News | Maui Made

News and reviews of made on Maui products and Maui-based companies and success stories. Also featuring island shopping guides

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Paia Update- August 2015

I went away for two weeks in July, and upon returning, it seemed like there was a whole flurry of activity in Paia! New shops had opened, other shops had moved, restaurants are closing and opening, and the construction boom is still in full force!

Here’s a run down of what’s new in Paia:

SHOPS

Congratulations to Christine and Tim Thevenard on the opening of their beautiful new shop Luna and Tide (website still under construction but has contact info) – this shop is worth the entry just to see their gorgeous floors. I popped my head in when I was cruising around town with a four year old (who is not much for shopping) so I will have to go back and check out the shop soon solo. Plus they have my favorite Robena painting. According to Christine, “Luna & Tide is a new Paia store filled with gifts, art and home decor. Many of the products that are sold here support and give back to the world artisans communities were they are from. We are looking forward to working with more local artisan as well. Please come in to visit!”

yes, these people are walking around paia with surfboards. hi = tech maui rents boards right in the middle of town

Clothing and Bags in Luna and Tide - a new retail shop in Paia, Maui, Hawaii

cute shirts and cover ups

Painting by artist Robena at Luna and Tide. Paia, Maui, Hawaii

My favorite painting by Robena.

Custom Concrete Finishes Maui - Luna and Tide Retail Space - Paia, Maui, Hawaii

Check out the amazing floors!

A shop that is no longer in Paia is the custom swimwear shop ‘Love the Beach‘ (and I believe she’s still making custom suits but I’m trying to confirm this!)- the space is now called The Mermaid Inn, and shares that same owners as the neighboring Paia Mercantile. More on the Mermaid Inn coming soon…

I can’t keep track of where everyone has been or is going, but it appears that Nectar Creations is now in the former Hemp House location and Original Kashmir (which appears to be a kind of import store with all kinds of crystals, jewelry and of course, cashmere) has taken its place along Hana Highway.

Tristan is a BIG fan of the crystals…

RESTAURANTS

Hana Ranch Provisions - Opening August 2015 - New Restaurant Paia, Hawaii

Hana Ranch Provisions Opens in Paia!

The big news in the Paia restaurant world is the opening of Hāna Ranch Provisions. The to-go counter (most recently Moana Bakery) is currently open, and the restaurant side will be opening for dinner on Friday, August 28! According to the press release “Hāna Ranch is thrilled to introduce Hāna Ranch Provisions, a new community gathering place that, at its core, will strive to provide a wholesome, ingredient-focused food experience,” said Linh Phu, culinary manager of Hāna Ranch. “We look forward to sharing all of the Hāna Ranch grown products and stories through Hāna Ranch Provisions, where each dish will be inspired by our land, history and culture.”

The to-go counter is open from 8:30am – 2pm, and the restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. A sampling of planned menu items include daily pastries, sandwiches on freshly baked bread, squeezed juices, house-‐butchered smoked meats and sausages and more, with the majority of ingredients sourced by Hāna Ranch. The restaurant will be led by a management team with decades of combined experience in the culinary industry, including Linh Phu, culinary manager, and Morgan Maki, hospitality manager of Hāna Ranch. Follow Hāna Ranch Provisions on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. (Photos courtesy of Hāna Ranch)

Events

Award-winning shore break photographer Clark Little will be holding a Signing and Meet & Greet Event on Thursday, August 27 from 5-7pm at Hi-Tech in Paia.

Clark Little will be at the store meeting with fans, signing autographs, and taking photos. Hurley + Clark Little Apparel Line “Flash Pack” , Clark Little 2016 Calendars and Clark’s latest book, Shorebreak (Standard Edition), will be available for purchase. Product quantities may be limited.

New Construction

And the ongoing construction in Paia seems to be, well, ongoing. Want more information about leasing space in Paia? Click here.

My kids asked me what scaffolding was. apparently never been to NYC

Got Space?

Hana Hwy Retail Space – July 2015 Update

Baldwin Avenue Retail Location Rendering

Hana Hwy Retail Space Rendering and While Under Construction

Luna Place Rendering – Paia, Maui, Hawaii

And once again, if you are reading all the way down here, you must be really bored. So take a ride with me. Do you know what’s a fun website to check out? Craigslist. And no, I don’t mean the Missed Connections, although they are often hilarious. I mean Job Postings. For example, there is currently an ad for help wanted for Honolulu Coffee Company in Paia. Is this a new business coming in? Or does Honolulu Coffee Company run one of the existing coffee shops? Well, a quick search of Honolulu Coffee Company shows that yes, indeed, they actually own Anthony’s.

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Event, Food and Beverage, Home Decor, News, Photography, Shop Local

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Makawao Update + DRIFTWOOD’s Grand Opening!

2016 Update: I’m hoping to head up to Makawao to scope out all the new stores and coffee shops, but wanted to mention that one of the owners of the beloved brand Queen Bee Productions has just opened her own salon in Makawao, The Honey House, featuring waxing, facials and more! Located just about Droplets., across the street from Casanova.

You know something special is happening when driftwood washes ashore and makes it all the way up the hill to Makawao. And you know it’s something extra special when that DRIFTWOOD turns out to be a brand new boutique by the force behind Paragon Salon, Carrie Gebb. The women’s and home goods shop enjoyed its soft opening on April 30, but the official grand opening will be Sunday, May 3 with 10% off purchases and fun surprises all day.

According to their website, “DRIFTWOOD features carefully curated merchandise for the distinguished buyer, encompassing all that a Maui lifestyle has to offer from the mountain to the sea. We feature women’s clothing and accessories, all-natural beauty products, as well as home goods and edibles.” Their website is worth a look just by itself, with swoon-worthy photographs and an impressive and extensive selection of labels. But I’m not the style expert, if you want to get the scoop from a real fashionista, head on over to mauishopgirl.com to check out her take!

Carrie Gebb launches her newest project – Home and Women’s Boutique – DRIFTWOOD

sensitivity clothing sensitivity dresses

These reversible dresses by SewHiKai are designed to be comfortable, even for girls with sensitivity issues!

And now for the rest of the news from Makawao:

Across the street from DRIFTWOOD, children’s consignment and boutique droplets. is celebrating its first anniversary, and has turned into THE place to buy children’s gifts and clothes, with an ever-growing selection of locally made children’s clothes, including one of our favorites, bitty bambu, and these darling reversible dresses by SewHiKai ——–>, made specifically for children with sensitivity issues (why am I only learning about these now!!!)

bitty bambu now available at droplets.

Boys shorts – By MamaNuKids – made in Hawaii!

SewHIKai Dresses – Available in many different colors and patterns!

Next door to droplets., the Julie Galeeva gallery moved into a smaller space, and Kama Lei Design jewels moved in.

And speaking of art galleries, after several years, Kirsten Bunney closed down her gallery, but I believe you can still contact her about purchasing art through her website. In the former gallery’s place is now Crystal Harmonics (you may have also seen them on Kauai), with some amazing ‘singing’ crystal bowls! According to the owners, who also offer sound healing, “the singing alchemy bowls are made of the highest grade pure crystal quartz blended with gemstones or other mineral elements. The sine waves of their sound are clear, consistent and sustained and amplify the essence of the minerals as well as expressing their note.” You have to check this place out – you have to HEAR it to believe it, or they have some samples to listen on their website!

In the building just behind Crystal Harmonics, Vanity Salon has been sold and renamed Jewel Salon, but if you are looking for any of the Vanity ladies, Jeffie is now at Haleakala Hair Lounge, (right above DRIFTWOOD), Sara and Trisha are at Beauty Bar in Wailuku, and Kourtney is at Salon Tiare in Haiku.

And another cute store that’s new-ish to Makawao is the ‘brother’ store to Pink by Nature – Homme by Nature, which has things for men (get it? Homme means man in French) and home (and some cute kids stuff too).

What’s your favorite place to check out in Makawao?

And a few more pictures from our beautiful day shooting around Makawao…

cute flower shop sign!

designing wahine / sitting men

home to the wind chimes – goodies

the new location of the makawao history museum on Baldwin avenue

beautiful succulents

the world’s (or at least makawao’s) greatest collection of wind chimes at Goodies

most awesome / truest sign on maui

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Accessories, Bath and Body, Clothing, handmade, Home Decor, jewelry, News, Shop Local

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Paia Gossip – Truths vs Rumors

It’s a chilly one today in Paia, a whopping 71 degrees inside this morning! Maybe time to put some socks on under your slippers. There is giant swell after giant swell on the forecast for the North Shore, and even some whale sightings, so winter is in full-force. There also seems to be a sandy snowman photobombing everyone who dines at Mama’s Fish House… Which means its time for the December installment of Paia Gossip- Truth vs. Rumors.

Truth: After nearing the gestation period of an elephant, Moana Bakery has finally opened adjacent to Dazoo restaurant. This take-out bakery, still in the soft-opening phase serves coffee, breads and pastries from 7am-noon currently. It shares a kitchen (plus the bakers and pastry chefs with Dazoo) – so if you love their fresh breads and decadent desserts, you’ll love Moana Bakery!

Rumored to have had issues getting the county permits for what they ACTUALLY wanted to do (what a surprise!) The Hive closed – if you are searching for world-class waxer Katie Grace- she’s moving over to Evolution Salon in Kahului later this month. No need to let your eyebrows grow back together…

No word yet on the opening for Mana Food’s cafe just up the street, but each time I drive by I see more equipment getting installed… must be getting close!

If you love Maui, and we know you do, otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this, head on over to I Love Maui art show at Art Project Paia, which runs through April 2015.

And since December is a peak shopping month – here’s some shopping news:

According to my very reliable sources on Instagram, Nuage Bleu Maui is now stocked with Acacia Swimwear Slippers! They also have lots of holiday shopping events coming up so make sure you follow them on Facebook.

Letarte is also spreading the holiday love on Instagram…

If you have a surfer on your guest list, Surfer Magazine founder John Severson will be signing copies of his new book SURF on Thursday, December 11th from 6-8pm at Puka Puka.

The Paia Inn Hotel is hosting a holiday trunk show on Friday, December 12 with Angelina Hills Art and Joya by Sarina.

Paia Gives returns this year on Saturday, December 20, from 4-8 pm, with various Paia businesses staying open late and giving a portion of the proceeds to charitable organizations. “Come out for a festive evening of shopping and giving. Each store in Paia is supporting various non-profits and charities, all while throwing a great party. Special deals, giveaways, and lots of fun await those shopping at all the great local businesses on the North Shore. Contact your favorite store or check out or www.paiamaui.com for more information (pending).
In its ninth year, PAIA GIVES has become an annual event that raises thousands of dollars for the charities adopted by each store. And make sure to follow Paiatown on Facebook. ”

And the rumor seems to be TRUE – G. Love (apparently without the Special Sauce) is coming to Paia on December 26 at Charleys at 10pm. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at Dove Presents

See you in Paia!

I am a paid spokesperson for Dazoo and Moana Bakery

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News, Shop Local

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Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa Goes Green

Are you one of those people that takes a hot shower at a big hotel and wonders exactly how large their hot water heater must be? Wonder what happens to all those tiny soaps and shampoos when you leave? Crank down the air conditioning and then shudder at the size of their electric bill? Ok, so I’m probably among the few, as a holder of an environmental studies degree and an avid recycler, but it makes me proud to know that Maui now can claim title to Hawaii’s first LEED EBOM certified hotel or resort, and only one of four in the world! (That’s a lot of acronyms, so to clarify the award is from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance (EBOM) rating system.)

Last month, while being blessed under the very last moments of sunny skies before Tropical Storm Ana arrived, Mayor Arakawa presented the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa with the official proclamation, the culmination of a two-year project by the Hyatt team and my new client, Green Building Hawaii.

John Bendon presents his speech at the Hyatt Regency Maui

According to John Bendon, Founding Principal of Green Building Hawaii, “LEED is points based rating system that looks at whole building performance. Category areas cover energy, water, material purchasing, site development, transportation, and indoor environmental quality. The more points you earn in the different category areas, the higher your overall rating of Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.” (The Hyatt earned a respectable Silver!)

L-R John Bendon Founding Principal at GBH, Mayor Alan Arakawa, Gary Bulson, Senior Engineer at Hyatt Regency Maui, Allen Farwell, General Manager Hyatt Regency Maui, and Rick Werber, Senior Vice President, Engineering and Sustainability at Host Hotels & Resorts

Following the speeches and requisite photo ops, the Hyatt’s Senior Engineer, Gary Bulsom, and Marketing Manager, Jessica Kapoor, gave a brief tour of the property and one of the newly renovated guest rooms, as they highlighted some of the projects and achievements that helped earn their LEED status. Here are some photos and notes from the tour: (click on each photo for the corresponding eco-friendly project represented) – But I’ll be honest, I forgot to ask about what actually does happen with all those tiny soaps and shampoos!!! Maybe I need to stay there to find out….

Local, recycled or other-wise eco-friendly items make up over 70% of purchased items.

Motion-sensing air conditioning turns off when the lanai doors are open and when guests leave the room

Recycling Bins in each room

A weather-based irrigation system and grey water irrigation have reduced landscape water use by over 27%

Low- flow shower heads save 6 million gallons of water a year!

Digital Signage welcomes guest – Replacing Print Signage and Can be Updated Instantly!

Digital Newspapers available through mobile devices

Complimentary digital newspapers are available for guests through mobile devices and computers! More choices – less waste!

Non-turf landscaping is 100% native! (John with his honored guests – his parents!)

Over half a million pounds of leftovers and scrap food are donated to local pig farms for feed and compost!

Want more? Follow Green Building Hawaii on Facebook and Twitter, and Hyatt Maui on Facebook and Twitter

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News

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Paia Truths and Rumors – August Edition!

Once again, things are on the move in Paia. Hurricane Iselle spared Paia and most of Maui, but as I was taking pictures just a few days after the storm passed by, there were definitely a lot of sandbags and boarded up windows still to be found. Baldwin Avenue has the habit of turning into Baldwin River during heavy rains, and the shopkeepers were taking no chances.

On to the town gossip – Just today the Maui News shared that the owners of Mana Foods have confirmed that they are indeed opening a raw-food restaurant serving lunch and dinner called Maka Mana.

Ono Gelato has changed its name to Paia Gelato, and the location has merged with its sister shop, Hana Bay Picnic Lunch company. According to the owners, Paia Gelato is still using the original gelato recipes, using fresh local fruits as well as high quality bases direct from Italy.

paia gelato menu board

formerly known as ono gelato

lots of dairy-free options

delicious!

hana picnic lunch menu board

chocolate lovers delight!

Paia Gelato is also a great little spot to pick up some made on Maui products, like these

locally made jams, jellies, coffee and sugar!

kula herbs soap

kula cushions lavender eye pillows

locally designed swim coverup, ripskirt hawaii

The jewelry shop Oceania Maui – entered the shop very briefly known as Makai Gallery (and Paia Pharmacy before that) – and is now called Oceania Maui Gallery & Jewelry Paia.

According to the paper sign on the door, the old location of oceania maui will be the new location for Pakaloha Bikinis some time this month.

Another new (though long time in waiting) addition to Paia is the opening of the Da Vine Art wine tasting bar.

Also in that little shopping center, Tortillas has closed down, and is heading west – to the Old Lahaina Center near Foodland (by Ulalena)

Lots of construction going on – just next door to Milagros (anyone know what’s going in?), at the old tiny shop lot, and the former Nellie’s site.

A fun new trend in Paia is these chalkboard signs – and there appears to be some serious competition going on for the most artistic signs!

Also, check out the upcoming sale at Pearl, and grab a brownie at nearby Dazoo to celebrate your great savings.

and because i just like these pics: here’s a snapshot from San Lorenzo and the wall next to Nellie Bistro

\see you in Paia

Blogging Disclaimer: I am a paid representative for Dazoo, but the brownies are seriously good. and gluten-free!

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News, Shop Local, Uncategorized

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Paia News- Truths vs Rumors Part 2

June 27 Update: Fresh Mint is closing today after 13 years of serving vegetarian Vietnamese cuisine… and tomorrow is the last day to enjoy Paia Bay Coffee (closing at 1pm) – To hear where they are moving next, shoot them an email at paiabaycoffee@gmail.com (we’ll try to keep you posted here too) – and to order their house blend of whole coffee beans, email them at the same.

—

It seems every time I drive through Paia now, something is newly opened or has shuttered its doors. Which is impressive since I drive through Paia a lot.

Here is a a refresher of the places that have closed in the last few months or so (and some brand new closures!).

Closed:

Nellie’s
Paia Yoga
Paia Pharmacy
Paia Contemporary Gallery
Eve Black Jewelry
and Paia Bay Coffee only has a few weeks left on their lease…

Rumor: Nellie’s is rumored be turning into a full service restaurant, but who will be running the restaurant remains a mystery.

Truth: Dan and John Cesere opened their first art gallery last week (Cesere Brothers), at the former Paia Contemporary Gallery location, next to Tamara Catz.

cesere brothers paia gallery art photography

Truth: Yogis in Paia seem to have migrated over to Infusion, ‘Maui’s first Yoga and Barre Studio’, located behind Dazoo and Pearl and run by Trish Bianco. We’ve been hearing good things about it.

Truth: Fans of Eve Black Jewelry will have to wait for the fall to get their glam on: here’s the word from Eva “I will take the jewelry collection to Europe for the summer, but I’ll be back on Maui in October to look for a new location.”

Truth: The artists of Makai Glass have opened Makai Gallery in the former Paia Pharmacy location, also featuring other artists such as Spar Street.

Truth: Construction has started in the vacant lot between Milagros and Alice in Hulaland – anyone care to start the rumors on what the building will be?

Rumors: are flying around that Paia will soon be home to a sushi joint and a vegan cafe. No confirmation has yet to be received, so I can’t share any more details at this point!

Truth: Another fairly new addition to Paia are the headquarters for Hawaii Web Group. This creative web marketing firm is quickly growing and needed more space. Paia was a perfect fit for them because Hawaii Web Group embraces their artistic side. As a ‘support-local’ blog, we appreciate that Hawaii Web Group only hires full time Maui residents with no outsourcing, something rare in that industry. Hawaii Web Group helps Maui businesses reach a larger audience online by creating engaging viral content, which is then promoted via their attractive, high-traffic Maui websites and popular social media profiles.

Truth: And a bit up Baldwin Avenue, Lumeria has opened up its restaurant, Mūbu, to the public for dinner. They are also opening up the Crystal Spa in June. Lumeria is a boutique yoga and wellness retreat catering to individual travelers and small groups seeking adventure for mind, body and spirit in barefoot elegance

Mūbu is Lumeria’s organic farm-to-table restaurant (breakfast and lunch for hotel guests only). Most ingredients come from Lumeria’s own farm and edible gardens and the remainder comes from within 10 miles of the property.

“Our chef always prepares what is freshest for the day, so we do not have a menu as it is prefix every day. If you would like to book with us, please call us to make a reservation at least 24 hours in advance.” Dinner is $40/person for a 3-course meal.

mubu restaurant paia maui spa retreat hotel

Lumeria’s Crystal Spa is set to open on June 1, and will be open daily between 9:00 am and 7:00 pm. The spa is decorated with clusters of crystals not only for their beauty but to balance and harmonize the energy in the space and to offer their energy to all spa guests. Here are some more details from the spa, which takes up over 5,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space:

Coconut Grove: The Spa’s adjacent coconut grove offers a great place for peaceful meditation and lounging among the tall coconut palms that offer delicious, fresh coconut water and flesh, harvested for the Spa’s use.
5 indoor crystal spa shalas– Each uniquely decorated spa cottage, housing crystal clusters, geodes and spheres that offer beautiful energy that can transform the spirit, inspire intuitive insight, guards against negative vibrations, and smooth’s the energy flows of spirit and body.
2 ocean view massage shalas-Our private, open-beam constructed massage cottages are perfect for your open air connection or a romantic outdoorsy spa journey. These Massage Shalas have a cozy Plantation feel with beautiful views of the full length of the garden and the Pacific coast
Indoor tandem suite: For couples, friends and parent/child services
Janta Lounge (musical journey) – The spa invites you to arrive one hour prior your spa treatment and partake in the relaxing Janta Lounge, a world infused with the sounds of harmony and healing. Seat and listen the vibrational harmonics embedded into a custom musical journey, which are then combined with multi-dimensional sounds of nature and the pure tones of silicon crystal bowls. The Musical Journey is complimentary to all Lumeria Crystal Spa Guests.
Ladies and Gentlemen Dressing Rooms: Designed to offer the best start and end to your spa experience with individual changing areas to ensure maximum privacy.
Color & Aromatherapy Shower: This watercolor experience is designed to shower you in relaxing sensations and to improve your overall health and well- being. Shining different colors of light thru a water rain on the skin has tremendous health benefits.
Aroma Crystal Bar: offers you custom blend spa products to ease stress, touch the senses and promote healing. This Aroma Bar serves up a refreshing blend of aromatherapy on crystals for your sauna bath, a custom blend for your massage
Crystal energy sauna: We offer an intimate and private experience with our small wooden sauna room designed as a place to experience dry heat sessions with infused aromatic crystals. The high heat makes the bathers detox, relax and balance.

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Bath and Body, fine art, Food and Beverage, News, Shop Local

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FuzionFit opens at former Upcountry Fitness in Haiku

Good news for all of you who were Upcountry Fitness members and suddenly realized one day that they may never again hear Tree Baca asks ‘If everyone was ready to throw some bells!?!’ Under the name FuzionFit Inc, Izaak Tyrrell and his awesome team of trainers, including the incredibly motivating and never intimidating Tree Baca, are now at the former Upcountry Fitness Group X room (in the back, by the Kombucha place) –

The schedule should be online soon at fuzionfitinc.com or you can get updates or connect on Facebook – but here is the current schedule – get ready to THROW SOME BELLS!!! (scroll to bottom for current prices as well)

Monday
5:45am FuzionFit Foundation W/Izaak
9:45am FuzionFit Progressive w/Rebecca
5:45pm FuzionFit Endure w/Rebecca

Tuesday
5:45am FuzionFit Functional Bodies W/Izaak
8:30am FuzionFit ??? W/Penny
9:45am FuzionFit Progressive w/Tree
5:45pm Kettle Bellz w/Tree

Wednesday
5:45am FuzionFit Progressive w/Izaak
9:45am FuzionFit Progressive w/Rebecca
5:00pm Yoga level 2 w/Christain

Thursday
5:45am FuzionFit Progressive w/Izaak
9:45am FuzionFit Progressive w/Tree
5:45pm Double kettles w\Tree
7:00pm Capoeira w/Guga

Friday
5:30am FuzionFit Performance w/Izaak
8:30am FuzionFit ??? w/Penny
9:45am FuzionFit Progressive w/Jordan

Saturday
8:00am Yoga w/Christain
9:45am FuzionFit Endure

Sunday
9:45am Kettle bellz w/Tree
11:15am FuzionFit Progressive w/Tree

FuzionFit Headquarters opens it doors 15 mins before every class.

Prices:

Single class/drop in $15

Punch card available:

10 classes for $110

20 classes for $180

30 classes for $210

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News

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Wailea News and Upcoming Events

Each town on Maui has its day, but 2014 is turning out to be the Year of Wailea.

The swanky Andaz Maui at Wailea was just named one of the ‘Best New Hotels in the World’ – one of only 33 to make the 2014 Hot List by Conde Nast Traveler.

The restaurants in Wailea racked up a number of awards at the recent Maui no ka oi Magazine’s Aipono Awards, with Kaana Kitchen (at the Andaz) winning Best New Restaurant, Capische? awarded Most Romantic and Nick’s Fish Market earning Best Service.

Speaking of Capische?, The Market by Capische is now open at Wailea Gateway Center. The Market has an extensive selection of wine, prepared foods, fresh produce, gourmet desserts, coffees and much more! Follow them on Facebook and Instagram. (scroll down to bottom for even more pics of this visually and gastronomically stunning gourmet deli!)

fresh produce from maui

breakfast menu

Also coming soon to Wailea Gateway, Nadia Toraman, one of Maui’s most popular yoga instructors, will be opening a new yoga studio in May (at the current Lululemon, which is moving to Whaler’s Village). Wailea Gateway is home to two Maui Made favorites already, Otaheite and Sweet Paradise Chocolatier. We appreciate that these shops are truly geared towards both locals and visitors. Maui Zen Day Spa has closed their Wailea location (they are open in Lahaina). Spa Maui Wailea has opened in its place! A new lingerie shop, Panties in Paradise, is opening soon, and my Wailea insider promises even more exciting retailers to come!

As a sidebar, I was unable to find a current list of Wailea Gateway merchants, so if you are also wondering what is there – here’s the list:

Building A : Fabiani’s (with sister location in Kihei), Destination Resorts, Kai Kanani, Panties in Paradise, Sweet Paradise Chocolatier, Pita Paradise (also has sister location in Kihei), Old Republic Title, Wells Fargo, Coldwell Banker, and opening next month – Yoga Shala

Building B: Postal and Office, Subway, Maui Memories, Otheite, Jere Fine Jewelers, The Market by Capische, and Monkeypod Kitchen.

And if you are looking for retail space in this desirable location, there’s only one space left, a 1073sf on the second floor, as there’s already a lease pending on the last ground floor space! (click for more info)

And speaking of awesome restaurants, returning this May is the popular Wailea Restaurant Week, happening May 25-31. Participating restaurants create a three course, pre-fixe menu for just $29*, $39* or $49* per person (*depending on the restaurant – beverages, tax and gratuity not included). Some restaurants have enhanced this promotion with optional wine pairings. Restaurant Week Wailea is also a fundraiser for the Maui Food Bank. This is a hugely popular event, go ahead and make your reservations NOW! For an example menu – click to see what they are offering at Alan Wong’s Amasia at the Grand Wailea, the 2013 winner of the Aipono Best New Restaurant!

Wailea is also soon to be abuzz with film lovers, celebrities and anyone looking for a great time! The 2014 Maui Film Festival takes place this year June 4-8, and the preliminary schedule and event passes are now available online, with the schedule of film premieres and honored celebrities soon to come!

And now for the exciting part: Photos from The Market by Capische?!

the dirty hippy

fresh produce from maui

gourmet items

love a grilled sandwich

take it to the beach!

breakfast menu

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Paia Town – Truths vs Rumors

UPDATED 5/4/14

WOW! What a tremendous response I have received for this post. Looks like Paia gossip (and news!) is a hot topic! And I’m going to make it easy for you – If you like this post, please follow us on Facebook for more buy-local/support-local news from Maui!

There are rumors flying all over the island about what is happening in Paia – and one thing is for certain – Paia is booming! So, I took a walk around my favorite little town to see if I could separate fact from fiction. Construction was happening all over the place, and luckily everyone was working with the doors open! Sorry about the crazy paparazzi photos!

5/4 Updates:

TRUTH: The glass blowers from Makai Glass Creations will be opening Makai Gallery at the former Paia Pharmacy location this week! They will be featuring other artists as well, including Spar Street.

4/30 Updates:

It is with sadness that we share the news, just released this morning, that a shop I reported on for this original post is not getting their lease renewed. Paia Bay Coffee will be closing at the end of June. Let’s support them as much as we can over the next two months – and hope they find a great new location!

4/24 Updates:

TRUTH – Cariloha Bamboo is looking for a retail location in Paia. They currently have stores on Front Street and Shops at Wailea.

More about the Cariloha Brand: You probably know that bamboo as a hard, woody plant that grows very quickly, but did you know that it can also be made into ultra-soft clothing, bedding, and bath goods that rivaled the softness of cashmere and silk? Bamboo is 3 degrees cooler than cotton and wicks moisture away from your body. It even helps repel odors and allergens. Cariloha has over 40 full, stand-alone stores in 13 countries, and coming soon (hopefully) Paia!

TRUTH – Renovations are currently underway at the F. Garcia Building along Baldwin Avenue, just above the Stupa. Construction should be complete in late summer, presenting a rare opportunity for fresh retail space in Paia! Its right across from the free parking lot below the Post Office too! With limited free parking in Paia now, this lot is becoming very popular and the space is already seeing some great foot traffic, with only more to come (and no, I’m not getting commission for this listing – but I probably should…) For more information, contact Cindy Greenwell or Robin Kean at Kean Properties – Here’s more info from the flyer – (and click on the image below to see the full size rendering of what the completed renovation is expected to look like)

Perfect opportunity for retail tenant to customize interior buildouts to suit their needs.
Single Tenant is prefered, but possible multi tenant.
Up to 2254 sq feet of completely renovated space.
Perfect for bakery, deli, coffee bar or even office space with great exposure!

From the original post:

TRUTH – There is a darling little coffee shop next to Aloha Bead Company! I’ve never been in their before, but with the closing (renovation?) of Nellie’s and Haz Beans (which appears to now be a food truck by Paia Bay), there was a sudden lack of a coffee shop where you can just sit and enjoy a cup of joe or a snack, (sorry Anthony’s – that shipped sailed for you a while ago) – I finally ventured into the charming little Paia Bay Coffee shop. There is some outdoor seating, along with a couple quaint indoor tables. I just had the coffee- but it looked like a place I’d go back to just for some nice quiet time. Paia Bay Coffee is open from 6:30am to 5:30pm daily. Check out their Facebook page –

TRUTH – Rock ‘N Brews is Open for business. Haven’t been in here yet but it looks fun, especially if you are into family style (as in shared tables) dining. I’m waiting until they get all their beer taps filled!

rock n brews paia maui hawaii opening news

TRUTH – The Butterfly Effect is this weekend! This non competitive SUP event takes the women paddlers from Baldwin Beach to Kanaha Beach. Entry is $35 and includes all kinds of fun bonuses. Starts at 9am on Saturday, April 26.

TRUTH – The Turnbull Gallery has sadly closed, taking all their awesome outdoor sculptures with them. You can now find them at their Studio and Sculpture Garden in Kahakuloa – follow the Kahili Hwy from Wailuku.

RUMOR? – The former Nellie’s location is rumored to be turning into a full restaurant – and perhaps expanding into the former Turnbull space? (this may very well be true, it just hasn’t been confirmed by an owner or authorized representative to me personally yet)

TRUTH – For a massive selection of Esky Flavor (a Maui Made favorite!) hats, (and possibly some shave ice), check out Toby’s Shave Ice!

TRUTH- The tiny shops (where Pakaloha Bikinis and a few other shops where) have definitely been torn down. Rumor that a more permanent building will be going in.

TRUTH – Sad to say, got the official email today that EVE BLACK HAWAII has lost the lease to their Paia shop. Home decor items will be on sale, and their last day will be Friday, May 9th.

RUMOR – The vacant space next to Milagros is also in the works to be under construction at some point. (Who didn’t see this coming? Its prime real estate!)

RUMOR- Paia Pharmacy is indeed gone, and rumored to be another gift shop (anyone know any details?).

TRUTH – After months of hearing ‘next month’ – bakery fanatics will now be pleased to hear that Moana Bakery should indeed be opening – next month. Construction is taking place on the vacant location, next to Dazoo, but fans of fresh cookies and cakes and pastries of all sorts should fear not – an awesome selection of goodies is available daily at Dazoo. They also take special orders! The other TRUTH in this section is that the parking lot adjacent to Pearl and Dazoo (and a handful of other spaces in that building) – has turned into yet another ‘PAY TO PARK’ lot.

passion fruit cheesecake smokes bars dessert

sneak peek inside Moana Bakery

TRUTH – Mana Foods unveiled a totally redesigned DELI section today, and the rumor from the deli section employee today? The new section has more ‘serve yourself’ deli favorites. Just wait to see what happens tomorrow! We can hardly wait.

RUMOR – Rumor is that a currently operating operation will be operating an additional operation in the former Haz Beans.

And if you are still reading this far down, you must really love Paia town too – Please leave a comment with your favorite shop and/or restaurant, and if you know the TRUTHS to any of these rumors – please email me at lizsmithonmaui (at) yahoo (dot) com

Oh, and take a moment to vote on this highly scientific poll while you are here…

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Kuau Store Opens at Former Kuau Mart Site

Well, the times they are a changin’… in the site of the former Kuau Mart, a former favorite stop for the surfers and beach go-ers to pick up some good local food, the shiny new Kuau Store has just opened. It appears to have a little of everything, I would call it an organic convenience store, with everything from local Kombucha to natural toilet paper. Now, whether Paia needed another organic shop I’m not sure, but a store with designated parking? YES. They are currently open from 6:30am – 7:00pm.

I did a quick undercover mission (hence the horrible photos) – but as you can see, they offer Paninis, Plate Lunch, Juices, Smoothie, Coffee, Poke and much more! I haven’t tried anything so I can’t offer recommendations – Have you tried it yet? Please leave a note in the comments!

UPDATE: Kuau Store now has a website and a Facebook Page: