories, the Waikiki store stays open until 11pm, and the Wailea and Kaanapali stores (Maui) have smaller inventory but can order items for you. 

Travelers should plan ahead as airlines allow passengers only one personal item on the plane (purse, briefcase, computer case, etc.)

Spa Grande Kama'aina Rate (Maui)

Super generous and much appreciated is the discount locals get at this relaxing spa offering complimentary apricot scrubs, five salt baths, three types of whirl pools, pressure jet baths, ten foot massaging cascade and so on. There's an upstairs lounge and co-Ed lanai with this view of the Grand Wailea hotel pool and Pacific ocean. 

Show your state ID to the reservation staff when you check-in for your spa treatment. 

(My masseuse was Casey (CC) and I liked her work.)

Bistro Molokini Sunset Deal (Maui)

Perhaps one of the better sunset "deals" on Maui, from 5:30-6:30 pm entrees are "Buy One get One Free" at Bistro Molokini  at the Grand Wailea hotel. (Entrees range from $30-40)

The photo above is the view you get at sunset. The terms and condition is: You need to book ahead (no walk ins) and need to mention the BOGO offer at that time. Tip: Ask for a seat "by the rail" to have an unobstructed sunset view. 

Tip 2: the sun sets around 5:30 in the fall

Tip 3: Given the shape of the island you can see the sun actually set in Wailea from July through Dec. thereafter the daily sunset is "hidden" behind the rocky slopes of the surrounding cliffs. 

Life is Good Hawaii Store (Maui)

The popular positive brand "Life is Good" opened their one and only Hawaiian island shop in Lahaina, Maui, and launched a special line of tees to boast of it. (There are more Maui designs than shown here). The tees are soft and durable, $30 each. Located on Front Street. 

Comfortable Slippahs

My vote for comfortable yet durable slippers with a slight arch and heel (from top to bottom): Cobian ($40), Reefs ($20-40), Olukai ($65-90). 

These will last longer than the dollar rubbah slippahs, and will keep your feet very happy. 

Sold at Costco (Reefs), Neiman Marcus (Olukai), and various surf stores across the islands (all).

Cinnamon Girl T-Shirt

Here's what makes this Tshirt special...when held to the light you can see a burn out design on the tee. Wearing it though it looks like a solid tshirt. 

Plus even though the company is Oahu based, this shirt is unique to Maui. (Plus was 50% off--score!)

Believe.Maui Jewelry

Jenna Evans is a Christian artist on Maui who hand crafts locally inspired jewelry with a touch of faith. 

Her earrings, bracelets and necklaces are hand wired with shells and beads in a delicately beachy style, simple yet thoughtful. Jenna is a perfectionist; she adds touches of detail near the clasp...and the gems, tags and shells are balanced just right as to not overpower nor be understated. 

She customizes each piece for the client, and hand pounds bible verses, initials or a word (eg "faith" or "believe") unto small sterling silver or 14k plates that act as charms to the selected piece. 

Since her jewelry is usually sold on Etsy I was delighted to see her work in person at a church Women's Conference. Her jewelry style isn't terribly unique (one sees it is all the trend on Maui), however it is her precision in craftsmanship that I completely respect and she is the only artist offering this style with a Christian bent. And while mainland fashion styles can be more urban in nature, Jenna's pieces make nice island inspired gifts for yourself or others that you can't get elsewhere. 

(Bracelets run $75+ and necklaces $110 and up) 

I wish her much success!

Hawaii's Taco Bell/Pizza Hut

This $5 coupon book offers $21 in coupons including two free pan pizzas, free tacos, free Nachos and so on. No purchase necessary--just tear out the coupon. Hawaii only.