Blog Archives

Maui Wild Dolphin Days

This weekend is Maui’s celebration of Wild Dolphin Days! To commemorate this weekend, the Pacific Whale Foundation held its Wild Dolphin Sand Sculpture Contest out on Keawakapu Beach in South Kihei! Prizes were given out in 5 categories to participants to encourage all ages, abilities and family sizes to participate.

Wild Dolphin Days not only celebrates the spectacular wild dolphins that grace us around all 3 Maui islands, but also commemorates the tenth year since Maui County passed a law to not allow the display of captive dolphins (and other cetaceans) to ensure that they […]

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The Miracles at Haku Baldwin Center

You’ve probably passed the ranch in Makawao a dozen times without realizing the magic nestled on the side of the road. Back behind unmarked fences lies a 33 acre ranch known as Haku Baldwin Center. They don’t advertise a lot and in fact, don’t even have a website yet – but you’ll be amazed at the lives they’re touching with their emotional support animals and the strives they’re making to bring free therapeutic horseback riding to as many families as possible.

“Where special people and animals come together.” Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Pet Therapy & Animal […]

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If The Shoe Fits, Wailuku

The name, If The Shoe Fits, struck me as cute at first glance and within the first 5 minutes with shop owner, Teri Edmonds, the name became cleverly appropriate.

Teri is one of those owners that greets each customer with the compassion of a long lost friend… Her warm aloha and bubbly personality resonate within If The Shoe Fits and you can’t help but smile. When asked how her dream came to be, she answers with a broad smile and a short tale. She began her designing career with the goal of providing stylish shoes […]

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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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