GYM, Winner 24 Hour Fitness Maui Address: 150 Hana Highway, Kahului, HI 96732 Phone: (808) 877-7474 Website: http://www.24hourfitness.com/ Rather than opt for one of those small, sweaty gyms where very large guys hit heavy bags and pump iron and generally get more bad ass by the second, you opted for one of the most professional and corporate gyms out there. With approximately 400 operations conveniently located across the entire nation, 24 Hour Fitness is one of the best known health clubs out there. And when most of us our out of shape and really have no idea how to keep fit and toned (or whatever the latest buzz words are), I guess it’s best that we go people who’ve been doing this around the country for 25 years.
LOCAL SANDWICH, Winner 808 Deli Address: 2511 S. Kihei Rd., Suite 102, Kihei, HI 96753 Contact: josh richardson Phone: 808-879-1111 Website: http://www.808deli.net If you can stuff it between two slices of bread, 808 Deli has it on the menu. Design a sandwich the way you like and they are happy to build it, or choose from their selection of gourmet specialty sandwiches, Paninis and hot dogs with all the fixin’s. Either way you stuff it or slice it, 808 Deli has an award-winning sandwich and a bag of chips waiting for you.
Brendan Smith (@ReqB) is going to have to change his Twitter bio. Since last year’s BOM he’s playfully broadcast that he’s “Maui's 2nd Best Twitter Feed™”--and now he’s the big winner. Even if you don’t have Twitter--hell, even if you don’t have a computer--it’s worth logging on just to tune into Brendan Smith’s (@ReqB) tweets. We’re not quite sure how he manages to be such a witty wordsmith--all in 140 characters or less--but do it he does. From the latest report on da lolos in Wailuku to Vice-esque do’s and don’ts, Smith’s got a say on everything--and voters know he’s worth reading.
LOCAL BLOG, Winner A Maui Blog Website: http://www.amauiblog.com/ amauiblog.com is led by Maui mama and blogger Liza Pierce. It provides a slice of our Pacific sunshine on the Internet. Follow her at @amauiblog to get her latest micro-blogged updates. She posts regularly about community events and the beauty of Maui and you’re welcome to chime in and comment. Her latest craze is sharing through Instagram, but you will find Peirce is always sharing something on social platforms, where ever they may be.
Address: 1792 Main St., Wailuku, HI 96793 Phone: (808) 243-9560 A Saigon Cafe made news this past year when they erected a sign on their rooftop, the first sign they have put up since they opened in January 1996. Their tricky location is now marked, but Mauians already know where to find authentic and delicious Vietnamese cuisine created by Jennifer Nguyen. The menu is extensive and includes salads, vermicelli, clay pot, whole fish, appetizers and coffee drinks.
LOCAL RADIO DJ, Winner Alaka'i Paleka Website: http://www.alakai@kpoa.com All hail Maui's "Morning Goddess," a true Hawaiian with a heart of gold who's again nabbed the title of "Best Local Radio DJ." The station's programming director, she's been a morning mainstay for decades, urging everyone to "get up, brush teeth, wash face and comb your hair" -- and all with the interlude of her hallmark, twinkling tune by Peter Moon. ('Hala,' yo!)
COUNTY OFFICIAL, Winner Alan Arakawa Address: P.O. Box 1222, Wailuku, HI 96793 Phone: (808) 873-0806 Website: http://www.co.maui.hi.us/index.aspx?NID=967 He was mayor before, and he’s mayor again. And why not--guy just knows what he’s doing. He’s a rare one in public office: an actual technocrat who knows how things like sewage systems actually work. He’s quiet, but you can hang your hat (assuming you still wear one) on pretty much whatever he says.
People are crazy about fish and chips, its one of those irresistible comfort foods, and it comes to us courtesy of the Brits from about the mid eighteenth century. Fresh filets of fish batter dipped and fried crisp on the outside, served on a bed of potato fries. Here on Maui Alexander’s is famous for their fish which comes in three pacific island styles, ono, mahi and ahi. You can mix it up and add fried shrimp, calamari and even throw in some veggies. If you are not feeling the fried, they can grill your fish too. At Alexander’s you get your fish and chips your way.
Address: 275 W. Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului, HI 96732 Phone: 808-877-5556
People are crazy about fish and chips, its one of those irresistible comfort foods, and it comes to us courtesy of the Brits from about the mid eighteenth century. Fresh filets of fish batter dipped and fried crisp on the outside, served on a bed of potato fries. Here on Maui Alexander’s is famous for their fish which comes in three pacific island styles, ono, mahi and ahi. You can mix it up and add fried shrimp, calamari and even throw in some veggies. If you are not feeling the fried, they can grill your fish too. At Alexander’s you get your fish and chips your way.
Address: 2439 S Kihei Rd Ste 109A, Kihei, HI 96753 Phone: (808) 874-8882 Aloha Discount Liquor has been voted in as Maui’s spot to score adult beverages. Looking for flip-top Grolsch? They got ‘em, along with a great selection of other choice brews, unusual spirits and great deals on beer and wine. The selections of specialty tobacco and tiny bottles of spirits are exceptional, and everything is fairly priced. This place is perfect for the spirits enthusiast or just the bloke stopping by to pick up a six pack for the beach.
LOCAL CHEAP EATS, Winner Aloha Mixed Plate Address: 1285 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761 Phone: 808-661-3322 Website: http://www.alohamixedplate.com Aloha Mixed Plate is a one of a kind local food stop. Their food is gourmet, not your standard local fare. Prepared with great ingredients and the most generous portions for their prices Maui locals can’t get enough of their food. Their dining room is mother natures best, open air ocean side lanai dining on Front Street Lahaina, with plenty of parking just out front. You can’t beat their belly bomb mini plates, starting from just $3.95. They post daily specials on their facebook page, like last Friday’s honey walnut shrimp, so you will never get tired of their menu.
RECYCLING/REDEMPTION CENTER, Runner up Aloha Shell Address: 110 South Puunene Avenue, Kahului, HI 96732 Phone: (808) 877-5894 Website: www.alohashellservice.com/
BAR, Winner Ambrosia Address: 1913 S. Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753 Contact: Candice Seti Phone: (808) 891-1011 Email: corvette.terry@gmail.com Website: http://www.ambrosiamaui.com Maui likes to swill spirits in a swanky little Kihei bar that transcends island or metro. Order handcrafted cocktails while you forget what lies outside and absorb the Ambrosia atmosphere. Featuring state of the art lighting, Happy hour 5pm to 9pm and live nightly entertainment, oblige Ambrosia as they supply Maui’s vibrant nightlife pulse. It’s also thee place to shake what your mama gave ya.
Address: 333 Dairy Rd., Kahului, HI 96732 Phone: 808-872-9525 Amigo’s Mexican Restaurants have been bringing their delicious tacos, burritos, chile rellenos and enchiladas to Kahului, Wailuku, Lahaina and Kihei in their casual and affordable restaurants. Consistently tasty whether you order from their food truck or visit their sit-down service, our readers keep Maui voting Amigo’s numero uno Mexi no matter where they are on the island.
LOCAL COACH, Winner Anthony Bianucci Website: http://www.lahainacrossfit.com You know, when we first conceived of this category, we were envisioning “coach” as in “high school coach,” not “personal trainer-type coach.” But no worries. We’ll be more specific next year. In the mean time, Anthony Bianucci is the owner and head trainer at Lahaina CrossFit, a gym on the Westside that, if its website is to be believed, really, Really, REALLY works people. Born on Kauai, Bianucci is one of those health and fitness people who eat really healthy and exercise like 38 hours a day and used to be a pro surfboard but now makes gobs of money training schmoes like you and me. Yeah, you know the type.
BAND WEBSITE/MYSPACE PAGE, Winner Anuhea Jenkins Website: http://anuheajams.com MauiTime’s associate editor Anu Yagi doesn’t mind sharing such a cool name with Anuhea Jenkins (after all, “Anu” literally means “cool”), mostly because it’s been awhile since she’s gotten an email that reads “Hey, great show the other night. BTW, can you update The Grid...” But, she is a little perturbed that on Jenkins’s BOM-winning website you can opt-in to joining the Anu Nation. WTF?! Our Anu shortened her byline (in part) to mitigate confusion with the SXSW singer--though she’d like to note she’s a full six-months older than Jenkins--and yet Ms. Big Deal wants to co-opt “Anu,” too. But we digress. Kudos to Anuhea for being awesome. Cheers to a long and prosperous future ahead. Hurray for a sleek website that MauiTime readers love so much... And we promise we’re not gritting our teeth (um, at least not that much) when we say that.
Fifteen minutes in the limelight is so overrated. What's way better (and what MauiTime readers deem is the isle's best hike) is a day bathed in chartreuse crepuscular rays you explore the perennial evergreen of East Maui's "Bamboo Forest." Early en route to Hana, you can't miss the spot--rentals and Maui cruisers alike line the street's shoulder--and the paths are well delineated from the foot traffic. Streams gently wind amidst these sprawling giants of grasses, and later--for more adventurous folk--the trails' temperance wanes the further you trek. It's a choose-your-own adventure where you can swim and climb your way to more stunning pools, and come home muddy (or not) to prove it.
BOOKSTORE, Winner Barnes & Noble Address: 325 Keawe St., Ste. 101, Lahaina, HI 96761 Phone: 808-662-1300 Website: http://barnesandnoble.com We’re assuming that the MauiTime readers who picked Barnes & Noble as best bookshop either voted from their smart phones (and are still happily lost in the stitch-and-spine sprawl), or they Hansel & Greteled their trip by leaving a cafe croissant crumb trail so they could manage to escape. Yes, B&N is that big. We suppose this is a good thing, seeing as on-isle bookshops are disappearing faster than youths’ innocence, and you can’t munch a sandwich or pay for keeps at the library. Even in the expanse, whiffs of corporate coffee and fresh ink are intoxicating, and the fluorescent mood lighting casts everything in a subtle-ish glow; shelves’ shadows carefully masking overwhelmed bibliomaniacs who are passed-out and convulsing. (Stumble upon one of the afflicted? Be a good Samaritan and smack them with your Nook. You may have to endure a regained-consciousness rant about how the printed page will never fade, but the cleanup shift will thank you.)
KAMA'AINA DEAL, Winner Beach Bum's Bar & Grill Address: 300 Maalaea Rd. # 1M, Wailuku, HI 96793 Phone: (808) 243-2286 Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beach-Bums-Bar-Grill-on-Maui/123131854367686?sk=wall This Maalaea outpost has great barbecue, eight beers on tap, great prices and a faithful following, but technically it’s not a kamaaina deal. But their prices are so good they fooled you into thinking you are getting great kamaaina there all the time! From 3 to 6 pm the place gets even better with Happy Hour when certain beers on draft are $2.50 and Mai tais and margaritas are just $3.50.
BUSINESS LUNCH, Winner Bistro Casanova Address: 33 Lono Avenue, Kahului, HI 96732 Contact: Steven Cappelli Phone: 808-873-3650 Fax: 808-572-4978 Website: http://www.casanovamaui.com Bistro Casanova is fairly new to the scene. It will be celebrating two years this upcoming September, but Maui has already voted it best. This elegant Kahului lunch spot has an beautiful air conditioned dining room and a terrific menu that Central Maui hasn’t seen the likes of in ages. The bread sticks that come with each meal are addicting, as are their ice teas and fritti of potato, ahi or calamari. Salads and sandwiches showcase cuisines from Italy, France and Spain. Paninis, pastas and crepes round out the offerings. Their great cocktail menu clenches your power lunch, or if you need power of another sort, their espresso is wonderful.
Address: 374 Hanakai St., Kahului, HI 96732 Phone: 808-877-5503 Leave it to MauiTime readers to pick BJ Furniture Mart as Maui's best furniture store. We can only assume it's because "BJ" (ahem) heads its name. Very mature, guys. Then again, if you're buying your brand new beds, chaises and recliners at a place called BJ, that's gotta bode well for the way you use it. At least, we hope it does. (Bonus: Though quality service is always the name of the game, at furniture stores you need not worry about the tip.) This Kahului hub of home decor sells status quo stuff at premium prices, so their BOM win proves it is all in a name.
OUT-OF-BUSINESS BUSINESS, Winner Borders Books & Music Address: 270 Dairy Rd., Ste. 190, Kahului, HI 96732 Phone: 808-877-6160 Website: http://www.borders.com Watching Borders' liquidation was like watching the carcass of a fallen beast being picked clean by vultures. Even if you’re King of the Kindle, if the sight didn't incite a twinge of sadness, you've got a hardcover heart. A la Ambrose Bierce, Mauians have eulogized Borders with "doleful voice(s), mingled with the sobbing which it was its purpose to stimulate and sustain, r(ising) and f(alling) ... like the sound of the sullen sea." On Twitter, @mauilibrarian2 said "[It’s] sad because [we've lost] a vibrant PLACE that serves as a barometer of who we are and what we value." Too true. Because Borders was more than just a place for book-buying (or not, as the company's bankruptcy bespeaks) -- it was a place to congregate and commiserate, to explore and expend. As this BOM award demonstrates, Maui misses dear ol' Dairy Rd. Borders -- maybe even more than it misses us.
Address: 4566 Lower Kula Rd., Kula, HI 96790 Phone: 808-878-6874
Cafe 808 is high up in Kula, but their menu selection is worth the trip. Your choices of around 20 different plate lunches may astonish you, but the real joy is eating it. Everything is traditionally served in giant portions with scoops of rice and mac salad. The mahi plate is awesome, the kalbi is tender and sweet, the steak is delicious. You can’t go wrong with any of them. Their large dining room is casual and busy, but its where upcountry folk come to chat over the best plate lunches on Maui.
LUNCH, Winner Cafe O'Lei Address: 62 N. Market St., Wailuku, HI 96793 Phone: 808-986-0044 Website: http://cafeoleirestaurants.com/ The lunch menu never fails at Cafe O’Lei so consistent that Maui readers voted it best. Fresh macadamia-crusted mahi, caesar salads, tofu stir fry, crab salad on foccacia, onion soup, burgers--it’s all delicious. Plus the prices are affordable. With several restaurants around the island to choose from, you’re never far from an award winning lunch at Cafe O’Lei.
LOCAL FACEBOOK FAN PAGE, Winner Cane Fire Website: http://www.reverbnation.com/canefiremusic/ When Peter Moon sang his cane fire warning back in da day, we’re betting he didn’t know he was prophesying that in 2011, a Maui band named Cane Fire would take Facebook by firestorm. They’ve dubbed their sound “island fusion,” and are hitting the scene in full force, playing everything from bars to baby luaus, and graduations to casual get-togethers. The folks of Cane Fire--Daniel Querubin, Jordan Tolentino, Joseph Marsh, James Somera, Gordon Samuelson, Ryan Duffy, Aaron Fulton and Kahala Greig--may only have 365 “likes” as of this writing, but many of them are, apparently, enthusiastic MauiTime readers. For that we--and Cane Fire--thank you.
ITALIAN FOOD, Winner Casanova Italian Restaurant Address: 1188 Makawao Ave., Makawao, HI 96768 Contact: Steven Capelli Phone: 572-0220 Fax: 808-572-4978 Website: http://www.casanovamaui.com From ambiance to the passionate Italian food, Casanova’s Maui is Maui’s best Italian restaurant. A wood burning oven bakes pizza, fine wines flow and Casanova’s fine Italian cuisine has been a tradition in Makawao for over 20 years. In the early hours you will find their deli serving delicious coffees.
Just thinking about the chow fun at the Maui County Fair brings me to a mouthwatering halt. The fat-glistening wide fun noodles with white, little flecks of green onion and ground beef clinging to them and bean sprouts always insist on being difficult with the chop sticks. You’re lucky if there is no line to claim your cone, cup or quart container. Wailuku Hongwanji usually sponsors this booth and their recipe is revered. Even though they’re popular they seem to make enough for everyone--even the folks who stockpile containers to bring home.
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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