Address: 374 Hanakai St., Kahului, HI 96732 Phone: 808-877-5503 BJ’s convenient location, on the corner of Hana Highway and Hanakai Street, makes popping in almost irresistible. Even more irresistible are the showrooms, each more breathtaking than the next. Space-saving, oversized, dark or light, they have it all. Whether you’re decorating a spacious home or one-bedroom condo, this is your stop.
BEST SCUBA / SNORKEL SHOP, Winner Boss Frogs Dive and Surf Address: 150 Lahainaluna Rd., Lahaina, HI 96761 Phone: (808) 661-3333 Website: http://www.bossfrog.com/ Any place with the tag line “Frogs Just Have More Fun” earns automatic points with us. Add a cute cartoon frog chilling in a hammock and you’ve already won us over (yeah, we’re easy like that). But you didn’t vote Boss Frog’s the best place to get dive and snorkel gear because of a slogan and an anthropomorphic mascot; you chose them for their selection, convenient locations (on all four major islands if you’re on a mini-vacay) and vast knowledge of the best places to bob around and oogle fish. Nothing ruins a Scuba or snorkel trip faster than faulty equipment; go with the place with the established rep. And say hi to that cartoon frog for us.
Address: 111 Hana Hwy. #105, Kahului, HI 96732 Phone: 808-871-1141 t's like an instrument orgy at Bounty Music spawned litters of little 'ukuleles, hung in tidy rows from rafters and on walls. For four-stringers, its a sight to behold; and for staff, it's their forte. Established in 1979, this shop has been a real musician's friend and the ultimate local resource for all things uniquely 'uke. They carry more makes and models than you ever knew existed, from prestigious local makers like Kanile'a, KoAloha, and king of 'ukes, Kamaka. So whether beginner or pro, this Hana Highway hub is the place to go.
Address: 253 Nehe Pl., Makawao, HI 96768 Phone: 808-572-5689 The person you trust with your car is only a small step down from the person you trust with your kid. (And honestly, when was the last time your kid transported you somewhere while playing you music and blowing cool air on you?) So choosing a mechanic isn’t something that should be taken lightly. The buzz on Goldberg is that he’s one of those rock-solid neighborhood mechanics who gives every job—big or small—the care it deserves, and eschews the stereotype of the grease-covered con man by offering his customers fair estimates and reliable work. You may not have given birth to your car (ouch) but chances are it’s an important part of your family. Treat it accordingly.
Address: 120 Hana Hwy., Paia, HI 96779 Phone: (808) 579-8844 Aww... You miss Jacques (and so do we), but c’est la vie, right? All good things come to an end—sometimes when you least expect it. Just last year, Chef Jacques Pauvert was voted Best Chef for his mastery of menu fare as eclectic as the North Shore demographic. And of those Pa’ia peeps, it was a magnet for the hottest beach bodies and hippest hippies. It’s losses like these that remind us that no matter how good you are, the restaurant game is a tough biz. That said, I have a feeling this isn’t the last we’ll hear from the minds behind Jacuqes, though its previous incarnation will have to be resigned to our scrapbooks and fond recollections.
EDIT PICK: Best Vortex of Nostalgia, Winner Daddy O's Barber Shop Address: 360 Papa Place D1, Kahului, HI Phone: 808-893-2322 Website: http://www.daddyosbarbershop.com/ It’s a kane-only barbershop, whose checkerboard floor alone makes me want to exhaust a roll of duct tape to disguise the girls. Hello? Pistachio-colored porcelain barber’s chairs from 1924. A Seeburg Jukebox. A mounted buffalo’s head. Complimentary Coca-Cola. How can it get better than that? It does for the boys, with a “hot lather neck shave and shoulder massage” included with every cut, and option for an old-fashioned, hot towel straight-razor shave. Befitting of a place bedecked with pinups and rock ‘n roll paraphernalia, shop owners “love cars and car people,” and regularly play host to events for the whole ‘ohana. There, you’ll see such fuel-injected treats as the Delorean from Back to the Future, the General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard and Herbie...yes, the Love Bug himself. They had me at “pistachio.”
Address: 62 Baldwin Ave., Paia, HI 96779 Phone: 808-579-8979 In our culture men don’t revere hairy women; in fact, women don’t revere hairy women. What does that mean? No matter how much of a pain in the butt (maybe literally) hair removal is, people will keep doing it. Fortunately, Dr. Bennett’s makes it easy and the results of their laser hair removal are long lasting. If it’s smooth skin you want, go see the Dr.
Address: 62 Baldwin Ave., Paia, HI 96779 Phone: 808-579-9779 When I’ve had a rough week, nothing calms me down more than having hot wax slathered on me, then having my body hair ripped out. Seriously though, the staff at Grace Beauty Day Spa is friendly and personable, and most importantly highly skilled and quick (vital in trickier waxing processes that include your girlie bits). Wax on, wax off.
Address: 320 Ohukai Rd. #303, Kihei, HI 96753 Phone: 808-879-2826 For tobacco products only, of course (cough). It’s a no stems, no seediness sort of shop, where they aim for a vibe that’s “art gallery meets jewelry store,” with bright lights, clean lines and OCD-organized display cases, say managers Michael “Pittsburgh” Guenther and Lynn Moody. Check out the 64-percolator water pipe, made for a mad scientist’s lair, or slides cut like oversized diamonds, or hookahs with futuristic freezable gel and floating fish that swim with every hit, or clever stash cans and other modes of masquerade, or... The list goes on—and will go on—with new merchandise arriving more than weekly, and expansion to a Kahului location in the works.
Address: 415 Dairy Rd., Kahului, HI 96732 Phone: 808-871-4981 Stand-up paddling (SUP, to you) has officially made the transition from fad to established sport; stand-up paddlers now outnumber surfers and kayakers at many spots. (Actually SUP traces its origins back to ancient Polynesia, so you could argue it was always more than a trend.) With that comes increased demand—not just for gear, but for advice and know-how. Hawaiian Island Surf & Sport has Maui’s burgeoning SUP community covered on both fronts, offering the latest brands and a friendly, experienced crew that doesn’t just sell this stuff but lives it, too. All in all, they’re just stand-up guys (sorry, couldn’t resist).
Address: 425 Koloa St., Kahului, HI 96732 Phone: 808-877-2111 Since the first location (in Paia) opened nearly three decades ago, Hi Tech has done one essential thing: offer Maui’s passionate watermen and water-wahine the tools they need to tackle Maui’s epic breaks. Sounds simple, but the only way you last—in any business, but this one in particular—is if you bring a love and commitment to match your customers.’ Whether novice or pro, renter or owner, grom or gizzled vet, Hi Tech has the staff, knowledge and selection to get you in, out and, most importantly, on the waves.
BEST PRESCHOOL / DAYCARE, Winner Kamaaina Kids Address: 156 Hamakua Dr. Suite C, Kailua, HI 96734 Phone: (808) 262-4538 Fax: (808) 261-2051 Website: http://www.kamaainakids.com/ he importance of preschool has thankfully gained broad acceptance; it may not be legally mandated, but it gives kids the essential building blocks needed for success in kindergarten and beyond. On Maui, options run the gamut, from backyard day cares to big, accredited institutions (see the runner up). Kamaaina Kids falls somewhere in the middle—flexible and affordable but also structured and staffed with trained, caring teachers who provide a safe, stimulating learning environment. Heck, I sent my son there are he’s the greatest, smartest, best kid in the history of the universe, so that should tell you something right there.
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EDIT PICK: Best Place To Bail Yourself Outta the Doghouse, Winner Kama‘aina Loan Address: 46 N. Market St., Wailuku, HI 96793 Phone: 808-242-5555 Website: http://www.kamaainaloan.com Sometimes the best way to say you’re sorry is with jewelry. If you’re not sure where to go to get the good stuff, head to Kamaaina loan for the best bling for your buck. The ladies there can assist you in finding just the thing to get you out of hot water, and they have a great selection to choose from (especially these days). Diamonds, gold, silver, gems, sets, watches and more. Then try to stay out of trouble okay?
Address: Welakahao Rd. off Piilani Hwy., Kihei, HI 96753 This may not be the sexiest category—ask someone what they want to do on a sunny Saturday and “go to the recycling center” probably won’t be their first choice—but it’s an important one. If you recycle (and shame on you if you don’t) having a reliable, convenient spot to drop off those cans and bottles is essential. Kihei Recycling meets both of those criteria and is also, as we noted last year when they won, well- kept up, meaning a minimum of flies, sticky puddles, weird smells and other things that prevent people from following through on the last of the three “R”s. And really, how many businesses hand you money on your way out? Maybe recycling is a little sexy after all.
EDIT PICK: BEST PLACE TO BUY GIRLIE GIFTS FOR THE PRODUCT JUNKIE, Winner Lilikoi Beauty Address: 18 Baldwin Ave., Paia, HI 96779 Phone: (808) 579-6055 Website: http://www.lilikoibeauty.com There are lots of occasions when you need the right gift, something that isn’t too personal but will definitely be appreciated. For girlie gifts, my go-to place is Lilikoi Beauty. You don’t need to know anyone’s size or style to get them a gift here. They have the most amazing candles, lots of body products from Ali’i Lavendar Farm and natural skin-care and beauty products. The service is great and the shop is on the North Shore, a perfect excuse to go boutique shopping in Paia.
BEST ADULT GIFT SHOP, Winner Love Shack Maui Address: 1913 South Kihei Rd., Kihei, HI Phone: 808-875-0303 Website: http://www.loveshackmaui.com/ Unlike many adult stores, the staff at The Love Shack is friendly, knowledgeable and provides shoppers with a sex-positive and welcoming atmosphere. Gone are the days when you had to wait until dark and wear your collar up high (unless you’re into that, in which case by all means). Not only can The Love Shack help enhance your experience,they can also educate you on safer sex practices while keeping everything fun and kinky. Maybe you’re not ready to take things out of the bedroom just yet? The Love Shack will bring the fun to you with a privately hosted party. Finally, I should say I had all sorts of awesome ideas for 3D photos to accompany this write-up, but MauiTime is too classy.
BEST HARDWARE STORE, Winner Marmac Ace Hardware Address: 334 Alamaha St., Kahului, HI 96732 Phone: 808-877-3931 Website: http://www.acehardware.com A couple months ago, while attempting to fix the faucet on my bathtub, I misplaced a small but essential part. After a long and fruitless search, I visited the folks at Marmac Ace. They didn’t have the part. I went all over Central Maui looking for someplace that did, to no avail. And so I found myself back at Marmac. They still didn’t have the part, but they took time out to talk about other ways to get the job done. In the end, after probably a half-hour of patient discussion, I wound up buying a 50 cent piece of plastic that, if cut and “MacGyvered” properly, looked like it’d serve the purpose. Then, of course, I went home and found the missing part. What’s the moral of this rambling tale of botched home improvement? Only that Ace Marmac is the kind of hardware store where getting your money isn’t the primary objective, it’s offering you personal, knowledgeable service so that you’ll become a lifelong, loyal customer. I know I am.
EDIT PICK: Best Place to Wish You Owned a Really Giant Farm, Winner Maui Humane Society Address: P.O. Box 1047, Puunene, HI Phone: (808) 877-3680 Fax: (808) 877-5033 Website: http://www.mauihumane.org/ With mews and longing eyes, the animals at the Maui Humane Society will claw at your heart. Unless you’re walking out with a Certified Pre-Owned Cat or Dog (or rodent or fowl or whatever), you’re going to have your heart broken a little bit. The organization faces $160,000 in estimated budget cuts this year—tacked atop a $190,000 cut from last year—but remains dedicated to its mission statement, which “envisions a time when our community celebrates the human-animal bond and treats all fellow beings with care, compassion and respect.” Stave the ache by adopting an animal for yourself and/or donating to the Society, and squash the cycle by preaching the Bob Barker, spay-and-neuter word.
Address: 7 N. Market St., Wailuku, HI 96793 Phone: 808-249-0215 MauiTime readers are stuck on the goodness that is Maui Thing. And thank goodness for them, too! It’s been a long time coming for Mauians to have our island’s moniker printed on threads in an entirely unpretentious, not-cheesy way. From either their Market St. shop or online, you can outfit the whole ‘ohana in clothes that look as good as they feel. But more than being the hippest of no ka oi clothiers, they embrace localism to the fullest and do tons of creative work in the community, especially with keiki. “It’s a movement,” they say. “It’s about growth and change. We believe that good ideas and good design have the power to inspire, to stimulate, to make good things happen.” A thing of beauty.
BEST TATTOO PARLOR, Winner Paia Tattoo Parlor Address: 120 Hana Highway, Paia, HI 96779 Phone: (808) 579-8515 Website: http://paiatattooparlor.com/ Maui is filled with tattoo enthusiasts. As a result, tattoo shops are popping up everywhere, becoming more commonplace than Starbucks. While some shops may seem tantalizing at first, with their cheap prices and colorful flash art, remember if you don’t go for a quality artist in the first place, you’re only going to end up paying more to have the art covered up or removed. That said, the folks at Paia Tattoo Parlor are some of the more experienced artists on the island and specialize in traditional, Japanese, Polynesian, black and grey as well as photorealistic art. Not only that, but Paia Tattoo Parlor supports other local artists by hosting a revolving gallery of art installations. And remember, no matter where you go for your body modification needs: tip your artist!
Address: 335 Keawe St., Ste. #B 118, Lahaina, HI Phone: (808) 667-5874 When I was a little girl people used to cover me in cream and put a cherry on my head. It was tough growing up in the gateau. (Ba dum...cha!) Despite this, I grew from my experiences and became of pillar of society. Admittedly that pillar is a little dented and the mortar is a little crumbly, but it’s a pillar nonetheless.Even pillars sometimes want to feel like princesses and Plush Beauty Lounge is the place for that. If you’re looking to get yo’ hair did and makeup done with professionalism and high-quality products in a serene and low stress environment, check out Plush Beauty Lounge. Non-pillars also accepted.
BEST CONSIGNMENT STORE, Winner Rainbow Attic Address: 1881 S. Kihei Rd., # B5, Kihei, HI 96753 Phone: 808-874-0884 Website: http://www.rainbowatticmaui.com This is the way fashionistas recycle. Bedeck both body and hale with a unique stock of men’s and women’s clothing, accessories and household decor. Rainbow Attic’s selective compilation of our collective excess makes for a fine spectrum of secondhand pickins. Plus, there really is a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow, when you consign your items for a 50/50 split and are paid when your items sell. If it’s a been awhile since you’ve treated yourself, just follow the...
Address: 810 Kokomo Rd. Suite 160, Haiku, HI 96708 Phone: 808-579-8288 Email: trish@risingsunsolar.com Vermont has maple syrup. Alaska has grizzly bears. Hawaii has the sun. We’re lucky in that sense, because while neither maple syrup nor grizzly bears can provide clean energy (that we know of) the sun certainly can. And, as oil gushed into the Gulf, the need for that clean energy became even more acute. Specializing in both residential and commercial PV installations, Rising Sun has gained an islandwide reputation for being on the cutting edge of this long-overdue trend (they’ve been in business since 1986, back when green was mostly just a color). We live in a place where solar literally makes sense for everyone, from both a practical and ecological standpoint. Here comes the sun, indeed.
BEST LOCAL CLOTHING DESIGNER, Runner up Tamara Catz Inc. Address: P.O. BOX 790683, Paia, HI 96799 Contact: Tamara Catz Phone: 808.579.9184 Website: http://www.tamaracatz.com/
Address: 2365 Kaanapali Pkwy., Lahaina, HI 96761 Phone: 808-667-2525 MauiTime readers voted and they love the Westin. With two gorgeous Kaanapali locations, The Westin Maui and the Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas, there’s a lot to love. (Both offer kamaaina pricing.) The Westin Maui boasts a fantasy pool with slides and an area kids love, and they have parrots and flamingos to further mesmerize the keiki. At the Westin Ka’anapali Resort Villas, rooms have condo-style amenities like kitchens and living rooms, great for family stays. The best amenity (for me anyway) is at Westin Maui, where your dog can accompany you. Now that’s accommodating.
BEST NEW BUSINESS, Winner Whole Foods Market Address: 70 Kaahumanu Ave #B,, Kahului, HI 96732 Phone: 808-872-3310 Fax: 808-872-3320 Website: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/maui/ Yes, they’re a Mainland chain. But, since opening in February to much hype, discussion and fanfare, Whole Foods has made admirable efforts to become a part of the community—most notably stocking their shelves with an array of Maui products, everything from Maui Cattle Company beef to locally grown fruits and veggies to (Best of Maui-winning) Maui Brew Co. beer. And everything is clearly labeled so you know how far your food traveled and who you’re supporting by buying it. Add a range of hard-to-find specialty products, an expansive salad and hot bar and a friendly, easer-to-help crew of “team member” and its easy to see why Mauians named Whole Foods the most popular new kid on the block.
Entertainment and lifestyle news for Maui, Hawaii and the surrounding Islands. Maui Time Weekly is Mauis only independent and locally owned newspaper.
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