What’s New in Maui Nui

MAUI – With the new year now in full swing, read on to learn what’s new in Maui Nui and visit the Island Events Calendar to see what fun there is to be had!
New Offerings
Montage Kapalua Bay adds new on-property Cultural Programming
Montage Kapalua Bay is making it easy for guests to learn about Hawaiian culture with a new cultural ambassador. Hoku Haiku brings over 25 years of experience to Montage Kapalua Bay as a cultural educator and the implementation of brand-new programming, including Na Pa’ani Kahiko (traditional Hawaiian games) and guided educational walks. Silla Kaina, the resort’s long standing cultural ambassador, and Hoku lead Hawaiian culture classes for visitors to learn about ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i, coconut frond weaving, ‘ukulele playing, hula dance and more. Hawaiian culture classes are complimentary for resort guests and advanced reservations are required. To register for a class, call the Front Desk Concierge at (833) 779-7951. For a full list of Hawaiian culture classes, visit www.montagehotels.com/kapaluabay/experiences/art-culture/.
New Executive Chef at Ko Continues the Legacy of Plantation-Inspired Cuisine
Born and raised on Maui, Ko’s Executive Chef Jonathan Pasion intimately understands the cultural cuisine of the island he calls home. As a student, he was one of the first recipients of the Tylun Pang Aspiring Chef Scholarship and gained valuable experience working in the Ko kitchen with Chef Pang as his mentor. Chef Pasion’s kitchen skills traveled from the shores of Rhode Island to the beaches of Maui to Auckland and now back at Ko at the Fairmont Kea Lani. He has repeatedly been acclaimed for his innovative menus by local and industry magazine awards. For more information about Ko Restaurant and its chefs, visit www.korestaurant.com.
Unbridled Retreat at Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort
The healing power of horses provides a path to clarity, mindfulness and sustainable well-being during an Unbridled Retreat, July 27-31, 2022, led by Equine Gestalt Coach Devon Combs. Her unique synergy with horses and expert, intuitive coaching provides profound breakthroughs to women who seek to unlock their unlimited potential. This four-night equine experience at the adults-only wellness enclave features empowering encounters, gourmet meals, Sensei wellness credits for spa treatments, one-on-one consultations and wellbeing activities, complimentary daily classes, a sunset sail and round-trip travel from Honolulu on Lāna’i Air. To book your Unbridled Retreat, visit www.fourseasons.com/sensei/landing-pages/property/unbridled-retreat/ or call (800) 505-2624.
Botanical Preservation Project Launched at Four Seasons Resort Lanai
A recent planting ceremony marked the kickoff to reintroduce ‘āwikiwiki (Canavalia pubescens) to Four Seasons Resort Lanai. The plants are established inside the Resort’s Tennis Garden for protection from non-native herbivores (such as axis deer) while the landscaping team cares for this federally endangered perennial vine. Just this month, the vines started producing and seeds collected were sent to Lyon Arboretum on O’ahu for long term seed storage. In the future, some will be withdrawn for reintroduction of ‘āwikiwiki in its native habitat in the Hulopo’e-Manele coastal zone. For more information about this newly launched preservation project, visit https://press.fourseasons.com/lanai/hotel- news/2021/tree-conservation-program/.
Events or Activities
Maui Ocean Center’s World Oceans Day Celebration, June 8
Celebrate and honor World Ocean’s Day at Maui Ocean Center on June 8. Learn about the delicate ecosystems beneath the surface from Maui Ocean Center’s team of Ocean Experts and discover how you can support marine conservation for future generations by living ocean aloha. Explore sustainable dining at Seascape Restaurant and shop a sea of ocean-friendly gifts at Maui Ocean Treasures! To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.mauioceancenter.com.
World Whale Film Festival Spotlights Ocean Conservation, June 8
The World Whale Film Festival 2022 presented by the Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) and funded by the Hawai’i Tourism Authority (HTA) to celebrate World Ocean Day on June 8. This event will showcase visual storytelling that reflects PWF’s mission to protect the ocean through science and advocacy and inspire environmental stewardship. In addition to the in-person festival held at Upcountry’s Ocean Vodka Distillery, organizers are offering a virtual option boasting a robust slate of films, which will be available June 8 through 30. For more information, visit www.pacificwhale.org/world-whale-film-festival.