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

Posts tagged ‘2014’

Holiday Shopping Events

Craft fairs and holiday shopping events big and small, all around Maui this holiday season. I also love the idea of the event at the bottom – the first of its kind on Maui – an Alternative Christmas Market at St. John’s in Keokea, where you can donate to a charitable organization under a friend’s name, and receive a card explaining the gift for under the tree!  If I have missed your event, please feel free to contact me (info in About section) or leave a comment 

  • Event: MOCShopTillYouDrop2014
  • Date: Saturday, November 29
    Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm
    Location: Maui Ocean Treasures – Gift Shop at Maui Ocean Center, Ma’alaea
  • Details: 30% off everything in the store (except Pandora Jewelry), 40 vendors in the outdoor courtyard, live entertainment, food and drinks available for purchase at the Reef Cafe, door prizes!
  • Cost: Free! (everyone gets one door prize entry, but bring in canned food donations for more entries – up to 5)
  • More Info: Check out their website, Facebook and Instagram accounts for more info!

maui holiday craft fair aquarium 2014

  • Event: Holiday Marketplace/Small Business Saturday at HUE 
  • Date: Saturday, November 29
  • Time: tbd
  • Location: 210 Alamaha St, Kahului
  • Details: Pop-up shops from local vendors
  • More Info: Check out their website and Facebook
  • Event: Small Business Saturday in Paia 
  • Date: Saturday, November 29
  • Details: Lots of great shops in Paia are offering discounts, many listed on the PaiaMaui.com website (click on date and scroll to bottom) – also 10% kama’aina discount (friday, saturday and sunday) at Maui Crafts Guild. 
  • Event: Hui Holiday – First Night at Hui Noeau
  • Date: Wednesday, December 3
  • Time: 5pm – 8pm
  • Location: Hui Noeau, 2841 Baldwin Ave, Makawao
  • Details:  Shop for exclusive treasures by local artists and vendors and enjoy spirited music and festive drinks and pupu while surrounded by holiday décor of the historic Kaluanui Estate. Also includes the unveiling of designer/choreographer André Morissette’s imaginative “holiday window” installations.
  • Cost: Pre-purchase Tickets: $30 , Call (808) 572-6560
  • More Info: http://huinoeau.com/happenings/events/

hui holiday lights makawao christmas

  • Event: Montessori School of Maui Holiday Fair
  • Date: Friday, December 5th
  • Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Location: 2933 Baldwin Avenue, Makawao
  • Details: Parents and local vendors will offer lovely hand-made wreaths, wildly popular home-baked goodies, jams and jellies, jewelry, clothing and other specialty items perfect for gift-giving and adding holiday cheer to your home.  Highlights of the event are a special storytelling presentation by On the Wing Storytelling at 3:30 p.m. and a performance by the Suzuki Maui Violin Youth Ensemble at 4:15 p.m.  Interested vendors may contact ptomontessori@gmail.com.
  • Cost: Admission is free and open to the public.
  • More Info: www.momi.org

montessori 2014 holiday fair maui crafts

  • maui waldorf holiday faire fairEvent: Holiday Faire at Haleakala Waldorf School 
  • Date: Saturday, December 6
  • Time: 9am – 4pm
  • Location: 4160 Lower Kula Road
  • Details: 75 of Maui’s best artisans, live entertainment, kids crafts, puppet show, games and more!  Elf Parade at 10AM, every child dressed as Santa’s helper gets a FREE gift!
  • Admission: $3 for adults, under 12 free
  • More info: Click here 
  • Event: 17th Annual Lighting of the Banyan Tree
  • Date: Saturday December 6th and Sunday December 7th
  • Time: Lighting of the Tree – 6:30pm Saturday, Dec 6, Events run 10am-7pm Saturday and 9am – 5pm Sunday
  • Location: Banyan Tree, Front Street, Lahaina
  • Details:  (awaiting confirmation but I believe this is the schedule- or contact info below to confirm before you go) On Saturday, live music and holiday craft fair starts at 10am. Keiki activities kick off at 2pm with the arrival of Santa at the North Pole, cookie decorating, face painting and Christmas crafts. Da Hawaiian Snowman ice sculpture is arriving at 4pm, donated and carved on site by Lahaina Ice Company. TREE LIGHTING is 6:30pm Saturday, with live music by Lahainaluna HS Band  (Tree stays lit for entire holiday season December 6th-to January 2nd, 2015). Holiday arts and crafts fair and live music continues Sunday at 9am .
  • Admission: Free, however the LahainaTown Action Committee requests one canned or non perishable food item for admission to the “North Pole” winter wonderland.
  • For More Info: lynn@visitlahaina.com or call 808 667 9715

2014 Maui Tree Lighting Holiday Christmas Lights Tree

  • Event: Maui Mompreneur Winter Showcase Craft Fair
  • Date: Saturday, December 6
  • Time: 9am – 1pm
  • Location: Maui Beach Ellair Rainbow Ballroom
  • Details: Showcasing Maui’s Mom-owned businesses – handmade gift items perfect for Christmas, baked goods, jewelry and more!
  • Cost: FREE
  • For More Info: For vendor spaces please call: 808-757-4739
  • Event: Maui Humane Society’s Holiday Pet Fair
  • Date: Saturday, December 6
  • Time: 11am – 2pm
  • Location: 1350 Mehameha Loop, Puunene
  • Details: Gifts and Crafts, Photos with Santa Paws, Pick your  price on all adoptions, pet care services and supply vendors, tutu’s shave ice, outrigger pizza company, dog restraint demonstrations and discounted microchips
  • For more Info: Click Here 
  • Event: Upcountry Lighting of the Tree
  • Date: Sunday, December 7
  • Time: 4:30pm – 7:30pm
  • Location: Maui Wine, Ulupalakua Vineyards
  • Details: Tree lighting, caroling, holiday crafts for kids, treats, sparkling wine toast, and outdoor movie showing of POLAR EXPRESS! This tree lighting ceremony is in honor of Ulupalakua’s 150 years of commitment to our island’s land and the never-ending forestation efforts, including the replanting that follows tropical storm Iselle’s destruction earlier this year.
  • Admission: Free Admission, but please bring canned and non-perishable foods for Maui Food Bank
  • For More Info: click here 

upcountry holiday tree lighting

  • Event: Alternative Christmas Market
  • Date: Sunday, December 7
  • Time: 9am – 2pm
  • Location: St Johns Episcopal Church, Kula (across from Keokea Park)
  • Details: For the first time ever on Maui – 20 local and international nonprofits offer an opportunity to buy ‘gifts’ (such as buying a goat for a family in Africa in the friend’s name), by making a donation on their behalf, a receive a card for under their tree!! Do good and feel good!  Charities will include: Maui Food Bank, Aloha House, Hospice Maui, Women Helping Women, Friends of the Children’s Justice Center, Maui AIDS Foundation, Maui Youth and Family Services, Malama Family Recovery Center, Somos Ohana Nicaragua, A Cup of Cold Water, Heifer Project, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Imua Family Services, Episcopal Relief and Development, and more!
  • For More Info: http://www.stjohnsmaui.org

 

Category:

Event, Gift Guide, handmade, Shop Local, Swap Meet

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Tamara Catz New Collection and Bridal Sample Sale!

Anyone needing a fashion fix must run, not walk, over to Tamara Catz’s Paia boutique to see the new Lifestyle Collection which just arrived!  The new styles include “bubble jersey prints in stylish yet comfortable styles like strapless jumpsuits, 3/4 sleeve short dress, and wide pants with crochet inserts at hem, sunset colored chiffon kimono jackets and long maxi hand batiked dresses. So many styles to choose from, all timeless and gorgeous…”  They encourage shoppers to come by to see it in person, they are all limited collections and may not even make it to the online store!

Here are a few of my favorites, view more on the website or follow the designs on Pinterest!  

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tamara catz sample sale bridal paiaIn addition to the new collection, Tamara Catz is having another of their popular sample sales on Friday, September 12, and this year it’s a Bridal Sale, with gowns up to 75% off!  According to a Tamara Catz spokesperson, “We will be celebrating with fresh local kombucha and champagne!  For ladies that are not get married, they are welcome to stop in and have a beverage and check out the new collection!”

Tamara Catz Bridal represents a romantic, beachy bohemian style. Elegant, sophisticated and not overwhelmingly full of fabric, Tamara Catz bridal silk gowns are perfect for beach, island and resort weddings.

Tamara Catz began her collections in 2000 on Maui, with immediate success, selling to boutiques and department stores all over the US and Japan. Continuing on with her success, in 2005 Tamara opened her first boutique in Paia, and 2 years later she launched her Bridal collection.

Tamara Catz Boutique is located in Paia at 83 Hana Hwy (near Flatbread).  The store is open from 10am – 6pm on Sunday – Thursday, and 10am – 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday.

tamara catz boutique maui hawaii

The Tamara Catz boutique is as dreamy as the clothing!

Category:

Clothing, Wedding

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Paia Truths and Rumors – August Edition!

iselle.maui.effects.sandbag.paia 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.

oceania.maui.new.location.makai.glass

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.paia.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!

Category:

News, Shop Local, Uncategorized

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I Survived the Maui to Molokai SUP Race 2014!

I survived 27 miles of choppy seas, gusty tradewinds and mid-day tropical sun!  It was physically taxing and mentally tiring, and I wasn’t even racing!  I was a support person aboard one of the escort boats.  (click on any of the below images to view them a bit larger – sorry they are not the best, taken with iPhone on a bumpy boat ride!)

maui to molokai 2014 race SUP

The boat in the mirror is much larger than it appears…

Let me explain.  We have a boat.  It’s day job is a fishing vessel, but it moonlights with a much more exciting profession – escorting big wave surfers to Jaws during the winter months, and long-distance paddlers for channel crossings in the summer.  Normally I am “at home with the kids” or “working” but when an opportunity came up to crew on the boat, escorting several time World Champion and neighbor Kai Lenny on the M2M2014 (Maui to Molokai Stand Up Paddle Race), on a day when the grandparents (MAHALO) could watch the kids, I jumped at the chance.

Loading up the Boat
mala ramp looking a bit less like a lawsuit waiting to happen!
kai lenny redbull headphones athlete

Getting Focused before the race

Now, I’ve been neighbors with Kai and the Lennys for years, and even lived next door to the family when the boys were little bitty kids, but I wasn’t sure what to expect from a kid guy (man?) that has traveled the world, is a champion in many water sports, and has recently been spotted around the island with celebrities ranging from the cast of Pretty Little Liars to rockers fromThird Eye Blind.  What I discovered Kai is friendly, humble, and the only thing deeper than his amazing work ethic and dedication is his love for his family.

What wouldn’t surprise anyone who has followed Kai’s amazing story is that his most loyal fans, his parents, were on board, but the amount of mutual love and respect that I was able to witness close up (it’s a pretty small boat, especially on the trip home) was just palpable, and as a mom of two young kids, inspiring.

kai lenny dad martin lenny

Kai gets a hug from Dad at the start of the race!

paula lenny kai lenny mom

Mom looks on with binos at the start of the race!

The original intent of this trip was to be able to report back about the behind-the-scenes aspects of the race, and the duties of the escort boat, but the emotional journey that I took, picturing my own son, now three, spreading his wings and going on his own adventures, and hopefully being able to experience just a part of it with him, was just so much more exciting!

I will say – the repairs at Mala Ramp were definitely appreciated, Honolua Bay is just gorgeous, the start of the race is very exciting, and  – if you are going to be an escort boat – being with one of the top finishers is the way to go!

maui to molokai start honolua bay maui

Just before the Start

I have actually never been to Molokai before, so to journey almost the whole southern length of the island and step just a few feet (enough to find a bathroom!) at Kaunakakai Harbor was a great adventure, and I would love to venture back to the island some day!

The race between the top four finishers, Connor Baxter, Kai Lenny, Dave Kalama and Travis Grant, was quite intense, it was almost like two separate races – the top four and then everyone else!  At one point in the middle of the Pailolo Channel, we could see the top four, all pretty close, and literally no one behind us. Not even the escort boats.

travis kai conner maui molokai

Three of the Top Four finishers sharing one swell after the start.

The Top Four - Kai, Travis, Conner and Dave

The Top Four – Kai, Travis, Conner and Dave (click to view much larger!)

EPiC Aerial Pro - Justin preps the drone

EPiC Aerial Pro – Justin preps the drone

As our sweet boat, actually named Sweet Alexandra, is accustomed, especially when at Jaws, there was a photographer on board.  This time was a new twist, a new, locally based drone-photography company, EPiC Aerial Productions joined the crew.  Justin and Nana, who started EPiC earlier this year, dreaming of one day filming Kai paddling the open ocean, and in a typical, yet magical Maui moment, they just so happened upon Kai’s backyard one day, and the rest is history.   Click HERE to see EPiC’s YouTube Video of the race!

maui drone operators

Justin flys the drone as he and Paula watch what the camera sees in special googles!

The boat captain, Matt (my husband) is an amazing multi-tasker and thrives on adrenaline, always performing best under pressure.  While this might not be quite as anxiety-ridden as driving a boat next to 60-foot breaking waves, while the photographer is demanding you ‘get closer!’ and the boat is loaded down with thousands of dollars of not only surfing gear, but camera equipment, escorting a paddle race has numerous challenges.

You need to stay near your paddler, but not too close.  You need to monitor the race course and recommend a track (unless there’s a coach and navigator on board). You need to watch out for other paddlers, boats, debris, etc in the water.  You need to make sure everyone on board is staying safe, with arms, legs and heads inside the boat. (this is amazingly difficult, we witnessed another boat with a passenger fall off, and I just read a report of someone falling into the same boat when boarding after the race). You need to make sure there is ample cold Coors Light to reward of-age racers at the finish line.  (ok, the crew is responsible for this- but someone needs to pack the cooler and ice)

Speaking of the end of the race: to read a recap and view the race results, CLICK HERE.  And here are some end of the race images for your enjoyment as well… 

a well deserved break
dave and kai congratulate each other
smiling for the camera!
drone maui

Watching the launch of the drone from the flybridge

Back to the multi-tasking captain – as if all this isn’t enough, add in a photographer, looking to get the perfect shot.  Then, to add another level, the photographer is flying a drone, which needs to be launched from and landed on the boat – which is bobbing and swaying in the rough ocean – oh, and the drone is NOT WATER PROOF!

I once asked my husband, as we were driving up the hill in the middle of the night in yet another tsunami evacation, with one sleeping kids and one almost 9 months along in my belly, “Isn’t your adrenaline pumping?” His reply “Not unless I’m in mortal danger.”

All in all, Justin and Nana of EPiC Aerial were able to successfully launch and land the drone THREE times!  I can’t wait to see the footage.  I hope to add it to the post in the future, but make sure to follow Maui Made on Facebook for notifications.

Justin and Nana wisely chose to ride the Molokai Ferry back to Maui, as Sweet Alexandra was loaded down with two very long SUPS, Kai and his parents, Jerry Bess, Captain Matt and yours truly, for a bumpy ride, all huddled inside the snug and dry cabin, all the way back to Mala.  Everyone returned with enthusiasm for the next Hawaiian adventure – Molokai to Oahu, which takes Captain Matt three days all told.

I’ll pass.

—

Want to see more pictures from the day? Here’s some more highlights:

Attaching the GoPro to the board.
a rare selfie… too cool to pass up
i was really there!
kai working for each glide, but really making it look easy!
Jerry Bess also raced!
Drone overhead!
Justin flys the drone as he and Paula watch what the camera sees in special googles!

Category:

Event

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Feel Good Events on Maui for June 2014

There are so many great events coming up in June, so I decided to put together a list of all the events that have proceeds going to a good cause!  I selected these events in particular because they are something that anyone can join in – you don’t need to be a part of these organizations to help out, and they would be great events for visitors and locals alike!  Add your event to the list (or for upcoming months) by sending to the email at the bottom:

  • tipsy turtle maui event june 2014 drink fundraiser Event: Hawaii Wildlife Fund Benefit Night at Dazoo
  • Date: Monday, June 2, 2014
  • Time: 5-9pm
  • Location: 78 Baldwin Avenue, Paia (former Moana Cafe)
  • Event Website For More Info
  • Details: A Portion of the Proceeds from Dinner Sales will be donated to Hawaii Wildlife Fund. Includes live music, silent eco-auction and a signature cocktail, “The Tipsy Turtle”.  Benefit Night for HWF will be occurring the first Monday of every month.
  • What They Do: Formed in 1996, Hawaii Wildlife Fund (HWF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of Hawaii’s native wildlife through research, education and advocacy.
  • Event: Basketball Maui Fundraiser Night at Flatbread
  • Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2014
  • Time: 5-10pm
  • Location: 89 Hana Hwy, Paia
  • Event Website: For More Info: 
  • Details: 2nd Annual Flatbread Fundraiser: A portion of sales of each flatbread is donated to Basketball Maui.
  • What They Do: Basketball Maui is dedicated to providing hope to Maui County youth through education, leadership training, character development, and world-class basketball instruction. (see more basketball maui events below)
  • Event: Maui Upcountry Ag and 4-H Farm Fair Fair
  • Dates: Saturday and Sunday, June 7 & 8, 2014
  • Time: 8am – 4pm
  • Location: Oskie Rice Field, Makawao
  • Details: The 34th annual Upcountry Fair features music, food, games, exhibits, a rodeo- a true upcountry experience! This year’s event features the Cowboy Church, a beauty pageant, paniolo awards, and the best-dressed cowboy and cowgirl contests.
  • 4-H Livestock Show Saturday @8am – Followed by the auction – Bidding starts at 1pm sharp, continues 9am Sunday.
  • For More Info: 
  • What They Do: 4-H projects and activities help youth develop life skills through livestock projects includign feeding, managing and exhibiting their animals. Students acquire knowledge and skills in selection, production, processing and marketing.
  • Event: Used Book Sale by Maui Friends of the Library at Whole Foods
  • Date: Saturday, June 14, 2014
  • Time: 9am – 2pm
  • Location: Outside Whole Foods at Maui Mall, Kahului
  • Website:
  • Details: Summer reading ahead — at bargain prices! A large variety of donated fiction and non-fiction book selection! Each keiki will be able to take home a free children’s book from the designated selection, while supplies last!
  • What They Do: Everyday, Maui Friends of the Library sells used books, DVD’s, CD’s and more at their three book stores around the island, as well as new Hawaiiana items. All proceeds benefit Maui County’s public libraries
  • maui poker night celebrity tournament Event: Poker with the Pros – Fundraiser for Basketball Maui
  • Date: Thursday, June 26, 2014
  • Time: 6-10pm
  • Location: Grand Wailea
  • Event Website:
  • Details: 1st Annual Poker with the Pros charity poker tournament. Guests can play for a chance to bet against celebrity players including a lineup of NBA All Stars
  • What They Do: see above
  • Event: Night of Shooting Stars
  • Date: Saturday, June 28, 2014
  • Time: Doors open at 4pm
  • Location: Lahaina Civic Center
  • Website: 
  • Details: 4th Annual Night of Shooting Stars celebrity and professional exhibition games :  Last year more than 2,400 basketball fans filled the Lahaina Civic Center to watch professional players go head-to-head and local celebrities play basketball Maui’s camp all-stars. Family Friendly event.
  • Event: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui’s 27th Annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake Event
  • Date: Saturday, June 21, 2014
  • Time: 9am – 5pm
  • Location:  Maui Bowling Center in Wailuku.
  • Website:
  • Details: Bowl for Kids’ Sake is a fun and easy way for you and your company, friends, or family to support the life-changing work of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui. If you care about keiki and can spare an hour to have fun with your friends, then Bowl for Kids’ Sake is for you! Don’t forget that this year’s theme is a “Western Paniolo” theme so find a fun outfit to wear representing our theme. Dressing up is not mandatory but there will be prizes for the teams that demonstrate the most team spirit.
  • What They Do:  Since their inception in 1968, Maui’s BIGS, LITTLES, donors, corporations and other community members have been coming together to change the lives of children facing adversity for the better, forever.
  • Event: Relay for Life of Central and South Maui
  • Date: Saturday, June 28, 2014
  • Time: Starts at 6pm
  • Location: War Memorial Soccer Overflow Field, Wailuku
  • Website: 
  • Details & What They Do: Relay For Life – an overnight event – is the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.  Monies raised will fund educational programs, research, advocacy and services to cancer patients.

 

To Submit your event : (must have a non-profit beneficiary) – For any month – will run if I get enough events listed: please send two weeks out from start of month if possible. Email to lizsmithonmaui (at) yahoo (dot) com

Please fill out:

  • Event Name:
  • Date:
  • Time:
  • Location:
  • Website (for the Event):
  • Details:
  • What They Do:

(Word count for ‘details’ and ‘what they do’ should be under 100 words combined) You may also send a small image.

Category:

Fundraiser

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide and Makeover Giveaway!

Normally for these Gift Guides I’ll spend a little time shopping around, but for this guide I decided to check with the experts. I interviewed some of Maui’s busiest (and most successful!) moms to see what THEY were eyeing for Mother’s Day.

mei li autumn beauty makeover contestWe’re also announcing a Mommy Makeover Giveaway!  MeiLi Autumn, of MeiLi Autumn Beauty, is giving away a Makeover session to one lucky Maui mommy!  The winner will be picked on Mother’s Day!

“Since becoming a mom 14 months ago, I’ve noticed my beauty regime has pretty much gone out the window,” MeiLi shared.  “Most days I’m lucky to have my teeth brushed let alone a full face of makeup, perfectly blow dried hair, and a (clean) matching ensemble. For Mother’s Day, I’d love to extend a gift to one lucky Maui mama to help her feel as beautiful as she really is. You give so much to your child, your spouse, your job and obligations. It is easy to neglect yourself and go weeks, months even without doing something 100% for you! This is your chance. I’m offering a full-on beauty makeover to help one special mama look and feel her very best. Whether it’s a date night with the hubby, family pictures, or just a fun night out with the girls, this makeover will put a little sparkle and glamour in her life.

“To enter, ‘Like’ the Facebook page “MeiLi Autumn Beauty” and leave a post saying one physical attribute you like about yourself. Me? I think I have been blessed with pretty good skin. I have my own Mom to thank for that. Looking forward to spending my 2nd ever Mother’s Day eating delicious food (that I didn’t have to cook), and spending quality time with my favorite people on earth.”

Featured Mommy – Taryn of Bitty Bambu

Queen Bee Seabury Hall Craft Fair 2014 Box Eleven

taryn.family.kristy.copperfieldbitty bambu children's clothes maui hawaiiStarting off our Mother’s Day Gift Guide is Taryn Muschietti-Gillespie, owner and designer of the children’s clothing line, Bitty Bambu. Taryn enjoys beach days, hiking and biking in Polipoli with her two kids, Teya, age 6 and Kailen, age 9.  “Usually we go to the (2) Seabury Hall Craft Fair and I get to pick a local goodie as a Mother’s Day gift. This year I’m heading over to (3) BoxEleven‘s booth to treat myself to one of her pleat tanks or another unique creation. I love (1)Queen Bee Productions too, particularly their rose facial cleanser.” (Taryn’s family portrait, and of Teya below, by Kristy Copperfield Photography)

Maui Made Gift Suggestion: Don’t kid yourself, getting darling outfits for your kids is just as much fun for you – check out Taryn’s entire line on her Etsy page, we picked out this beauty, since the model is Taryn’s daughter Teya!  

malika dudley maui family

Featured Mommy – Malika of Surfer Girl Jewelry

Malika Dudley is a freelance meteorologist, journalist, reporter, TV host, writer, producer, field producer and stunt double. “I pretty much do anything that has to do with the media industry. I also make jewelry part-time and attend classes at Hui Noeau, when I’m not busy chasing around my 18-month-old son, Jackson. Jackson has a full schedule – gymnastics, swimming, playgroups- he’s busier than I am! (Set your DVRS – Malika will also be a contestant on an upcoming episode of “Hollywood Game Night” on NBC, with Jane Lynch- the show airs May 22nd!)

kainani sail boat maui “For Mother’s Day I want to go for a day sail adventure on Kainani Sails! We are ocean lovers and my son is a total water baby. I’d love to do something that we will all enjoy and more importantly create memories.”

surfer girl jewelry by malika dudley

Maui Made Gift Suggestion: The newest items in Malika’s Surfer Girl Jewelry’s collection are these 18kt gold-dipped sunrise shell necklaces. The double rope chain shines in the sun and the pendants are made with high quality, hearty sunrise shells electroplated in layers of metals – ending with the 18kt gold.           Coupon Code: Use MOTHERSDAY for 50% off of all Sunrise Shell Jewelry! Click here for the link to her Etsy Shop. (expires 5/11/14)

Featured Mommy – Melissa of Opihi Love Event Rentals

melissas mothers day gift ideas maui hawaii

melissa padilla by kristy copperfield maui family portraitMelissa Padilla, mother of two sweet little girls and one darling baby boy, is also the owner of Opihi Love Event Rentals, and the Wedding Coordinator for the Alii Kula Lavender Farm. “My ideal mother’s day would be to start the day at (1)Wailuku Coffee Company, getting a massage at (2)Green Ti– and finishing up at (3)Kojima’s sushi in Pukalani… Oh, and an apple pie from (4)Leoda‘s..I’d also take anything from HUE.”  (Melissa’s family portrait also by Kristy Copperfield Photography)

alii.kula.lavender.Maui Made Gift Suggestion: Any mom would love a trip to the Alii Kula Lavender Farm, enjoying a lavender scone and lemonade, or some luscious body products to take home! 

Featured Mommies – Kether and Tiare of Queen Bee Productions

Jasmine honey, cafe des amis, indie attire bathing suit

ether tiare queen bee maui Kether Quinlan and Tiare Rietow are busy-bee mommies, as the owners of Queen Bee Productions. Kether, (pictured on the left) who is also an esthetician, loves snorkeling with her 14 year old daughter Kiana, while 12 year old Jacob rides the waves. “They are my best friends and greatest joy. We plan to use our surfboards more this summer! For Mother’s Day I would like a necklace I’ve been eyeing by (1)Jasmine Honey Designs. It’s a silver or gold bar with my children’s names pounded into it. I’d also love a gift certificate to HUE…I hear they have new inventory!”

Tiare loves going out to breakfast with her 19 year old son, Kai. “He recently graduated from Seabury Hall and will attend UH Manoa in the fall, so before he leaves I’d love a beach day with him. We enjoy breakfasts at Market Fresh Bistro, Makawao or (2)Cafe des Amis in Paia.  I’d love some new beachwear, like this new suit by (3)indie attire, I can just see myself wearing it, sipping coconut juice under a large brim hat. I can’t wait for lots of water time this summer!body wash maui

Maui Made Gift Suggestion: Any Queen Bee products would be cherished, but you can’t go wrong with Body Washes or Lip Balms!  COUPON CODE: Use code 4MYMOM for 15% off everything, plus creams are all on sale!  (expires 5/12/14)

Featured Mommies – Jessica and Wendy of HUE

mamas fish house hue bed

Yes, this is the bed from HUE, presumably this is not the bed she’s referring to…

HueMaui-Jessica-McLellan-Wendy-TakemotoJessica McLellan (standing) and Wendy Takemoto are co-owners (and interior designers!) at HUE, the furniture and design store in Kahului.  Jessica’s dream Mother’s Day involves a day of relaxation “at the spa or in my own (1)bed, I’d happily take either! My son Trenton, 13, is going to be a freshman at Seabury next year! He’s active in sports, and plays the piano. I’m really enjoying my time with him these last couple of years. He’s becoming an amazing young man and I really adore him.  My daughter Dillon is the spitfire of the family at 4 years old. She loves playing with dirt and princesses equally. She keeps us laughing with her witty sense of humor.”

Wendy’s wish for Mother’s Day is for her husband to remember about the holiday!  “He’s from South Africa, so its very possible for it to go right over his head.  But, if he does remember, I want him to take me to a restaurant where he actually had to call ahead and make a reservation, like (2)Mama’s Fish House. From my son, I would like a Mother’s Day edition of the Montessori of Maui (3)macaroni necklace.” When she’s not busy at HUE, Wendy likes to spend time with her family at the beach or camping. Four year old Luke is a budding artist as well. “I  LOVE watching him draw pictures.  He draws and narrates stories of shooter-fire-wheels-with-fuzzybees-and-sharks!hue frames mothers day gift suggestion

Maui Made Gift Suggestion:  HUE has lots of great new frames in stock… you can never go wrong with a great family photo in a cute frame!   DISCOUNT OFFER: Mention this blog post for 15% off of your purchase from now through May 10th. 

Featured Mommy – Sara of Wrappily

acacia.otaheite.swimsuit.kombucha.pie.shave.ice

sara smith wrappily Sara Smith is the founder of Wrappily, a new eco-friendly line of wrapping paper, the managing editor of Edible Hawaiian Islands Magazine, and mom to Esta and Odin. “My daughter Esta, 5, and I have started snorkeling together, which thrills me beyond belief. And since my son Odin, 3, and I are often the first ones up, we often collaborate on a Lego project or coloring a masterpiece. I cherish those moments. For Mother’s Day, though, if I am being completely honest, I’d love to sit uninterrupted on a quiet beach, perhaps thumb through a magazine or just take the time to listen to my thoughts. Going surfing with the family would be a close second, ideally in a cute new bikini from Letarte or (1)Otaheite (in photo, an Acacia design- carried at Otaheite). If there was a pair of Jasmine Honey earrings to match, well that’d be swell. Squeezing in time for a raw pie from (2)Maui Kombucha or a tamarind/ calamansi shave ice from (3)Ululani’s would top off the day perfectly.

wrappily lucky we live hawaii collectionMaui Made Suggestion: Wrappily is just released the new Lucky We Live Hawaii paper collection—cute stuff!  They are also offering a “Wrap it up for Mom” promo, with a free gift topper with purchase of wrapping paper at participating Maui retailers, including Hue, Holiday & Co. in Makawao and Pearl in Paia, while supplies last. 

 

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mommies out there – I hope you all get EXACTLY what you wish for this year, and a HUGE MAHALO to everyone who let me interview them for this piece!  

 

 

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Maui Jewelry Designers Featured in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue 2014

maui jewelry sports illustrated swimsuit issue

As a first time subscriber to Sports Illustrated, (a gift for the hubby) I was so excited to get the Swimsuit Issue in the mail, and even more excited to get it while he was on a trip, so I could actually look at it for a while.  Upon his return, his comment after reviewing it for a while was the same as my own thought – “I didn’t see any bathing suits”.  So, let’s move on from the obvious, and head to the more important issue.  The jewelry.  As I flipped through the pages I saw lots of names that I recognized, and realized this next post had to be about the talented Maui-based jewelry designers who were featured in the latest Swimsuit Issue.

Laurie from Hula Hoops Maui is one of this year’s featured designers and shared with us how jewelry is picked for the shoots: “I received a request from the editors of Sports Illustrated Swim for certain pieces that corresponded to a theme for a particular shoot. I sent them styles that fit that theme and was fortunate enough to be featured in this year’s edition.”

(Maui Made Note: In the magazine, the sections are organized by model status “Rookie” or geographic location, included below to help you find them.) 

Hula Hoops Maui – Hula Hoops Maui’s Mini Bear Claw was clearly what the editors were looking for – it was modeled both by Rookie Marloes and Jessica in Madacascar.  Chrissy in the Cook Islands shows off the Mini Arrowhead Necklace 

Tiny Bikinis plus some delicate gold jewels
Hula Hoops Maui’s Mini Arrowhead Necklace in Gold
Hula Hoops Maui’s Mini Bear Claw Gold Necklace

Special COUPON CODE for MauiMadeBlog Readers: Enter code MAUI20 to get 20% off Hula Hoops Maui jewelry between today and March 7, 2014!  

Where to buy on Maui: Nuage Bleu in Paia, Hale Zen in Lahaina, Sand People in Kaanapali and the Four Seasons Spa in Wailea.

Samantha Howard for Wings Hawaii – Samantha’s delicate gold rings were a big hit – they were seen on Rookie Valerie, on Lily in the Cook Islands, and on Gigi on Jersey Shore.  The Wings crew has made it easy to shop the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue 2014 collection – click here  

Delicate but fun to wear as an ensemble.. Ti Rings by Wings Hawaii
Not that you are looking at the rings, but they are there…

Where to buy on Maui: Check out their flagship store at 69 Hana Hwy in Paia.

Sophie Grace Maui: A necklace by Sophie Grace Maui graces the neck of Irina in Madacascar, as does another on Chrissy in the Cook Islands.  (The one seen isn’t on the online shop but here’s another coral necklace by Sophie Grace Maui)

The sideways Coral Necklace by Sophie Grace Maui
Another Beautiful Coral Necklace by Sophie Grace

Where to buy on Maui: Visit Sophie Grace Maui’s flagship shop at 36 Baldwin Ave in Paia, Poolside at the Grand Wailea, or at the Spa at the Andaz Maui in Wailea

Rockabella Jewels: Rocking the Rockabella Jewels are Rookies Gigi and Lily, Emily in Switzerland, Jessica in Madacascar, and Valerie in Brazil.

rockabella jewels necklace magazine

Rockabella Jewels made one of these necklaces…

And since it’s the Swimsuit issue, might as well throw a bathing suit – how about this absolutely gorgeous one by Debbie Wilson for Maui Girl?  Debbie’s suits are handmade here on the Maui.  This one is being modeled by Kate Bock in Switzerland.

Maui Girl Swimwear in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

Maui Girl Swimwear in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

Check out Maui Girl at the fabulous bathing suit shop also on Paia’s Baldwin Avenue.

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News from Paia – February 2014

What’s happening in Paia?  Well, a lot!   Do you have more news to add?  Comment below to add your event or news!

Shopping News: 

Breaking News: Kuau Store has opened at the former Kuau Mart location!  More details coming soon but the pictures look beautiful!

paia small shops temporarily closed pakaloha

Temporarily Closed

Pakaloha Bikinis reports that their “Paia location will be temporarily closed due to remodeling of the all the small shops in that area. We will be reopening another store as soon as the remodel is complete.”  As a reminder, Pakaloha also has a shop in Lahaina, and online shopping. “We ship free for all of Hawaii!!!”

arie bikinis trunk show paia maui hawaii No end of options for buying bathing suits in Paia, and Tamara Catz recently announced a trunk show for ARIE BIKINIS on Saturday, March 1st from 5-7pm.  Local swimwear designer Ariana Hornkohl unveils her Coco Luxe Hawaii 2014 collection, which is available exclusively at the Paia boutique.  There will be fun dance music and fresh locally made Kombucha.

Nohealani at the former Grace Beauty (see below) closed their ‘brick and mortar shop’ at the end of 2013.

And, Paia Pharmacy has also closed.  No word yet on what is coming.

paia pharmacy closed retail space for rent paia

Restaurant News: 

Rock N Brews – Still under construction – No word yet on official opening date.

rock n brews paia maui opening date

Rock N Brews – Paia, Maui, Hawaii – No word on Opening Date yet –

Dazoo – Lots of news from Dazoo – They will be unveiling a new menu soon (the menu changes seasonally with availability of fruits and vegetables…) And they report that they are soon to open bakery and private dining room – as well as changing their hours with the impending arrival of the bakery!  Stay tuned to their Facebook page for all the details as they become available.

Health and Wellness News: 

the hive grace beauty maui salon paia

Formerly Known as Grace Beauty

As mentioned above, Grace Beauty Day Spa is transitioning, evolving, and expanding into a Health and Wellness Center called ‘The Hive’. Katy Grace Miller will still be offering facials and expert waxing, massage is still being offered as well as other new treatments that will be available soon.   As stated on their Facebook page: “’The Hive’ is a collective that provides various treatments from practitioners, therapists, healers, and skin care professionals. We will be serving smoothies, elixirs, teas, and providing local artisans a space to share their gifts and and talents. The Hive is part of a collective organization that focuses on integrity, empowerment, education, and community. In the evenings we will be hosting classes, workshops, meditations, music, film screenings and a variety of other events that inspire, empower, and educate.”

Also offering DoTerra Essential Oils Classes
And Still offering Eminence Skin Care Products!

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What to Wear for a Wedding in Hawaii – The Maui Made Edition

What to wear wedding hawaii beach island

Our last blog post on weddings was all the unique venues that Maui has to offer.  Today’s post is about trends in bridal attire, and if you thought there were lots of choices for venues- there are even more for bridal gowns- because since we are in Hawaii, the sky is the limit!  And as usual, the below offerings are designed or made right here on the island of Maui!

Maui Made checked in with our go-to stylist, MeiLi Autumn, to see what’s trending with Hawaiian bridal gown styles in 2014:  “Maui brides run the gamut of adhering to a traditional style to having a unique style that is more beachy and casual,” MeiLi shared.  

Hair and Makeup: MeiLi Autumn, Dress: Tamara Catz, Photography: Maui Creative Photography
Hair and Makeup: MeiLi Autumn, Dress: Tamara Catz, Photography: Maui Creative Photography
Hair and Makeup: MeiLi Autumn, Dress: Tamara Catz, Photography: Maui Creative Photography
Hair and Makeup: MeiLi Autumn, Dress: Tamara Catz, Photography: Maui Creative Photography

(Above dresses by Maui-based clothing designer Tamara Catz, hair and makeup by MeiLi Autumn.  Photography by Maui Creative Photography)

“Instead of the fluffy, lacy merengue dresses, I am seeing more elegant and streamline dresses that could almost pass as a simple sun dress. Of course there are special embellishments when you look closely like a perfectly placed crystal, or shell detail. I think Maui is special in that brides can really experiment with their style whether its an all-out Victorian extravaganza at the Haiku Mill or a bohemian beachy soiree on the sand.”

Where to find these beautiful gowns? Tamara Catz offers several different wedding gowns, available online and in their flagship store in Paia.

Beach Wedding Attire Tips: If you are having a beach wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your attire.  “Maui tends to be pretty windy, and on an exposed beach, veils and layers of fabric can tend to get caught up in our cooling trade winds,” explained Melissa Padilla of Opihi Love Wedding and Event Design.  “And if you are on the beach, stiletto heals aren’t going to work, so stick with wedges, or some brides will go with slippers (flip-flops) or even barefoot!” she continued.  (Melissa is the designer of some of Maui’s dreamiest weddings, check out her brand-new website here) 

hawaii wedding what to wear

Bridal Gown by Tamara Catz

And for the bride who is looking to do something completely out of the box, with just a nod to the traditional, Maui Girl has just unveiled its line of Bridal Bikinis– handmade here on Maui!  According to Debbie Wilson, owner and designer of Maui Girl, “we’ve been looking to create a line of bridal inspired suits for a while, it just seems so fitting with all the destination weddings that come to Maui.  We were looking for an alternative to a white t-shirt with lifesavers and puffy paints for a beach or pool-side bachelorette party, plus we loved the idea of doing a bridal inspired photo-shoot!  Now we are just waiting for that island-hip bride to have all her bridesmaids in bikinis, and her in a full gown. How awesome would that be!?”

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(Above Maui Girl Bridal Bikinis are modeled by Jazmin Repollo, photography by Ben Pigao of Empire Green)

Mahalo to all of our contributors for this beautiful post!!!

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Maui’s Big Events for 2014

MAUI CALENDAR EVENTS 2014 BIG ACTIVITY

Maui has outstanding community events throughout the year – from golf tournaments that are fun to watch or fundraisers that are fun to eat (at).  If you are thinking of traveling to Maui in 2014, here are some events that you might want to consider planning a trip around.  (ok, it might be too late to make it here for the golf tournament, but I bet it will happen around the same time in 2015 as well…) And if you live here, some of these events are the ones you’ll want to start saving your pennies for…

UPDATE APRIL 29  – I’ve gone ahead and DELETED the events that have already taken place – and if you are planning to come in 2015, I’m already starting to put together that calendar soon!

Please note: If you know of other can’t-miss events, please add a comment below with a website for consideration.  Some events happening in the latter part of the year may not have confirmed dates yet.  Will keep this up to date as possible.  All events subject to change/cancellation. 

May 2014 

  • Date: Saturday, May 3
  • Event: Maui Onion Festival
  • Location: Whaler’s Village
  • Admission: Free
  • Chef Demonstrations, Games and Prizes, Recipe Contests, Live Entertainment, Food Booths 
  • Website: http://www.whalersvillage.com/onionfestival.htm
  • Date: Saturday, May 10
  • Event: Seabury Hall Craft Fair- a fundraiser for the scholarship programs
  • Location: Makawao (Upcountry)
  • Admission: $5 (12 and under free)
  • The juried Craft Fair features more than 100 local artisans, live entertainment, great food, live and silent auctions, activities for kids, rummage and plant sales and more
  • Website: http://www.seaburyhall.org/page.cfm?p=981

June 2014 

July 2014

  • July – event dates to be determined (check back for updates)
  • Event: 56th Annual 4th of July Rodeo and Parade
  • Location: Makawao

August 2014 

  • Date: TBD
  • Event: Miss Saigon 
  • Location: Maui Arts and Cultural Center
  • The famed Broadway play, coming to Maui, under the same direction as last year’s memorable Les Mis
  • Website: http://www.mauiacademy.org
  • Date: Friday, August 8
  • Event: Maui Calls-  a fundraiser for Maui Arts and Cultural Center
  • Location: Maui Arts and Cultural Center
  • Food Booths from some of Maui’s best restaurants, wines from wineries around the world, live entertainment, dancing, live and silent auction and more. 
  • Website: http://www.mauiarts.org/ShowCalendars.html?Year=2014&Month=08

September 2014

October 2014

  • Date: October 2-5
  • Event: Maui Fair
  • Location: Fairgrounds, Wailuku
  • A County Fair with the requisite food, carnival rides, games, animals and more food. 
  • Website: http://mauifair.com/2013/

November 2014

  • Date: Saturday, November 1
  • Event: Noble Chef- a fundraiser for the Maui Culinary Academy
  • Location: TBD
  • An elegant affair with celebrity chefs mentoring the culinary students, with auctions, entertainment and an always impressive dessert display.  Did I mention the dessert?  
  • Website: http://noblechef.maui.hawaii.edu
  • Date: November 7 & 8
  • Event: Made in Maui County Festival- First Ever!
  • Location: Maui Arts and Cultural Center
  • Made in Maui arts, foods, produce, crafts, jewelry, gifts, collectibles and more.  Features an invitation-only preview for retailers on Friday, and an open to the public event, including food trucks, restaurants etc !
  • Website: http://www.madeinmauicountyfestival.com

December 2014

  • Date: Saturday, December 6
  • Event: Haleakala Waldorf Holiday Faire
  • Location: Haleakala Waldorf School, Kula
  • Festive crafts, silent auction, food, kids activities, live entertainment and more 
  • Website: http://www.waldorfmaui.org

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