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July 17, 2008 BEST BAND
Gomega
The name Gomega translates as "to go big," and this is exactly what the band has been doing since around 2000. Funky beats are mixed with familiar local rhythms to create a fresh, ingenious sound that had been absent from the local scene before this band's appearance. Gomega's goal is to escape the trendy expectations of the music industry and produce tunes that they enjoy, allowing them to maintain a genuine sense of integrity. This attitude shines through every beat of their work and enables Gomega to effortlessly claim the title of Best Band on Maui. [CB]
Runner up: A Kettle Prime
BEST MUSICIAN
Kanoa Kukaua of Gomega
Original, inspiring and a creative genius, Kanoa Kukaua of the group Gomega has been crowned best Musician on Maui. Born and raised in Hawaii, Kukaua has managed to release a solo CD, Makein Thru The Breakthrough. Much respect has gone out to Kanoa for his experimentation with funk and Jawaiian style music. As lead vocalist of Gomega, Kukaua captivates listeners with his unique vocals and range. It's no surprise that this intensely talented individual with a soulful voice can create a real rhythm for Maui and be dubbed the best. [LR]
Runner up: Willie K
BEST PLACETODANCE
Tie: Casanova/Jacques
Man, I hate ties! What's up with that? I'm not sure if I trust it. We need a winner. Since both Casanova and Jacques are indisputably great places to get your groove on, I propose a dance-off! Heck, let's really spice it up and make it a break-dancing competition or maybe ballroom? What would you guys rather see? On second thought, let's just make them jan ken po for the title. Congrats to both Casanova and Jacques. You both deserve the props. Jacques: 120 Hana Hwy., Paia, 579-8844; Casanova: 1188 Makawao Ave. Makawao, 572-0220. [SB]
Runner up: Lahaina Store Grille
(Edit Pick) BEST LOCALLY PRODUCED PODCAST
The Stewart Bedasso Show
Podcasts are a curious thing. Tech and gadget podcasts seem to thrive, but for those of us who don't drool over the latest Apple iThing or follow every development in the Microsoft/Yahoo merger talks with religious fervor, podcasts present a far more difficult prospect. A good place to start, at least on Maui, is The Stewart Bedasso Show, which is podcast directly from Kihei on a more or less weekly basis. Hosted by Dave and Jill, the show is an hour-long mix of slapstick, funny stories, cynicism and high quality though often ridiculously obscure music. It's a good mix, plus Dave is still relatively new to the island while Jill has lived on Maui for some time. And it's always good when you can make fun of newcomers. www.stewartbedassoshow.com. [AP]
(Edit Pick) BEST WAY TO SEE OLD MAUI FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR LIVING ROOM
Lahaina: Waves of Change
This 2007 documentary, directed by singer/musician/songwriter/filmmaker Eddie Kamae for the Hawaiian Legacy Foundation, is an exhilarating journey back to a time when burning cane smoke choked the Westside. Much of the footage was shot in just a few days back in 1999, and documents the last days of the Pioneer Mill. Whatever your feelings on Maui's sugar plantation past (and believe me, those were rough times), Kamae's film brings that time to life Available at Amazon.com. [AP]
BEST RADIO STATION
Wild 105.5
Whoo-hoo! To me, this is by far the most exciting vote that's been cast in all of Best of Maui history. But then again, I am extremely biased. As most of you know, every Monday morning I visit Wild 105.5 to do the Ed & Greg Show. Naturally, I've known for a few weeks now that their radio station beat out all the others to win Best of Maui. It's been so hard not to tell the crew down there that all of the hard work that they've put in has really paid off. Maui has noticed! So, to the whole crew at 105.5, congratulations on a great station, exciting programming and kick-ass DJ's. Restless Native is proud to be part of the madness. The Money-Making Monday madness, that's it. [SB]
Runner up: Mana'o Radio
BEST THING ABOUT THE FAIR
The Rides
In some ways, the rides at the fair are even better than the ones at say, Disneyland, Universal Studios or even Six Flags. Those amusement parks are almost mundane in their safety. The Maui County Fair is really where it's at. Maui's thrill-seeking inhabitants have voted the rides as the best thing about the fair. There's nothing quite as exciting as standing in the hot Maui sun, dirt between your toes, waiting, anticipating that thrill. You know the one, it feels like your stomach is in your throat. If that's not your style, there's always the gravity defying Ring of Fire and Pharaoh's Fury, to quench your thirst for danger, daring and adrenaline. [YT]
Runner up: Chow Fun
BEST RADIO PERSONALITY
Shaggy
Shaggy is featured on 103.7 FM and brings a hip, youthful vibe to the radio waves. He's on the air from 10am to 3 pm and keeps his audience captivated with his superb taste in local and reggae music. Shaggy's quirky, candid conversations with artists and callers demonstrate his ability to effortlessly maintain his show, while his occasional dirty joke leaves us remembering the real reason we all voted for him in the first place. You can also check out Shaggy on the web at shaggylive.com to actually watch the live broadcast of the radio show. [CB]
Runner up: Jojo, 92.5
BEST MOVIE THEATER
Maui Mall Megaplex
We all love to see a great movie. However, the theater that you go to can definitely affect your overall level of enjoyment, and sometimes it's not all hunky dory (damn those people talking behind you). Nevertheless, Maui Mall Megaplex is everyone's favorite because of the comfy rocking chairs in each theater and the gigantic screens that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the film you're watching. In addition, the concession stand has enough candy to make Willy Wonka jealous. So even if the jerks behind you won't stop jabbing about the Obama-McCain face off, you can still sit in style and enjoy the show. Maui Mall, Kahului. 70 E. Kaahumanu Ave. Ste. A, Kahului, 249-2222. [CB]
Runner up: MACC MTW
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