Blog Archives

Maui Specialty Chocolates

Nestled in an out-of-the-way location is a real local gem called Maui Specialty Chocolates. You would be most likely to discover them as custom made chocolate treats for local hotels and vacation condo complexes; but thankfully you needn’t have to stay in one of these establishments to enjoy the rich, deliciousness they offer. In their store here on East Wakea Avenue, you can select the chocolate treats that most appeal to you without the cost of a night in the client hotel.

After 22 years in business, the family continues to work together to make […]

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Native Intelligence, Wailuku

Among our Wailuku stops was an interesting visit with Jenny Molitau, owner of Native Intelligence. Go ahead and let the name intrigue you – it’s a fantastic place. Plan to spend enough time to really enjoy everything the shop has to offer.

Native Intelligence has been in business for 4 years but last May they moved into their new location. As you drive by you can see authentic pieces of art lining the walls and display cases. This isn’t a museum but the cultural history that’s for sale here can enhance any home décor – […]

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Manoli’s Pizza – Grand Opening week in Wailea

Nestled above the 15th hole of the Wailea Blue, one might feel that you’re looking out onto a park and pond (as a few young ones mistakenly did), but in actuality you’re enjoying one of the three beautiful golf courses that Wailea offers from Manoli’s Pizza.

While customers are spoiled with top-notch service by staff, the owner, Aaron Placourakis, makes his way around the room, pacifying eager children with cheese pizza slices and making sure adults feel welcomed. His top notch attention to even the youngest diners […]

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Exploring Wailuku, Part III, things to do

Next stop on our tour of Wailuku included a visit to the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens.

There’s no entrance fee to wander around the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens which makes it an even better tour stop! It’s a nice place to spend a pleasant afternoon with your kids or just to take a walk and have lunch. Conveniently located near the Harbor, it’s easy to find on Kanaloa Ave with parking on the side street. Maui Nui Botanical Gardens is a non-profit organization that relies on its volunteers to keep the gardens green. There are […]

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Meet Mika, Weaver of Magic

There’s someone very special on the Island of Maui that most folks won’t have a chance to meet – unless you go looking for him. His name is Mika Villaren and he’s one of those magical types of people that simply LIVE the word ALOHA. We were fortunate to make his acquaintance last weekend at the Nui Festival in Wailea, but you might be able to find him sitting on the rock wall up at the Kaanapali Beach Resort weaving coconut leaves into magical bowls, hats and fish or playing the traditional Hawaiian ukulele.

I […]

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Part IV – Palmer Travel Blog, Relocating to Maui

The wait is finally over and with it comes the final post for the traveling part of our blogging. Hurricane Daniel and Hurricane Emelia have come and gone, leaving the South side of the island as dry and needy as it was before the weather warnings. Even those of us that prefer the higher heat and full blaring sun have to agree that a bit of rain would feed the soul of the island’s south side.

Working with the DMV and Safety Inspection Locations on Maui was painless and quite unexpectedly, bordered on enjoyable. We […]

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Exploring Wailuku, Part II, Restaurants and Dining

The next must-stop on our Wailuku Tour was for lunch at the Café O’Lei Wailuku.

We’ve enjoyed many meals at the other Café O’Leis on the island, but if you get the chance to stop in here for lunch, be sure to ask to be served by Omi. She has a bright and warm personality and makes wonderful recommendations!

You have the option of sitting outdoors in the eclectic alley or in the front or rear dining rooms. The interior walls are covered in art by local artists. […]

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Exploring Wailuku, Part I

We spent the day exploring parts of Wailuku and found some gems we wanted to share with you. Over the course of the next couple blogs, we’ll show you some fun places you might not be aware of if you’re vacationing in other cities on the island.

Among them was a fun stop at Mele Ukulele on Kaahumanu Avenue.

I’m not a string instrument type person, but I’ll tell you what! 5 minutes with Mele’s owner, Cheryl Rock, and she had me believing that I might actually be able to put down my computer keyboard […]

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Experience Kula Country Farms!

Welcome to a beautiful spot on Maui known as Kula Country Farms. Located on an ahupua’a owned by Mr. Henry Rice and his family since 1916, this farm offers acres of beauty, historical significance and family aloha.

We had the pleasure of spending the morning with enthusiastic owner, Teena, and her 2 daughters. The passion that this family exudes is contagious and listening to the tales of the old paniolos (Hawaiian cowboys) that now rest peacefully under a sacred clearing marked by a […]

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Part III – Palmer Travel Blog

After successfully purging ourselves of many of the items that once felt necessary, we were left with approx. 100 square feet of family heirlooms, warm weather clothing and basic necessities for our new home. The Allstate Shipping truck arrived and carried away our Matson container. The driver was courteous, funny and a prime example of great customer service skills. No major issues thus far. As of today, the container is cruising along across the ocean on the cargo vessel.

Leaving without our puppy was really hard… thankfully she has great puppy sitters that allow […]

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