Divers:  When visiting Maui, make sure to do a couple of dives.  We suggest having ProDiver Maui show you the best locations.  For more information, check out their Maui scuba diving page.

A couple of tips: If you plan on diving in Maui, please make sure you don’t go up to Haleakala Crater close to the time because of pressurization.  Haleakala goes up to 10,000 feet, so it acts much like a plane flight for divers.

Also, take a look at some Maui Scuba locations on the Maui Information Guide.  Have fun and be safe!

Every year, local Maui residents anticipate the fun and excitement of the festival.  Those visitors lucky enough to be here for it all claim that Maui has the best film festival in the world.  Enjoying warm weather under the stars with a sunset over the ocean, then watching great movies with friends in the grass can’t be beaten. (One warning though:  If you plan on watching more than the first film, we suggest bringing a jacket and/or blanket.  It can get a bit chilly later on.)

Willie Nelson was awarded this tribute for “courage in his convictions, the ability and willingness to stand the heat, and protect our collective constitutional rights to artistic and political freedom of expression.”

On May 17th, 2009, the bad-a$$ ladies of roller derby got together on Maui for a battle royale.  The roller derby bout took place at the Boys and Girls Club in Wailuku between the Oahu and Maui teams.  Though (as you can see in the pictures) it was fiercely competitive, both teams played with the best of intentions and sportswoman-like conduct.

The event was fantastic!  Around 200 people showed up for the festivities, not including the paramedics standing by.  Along with many excited fans, the event had a great DJ and snacks and water available.

The Derby bout went off without a hitch and without any serious injury (though most grown men would be in tears after suffering some of the falls that these brave and talented riders took.)

Keep kicking butt, Maui!  We’ll be at your next bout and hope you get even more exposure.  What you do is inspiring, and offers some serious entertainment.  Time to turn off the football game on TV.  There’s something much more exciting going on at a Maui parking lot near you.

Recently, a few of us had the opportunity to attend a beautiful wedding at the Sugarman’s Estate in Makena, South Maui.  Everything went off without a hitch and we thought we’d mention some of the highlights.

This is one of the most beautiful properties on the island, and we we’re overjoyed in being able to spend some time on it again.  For weddings, it’s perfect.  The sunset over the water is set up perfectly for photos and general guest enjoyment.  The property is very large and able to accommodate hundreds of people with sprawling green lawns and very large trees with ample shade.

Our favorite part of the wedding was without doubt the food.  Maui Catering was provided by Maui Executive Catering, of whom did a smashing job.  We’ve been to many weddings in Maui, and the food can be hit or miss.  These guys did an unbelievable job.  We thought we’d peak in and take some photos of their crew and kitchen area while at work and ask their service staff some questions:

Aloha!  We’ve been noticing how well you all work together.  How did this catering company pull together such a great team?

“Jeff and Jason (Owners of Maui Executive Catering) work harder than most people we know.  They’re great to work with, and I think that’s why good service staff is drawn to work with them.  They take care of their crew and make it fun for everyone.  It’s a nice change to work for them as opposed to some lesser-organized companies.  Things just seem to go like clock work.”

The food has all been delicious.  You’ve put out some pretty exotic and attractive presentations.  Is this normal?

“Yes, another perk of working with them.  All of their chefs are classically trained and well-educated.  Most have gone to the Maui Culinary Academy, one of the best in the world.  They really take pride in their work.  I often notice that they’ll put in excessive prep time for some of the most minute details just to add an extra flair.  Yep, pretty normal for them.  They use top of the line gear, and don’t mind experimenting in order to find the perfect flavors for a dish.  I’ve heard more than once from guests that they don’t want to mess up their plates by eating.  But then once they take a bite, it’s over with.  Nobody leaves hungry, that’s for sure.”

The bartending provided by Maui Executive Catering was professional and friendly.  Their bartender and barback were fun and had the skills necessary to handle a crowd of thirsty guests and do it with style.  It seemed everyone by the end of the day had suggested that they loved the bartender and really enjoyed his humor and fun-loving attitude.

Great job, everyone.  We’ll be recommending you in the future!

To learn more about them, visit Maui Executive Catering.

Maui’s favorite springtime event, the 36th annual Seabury Hall Craft Fair was held today Upcountry.  This much anticipated event did not disappoint.  Every year, the craft fair is held the day before Mother’s Day and for good reason.  The event was packed with visitors and residents looking to pick up something unique and locally made for Mom.

Seabury Hall had fun for all ages: kids enjoyed the pony rides provided by Piiholo Ranch, the large double slip and slides, and the jumping castles, while adults shopped, looked at classic cars, enjoyed local food, and danced to the live bands.

Art on Maui has always been the major focus of the event, and again this year dozens of talented artists gathered to show and sell their goods.  Everything from glass blowing to photography was featured at the many booths.  We’ll make sure to come back next year, and we’re glad so many people came this time.