My Alii Photo Contest is now LIVE!

Kaanapali Alii guests are inspired to snap photos all day long of Maui’s delicious food, natural beauty and all the special moments shared with friends and family!  So every month we open another “My Alii Photo Contest!”

 

Each monthly winner is determined by a popular vote of people just like you who visit the website and click on “Vote” next to the photo that you like best. Check January’s winning photo from Jennifer of Livermore, CA who captured stand up paddleboarding against a blazing Maui sunset. And notice the runner up winning photo of a gecko on a brilliant yellow hibiscus. So you see the subjects are limited only by your imagination and unique experiences on Maui.

Monthly prizes change but have included gifts such as a Hawaii coffee table book by professional photographer Douglas Peebles, a logo beverage cooler and more. Of course everyone is shooting for the Grand Prize for 2013 – a 5-night stay in a fully furnished luxury condo at Kaanapali Alii.

 

Click here to go to the My Alii Photo Contest area of our website to enter your photos and vote for your favorites.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kaanapali Beach #1 US Beach According to TripAdvisor

Kaanapali Alii proudly announces Kaanapali Beach is #1 in the US according to TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice® Beaches awards.

 

The Travelers’ Choice Beaches awards honor top beach spots around the world, based entirely on the reviews and opinions from millions of TripAdvisor travelers. In total, 276 winning beaches were named across Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, the Middle East, the U.S. and more.

 

We have always known that Kaanapali Alii is located on the best stretch of Kaanapali Beach’s golden sands. But now travelers have confirmed it. Kaanapali Alii is definitely the #1 Beach in the US!

 

“The Travelers’ Choice Beaches winners have joined an elite list of destinations that are enjoyed and appreciated by a large community of travelers,” said Christine Petersen, president, TripAdvisor for Business. “This award is a great honor for the local tourism industry and reflects the destination’s great charm and appeal.”

 

The complete list of 2013 Travelers’ Choice Beaches can be found at: http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches

Whales are here in Maui

Breaching Whale

Did you know that Lahaina was once the royal capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom before it was moved to Honolulu in 1845? At that time is was also the center of whaling in Hawaii (1825 to 1860). During that time, Lahaina was known as the Pacific’s most significant whaling port. At its peak, whalers were hunting thousands of whales each year—to the point of near extinction. Today, conservation has helped to save whales and increase the overall whale population – and Maui is the best place to see them.

It is whale season now (until around April) so this is a great time to visit Maui and experience the amazement of the majestic North Pacific Humpback Whales. There are many reasons Humpback Whales spend the summer in Maui. They come to breed and give birth but they also put on a great show. If you want to see these amazing creatures up-close then treat yourself to scenic ocean views as expert guides take you to the best spots to observe whales playfully surfacing, tail slapping, or blowing spouts in the air. But remember – regulations prohibit boats from approaching within 100 yards of a whale and you should never swim with or touch whales or any other marine mammals.

A great way to find a whale watching tour is to visit Lahaina Harbor. A short drive from Kaanapali Alii you will find whale watching kiosks lining the harbor with a variety of whale watching options. There you will find a wide range of whale watching tours from charter boats to passenger rafts. Tours last roughly 2-4 hours long and some even offer early bird specials.

To explore more of Lahaina’s whaling past, the harbor offers many opportunities  (delete “there”) as well. Echoes of the past can be found from the modest Lahaina Lighthouse (the oldest lighthouse in the Pacific) to Hale Paahao, the Old Lahaina Prison, where rowdy sailors were rounded up for the night in the 1850’s. A short stroll from Kaanapali Alii is Whaler’s Village with an extensive Whaling Museum that is free to the public.

These are just a few of the reasons to give yourself time to explore the fascinating town of Lahaina. And there’s no better place to stay than Kaanapali Alii where all the adventures of Lahaina Town are just a stone’s throw away!

Start the New Year with E ala E

First Light – E ala e!
Awaken

 

We invite you to join us in experiencing the First Light of the New Year in a Hawaiian
sea-water cleansing or also known as Hi’uwai.

 

Hi’uwai – to cleanse in sea water. In ancient Hawai’i, the bath between midnight
and sunrise was regarded as a ceremony of purification. It was a symbol of cleansing
all impurities of the past. Since salt water was regarded as the water of purification,
everyone who could went to the sea to bathe. The ritual of purification involves
wading silently into the tranquil sea while releasing problems, stress or grief.

 

Take this opportunity to participate in this hi’uwai to promote inner and spiritual
peace in oneself and create a new wellness.

 

Awaken your senses and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit.

When: Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Where: On the beach in front of Ka’anapali Ali’i
Time: 6:45 AM – Hi’uwai will begin promptly.
What to bring:
• Bathing suit and towel
• Warm clothing for after cleansing
• Open mind and heart

 

E ala e!

E ala e, ka la i ka hikina – Rise up the sun is in the east
I ka moana, ka moana hohonu  – In the ocean, the deep ocean
Pi’i ka lewa, ka lewa nu’u  – Climbs to the heavens, the great height of the heavens
I ka hikina, aia a ka la, e ala e! – In the east, there is the sun, rise up!

Hawaiian Holiday Recipes

The holiday season is upon us! If you are dreaming of your stay with us at Kaanapali Alii and would love to transport yourself back to the Islands – add a little Hawaiian flare to your holiday menu. Try one of the following recipes to impress your family and friends AND transport yourself back to Maui:

 

Molokai Sweet Potato Palau

If you’ve never heard the word Palau used before, it is a type of pudding made with sweet potatoes and coconut cream. Both the coconut cream and sweet potatoes make this pudding super rich and creamy and super easy to make! Keep in mind you can also substitute Molokai sweet potatoes with traditional sweet potatoes.

 

Three large sweet potatoes
One cup coconut milk
Once cup onion, diced
One cup butter
Salt, to taste

 

Peel and cut potatoes into small, one-inch cubes and simmer in water over the stovetop until they are tender and easy to cut. Drain the water from the potatoes, add the butter and set aside. Sautee the onion in the butter and heat until the onions achieve a translucent appearance. Add coconut milk to the potatoes and butter and mash until creamy and smooth. Top with sautéed onions and salt, to taste.

 

Cranberry Pineapple Relish

What better way to add a taste of Hawaii to your Hawaiian holiday meal than with cranberries and pineapples?

 

Two cups fresh cranberries
Four cups fresh pineapple (or canned), cut into bite-size pieces
Four cups brown sugar
Two tablespoons finely chopped ginger
One cup fresh pineapple juice (or canned)
One teaspoon cinnamon

 

Combine all ingredients in a pan and heat to boiling. Allow cranberries to pop. Cool the mixture down and serve.

 

Kalua Turkey

The centerpiece of any traditional Hawaiian holiday dinner is, without a doubt, Kalua turkey. You may have heard about Kalua pork on the Islands, but it is also quite common to make Kalua turkey.

 

One whole turkey
Water or chicken stock
One teaspoon liquid smoke

 

Using a large roasting pan, place turkey in the pan, along with the water or chicken stock. Add liquid smoke and bake turkey according to the size.

 

Macadamia Nut Stuffing

This stuffing is sweet and satisfying, and the addition of macadamia nuts adds a nutting flavor that is sure to please your guests.

 

Six cups bread, toasted and cubed
Three eggs
One cup turkey stock
One small onion, chopped and diced
Three cloves garlic, chopped and diced
One cup toasted macadamia nuts
One cup fennel sausage, browned and chopped into small pieces
One cup chorizo sausage, browned and chopped into small pieces
One half teaspoon fennel seed
Two stalks celery, chopped
Two tablespoons parsley and sage, chopped
One half pound butter, melted
Salt and pepper to taste

 

Sautee onions, garlic and celery until the onions are caramelized and translucent. Add both types of sausage and add all other ingredients to this mixture, adding salt and pepper, as needed. Place ingredients into a baking pan and cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes in a 375-degree oven.

 

Recipes provided by our friends from HawaiiMagazine

Conde Nast Traveler votes Maui “Best Island”

If you have been waiting for just the right time to visit Maui, according to discerning travelers and Conde Nast Traveler, there couldn’t be a better time than right now.

This month, CNT confirmed what we have always known – that Maui ranks first. For an incredible 19th time, our humble island ran away with the title “Best U.S. Island” in the Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards. Maui scored a 92.1, almost three full points higher than second place winner, sister-island, Kauai, which scored an 89.3.

From our incredible beaches to our sumptuous local cuisine, to site seeing, shopping, golf, spas – Maui has everything you could hope for when planning your vacation. Come visit us at Kaanapali Alii and see just what we are all about for yourself.


MAUI, Hawaii – For an unprecedented 19th time, Maui captured “Best U.S. Island” (formerly “Best Pacific Island”). With a score of 92.1, Maui bested all other island and city destinations named to the poll with the publication recognizing Maui as “tops in the world” in its 25th annual CONDE NAST TRAVELER Readers’ Choice Awards.

In the same Best U.S. Island category, sister island Kauai placed 2nd (89.3) while third place honors went to Kiawah, SC (88.8). Oahu came in 4th (87), St. Simons, GA placed 5th (85.7) while Lanai and Hawaii Island tied for 6th (85.1). According to the publication, the Readers’ Choice Awards are a unique and trusted source of advice globally for its range and depth thanks to America’s most discerning and demanding travelers.

“While the natural beauty and gracious aloha of our people make this possible, our individual scores reveal our guests appreciate Maui’s varied offerings – fantastic hotels and resorts, incredible dining experiences and myriad activities, both on land and ocean,” stated Terryl Vencl, executive director, Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau. “While there are abundant adventures at hand, we know our guests relish the freedom to be as active or relaxed as they choose. I believe this coveted award speaks to that. We are truly honored.”

Other top island destinations worldwide included winners in the following geographical categories: Caribbean/Atlantic (Bermuda, 87.2), Australia & The Pacific (Bora Bora, 86.7), Canada (Vancouver Island, 82), Asia (Bali, 81.8) and Europe (Bozcaada and The Turkish Aegean Islands, 80.8).

Maui’s score once again surpassed all other top destinations globally beating out every “Best City” category winner including U.S. (Charleston, SC, 86.7), Africa (Capetown, 84.8), Europe (Florence, 83.3), Asia (Bangkok, 83), Canada (Vancouver, 81.9), Australia & The Pacific (Sydney, 81.7), Central & South America (Buenos Aires, 76.1), Caribbean & The Atlantic (Gustavia, St. Barts, 71.1) and Mexico (San Miguel De Allende, 71.1).

Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa added, “This award belongs to all the people of Maui and especially the residents of our visitor industry. ‘Maui no ka oi’ or ‘Maui is the best’ is a common Hawaiian refrain. Today, we can hold our heads high as we all celebrate this wonderful honor together.”

In the “Top 25 Hawaii Resorts” category, Maui County dominated with 11 properties honored; four of the top five are Lanai and Maui resorts. Leading the way is Four Seasons Resort Lanai, The Lodge at Koele (96.2) while Hawaii Island’s Four Seasons Resort Hualalai placed second (95.2). At #3 is Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay (94.7) while Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea ranked 4th (93.9) and Wailea Beach Villas 5th (93.7).

Other Maui resorts honored include #9 Fairmont Kea Lani (89.8), #11 Honua Kai Resort & Spa (87.5), #15 Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa (87.1), #16 Travaasa Hana (86.5) and #17 Grand Wailea (86.4). The 23rd ranking went to Westin Maui Resort & Spa (82.1) and Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa (82) placed 24th.
Hawaiian Airlines also ranked as a Top U.S. Airline placing third (61) behind 1st place Virgin America (79.6) and 2nd place Jet Blue (68.8).

Every year, the most discriminating travelers in the world pick the world’s superlative hotels, resorts, airlines, cruise lines, islands, and cities. In its 25th incarnation this year, the Readers’ Choice Awards are vaster and more compelling than ever before, featuring more than 1,300 properties and places that are truly the cream of the crop.

The Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau is a subsidiary of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. HVCB is contracted by the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), the state of Hawaii’s tourism agency, for marketing management services in North America. The HTA was established in 1998 to ensure a successful visitor industry well into the future. Its mission is to strategically manage Hawaii tourism in a sustainable manner consistent with the state of Hawaii’s economic goals, cultural values, preservation of natural resources, community desires, and visitor industry needs.

The islands of Maui Nui (Maui County) offer three very distinct Hawaiian experiences. World-class resorts, award winning cuisine, championship golf, exquisite natural beauty and the islands’ host Hawaiian culture have propelled Maui Nui into the limelight. For more information, go to http://www.visitmaui.com or call 800-525-6284.

Wailea Wine and Food Festival

If you’re visiting Maui during the first week of December, you will definitely not want to miss the Maui Wine and Food Festival.

December 6th through the 9th, nationally renowned vintners and sommeliers will collaborate with Wailea’s inspired chef’s to Celebrate the Crush at Wailea Resort’s first ever Wailea Wine & Food Festival. The absolute best of the winemakers’ art will be paired with the culinary talents of Wailea’s Master chefs on the sunny shores of South Maui.

Events include wine seminars, tastings, presentations and special culinary events in honor of all things grape and great! Come sip fine wine and savor our extraordinary cuisine, Oceanside on Maui.

Tickets are available but can only be purchased online through the Festival website at http://www.waileawineandfoodfestival.com.

XTERRA World Championships

On October 28th, The Ritz Carlton Kapalua will play host to the 12th annual XTERRA World Championship. The world’s premier off-road triathletes will compete in what is best described as a tropical roller-coaster ride through pineapple fields and forests.

Only 800 athletes will qualify to complete in this final event in the XTERRA triathlon series which totals over 100 in over 100 individual off-road triathlon races held in 16 countries and 30+ U.S. States, and combines a 1.5-kilometer (1-mile) rough water swim, a 29.5-kilometer (18.3-miles) mountain bike and a 9.8-kilometer (6.1-miles) trail run.

For all the important information regarding the XTERRA World Championships, please visit www.xterramaui.com.

Kaanapali Fresh – Taste the best Kaanapali has to offer

This weekend, our friends at Kaanapali Beach Resort Association will be hosting the first annual Kaanapali Fresh, an unparallelled three-day culinary experience, designed to highlight Kaanapali as the premier destination for exquisite cuisine, experiences and activities.

Beginning Friday, August 31st and running through Sunday, September 2, you will have the opportunity to sample locally sourced culiary masterpieces created by some of Maui’s most talented Executive Chefs, including locally born and raised, Chef James Domingo of Leilani’s On the Beach and Culinary Institute graduate, Matt Dugan of the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa.

Kaanapali Fresh will offer many diverse activities, all designed to allow you to experience Kaanapali’s finest.  Choose from an upland visit to Kaanapali Coffee Farm, Champagne Sunday Brunch at Kaanapali Beach Hotel, or a mixology lesson with Chandra Lucariello, Director of Mixology for Southern Wine and Spirits of Hawaii.  There is a little something for everyone.

If you are visiting us this weekend, Kaanapali Fresh is an a once in a lifetime event that you will not want to miss.

For more information, or to view the schedule of events and pre-purchase tickets, visit the Kaanapali Fresh website.

Celebrate Japanese Obon this Weekend

Obon is the Japanse Buddist tradition that sets aside a time to honor family and loved ones who have passed away.

Traditionally celebrated in the summer, Obon is a holiday during which family members return to their ancestral homes to visit and pay respects.

Over the past five hundred years, Obon has evolved into a social and cultural event.  Celebrations are happy and joyous occasions and include the dance of Ben Odori, which symbolizes and celebrates the sacrificies the ancestors have made on our behalf.  It is said that during the dance, the spririts of the dead dance among us.

Visitors and tourists are welcome and encouraged to participate.   Join the Wailuku Hongwanji Mission this Friday or Saturday nights at 7:00 PM to experience Obon for yourself.

Wailuku Hongwanji Mission
1828 Vineyard St
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793