Hyatt Regency - 30 Years on Kaanapali Beach

Spectacular 30th Anniversary Black and White Party at Spats April 17th

Do you remember dancing until dawn at Spats’ nightclub at the Hyatt Kaanapali? It really wasn’t that long ago and now you can revisit your glorious disco dancing dayz while quaffing a little champagne to toast Hyatt’s tenure on Kaanapali beach. VIP admission pre-party from eight til ten then dancing til three. How long’s it been since you stayed up until 3 am on Maui? Having fun? In public?

WHAT:  Hyatt Regency Maui’s 30th Anniversary Black & White Party

WHERE:  Spats Nightclub Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

WHEN:  Saturday, April 17
8:00pm – 10:00pm – VIP Reception
10:00 pm – 3:00 am – General Admission

DETAILS:  Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa celebrates its milestone anniversary this April with a spectacular 30th Anniversary Black & White Party at Spats. Reopening for a spectacular one-night-only experience, Spats nightclub, Hyatt’s infamous nightclub, will be revived to its former glory and transformed into a black and white disco for an unforgettable evening of dancing, music, libations, and more. Highlights include:

• DJ Blast, former featured entertainer ‘back in the day,’ spins ‘80s hits
• Special appearances from the Spats Passion Dancers, Cirque Polynesia performers, ABSOLUT Models and Bud Ambassadors
• Black & White attire encouraged – Gentlemen’s dress code (collared shirt, closed-toe shoes, no shorts) strictly enforced
• A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Visitor Industry Charity Walk

TICKETS: For more information and advance tickets, contact Expedia at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa at 808-667-4420

• VIP Reception – Reserved seating and complimentary champagne, signature ABSOLUT cocktails, Select 55 and passed appetizers. $50/person, pre-sale only through Expedia.
• VIP Table – Reserved seating, bottle of Möet & Chandon, VIP entry for four people. Call 808-478-2985 for reservations.
• General Admission – Spats event entrance, $25/person cover at the door ($20/person presale through Expedia).

For more information about Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa’s 30th Anniversary celebrations and specials, visit www.maui.hyatt.com or call (808) 661-1234.

Grammy Winner, George Kahumoku, Jr. will be providing the entertainment along with Lahainaluna High School musicians. This year the students of Lahainaluna and Maui Prep Academy will be recipients of scholarships which can make a real difference in the students’ lives.

With annual awards over $20,000 given to deserving seniors, the Rotary Club Lahaina has awarded over $550,000 since 1988. This year the goal is to give at least $20,000 in scholarships. Auctions include hotel stays, fine dining, golf, art, fine wines, fashion, air and sea travel, spa services, professional services, and many other generous donations by local businesses and individuals that make this event a success.

Contact event chairperson Carmen Karady at (808) 276-4629, or contact any member of The Rotary Club of Lahaina for more information.

Heartfelt Fund Raiser Number Two!!

Puppy Love at Gannon's

Noble Chef Flyer

The Maui Culinary Academy presents two big events this month – The Noble Chef, November 13, 2009 at the Fairmont Kea Lani, and Le Fooding, November 19^th, at the Paina Culinary Arts Center in Wailuku.

Locals have long known the best place on Maui for gourmet lunch is the Class Act Restaurant at the Maui Culinary Academy where students of the world-class Culinary Arts Program, the only Pacific- Asian program of its kind, prepare and present exemplary cuisine as part of their coursework. Because the servers and chefs are trainees, prices are low but food quality is off the charts! After all, students are being graded on their efforts.

It’s more than great food at great prices which has thrust MCA into the NY Times Reviewers and other spotlights since the 35,000 sq. ft facility opening in 2003. Having met many of the people involved in running the program, it’s ragingly obvious the people who teach, guide, direct and develop the Maui Culinary Academy have the biggest hand in the facility’s noteworthy development. Most of the staff have been awarded the UH Board of Regent’s Excellence in Teaching Award. Then there is Clyde Sakamoto,  Chancellor of Maui Community College, a well-traveled foodie who obviously never stops thinking of ways to drive the program to the next level.

Chef at Fairmont Kea Lani

First there was the innovative partnership with Sodexo Inc., announced in September, which has enabled the program to expand hours, scope and development. Now there is Le Fooding. Maui’s nod to a movement founded in 2000 in France intended to demystify the French concept of gastronomy. The idea is to make formerly elite food fun rather than stuffy, local rather than exotic, widely accessible rather than elitist.

Chancellor Sakamoko was made aware of the Le Fooding concept while traveling and rightly figured it would fit in neatly with Maui’s overall attitude toward life and the Culinary Academy’s programming in particular. To present the idea to the rest of Maui, the Academy is hosting a Le Fooding Event Thursday, November 19^th, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Paina Culinary Arts Center. Students will present displays and dishes representing the cuisine of France, Greece, Portugal and Italy but will accomplish the task using 90% locally grown and sourced ingredients.

Le Fooding Display at NY Event

In hosting the event, Program Coordinator, Chris Speere explains the intention is to bring a global perspective regarding trends in the culinary industry, expand public awareness of the wide array of quality local products available, as well as boast knowledge of healthy food choices and preparations. Sounds like a ton of Le Fooding fun for only $30/pp and wines presented by Better Brands for only $5/glass.

This weekend the Culinary Academy presents their annual scholarship fundraising event Noble Chef (formerly Noble Grape), renamed to put focus on the reason for the event – to raise money for aspiring chefs who need a little financial help for courses. The event is being held once again at the stunning Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea, November 13, 2009, at 6 p.m.

The evening will begin at Fountain Court with sparkling wine, a martini bar and luscious pupus prepared by Chef instructors Kyle Kawakami and Tom Lelli. crostini of grilled Maui Cattle Co. Tenderloin with Chimichurri Sauce; Spanish Bacalao Fritters with Aioli, and Figs wrapped in Prosciutto de Parma with aged balsamic. After the reception, an elegant sit-down with five courses prepared by the academy’s distinguished alumni, chef instructors and culinary students will be presented in the ballroom. The menu includes:

Hamakua Mushroom and Asparagus with Pipikaula Tomato Puree of Carrot and Duck Foie Gras Crostini.

Seared Diver Scallops with Kabocha Pumpkin and Crispy Pancetta.

Honey-citrus Lacquered Duck Breast with Wilted Local Greens, Pine Nuts and Vanilla-scented Oil.

Maui Cattle Co. Short Ribs, Edamame and Kula Corn Risotto with White Truffle Essence and Maui Gold Pineapple Caviar

Selection of Plated Desserts and Sweets

Cost is $150/pp, and Noble Chef Sponsors of $2,000 receive a premium table for eight, a swag bag of all sort of foodie goodies including MCA chocolates and more surprises.

For reservations, call Marilyn Fornwall at 984-3261.

Your guide to ghoulish, silly and spooky happenings on Maui this weekend.

October 30, 2009

Maui Mall Halloween Fun Night – 5 p.m.
Keiki can enjoy fun activities, trick-or-treating, and more at the Annual Maui Mall Keiki Costume Contest, and Pet Costume Contest, which is always hilarious and adorable.

World of Weird Tours, Maui Ocean Center, – 12 p.m.
It’s all chills, thrills, and gills on the World of Weird tour this Halloween! Some of the world’s weirdest creatures live right under the sea; learn about these amazing and bizarre marine animals with even stranger abilities! This 45-minute Ocean Naturalist guided tour meets at the Surge Zone exhibit before descending into the Living Reef. Cost: Complimentary with paid aquarium admission.

Underwater Pumpkin Carving – Maui Ocean Center – 1 p.m.
For a special Halloween treat, watch Maui Ocean Center SCUBA divers descend into the Open Ocean to carve out pumpkins among the sharks, fish, and other creatures of the sea!

October 31, 2009

Keiki Halloween Cruise to Lahaina – 3:15 p.m.
Join Pacific Whale Foundation for a family style Halloween cruise from Mā‘alaea to Lahaina. This 5-hour, alcohol-free cruise arrives in Lahaina in time for the Keiki Halloween Parade. Includes appetizers, refreshments and dessert. Adults/$54.95, children (3–12)/$34.95. Mā‘alaea departure 3:15 p.m. Call 249-8811, ext. 1 or visit pacificwhale.org.

Keiki Parade Front Street, Lahaina – 4:30 p.m.
Soroptimists invite all keiki to join in the fun, music and prizes in the 31st annual Keiki Halloween Costume Parade on Saturday, Oct. 31. The parade down Front Street begins at 3:30 p.m. Children should meet at Papalaua and Front streets at 3:15 p.m. to line up for the event.

Pride of Maui Halloween Costume Cruise – 5 p.m.
This Halloween night cruise out of South Maui’s Maalaea Harbor departs at 5:00 p.m. and drops passengers off at Lahaina Harbor at 6:30 p.m. for that town’s famous Halloween festivities. The cruise departs from Lahaina at 9:30 p.m. and arrives back in Maalaea at about 11:00 p.m. The evening includes cocktails live guitar music, and an on-board dinner featuring grilled ribs, roast chicken breast, salad vegetables, and desserts, For more information visit the Pride of Maui Web site.

Cannery Mall Keiki Halloween – 5 p.m.
Bring the entire family for a night of magic, trick-or-treating, crafts, face painting, keiki (kids’) costume contest, and the 2nd annual Maui Gold Pineapple decorating contest. Lahaina Cannery Mall.

Lahaina Halloween Front Street
There’s been an eerie silence regarding this year’s plans but don’t let that freak you out. Halloween on Front Street has been a big deal for decades and I’m sure it will be again this year! Though recently downgraded to an “unofficial” event in 2008 after protests but the kibosh on permits, plenty of revelers still turn out in costume to “trick and treat” on Front Street following the annual children’s costume parade which kicks-off the evening at 4:30 p.m.

Lavender Farm
Saturday October 31, 2009. Come in costume and receive a treat! Save $1 off Lavender Farm spook-tacular Lavender Chocolate Gelato. Coupon from aklmaui.com required.

Ichabod’s Haunted Attraction
Pretty scary, kids! The 4th Annual “Ichabod’s Haunt” spooky attraction presented by MJT Corporation will take place October 23-31, 2009 at Wharf Center on Front Street in Lahaina. The event will feature 4200 square feet and 15 rooms of animatronics, creepy mazes sure to haunt your  nightmares. IMPORTANT NOTE: The evening shows are intense and scary and are not suitable for young children. There are not-so-scary children’s shows from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and very scary evening shows from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Ichabod’s Haunted Attraction is a benefit for the Keiki’s Dream Foundation (which is pretty funny given that nightmare reference…) All in good fun. Tickets are available online on the TicketLeap Ichabod’s page.

Wailea Marriott to Benefit Cameron Center , 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
This Halloween Spooktacular is the annual benefit for the 35-year-old center and its nonprofits. The fundraiser will be held on Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31, from 4 to 10 p.m. within the conference pavilion at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, the venue sponsor for the event. From 4 to 7 p.m., dare to journey through the Keiki Haunted Fun House, where parents are welcome to walk little ones through some scary fun and grab some sweet treats. The cost is $10 per keiki—parents are free! Reservations are required by Tuesday, Oct. 20. Call 244-5546.

Adults will enjoy the gala fundraiser and costume ball, which begins with a “Spooktacular” reception and impressive silent auction beginning at 5:30 p.m. Dine on elegant cuisine and enjoy live entertainment from some “surprise stars,” and keep your feet moving to the sounds of Jimmy Mac and the Kool Kats.

Parents can enjoy a worry-free evening while their kids party in Keiki Care. A separate Halloween celebration for little goblins ages four through 12 will be supervised by certified childcare providers. Keiki can be dropped off any time after 5:30 p.m. and picked up no later than 10:30 p.m. (For keiki under four years old, babysitting arrangements can be made through the resort by calling 879-1922.) Dinner, beverages and festivities for keiki are $25 per child. Reservations are required by Tuesday, Oct. 20, by calling 244-5546.

Gala “Pumpkin” reservations for adults are available for $125, or assemble a group of 10 for a table, with reservations starting at $2,500 for “Black Cat,” and upward for “Witch,” “Vampire” and “Monster” sponsorships.

Halloween Pa`ia – Dusk ‘til Dawn
The little town that could, Pa`ia seems intent to step up after Lahaina let us down. This year Pa`ia kicks up its own Halloween festivities which also benefit the Maui Food Bank – so bring canned goods in your trick or treat sacks! For more information visit www.paiamaui.com .

Pineapple Grill Monster Bash, 5:30 ‘til close
Stay out of harm’s way while hootin’ it up in Kapalua at Pineapple Grill’s 2^nd Annual Monster Bash. Tunana Da Band makes their Kapalua debut at the haunting hour, playing upbeat Jawaiian Sounds guaranteed to sooth all savage beasts attracted by specially priced pupus and drinks.  Costume contest and bushel baskets of fun are assured. Call 808-669-9600 for more information.

MAPA Garden Party

The 21st Annual Garden Party to benefit the Maui Academy of Performing Arts is being held on the grounds of the beautiful Yokouchi Family Estate in Wailuku Sunday, September 13th.

If you haven’t been before, it is a fine opportunity to while away the afternoon.  If you have been, you already know what to expect….wear a hat, stroll around like you own the gorgeous grounds and observe your favorite local artists (George Allan, Janet Shaner, Steve Turnbull) as they turn out new art on the spot.

Indicative of the times, this year’s Garden Party offers “Garden Green;” pay $75 and get a “Garden Green” certificate worth $100 to be spent at the event. Purchase as much “Garden Green” as you like, in denominations of $100 only, for use at the silent and live auctions, as well as the Garden Shoppe where you can buy lots of green things including a hat to shade your lovely eyes during the event. To purchase “Garden Green” in advance, call the MAPA office at 244-8760.

While you’re waiting for the paint to dry on your most recent art acquisition, sip a few mojitos whilst nibbling pupus from Bentos and Banquets, Café Marc Aurel, Café O`Lei, Casanova, Hula Grill, Maui Tacos, Mulligan on the Blue, Rimfire Imports, Roy’s and the Waterfront Restaurants.
Advance purchase price is $65, but it’s $75 at the door. Call 244-8760. Event sponsored by Hawaii Liquor Superstore.