Lahaina, HI

Each year, the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua kicks off the holiday season with a festive tree lighting ceremony. It's one of my favorite events to attend, and draws visitors and kama'aina from across the island.

This year, the theme will be "At Home in the Islands." The evening includes live entertainment, keiki hula dancers, and a visit from Santa Clause. The event is complimentary and will benefit the children of Maui's homeless resource center.

Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua Makai Lawn
When: Friday, December 4, 2009 5:30 pm

For those of you that won't be here on the fourth, don't worry-the beautiful lights stay up for the month of December, and make for a lovely evening stroll in the resort.

Each month, the Kapalua Spa has some wonderful specials. Currently, they are offering a "Girlfriend's Getaway" package that sounds sublime. The treatment array includes:

• Lomilomi Massage- 50 minutes
• Organic Ocean Facial- 50 minutes
• Deep Sea Indulgence Pedicure- 50 minutes
• Choice of Healthy Meal
• Complimentary upgrade on pedicure, unlimited smoothies, and a yoga class

For more information on the specials at the Kapalua Spa, please call: 808-665-8282 or 1-866-941-KSPA.

Attention all golfers! You are cordially invited to join Luna Alums, along with friends and supporters of Lahainaluna a the Second Annual Maui Golf Tournament Fund Raiser for the Stadium Project. The Lahainaluna Foundation has been working to build a stadium on the campus of Lahainaluna High School. This school is the oldest West of the Mississippi, and has a tremendously loyal fan base, and the Luna's athletics programs are a big part of the West Maui community.

Where: Ka'anapali Royal Course
When: December 13, 2009
6:15 AM Registration/7:00 Shotgun

No partner, no problem. Let them know and they'll team you up with another player. Food and refreshments will be provided prior to play on the course. Lunch and awards will take place following the round at Outback Steakhouse in Lahaina. For additional information visit: www.lahainalunahighschoolfoundation.com

Top 10 Reasons to buy an aina nalu condominium now:

•1. You don't need a car!- Location, location, location - easy walking distance to Front Street in Lahaina Town, with shopping, restaurants/bars, harbor, dive shops, galleries, theatres/shows, library, banyan tree with frequent events/craft fairs, etc. You can walk or ride a bike to any location downtown or to the bus stop one block away and not have to rent a car or spend money on gas!

•2. Gorgeous rooms with full kitchens, spacious stone showers, Bali-style furnishings, flat screen TV and air conditioning in each bedroom and living room and washer/dryer combination in each unit.

•3. Beautiful landscaping with lush foliage and tropical trees right outside your windows - it feels like a spa location tucked away in Lahaina Town.

•4. Two pools (one saline lap pool), a hot tub and spacious and well appointed pavilion that can be used for entertaining or special events.

•5. FREE wireless internet in pool and lobby locations, complementary coffee and newspapers.

•6. Expedia representatives onsite to provide expert advice and all of your activity needs, plus additional amenities for guests and revenue to the AOAO.

•7. It's a short drive to the best snorkeling beaches in West Maui.

•8. The AOAO is reducing maintenance fees by 6% in 2010 and installing solar panels, which will reduce electricity costs and continue the progress in making aina nalu a ‘green' resort.

•9. There are some SCREAMING DEALS - Prices are at a new low -and quite possibly the lowest they will be for the foreseeable future.

•10. You can really enjoy ownership now!

Here are some of the best buys at aina nalu today:

2 bedroom, 2 bath downstairs unit - short sale priced at $259,000

2 bedroom, 2 bath downstairs unit - short sale priced at $269,000

2 bedroom, 2 bath upstairs unit - bank owned priced at $285,000

Search all of the active aina nalu listings at www.alohapotts.com.

Kapalua, Maui:

In preparation for the SBS Championship, the Plantation Course will be cart path only starting on Monday, December 14th. Additionally for play on December 30 and 31st, the last tee time of the day will be at 12 noon. The Plantation Course will be closed to all play, beginning Friday, January 1st.

The SBS Championship will take place January 4-10, 2010. Approximately 34 PGA professionals will be competing for their share of a $5.6 million purse, and the first title of the 2010 season.

Tickets are now on sale, and there are still a few pro-am spots available for those of you that want to spend a day with the pros. Visit www.kapalua.com for more information.