Courtney Brown

Limited Offer: Special Pricing and Developer Leaseback at Lanai's Palms at Manele Bay

Although my office is based in the Kapalua Resort, I do work in other areas of the island and Maui County.

One of my favorite spots is Lanai. It reminds me of old Makawao Town (my childhood home): there are no stoplights or fast food restaurants, and the small town of Lanai City features the charming old Plantation Cottages.

Lanai offers guests the option of staying at two locations, one oceanfront and one up in the mountains, both managed by Four Season's Resort. We always choose the Lodge at Koele, as it's a welcome change to sit beside the fire and take in the cool upcountry air.

I recently received an update that the developer is now offering a special purchase and leaseback program on select condominium residences at the Palms at Manele through July 31, 2009, or until the available units are sold (subject to change without notice). The Palms are situated adjacent to the Manele Bay Hotel, and the low-rise, low-density luxury condominium residences overlook the ocean and the Challenge at Manele Golf Course.

Similar to our Kapalua Club, the privately owned and operated Island Club offers a variety of recreational and social opportunities to its members, and access to the amenities at the Four Seasons Resort (some restrictions apply).

Please contact me for more information or if I can be of further assistance.

The Lahaina Restoration Foundation will host "Lahaina Plantation Days, Then and Now" from July 30th to August 1st, 2009.

The event, which pays tribute to West Maui's history as a Plantation Town, will feature entertainment by both cultural groups and popular local musicians along with historical displays and exhibits. In addition, you can sample local fare at restaurant food booths, enjoy a cold beer, or take the kids to the Kid's Zone.

There will also be an opportunity to preview the Puukolii Village project, which is Kaanapali Land Management Corporations proposed development in the old Puukolii Village site located on the Hillside above the Kaanapali Resort. For more information on Puukolii Village visit: www.kaanapaliland.com

I'm particularly looking forward to a special presentation of the 60 minute documentary "Lahaina: Waves of Change" by filmmakers Eddie and Myrna Kamae.

Lahaina Plantation Days Event Details:
Admission: $3/day for adults, $2 seniors, keiki (children 12 and under) are free. A special three day pass is available for $5.
Location: Old Pioneer Mill on Lahainaluna Road, Lahaina, HI
Event Times:
July 30 (Movie Night): 7-9:30 pm, film gates open at 7:00, with feature film starting at 8:00 pm.
July 31, August 1st: 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Event volunteers are needed for admissions, greeters, etc. Shifts are from 3:30 to 7:30pm or 6:00 to 9:30 pm. To sign up, contact the Lahaina Restoration Foundation at 808-661-3262, www.lahainarestoration.org.

Kapalua Adventures Debuts new Sunset and Full Moon Zip Line Tours!

Having grown up here on Maui, I can honestly say I'd never seen such views until I took the ziplines up above the Kapalua Resort. My first thought was that it would be spectacular at sunset. Now you can enjoy the legendary sunsets on the Sunset Zip Tour, which runs on Wednesday and Saturday from 5:00 to 7:30 pm, beginning on July 18, 2009.

The new Full Moon Zip Tour is offered once a month from 8:00 to 10:00 pm. Participants will venture across the longest and highest suspension bridge in Hawaii. At the end, hot chocolate is served. Upcoming dates: August 5, September 4, and October 3, 2009

Call 808-665-3753. Available for adults, aged 21 and over.

Kapalua Club Members and their guests have a fantastic new gathering place here in the resort. The new Beach Club opened two weeks ago to rave reviews, at the Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, Kapalua Bay.

The saline infinity edge pool and hot tub both overlook Kapalua Bay. Lounge chairs fan around the pool on a soft green lawn. My favorite way to spend the day: enjoying a light lunch, while reading poolside.

Open from 8 am to 8 pm, this is the perfect place to catch the sunset. The Beach Club's signature cocktails are old favorites with a tropical twist (the freshest fruit!), and the quiet, relaxed atmosphere make it a lovely way to end the day.

The Kapalua Club has recently introduced a Monday Play Day for its members. From 3-5 pm, this casual, afternoon gathering features a variety of card, domino, and board games.

For more information on this and other Kapalua Club events, please contact the Kapalua Club at 808-669-8803.

Photo courtesy of L. Reiswig.

It's been a tradition for years: each year, my father, Duke, and I attend the Slack Key Festival at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. It's usually held the weekend after Father's Day, and we join hundreds of other music fans. We all bring beach chairs and blankets, looking forward to great music and local food.

Famed musician and composer, George Kahumoku Jr.'s hosted his 12th annual Maui Slack Key Guitar & Ukulele Workshop, the week before in Napili, with students performing at the Slack Key Festival. Bobby Moderow Jr's performance left us all with chicken skin (goose bumps-in a good way!), and it was a treat to see such performers as Ikaika Brown and Jeff Peterson.

Artisans from around the islands also bring their wares. The stand out at this year's festival were the leis of Maile Bailey-they are gorgeous! She weaves intricate floral designs out of ginger petals and ti leaves. Her sales associate let me snap a picture to share with you. Ti leaf leis are often saved for special occasions like weddings and baby showers. I've never seen such beautiful designs, and given how hearty they are (you can freeze them until you can use them later), they would be a wonderful accent to any special occasion.

I asked for Ms. Bailey's contact information. If you'd like to order her one of a kind lei designs, you can reach her at 808-214-5618 or 808-298-7169.