Source: Maui Time, Maui News, Best of Maui, Maui Activities

Picks%20of%20the%20Week

by Kate Bradshaw

May 28, 2009

Piece of Pailolo

Friday (May 29), 3pm, Kaanapali Beach Resort

Saturday (May 30), 10am-4pm

Sunday (May 31), 8am

The importance of sailing canoes in Polynesian culture has been likened to that of the wheel in Eurasia. Yet somehow there aren’t many of those traditional vessels on Maui, save for the Hina, which is operated out of Wailea by Sage and Liz Spalding via Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Adventures, and perhaps a few others. Yet I hear that they’re experiencing a revival across the isles. It would be phenomenal to see Maui’s waters dotted with triangular red sails when the wind is right; after all, it’s about as green as you can get when it comes to sailing. This weekend, such a sight can be beheld from the shores of West Maui courtesy of the Hawaii Canoe Sailing Association’s 5th annual Wa‘a Kiakahi. It starts Friday with a traditional welcome ceremony for the 10 participating crews. The following day crews will invite the public to come aboard for free sailing canoe rides (register at the HSCA tent). The following morning a traditional ceremony will send the boats off on a race from Maui to Molokai via the treacherous Pailolo Channel. 

If you will it…

Friday (May 29), 7pm, Voyage East, Haiku

Depending on your idea of progress, creativity is either its greatest catalyst or its biggest threat. Without creativity we wouldn’t have achieved any of our major milestones. But it also challenges obsolete and unjust social and economic modes, which is why authorities often discourage, if not outwardly suppress, creative endeavors. Yet people seem to be catching on to the notion that independent, local, original purveyors of goods generally blow the corporate guys out of the water in both quality and style. A Make Believe Clothing Company Hawaii is launching—amid our economic freefall—with a mission that seems to foster creativity. In honor of the fledgling line they’ll be hosting a social gathering and fashion show Upcountry. Food (including pupus from Spago chef Cameron Lewark) and a clothing display are a draw, yes, but the musical lineup takes this box social over the top. A Kettle Prime is among the acts slated, as are The Throwdowns and headliners The Alliez. DJ Del Sol will spin during the fashion show. So, in addition to their ability to generate some unique articles of clothing with an honorable vision, they also seem to know how to throw a decent shindig. Free.

Sirens of Titan

Saturday (May 30), 9pm, Mulligan’s on the Blue, Wailea

Mythological sirens embody shameless self-promotion. They did, after all, lure ships to shore with their irresistible song, to the ultimate detriment of sailors. The shameless self-promotion I am about to exact upon the reader has a much more savory intent. Saturday’s Sirens of Rock Maui Brewfest After Party, you see, will feature a number of Maui musical acts with female vocalists. I am one of those, and will be opening the show with an acoustic set of mostly originals and perhaps a Ten Years After cover (of course I’d be including this show as a Pick even if I wasn’t on the bill—I mean, have ya met me?). The tough-as-nails Throwdowns, fronted by Erin Smith, play second. Headlining is Mojomana, which has a dynamite psychedelic-surf-blues sound enhanced by Melissa M’s super-sweet vocals. If brewfest wasn’t enough for you, this will be an excellent event at which to carry on with the consumption of delicious beers. So, you know, yay. A steal at $10.

Aluminum Man

Sunday (May 31), 8am, Maui Prince Park, Kihei

Exercise is highly underrated and even discouraged, it seems. Ideally, those who so desired would be able to spend 2-3 hours a day at the gym, but work and other obligations often prevent this. No fair. But there is a contingent of Mauians who meet up with relative consistency for weekly runs as well as periodic running-centered events. And there happens to be one this weekend, which is made cooler by the fact that swimming is in the mix. The Valley Isle Road Runners’ Aluminum Man event entails a half-mile swim and a three- to four-mile run. Not exactly a triathlon, but also not a bad way to take in the sights of South Maui and meet other people who can’t go more than a day or two without a lengthy, lung-hugging run. Participants are encouraged to go their own pace for this event, which happens seven times a year. This is most impeccable timing, as many of you may be wondering how you were going to conduct your penance after unleashing the brewfest carbo tidal wave on your body. Call 878-2949 to register.