Service of Aloha Employee Recognition

We are honored recognize Kurt Mervis for his service of Aloha.  Kurt has been at Kaanapali Alii for 15 years and has received many outstanding reviews for service and exceeding the expectations of our guests.  If you had the opportunity to meet Kurt during your stay and want to congratulate him please feel free to comment on this post.

We asked Kurt what he liked about his job and this is what he had to say:

“I’ve been at the Alii for 15 years and plan to stay forever.  What I like is that every day around here is like old home week!  I enjoy seeing return guests coming around the corner and then settling them into their favorite spots around the pool.  I’ve watched their kids grow up and now I see the grandchildren. It’s that kind of family place.

You might not know that I’m also a carpenter.  I just finished building 30 new redwood cabanas improving many details from the first set that I built some years ago!  Also I’ve been able to develop the pool shack into a successful operation in part by making sure that each year we have new styles of trendy logo wear.  Another fun project is our Super Bowl Party.  People fly in just for the Party.  Maybe you’d like to come this year?   Whenever you come back, please stop by and let us know how we can help you enjoy your vacation.”

Kaanapali Beach Resort Travel Show to Air in Portland

Kaanapali Beach Resort is coming to Portland television.

The schedule is as follows:
Saturday, January 30th on PDX Cable TV at 8pm
Sunday, January 31st on Fox at 6pm
Saturday, March 27th on PDX Cable TV at 8pm
Sunday, March 28th on Fox at 6pm

New Photo of Kaanapali Alii’s Oceanfront Pools

BBQ SHRIMP

Yield: 5 orders

Tools: Chef Knife, Cast Iron Skillet, Measuring Spoons & Cups

Shelf Life: 1 day

Ingredients:

20 Each                   16/20 Shrimp peeled and deveined
1 oz vol                   Canola Oil
1 TBL + 5 tsp           Green Onions, Chopped
2 oz vol                   Dry White Wine
1 tsp                        Fresh Chopped Garlic
4 TBL                       Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
1 tsp                        Tabasco Sauce
½ tsp                       Cayenne Pepper
½ tsp                       Paprika
8 oz wt.                    Butter, salted

Process:

1. Wash shrimp under water and then peel the shells and discard. Deveined the shrimp with a paring knife and then    wash under water. Repeat until all shrimp are done, place on a sheet tray and place in the refrigerator.

2. Place a large cast iron skillet on a burner and heat over high heat. Add oil and cook shrimp until the are just done, you may have to do these in batches if you do not have large skillet. Remove shrimp and set aside.

3. Add green onions and cook for 1 minute.

4. Add white wine and reduce the volume by half. ( Any good dry white wine will work)

5. When the wine is reduced by half, measure and add the chopped garlic, Worcestershire, Tabasco. Cayenne pepper and Paprika. Shake the pan well. Cook for 1 minute. Reduce the heat to low.

6. Cut butter into small chunks with the knife and slowly add into pan, shaking fast to melt butter.
Continue to add butter until it all added and shake until butter is melted. Add shrimp back to pan and toss well to coat shrimp with bitter and to heat the shrimp.

TO PLATE:

1. Place 5 shrimp on small serving plates with a deep edge and ladle bbq butter over the top over the shrimp. Repeat with the other shrimp and sprinkle each plate with 1 tsp of chopped green onions, serve right away.

NOTE: For chopped garlic peel fresh garlic cloves and rough chop with a chef knife. For green onions, wash green onions under water shake off and cut with a chef knife into 1/16” cuts, using the green part only.

Kaanapali Alii Unveils New Pools and State-of-the-art Fitness Center

Kaanapali Alii Unveils New Pools and State-of-the-art Fitness Center.

“Wow!” is the most frequent reaction heard from return guests of Kaanapali Alii when they discover the dramatic enhancements unveiled this month.  Renovations at this luxurious condominium were chosen based on the amenities most valued by guests: the oceanfront swimming pools, and the fitness center.

“I talk to guests every day so that we stay focused on what matters to them.  Our Alii condo advantages of luxury, space and privacy are key but as important are the beachfront location, our pools and the fitness center,” explained Mark Altier, general manager.

A second freshwater swimming pool, a new whirlpool spa, and an expanded children’s pool were added to the Alii’s popular center courtyard.  Plus a new pool pavilion with flat screen TVs and earth-toned lounge furniture has become an instant gathering place.  The cool shade of this indoor-outdoor pavilion offers an alternative to the sundeck and the beach.

In response to increased guest demand for health-oriented vacations, the resort also invested in and just opened a new state-of-the-art Fitness Center located across from the porte cochere.  Here’s a peek inside: Large picture windows open up views of the scenic West Maui Mountains and the Kaanapali Kai Golf Course; cardio equipment outfitted with TVs; flat screen TVs strategically placed around the fitness area, the latest in strength equipment and a serene yoga and stretching area.

There’s more to come when the new Alii Spa opens  with treatment rooms offering massage and tropical facials.

New Kaanapali Alii Fitness Center Now Open

The new 3,000 sq. ft. Kaanapali Alii Fitness Center is now open.  Here are a few photos that were taken today…more to come.  See more photos at Alii’s Facebook page.

Kaanapali Alii New Oceanfront Pools Now Open

Kaanapali Only Luxury Oceanfront Condominium is now a WOW!  Here are a few photos that were taken today…more to come.  See more photos at Alii’s Facebook page.

Maui’s new Alii Spa to open in January – 12/15/09 Kaanapali Alii eNewsletter

As you may already know, the renovation and expansion of Kaanapali Alii’s most important amenities include a second pool, another whirlpool spa, children’s pool and a 3,000 square foot fitness center. All  scheduled to open in time for the holidays. But there’s more.

Over the years many return guests of Kaanapali Alii have asked us for spa services right on property. Of course we listened and now — here it is!  The much-anticipated Alii Spa will open in January with private treatment rooms and professional massage and facial services.

What to expect?  A menu of pleasures!  After air travel your body needs relaxation and revitalization and the Alii Spa is ready with specialized massage therapies to fit your personal vacation lifestyle.   Choose a Sports Massage, a Alii Massage using heat and your choice of aromatherapy oils, or the uniquely Hawaiian “Pohaku” hot stone massage that combines a full body massage with the use of hot basalt stones to melt muscular tension.

Facials at the Alii Spa are designed for both men and women and utilize organic ingredients including fruit, vegetable and herbal skincare products.  Selections include the signature aromatherapy facial and the Royal Pure Skin Facial that includes a deep purifying and pampering skin treatment. You start to feel good just thinking about it.

Current 2010 Offers
Looking for the lowest rate possible for a short stay?  Our luxurious, spacious one-bedroom garden view condos start at only $295/night. Space is limited.  Reserve Now!

OR

Staying more than a few days?  Our “Stay and Play” offer includes every 5th night free plus $200 in American Express gift cheques.  Stay even longer and enjoy the 10th night free plus $400.  Rates starting at $395.  Reserve Now!

ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT MY JOB

Relaxation begins the moment you arrive at the Alii bell desk and see the familiar smile of John Anderson, honored as “Employee of the Year” for 2009.

The best thing about my job is that I work in a relaxing atmosphere compared to large hotels.  Also I’m the one who gets to tell first-time guests about what I call the “so much more!” So much more space yet we still offer the services of a resort hotel.  I tell them they’ve got the best of both worlds.  And here’s one of my tips: you are welcome to arrive with groceries because we’re prepared to transport all shapes and sizes right up to your condo.

Source:  Kaanapali Alii e-newsletter distributed on 12/9/09.  To sign up to receive our eNewsletters please CLICK HERE.

The Return of the Humpback Whales

Every year, from late November to early May, humpback whales migrate back to the warm waters of Hawaii. Up to 45-tons and 45-feet long, these gentle giants often breach the sea in spectacular fashion. Still an endangered species, whale numbers have miraculously been on the rise. And although you can whale watch throughout Hawaii, the channel between Maui, Lanai and Molokai may be one of the best places in the world to spot whales. The historic whaling town of Lahaina is the perfect place to cast off during the peak months of January through early April. There may never have been a better time to go whale watching in Hawaii.

Content provided by HVCB

Legends of Golf Shine in Paradise

KA’ANAPALI, Maui – Fred Couples will make his Champions Tour debut by joining five Hall of Fame members as the 23^rd Wendy’s Champions SKINS GAME returns to the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii and the Royal Ka’anapali Golf Course Jan. 16-17, 2010.

The 50-year-old Couples is part of a dynamic field that includes Hall of Fame members Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Gary Player, Ben Crenshaw and Nick Price.

Along with this legendary group, Loren Roberts will compete in his second Wendy’s Champions SKINS GAME while Crenshaw and Fuzzy Zoeller attempt to become the first team to successfully defend its title.

For the fifth consecutive year, the players will compete in the alternate-shot, team format which has produced memorable shots, a sprinkle of intrigue and a bundle of player commentary. The players will play nine holes each day, with ESPN televising the Wendy’s Champions SKINS GAME on a tape-delayed basis Saturday, Feb. 27, 4:00-6:00 p.m. and Sunday, February 28, 2:00-4:00 p.m. (Times vary in different areas; check your local listings). The broadcast will also be available on ESPNHD.

Crenshaw and Zoeller return to the Royal Ka’anapali Golf Course at the Ka’anapali Beach Resort to defend their title against 2007 champions Nicklaus and Watson, who are paired for the fifth consecutive time. Couples will join Price, who is also competing in his first Wendy’s Champions SKINS GAME while Roberts and Player create a fantastic putting combination.

Here is a snapshot of the four teams:

Ben Crenshaw—Fuzzy Zoeller: While Zoeller has won two consecutive competitions as an individual—teaming with Peter Jacobsen in 2008 and Crenshaw in 2009—as a duo they hope to become the first team to win back-to-back titles. Hall of Fame member Crenshaw has accumulated 19 PGA TOUR victories, including the 1984 and 1995 Masters. Zoeller won the 1979 Masters, the 1984 U.S. Open and the 2002 Senior PGA Championship during a career that has included 12 victories.

Jack Nicklaus—Tom Watson: These two legends and Hall of Fame members have entertained and amazed sports fans for decades. Still considered the greatest to play the game, Nicklaus started his professional career by winning the 1962 U.S. Open for the first of an unmatched 18 major championship titles. Watson excited the sports world earlier this year as he lead the British Open late into Sunday before losing a playoff to Stewart Cink. It would have been Watson’s sixth Open title. Together this twosome has won 134 official events on both the PGA TOUR and Champions Tour.

Gary Player—Loren Roberts: This team is in place for the second time. They finished third with four skins in 2008. Roberts has won the Charles Schwab Cup title two of the past three years and has accumulated 11 wins on the Champions Tour, including three this year. Player has won 163 tournaments around the world, including nine major championship titles. The Hall of Fame member will be competing in this event for the 11^th time.

Fred Couples—Nick Price: Not only is this Couples debut on the Champions Tour, both of these players will be making their first appearance in the Wendy’s Champions SKINS GAME. They will also be the youngest team in the competition. Couples enjoyed his year as captain of the victorious U.S. team at the Presidents Cup this fall. He arrives on the Champions Tour with 15 career victories and has won the Tour’s version of the Skins seven times. Price just completed his third year on the Champions Tour and picked up one win this year. He won 18 times on the TOUR.

Content provided by Kaanapali Golf Resort