Best Local Sandwich, Winner 808 Deli Address: 2511 S. Kihei Rd., Suite 102, Kihei, HI 96753 Phone: 808-879-1111 Website: http://www.808deli.net If you’re a fan of panini, dial up 808. They do non-grilled sandwiches too, and they’re plenty good, but you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t try the “porkie”: pork, mango salsa and pepper jack on rye with sweet chili dipping sauce. Or the “roast beast,” a wallop of meat, cheese, jalepenos and horseradish. Or, for non-meat eaters, the “rippie,” a combo of two cheeses plus avocado, tomato and pesto. I could keep listing options, but how ’bout you just go look, and eat, for yourself? 2511 S. Kihei Rd., Suite 102, Kihei, 808-879-1111. JS
Address: 1792 Main St., Wailuku, HI 96793 Phone: 808-243-9560 It’s easy to miss A Saigon Cafe. It doesn’t really advertise its location and is tucked under a busy bridge. But—with its yummy Vietnamese “burritos,” authentic, veggie-infused dishes and friendly staff—it’s worth seeking out. At Saigon, there’s something for everyone, be it the spring rolls, sweet and sour mahi mahi, crispy egg noodles, lemongrass chicken or hot clay pot dishes. If you’re tired of Vietnamese places that only serve pho, Saigon Cafe (and its extensive menu) is the place to go. 1792 Main St., Wailuku, 808-243-9560. YT
Best Band Website/Myspace Page, Winner akettleprime.com or myspace.com/akettleprime Email: akettleprime@gmail.com Website: http://www.akettleprime.com To be brutally honest, I am not sure if people are voting for the Web site itself or the actual band. But I’ll operate under the assumption that the former is the case. I have to agree that A Kettle Prime’s Web site is among the more user-friendly of local band sites. When I research a band ahead of a music review, their MySpace pages are typically loaded to the gills and thus often make my computer freeze. Which sucks. Since it’s not a MySpace profile, AKP’s Web site doesn’t do this, despite being packed with music and photo galleries—though you can’t download their tunes yet. In terms of aesthetics, their site seems to match the band’s sound, look, etc. KB
She sports an arsenal of jewelry that would make Cleopatra pull her own braids out in jealousy. She’s got a presence that’s at once disarming and commanding. KPOA’s Alaka’i the Morning Goddess is one of those people who is helping keep Maui, Maui. She is all personality and super adept at cracking jokes on the fly, even when the mic is hot. And all the while she demonstrates her benevolence by giving local bands tons of airplay—she once told me that playing and supporting local (as in Hawaiian) music is key to keeping the culture alive. KB
Address: 1913 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, HI 96753 Phone: 808-874-0788
“Fish” and chips might be a little misleading; Alexander’s serves an array of seafood (ono, mahi-mahi, shrimp and even oysters) dipped in tempura and fried to golden perfection. Their deep fryer even extends to land-dwelling delicacies such as zucchini, mushrooms and yams. If deep fried isn’t your thing, Alexander’s also offers to grill their items. 1913 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 808-874-0788. [YT]
Address: 275 W. Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului, HI 96732 Phone: 808-877-5556
“Fish” and chips might be a little misleading; Alexander’s serves an array of seafood (ono, mahi-mahi, shrimp and even oysters) dipped in tempura and fried to golden perfection. Their deep fryer even extends to land-dwelling delicacies such as zucchini, mushrooms and yams. If deep fried isn’t your thing, Alexander’s also offers to grill their items. 1913 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 808-874-0788. [YT]
Address: 77 Hana Hwy., Paia, HI 96779 Phone: 808-579-8747 If a shave ice joint has blue vanilla on the menu, I’m happy; there’s nothing better than a cold shave ice on a hot island, which additionally turns your tongue an unnatural shade of blue. For the discerning aficionado, they’ve got a plethora of flavors, including the classics like strawberry, watermelon and bubble gum, plus more exotic options like mango, lilikoi and guava. If you want adzuki beans or ice cream with your heaping mass of fluffy flavored ice, Aloha can cater to your needs. Just watch out for brain freeze. 77 Hana Hwy. Paia, 808-579-8747. YT
Best Local Cheap Eats, Winner Aloha Mixed Plate Address: 1285 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761 Phone: 808-661-3322 Website: http://www.alohamixedplate.com Winner Aloha Mixed Plate and runner-up Da Kitchen were neck-and-neck in this category. Hey, I can’t quite decide which one I like better, either. I mean, both offer amazing plate lunches at amazing prices. I think the real winners here are the voters. Seriously, how lucky are we to have two places we can get ono grinds that don’t broke da wallet? 1285 Front St., Lahaina, 808-661-3322. YT
Best Plate Lunch, Winner Aloha Mixed Plate Address: 1285 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761 Phone: 808-661-3322 Website: http://www.alohamixedplate.com Aloha Mixed Plate fulfills both of the key plate lunch requirements: 1) a yummy plate of assorted foods, traditionally supplemented with two scoops of rice and a scoop of mac salad; 2) it’s served at lunch time. Their most popular plate lunch is the Hawaiian Plate, which contains kalua pork and cabbage, lomi lomi, poi and haupia alongside the rice and mac salad. That isn’t even mentioning the amazing seaside view you’ll be treated to if you choose to dine in. 1285 Front St., Lahaina, 808-661-3322. YT
Address: 333 Dairy Rd., Kahului, HI 96732 Phone: 808-872-9525 When in need of a Mexican food fix, Maui Time readers head to Amigo’s. We are creatures of convenience and with locations in Kihei, Kahului and Lahaina you don’t have to go far to find them. My favorite item is the burrito al pastor, served traditional style with cilantro and onions. They make it fast and authentic. Islandwide, 808-872-9525. JR
Address: 41 E. Lipoa St., Kihei, HI 96753 Phone: 808-879-9952 When in need of a Mexican food fix, Maui Time readers head to Amigo’s. We are creatures of convenience and with locations in Kihei, Kahului and Lahaina you don’t have to go far to find them. My favorite item is the burrito al pastor, served traditional style with cilantro and onions. They make it fast and authentic. Islandwide, 808-872-9525. JR
Address: 658 Front St. # 145A, Lahaina, HI 96761 Phone: 808-661-0210 When in need of a Mexican food fix, Maui Time readers head to Amigo’s. We are creatures of convenience and with locations in Kihei, Kahului and Lahaina you don’t have to go far to find them. My favorite item is the burrito al pastor, served traditional style with cilantro and onions. They make it fast and authentic. Islandwide, 808-872-9525. JR
Address: 90 Hana Hwy., Paia, HI 96779 Phone: 808-579-8340 In today’s fast-paced, caffeine-infused world, it’s hard to find a laid back place to enjoy your coffee. Too often, we’re greeted by blaring techno music and androgynous, hipster baristas yelling out mind-altering substances like “venti-mocha-zen-double-foam-espresso-frappuccino,” that seem like they’ve never seen a coffee bean in their life. But not at Anthony’s. The atmosphere is welcoming, the service is friendly and the liquid they serve is definitely high quality. 90 Hana Hwy., Paia, 808-579-8340. YT
Having just completed her final year at King Kekaulike High School, Massenburg has amassed an athletic resume that belies her tender age. She starred in both track and tennis, winning titles and setting records along the way. Last month, she was inducted into the Hawaii High School Hall of Honor and was named the Gatorade Hawaii Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year, the first time either of those honors—let alone both—has been bestowed on a King K student. Massenburg, who also achieved a 4.095 GPA, was named MIL Girl Athlete of the Year by The Maui News (you can read more about her accomplishments over at Maui News sportswriter Robert Collias’s blog, “The Bald-Headed Truth.”) JS
Best Beach for Writing Music - Edit Pick, Winner Baldwin Beach
I refuse to get all quasi-spiritual on you, but there is an unexplainable quality about Baldwin that makes it particularly conducive to acoustic guitars (and maybe a beer or two). Perhaps it’s the view. If you’re playing solo and don’t want to be bothered, you don’t have to worry about everyone and their mother walking up to you and attempting small talk (unless you’re one of those people who desires this very thing, in which case make eye contact). But chances are you won’t be the only one wielding an instrument on this stretch of sand. Either way, play on. KB
Choosing just one hike in a place as beautiful and diverse as Maui is tough, but truly, if you could take only one hike, this would be it. As you walk along the wooden footpath, towering bamboo gradually closes in around you. Soon, the light dims and you’re transported to another world, with the only sound the shuffle of your footsteps and the hypnotic creak of the giant green stalks that now blot out the sky. Just when you’re wondering how much thicker this stuff can grow, you emerge at the base of a towering waterfall. Are you reaching for your hiking boots yet? JS
Address: 200 Waimaluhia Lane, Wailuku, HI 96793 Phone: 808-242-9754 Big Brothers, Big Sisters Maui celebrates 40 years in August with a Luau Fundraiser and open house at their Waimalulani Street location. Helping kids in the community through mentoring programs makes them number one with Maui Time readers. But did you also know that they help keep your house clean by picking up unwanted household goods and small appliances? Turning your used goods into cash for their programs—it’s a win-win, and furthers our island’s recycling and sustainability goals. 200 Waimaluhia Ln., Wailuku, 808-242-9754, bbbs.org. JR
I’ve been trying to figure out why you readers picked Black Rock as Maui’s numero uno snorkel spot, over places like Honolua Bay and Fish Bowl. Could it be because of the potential danger of getting crushed by an unobservant cliff jumper or getting whisked off to Lanai on a riptide? Or maybe it’s the humor of watching hoards of sunburned tourists trying to look cool while tripping down the beach with their fins on. But then I figured out the answer to this snorkeling conundrum: It’s got to be all that convenient parking, gear available for rent and the close proximity of tiki bars to rinse that salty taste away with pina coladas. That and the occasional sea turtle sighting. JA
Best Bookstore, Winner Borders Books & Music Address: 270 Dairy Rd., Ste. 190, Kahului, HI 96732 Phone: 808-877-6160 Website: http://www.borders.com Even though Maui has been giving Borders love for two years in our Best of Maui edition, it’s not immune to the economic downturn. The mega-bookstore that carries thousands of books and music in a comfortable and convenient package is one satellite store short this year. The closing of Border’s at Whaler’s Village in West Maui was a disappointment; especially when seeking out their sections solely dedicated to all things Hawaiian and Maui-centric. Yet there is a silver lining. The Best Bookstore winner still has its Borders Express stores open in Kihei and the Queen Kaahumanu Center in Kahului, as well as the larger version—just Borders—on Dairy Rd. in Kahului. Islandwide. HN
Address: 111 Hana Hwy. #105, Kahului, HI 96732 Phone: 808-871-1141 his past winter, when it rained nearly every morning (at least in Wailuku), I would hear the neighbor kids walk up and down the street, strumming their ukes in a manner most eerie, a quality that the rain seemed to amplify. “Only in Hawaii,” I would think before hitting the snooze button. Ukulele’s versatility and potential for musical innovation has been a well-kept secret on the isles. Anyone not aware of the uke’s multidimensional nature will be astounded upon walking into Bounty and seeing the colorful plethora of these little stringed instruments hanging from the shop’s walls and doorways. They come in all shapes and sizes, and the staff is well versed enough to get you the perfect instrument to suit your needs. 111 Hana Hwy. #105, Kahului, 808-871-1141. KB
Media consolidation has done a number on many local media outlets’ ability to provide relevant, locally focused coverage. Radio is one arena in which this phenomenon is especially apparent. Not much was left in the wake of over a decade of entities like Clear Channel, which swallowed up hundreds of stations across the country. KAOI 1110 provides a forum for local issues, and serves exclusively as an early morning talk-story session on all things Maui, including restaurants, health and fitness, the economy, you name it. Tom Blackburn-Rodriguez and Kellie Pali-Kaneshiro host, and super-cool guest hosts include Trish Smith. The show airs live every Friday at 7am. KB
Address: 253 Nehe Pl., Makawao, HI 96768 Phone: 808-572-5689 The independent, community mechanic who runs his shop like his own garage (and possibly in his own garage) has been eclipsed over the years by big chains and dealerships. So it was refreshing to see both first and second place in this category go to guys who keep it small and local. Obviously, though, it’s the reliability and quality of the work that matters most. Judging by the support they received from readers, these guys both have plenty of loyal, satisfied customers. (Note: A message on Goldberg’s machine said he’ll be out of the shop ‘til July 27). 253 Nehe Pl., Makawao, 572-5689. JS
Address: 30 Baldwin Ave., Paia, HI 96779 Phone: 808-579-8021 It seems like eclecticism is the way to go if you’re shooting for Best of honors. Mambo is a case-in-point—the menu goes well beyond sandwiches and burgers. Yes, vegans like myself will dig the tofu-nori fajitas, the seven-vegetable tagine (morroccan stew) and the roasted vegetable salad. Carnivores can sink their teeth into steak and blue cheese, kalua duck fajitas and Tia Concha chicken tagine, to name a few. The atmosphere is decidedly sunny, a quality enhanced by the colorful artwork on the walls. Plus, any place that screens films like The Big Lebowski and Pan’s Labyrinth and has Maui Brewing Company beers on tap is worth checking out. 30 Baldwin Ave., Paia, 808-579-8021. KB
Address: 2439 S. Kihei Rd. # 201A, Kihei, HI 96753 Phone: 808-891-1368 When you have a hot business prospect or a make-or-break deal to close, Maui Time readers say head to Cafe O’Lei. I’ll bet it’s the quick and friendly service that won Cafe O’Lei second place in the Best Lunch category. But it’s the food that will impress your colleagues, and won’t break the mileage Visa, either. The daily fish specials—like the tasty macadamia nut crusted mahi or the seared ahi with wasabi cream served with Caesar salad—are a sure bet. 2439 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 808-891-1368. JR
Best Italian Food, Winner Casanova Italian Restaurant and Deli Address: 1188 Makawao Ave., Makawao, HI 96768 Phone: 808-572-0220 Website: http://www.casanovamaui.com Maui isn’t exactly bursting with Italian restaurants, but Casanova still totally deserves top honors. The food there has that special touch of authenticity, and while there may not be an old Italian grandmother in the kitchen pinching the fresh ravioli together, the food is fresh, delicious and reasonably priced. I just wish they would open one up on the West side to help me with my late night tiramisu cravings. 1188 Makawao Ave., Makawao, 808-572-0220. JA
Best Place to Dance, Winner Casanova Italian Restaurant and Deli Address: 1188 Makawao Ave., Makawao, HI 96768 Phone: 808-572-0220 Website: http://www.casanovamaui.com With such a huge dance floor and the volume of carb-ridden food and drink this place slings, there is really no excuse to not shake it. Not to mention the choice musical acts that Casanova brings in each weekend. You can catch everyone from Teomon & the Kryptones to Gomega to P.O.R.T.A.L., so regardless of the sound to which you prefer to get down, Casanova is your best bet. 1188 Makawao Ave., Makawao, 808-572-0220, casanovamaui.com. KB
It has been said that heredity is something you believe in when your child’s report card is all “A”s. When it comes to surfing, this quote fits for Matt Kinoshita, owner and shaper of Kazuma Surfboards, seasoned surfing coach and father of Chaz Kinoshita. In 2008, Chaz won the Hawaii Amateur Surfing Association’s state title in the menehune division, following in the footsteps of older Maui ripper and Kazuma protege, Kai Barger. On his blog, Matt Kinoshita explains, “Kai Barger is one of the most talented surfers that I have ever coached...I decided to train my son Chaz in the identical way.” With corporate sponsors and consistently high contest results, it’s clear that this year’s best local grom is taking his training seriously while also living up to his namesake. BE
Marzo personifies a new wave of progressive surfing taking over the sport. His cat-like reflexes, elastic maneuverability and maniacal approach to a variety of surfing conditions have earned him recognition in lineups worldwide. Marzo leads a group of prodigies boosting beyond the classic days of cutbacks, off the lips and into the sky, pulling mind-boggling aerial maneuvers and landing tricks never before imagined. But Marzo’s prolific surfing is only one aspect of his unique character. Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder, Marzo has proven to people far beyond the Valley Isle that a handicap can be overcome with undying dedication to something you love. BE
Best Burger, Winner Cool Cat Cafe Address: 658 Front St., Lahaina, HI 96761 Phone: 808-667-0908 Fax: 808-667-0963 Email: info@coolcatcafe.com Website: http://www.coolcatcafe.com For six years in a row, Maui Time readers have overwhelmingly stated that Cool Cat dishes out the best burgers on-island. It’s no surprise these 6.5-ounce, hand-molded fresh beef patties win diners over. With 13 styles of burger to choose from—some topped with onion rings and barbecue sauce and others with bean chili and four cheeses—there’s something to suit all tastes. Plus: all kama‘aina get 20 percent off, all the time. 658 Front St. #160, Lahaina, 808-667-0908. HN
Come on people, really? We're not saying the Craigslist forum doesn't offer amusement, diversion and even occasional insight, but it's hardly a blog. Really, this should serve as a rallying cry to Maui's bloggers: get your engines revving, because there's obviously a hole that needs filling. JS
Best Local Food, Winner Da Kitchen Address: 425 Koloa St., # 104, Kahului, HI 96732 Phone: 808-871-7782 Website: http://www.da-kitchen.com Whether it’s ono plate lunches, tasty desserts or just friendly, laid-back service, Da Kitchen continues to serve what locals crave. Their huge Hawaiian plate is amazing (chicken long rice, lau lau, kalua pork, lomi-lomi served with two scoops rice and mac salad), but their chicken katsu is king. It’s like a whole chicken has been artfully breaded in crispy panko flakes and served with a signature Japanese BBQ sauce. Local or tourist, Da Kitchen will leave you satiated. Islandwide. YT
Address: 2439 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, HI 96753 Phone: 808-875-7782 Whether it’s ono plate lunches, tasty desserts or just friendly, laid-back service, Da Kitchen continues to serve what locals crave. Their huge Hawaiian plate is amazing (chicken long rice, lau lau, kalua pork, lomi-lomi served with two scoops rice and mac salad), but their chicken katsu is king. It’s like a whole chicken has been artfully breaded in crispy panko flakes and served with a signature Japanese BBQ sauce. Local or tourist, Da Kitchen will leave you satiated. Islandwide. YT
Address: 3 Baldwin Ave., Paia, HI 96779 Phone: 808-579-8755 This guy gets extra props from me due to the fact that he didn’t look at me with complete disdain when I spilled my water all over the place during a recent happy hour (at least my Maui Cruiser margarita was safe and sound). Obviously, to tend bar at a cantina like Milagros one’s margarita chops must be of the highest order. This is especially true if one’s place of work serves a large variety of supreme, jaw-droppingly expensive tequilas. In addition to concocting a mean margarita, Bauss is the epitome of Johnny-on-the-spot. He makes his way around the bar—no matter how packed—like it’s nothing, and thus helps ensure return visits (OK, his dreamy eyes don’t hurt, either). KB
Address: 1913 S. Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753 Phone: 808-875-9669 Corned beef and cabbage is the dish of St. Patty’s Day. But why only eat it once a year? Enjoy it often at the Dog and Duck where Chef Simon Jones serves home-cooked meals like his juicy seasoned slabs of corned beef with cooked wedges of cabbage in a cozy pub atmosphere. 1913 S Kihei Rd., Kihei, 808-875-9669. JR
Address: 62 Baldwin Ave., Paia, HI 96779 Phone: 808-579-8979 The friendly and reputable staff of Dr. Bennett’s Med Spa are at the ready to resolve any hair issues. With affordable packages and top-of-the line laser technology you won’t believe the hairlessness you can achieve here. I went in to get my underarms done and there was no shaving for months—just smooth skin all the way. 62 Baldwin Ave., Paia, 808-579-8979. JR
Address: 70 E. Ka‘ahumanu Ave., Kahului, HI 96732 Phone: 808-893-1628 Every special occasion, especially birthdays, finds me at Maui’s premiere Chinese restaurant. Why do birthdays have a special place in Dragon Dragon dining? According to some Asian customs, it’s good luck to eat long noodles on a birthday; it’s not scientific, but there’s supposed to be a correlation between a long life and long noodles. The fact that Dragon Dragon serves the birthday celebrant with lychee ice cream helps too. Anyway, if noodles aren’t your thing, Dragon Dragon also serves classic Chinese dishes like fried rice, kung pao chicken and occasionally dim sum on the weekends. 70 E. Kaahumanu Ave. # B12, Kahului, 808-893-1628. YT
Smith has amassed quite a following in both her solo and collaborative musical endeavors, due in no small part to her steady gigging and the energy she exudes on stage. Whether it’s a solo acoustic set in a small barroom or an amped-up blowout with her band the Throwdowns, the Toronto native’s performances always seem to draw a sizable crowd, and always maintain a degree of grit that defies girly-girl rock stereotypes with a punch in the face. With the Throwdowns’ upcoming release (due out later this summer), you should expect to be hearing a lot more from Smith. KB
Address: 1913 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, HI 96753 Phone: 808-879-8711 Vegetarians look away. There is nothing more carnivorous than tearing the tender meat from the rib of a fleshy cow or pig, but the experience gets even more primal with the addition of lots of dripping barbeque sauce. While I’m sure local islanders have come up with many fine ways to cook a pig, it’s the Texas-style barbeque from this Kihei smokehouse shack that holds top honors in this new food category. 1913 South Kihei Rd.j, Kihei, 808-879-8711. JA
Best Local Pizza, Winner Flatbread Company Address: 89 Hana Hwy., Paia, HI 96779 Phone: 808-579-8989 Website: http://www.flatbreadcompany.com I think, in general, Mauians are more adventurous than the Average Joe, and this proves it. We don’t just settle for some regular old round-shaped, meat-topped, cheesy cookie cutter pie. We want fresh, homemade, hand pressed dough topped with maple fennel sauce or sundried tomatoes and caramelized onions. Purists may say it’s not pizza, but we say it’s the best pizza on Maui. 89 Hana Hwy., Paia, 808-579-8989. JA
Address: 115 Baldwin Ave., Paia, HI 96779 Phone: 808-579-9144 This is the poet laureate of vegetarian restaurants. The menu at this Vietnamese joint includes some of the tastiest and wildly imaginative vegan items I have seen on this island, or anywhere else, truthfully. I have even tried the fake fish here, and found it to be most tasty. My favorite dish is the golden soy chicken curry, which features seitan and tofu as well as a variety of veggies. The Vietnamese burrito is also must-try. But whatever you select, you can’t really go wrong at this little veggie eatery—and vegans need not fear anything on the menu. Also, despite the seemingly rare ingredients, prices are surprisingly low. Another tab-shrinking factor is the fact that this place is BYOB. 115 Baldwin Ave., Paia, 808-579-9144. KB
Ah, the fair. The dusty paths that make you wish you had worn shoes instead of slippers, the petting zoo, which really makes you wish you had worn shoes instead of slippers and the rides filled to the brim with angst-filled tweens, eating junk food while complaining about their parents. But, the food! Oh, the food! I don’t know how Maui Time readers joined forces and voted for the fried ice cream, but bravo! The fried ice cream at the fair is a magical phenomenon, joining together two delicacies that would not have met in nature. Genius! YT
Best Place to Pretend Gambling is Legal on Maui, Winner Fun Factory
Address: 70 E. Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului, HI 96732 Phone: 808-873-6229 Having a young child is what drew me into the Fun Factory. Little did I know the place has two sets of clientele: kids who come for the whack-an-alligator and air hockey, and adults who come to rack up tickets and claim prizes. Pop in any time of day and you’ll see them—full grown folks who’ve figured out how to game the system and turn their tokens into small appliances. I’ve got my eyes on the toaster. Maui Mall & Queen Kaahumanu Center, Kahului. JS
That Gov. Lingle (a former Maui County Councilmember and Mayor) is a frequent target of criticism in these pages is no secret. She just gives so much ammo: from the Superferry to work furloughs, Lingle is nothing if not a magnet for controversy. Clearly she has her supporters, but they seem to be in shorter supply these days, veto PR stunts notwithstanding. As we prepare to close the book on her eight-year reign, the Lingle Administration gets low marks for transparency and compromise, two essential qualities for effective leadership. Next year Hawaii will get a new governor; whoever that person is, they’ll inherit a state with a lot of issues, many of which can, and should, be pinned on Lingle. JS
Address: 62 Baldwin Ave., Paia, HI 96779 Phone: 808-579-9779 If graduate level mass media ethics taught me anything, it is the following: when profiling a bikini waxing salon, it’s best to adopt an approach that utilizes a categorical imperative rather than one that embraces utilitarianism or moral relativity. As such, we agree for these purposes that unwanted hair should be removed and done so by any means necessary, and that hot wax is a most effective means of removing hair from what one researcher calls the “bathing suit area” (which shall subsequently be known as BSA). Paia’s Grace Beauty salon does so in a manner that clearly pleases a high percentage of Maui Time readers. Hair removal practitioners are willing and able to remove hair in the BSA to a degree determined by the owner of said hair—bikini, bikini deluxe or full-on Brazilian. 62 Baldwin Ave., Paia. 579-9779. KB
Address: 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, HI 96753 Phone: 808-875-1234 My my, Maui Time readers like to lounge in the lap of luxury. With its 50,000 square foot Spa Grande, three champion golf courses, fine dining and high-end shopping, the Grand is a bastion of upscale entertainment and relaxation. To their credit, the Grand also has lots of kama’aina deals to tempt us locals, discounting rooms, meals, spa services and weddings. Just one sunset viewed from their pool deck with a fancy cocktail in hand is all you need to get hooked. 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 808-875-1234. JR
Best State Blunder, Winner Hawaii Superferry Address: One Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Ste. 300, Honolulu, HI 96813 Phone: 808-853-4010 Website: http://www.hawaiisuperferry.com Ah, the Superferry. Love it or hate it, everyone’s got an opinion. (For evidence of just how polarizing this issue is, see the runner up.) But after all the money, protests and legal wrangling, the only opinion that really mattered was that of the Hawaii Supreme Court, which ruled that Act 2—the special law that allowed the vessel to launch without a completed Environmental Impact Statement—was unconstitutional. That put the boat out of commission. But while the saga is over, at least for now, the motives that led the Superferry to be hurried into the water without a sound legal or financial plan—and the true cost of this boondoggle to taxpayers—remain murky. JS
Address: 320 Ohukai Rd. #303, Kihei, HI 96753 Phone: 808-879-2826 I wonder what it’s like to work in a head shop. No, really. The characters would be extremely interesting; perhaps enough to write a book. That’s how Ken Kesey developed the characters for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, except his place of employment was a mental ward. Anyway, this Kihei head shop has all your legal tobacco smoking needs covered, including water tobacco pipes, rolling paper for rolling large tobacco cigarettes, scales for weighing mail to help you determine postage and more. Expect reggae music and a barrage of red, yellow and green when walking through the door. 320 Ohukai Rd. # 404, Kihei, 808-879-2826. KB
Address: 415 Dairy Rd., Kahului, HI 96732 Phone: 808-871-4981 With stand-up paddle boarding’s exploding popularity has come a profusion of rental outlets. There are multiple worthy options on-island, and which place you go really depends on what you’re looking for. If it’s convenience and selection, wade into Hawaiian Island Surf & Sport. With an array of options to suit all sizes, styles and skill levels, they’ll have you in the water in no time. And, while this category is about renting a paddleboard—which is a good option considering their expense—if you fall in love with the sport and want to own, Surf & Sport can certainly oblige. 415 Dairy Rd., Kahului, 808-871-4981. JS
Address: 425 Koloa St., Kahului, HI 96732 Phone: 808-877-2111 For more than 20 years, Hi-Tech has stayed on the cutting edge of board-riding technology, by providing an array of quality equipment from the industry’s leading shapers and designers. From sails to sunscreen, Hi-Tech sells everything one needs for some serious playtime in the water. But beyond years of selling merchandise, Hi-Tech has been a time-tested supporter of Maui’s surfing community. The shop sponsors several amateur surfers, and owner Kim Ball is leading the fight to have public schools sanction surfing as an interscholastic sport. 425 Koloa St., Kahului, 808-877-2111. BE
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