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Magazine Articles
From Stephen's past articles,"Serves You Right"
A regular feature of "QSF", a recent Travel/Entertainment/Lifestyle Magazine

...» Interview: PBS Show Chef And Cookbook Author Paul Prudhomme
...» Interview: PBS Show Host Chef And Chocolateir Jacques Torres

Travel Article: The Seduction Of Maui

...» Interview: Zagat Rated Executive Chef Ari Nieminen
...» Interview with Chef Guliano Bugialli, Italy's most popular chef
...» Interview with PBS Cooking Series "Ciao Italia" Host Mary Ann Esposito

Travel:

 

 

 

 


o other land in all the world has any deep strong charm for me but that one. No other land could so longingly and so beseechingly haunt me, sleeping and awake, through half a lifetime as that one has done...for me its balmy airs are always blowing, its summer seas flashing in the sun, the pulsing of its surf beat in my ear. So said Mark Twain in 1889. With a variety of landscapes that encompass everything from beaches of unrestrained splendor to lush tropical forests and remote volcanic summits, Maui is at once captivating and seductive.

The people who call this island home are some of the friendliest and most hospitable you will ever meet. Their love of life is expressed in uninhibited smiles and an enthusiastic appreciation and reverence for the natural beauty around them. They delight in sharing their island with visitors (over 2 million a year!) and guiding you to those special places that are often not listed in travel books. The moment you express the desire to learn more about Maui and experience the island beyond the beach resorts, someone is sure to be there with an entire list of things that you must see and do.

Exploring The Island.... Ask those who have been to Maui what their favorite beach is and they will inevitably say Little Beach. Located to the north of Oneloa Beach (Big Beach) and about 3/4 of a mile south of the Maui Prince Hotel. Little Beach offers a protected cove and is one of the best spots for swimming on Maui. Be prepared to hike over a lava flow to reach the beach. After a morning of sunning and swimming, head north to the Maui Ocean Center. This wonderful aquarium has many exhibits and features a surge pool, whale discovery center, a living reef, sting ray cove, turtle lagoon with beautiful sea turtles and the underwater journey tunnel with a 240 degree view that takes you beneath the sea. 808-270-7000. 192 Ma’alaea Rd., Ma’alaea.

To learn more about the history of Maui stop by the
Bailey House Museum. Home to the Maui Historical Society, Bailey house, built in the 1830s, is an historical landmark that houses archival photos and documents depicting life as it was before and after European and American settlers arrived on the island. Classes and lectures are held weekly. Don’t forget to visit their beautiful gift shop filled with arts, crafts, cards, CDs and more. 808-244-3326. 2375-A Main Street, Wailuku.

Head east into the upcountry and be sure to visit Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center, a beautiful mansion built by the Baldwin family, now home to an art colony offering classes in pottery, painting, printmaking, sculpture and jewelry. Other classes focus on ancient Hawaiian art forms. 808-572-6560. Check out their website at www.huinoeau.com. 2842 Baldwin Ave., Makawao.

Last, but not least, head over to Tedeschi Vineyards —yes there is a winery on Maui. Located up on the slopes of Haleakala, the winery was established 24 years ago. This historic site was originally the home to plantation grower L. L. Tolbert and then to Captain James Makee who frequently entertained the Hawaiian Royal family and other visiting heads of state at his residence. Their pineapple wine and champagne are interesting and make for a most unusual gift, but their Plantation Red is a most superb wine that you may very well want to bring home with you. 808-878-1266. Route 37, Ulupalakua.

Adventures.... One of the best ways to see Maui is to take a helicopter tour of the Island and experience the splendor of Haleakala, the unspoiled beauty of Hana or the hidden treasures of Molokai from the air. If you’ve never flown in a helicopter,don’t miss the opportunity to do so here. Most operators offer a variety of tours, including a fly/drive to Hana. Air Maui Helicopter Tours, 808-877-7005. Sunshine Helicopter Tours, 808-8710722, or e-mail them at sales@sunshinehelicopters.com. If you prefer to see Maui from the sea, try Trilogy Adventures in Paradise, a family owned and operated fleet of powered catamarans. Daily trips to Lanai and Molokini for sightseeing and snorkeling. Equipment provided, if you need it. Lunch included. Call 808-661-4743, or check out their web site at www.sailtrilogy.com.

If you care about the environment and want to help preserve the natural wonders of Maui, then reserve space on the Pacific Whale Foundation's Molokini & Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Adventure. Sail to Lanai aboard their powered catamaran to watch dolphins in the wild and snorkel at a pristine reef with green sea turtles. Gear, breakfast and lunch provided. All profits support research, education and conservation efforts. 808-879-8811 or on-line http://www.pacificwhale.org. Having worked up an appetite from all that swimming and snorkeling, perhaps it’s time for the Old Lahaina Luau—but be forewarned: this massive feast attracts several hundred people a night. Set on the beach, and featuring a rather mediocre buffet and open bar ($40), people are seated cheek to jowl at long tables and then entertained by attractive hula boys and girls. This is Maui dinner/theatre for the culturally starved tourist. 808-667-1998. 1251 Front Street, Lahaina.

The Ultimate Adventure... On Maui, it's going to the top of the world’s largest dormant volcano, Haleakala, to see the sunrise. Afterwards, many people opt to either hike down into the crater itself or to bike back down to sea level. The Maui Activity Information Center in Lahaina offers free breakfast and island orientation for visitors during their first two days on the island. A great way to find out about tours and activities. For info call: 808-667-7777.


Text © 2001 SYR Inc.

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