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Visit A Working Coconut Farm On Maui

Laurie Gray Bounsall Activities & Adventures, Our Maui Guide, See and Do on Maui May 14, 2018May 14, 2018Coconut, CoconutMilk, FarmTourMaui, foodie, Hawaii, HolidayInMaui, Kihei, Lahaina, Maui, MauiActivities, PunakeaPalms, VacationInMaui, VacationSoup, whattodo, WhattoDoMaui 0 Comment

Visit A Working Coconut Farm On Maui

Check out Punakea Palms, and visit a working coconut farm on Maui. Head to Lahaina and learn everything you ever wanted to know about this amazing nut. Tours run by appointment only and can accommodate up to 10 guests. Morning tours start at 9 am and run approximately 2.5 hours. Private tours can be arranged at custom times. Visit their website for available dates and tour times.

From their website;

“Coconut Farm Tasting Tour
With Aloha we welcome you to tour our farm. Experience the sights and tastes of a working coconut farm. Learn the usefulness of the coconut tree and discover how to extract its bounty. Participate in all the stages of coconut cultivation and consumption, all while basking in the natural beauty of our farm. Take home fresh, hand-made coconut products from a truly authentic experience. Pre-Booked Reservations Required

“Cultural Significance
The coconut is iconic throughout Hawaiian history. We have been very connected to this miraculous tree in many aspects of life, from building and shelter material, to textile and weaving, to sport and entertainment. We promote coconut awareness and hope to share this connection with you. Our goal is to teach, inspire, create lasting memories, and share a deep passion for what this earth can provide.”

“Natural Farming
Plantation Style. Our tasting tour starts where everything on our farm starts, in the dirt! The most intriguing aspect of natural farming is how simple it is. We will show you how we make our own farming inputs to amend and maintain healthy living soil throughout our farm. You will also discover the life cycle of coconut trees and their unique evolution to become the most productive food crop on earth.”

“Bottoms Up!
Besides sitting on a beach underneath a palm, there isn’t a better way to taste the freshness of a Hawaiian coconut than straight from our farm. You will learn how to open and taste coconuts at varying stages of maturity, as well as numerous health benefits and creative culinary applications. We will also offer seasonally fresh native fruits that grow across the property.”

Our favorite moment of our trip to Maui was at Punakea Farms. Kai is one of the most generous hosts we have encountered and want to thank him for the information as well as the experience we had on his farm. – Blake K. via Yelp

More information about Punakea Palms;

“Our Family Coconut Farm
Growing in our community since 2005. Punakea Palms is a family operated coconut farm in the foothills of the West Maui mountains.We promote natural farming and coconut information through educational and interactive tours of our daily operations. Our efforts are focused toward cultivating and promoting community awareness of this miracle plant.

Twelve years ago we planted over 250 sprouted coconuts that have now become fully mature fruit bearing trees. Maui’s climate hosts some of the most ideal growing conditions for coconut trees in the world with over 300 days of sunshine annually. Coconut trees produce fruit continuously year-round and these conditions bless our farm with a potential yield of over 10,000 nuts per year.

In addition to the coconut trees, we propagate many native tropical plants and fruits. Bananas, papayas, avocados, mangos, pineapples, and sugar cane are just some varieties that thrive across the property as well as an exotic citrus orchard.”

FAQ-

Will I get to climb a coconut tree?
There is only one way to harvest coconuts and that is to shimmy your way up to the top and claim your bounty. That being said, no, sorry. We will be doing all the climbing, but don’t worry the coconuts taste just as good on the ground.

What time of year are coconuts in season?
Now! A mature coconut tree flowers continuously throughout the year with the potential to produce hundreds of coconuts. There is always a fresh harvest to be found.

Is it possible to take coconuts back home on the plane?
Yes, it’s not a hassle at all. Just be sure to declare them when you arrive at the airport and a quick inspection will clear them for travel.

This is agro tourism at its finest. Not only was it a wonderful educational experience but it was a soulful one too. – Marie W. via Yelp

Travel Tip- Book this tour at the beginning of your trip so that you can enjoy the coconut milk you receive on the tour throughout your stay.

Website: https://www.punakeapalms.com

Contact: 808.269.4455

Location: 225 Punakea Loop, Lahaina, HI 96761

Photos property of Punakea Palms, Mahalo!

Looking for more Maui vacation ideas? Lots of things to see and do,

come on over and visit our Local Maui Guide or Maui Events Calendar!

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Maui Friday Town Party | 5 Fridays 5 Towns 5 Parties

Laurie Gray Bounsall Activities & Adventures, Our Maui Guide, Restaurants & Food, See and Do on Maui April 3, 2018October 1, 2020BookDirect, foodie, FoodTrucks, foodtrucksmaui, Hawaii, HolidayInMaui, Kihei, Lahaina, Lanai, LiveMusic, Makawao, Maui, MauiFridays, MauiTownFridays, MauiTownParty, OnoGrinds, VacationInMaui, VacationSoup, Wailuku, whatson 0 Comment

5 Fridays, 5 Towns, 5 Parties!

Maui Friday Town Party

Maui Friday Town Parties happen every Aloha Friday with the first Friday being Maui Friday Town Party – Wailuku! Spearheaded by the Maui County Office of Economic Development, each party highlights one of Maui’s historic small towns and along with their unique, local businesses. Whether it’s an eccentric art show in Lahaina or a paniolo party in Makawao, each town creates an authentic atmosphere including great food, stellar music and local vendors!

Both residents and visitors greet the weekend with a special night of Maui culture, friendly faces and free entertainment. It’s always fun and we always find great food, vendors selling unique items and tons of island Aloha can be found!

More information

Which party is this week?

First Friday of the month – Wailuku

Second Friday – Lahaina

Third Friday – Makawao

Fourth Friday – Kihei

Fifth Friday – Lāna‘i

Fifth Friday in Lāna‘i is somewhat unique in that there are only a handful of Fifth Fridays in a calendar year and one needs to take the Lāna‘i ferry to attend. Package deals are generally available, visit this link for more info.

Be sure to visit our Maui Event Calendar for what’s happening on Maui during your visit

Good Eats!! (We say Ono Grindz in Hawaii!)

Friday Town Parties offer a safe and fun community-oriented, family-friendly street fair to kickoff your Maui weekend.

Surrounding businesses offer extended retail hours and special promotions. Artisans, crafters, and culinary contributors add lots of variety to each town party. Have fun while supporting Maui’s economy and revitalizing historic Maui.

• Live Music for everyone!

• Lots of Family Fun!

Fun For All!

No matter where the Maui Friday Town Party, every event is community-minded and kid-friendly. With a heartwarming, small town feel, each party includes retailers, local artisans and crafters, delicious food and energetic music.

For up-to-date details on our individual town festivities, connect with Maui Town Parties on Facebook and Instagram, or contact the Maui County Office of Economic Development at economic.development@mauicounty.gov or 808.270.7710.

Looking for more Maui vacation ideas? Lots of things to see and do,

come on over and visit our Local Maui Guide or Maui Events Calendar!

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Lahaina Banyan Tree Birthday Party Celebration | April 21-22, 2018

Laurie Gray Bounsall Maui Special Events, Our Maui Guide, See and Do on Maui April 2, 2018June 24, 2020BanyanTreeMaui, BookDirect, Hawaii, HolidayInMaui, Kihei, Lahaina, LahainaBanyanTree, Maui, VacationInMaui, VacationSoup, whatson, whattodo 0 Comment

Come celebrate at the Lahaina Banyan Tree Birthday Party

Lahaina wishes Hau`oli la Hanau (Happy Birthday) to the Banyan Tree with a celebration in the park. Probably the most famous landmark in Lahaina – the Banyan Tree was planted in 1873 by the Sheriff to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first Missionaries. The tree was brought from India and was only 8″ high at the time of planting. It now has a dozen main trunks and spreads over two-thirds of an acre. The Banyan Tree is noteworthy for its size. It has grown by dropping roots from its branches that then become additional trunks.

Celebrated each year the third weekend in April, this party includes a birthday cake, Maui artists displaying nature artworks, a magician and art activities for children as well as Hawaiian music and hula on stage. Held in Banyan Tree Park on Front Street in the heart of Lahaina. Hours are from 9 am to 5 pm.

April 21-22, 2018

More info: 888.310.1117 or visit Lahaina Action Committee

Map Below

More about Lahaina’s Banyan tree from The Lahaina Restoration Foundation;

“Dominating the courthouse square in downtown Lahaina is one of the most remarkable aboreal specimens. One quarter of a mile in circumference, its octopus-like limbs stretch outward, spreading a vast network of branches, leaves and aerial roots towards the streets and buildings surrounding it. Extraordinary, almost surreal, it seems more like a fantastic prop from a Tim Burton film than a organism in real life. How did this giant come to lay its roots in this tiny port of Lahaina? Here’s the story:

On April 24, 1873, to honor the 50th anniversary of the first Protestant mission in Lahaina, which was started at the request of Queen Keōpūolani, the sacred wife and widow of King Kamehameha the Great, Sheriff William Owen Smith planted the exotic Indian Banyan. At the time it was only eight feet tall.

After settling in, the tree slowly sent branches outward from its trunk. From the branches, a series of aerial roots descended towards the earth. Some of them touched the ground and dug in, growing larger until eventually turning into trunks themselves. Over the years, Lahaina residents lovingly encouraged the symmetrical growth of the tree by hanging large glass jars filled with water on the aerial roots that they wanted to grow into a trunk. In time, what was once a small sapling matured into a monumental behemoth.

It now stands over 60 feet high, has 16 major trunks in addition to the massive original and shades nearly two-thirds of an acre. Maui County Arborist Committee carefully maintains the health and shape of this majestic tree. It is the largest banyan tree in the entire United States. In recent times, the courthouse square was renamed “Banyan Tree Park” in its honor. Lahaina Restoration Foundation takes care of the park grounds.

Over the years, the Lahaina Banyan Tree has come to serve many functions. First of all, it’s a great place to relax. Several benches are scattered under the large canopy to rest tired feet after a long day of sightseeing and shopping. It’s a favorite for taking photos. The long, undulating branches and stringy roots make for interesting backdrops. On the weekends, local artist and crafters set up tables and booths to display and sell their works from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Often, you can enjoy live music, hula and other cultural dances on stage in the park.”

Looking for more Maui vacation ideas? Lots of things to see and do,

come on over and visit our Local Maui Guide!

Travel Tip created by Laurie in association with Vacation Soup

Go Fly A Kite At The Kite Festival Lahaina

Laurie Gray Bounsall Maui Special Events, Our Maui Guide, See and Do on Maui February 12, 2018March 31, 2018FestivalMaui, Hawaii, HolidayInMaui, Kihei, kitefestival, KiteFestivalLahaina, Lahaina, LahainaTown, Maui, MauiActivities, MauiActivitiesForKids, mauikitefestival, VacationInMaui, VacationSoup, whatson, whattodo 0 Comment

The Kite Festival Lahaina

Celebrate the wide world of kites and national kite month in Lahaina during this annual family fun event! On Friday evening at Wo Hing Museum and Cookhouse on Front Street, check out displays of ancient and modern kites from around the world; kites are available for purchase. Enjoy presentations on Ancient Chinese Kites and Sport Kites, then join a community kite making project.

There are hands-on craft activities for kids, like kite making, and Chinese food available for sale. Go fly a kite on Saturday at the Lahaina Recreation Center field on Honoapi‘ilani Hwy. Kids can design and make a kite and teens can make free-form kite structures. At 11 am, the community’s Chinese serpent kite will take to the air in a kite flying demo. The sky becomes a canvas with colorful kites in all shapes. Bring your own kite to fly and get tips from the pros until 2 pm. Free admission to all events.

To find out more, call the Lahaina Restoration Foundation office at 808-661-3262, Wo Hing Museum at 808-661-5553, or contact us here. For updates, visit Facebook @LahainaRestoration and Twitter @LahainaRestFnd.

WHEN:

Friday, April 6 & Saturday, April 7
5 pm to 9 pm & 9 am to 2 pm
Kite Festival & Kite Flying Day

WHERE:

Wo Hing Temple Museum

Looking for more Maui vacation ideas? Lots of things to see and do, come on over and visit our Local Maui Guide!

Travel Tip created by Laurie in association with Vacation Soup

Cover Photo via Flickr

Chinese New Year In Lahaina

Laurie Gray Bounsall Activities & Adventures, Our Maui Guide, See and Do on Maui January 29, 2018January 29, 2018ChineseNewYear, Guidebook, Hawaii, HolidayInMaui, Kihei, Lahaina, LahainaRestorationFoundation, LahainaTown, Maui, MuseumsMaui, VacationInMaui, VacationSoup, VisitMaui, whattodo, YearOfTheDog 0 Comment

Chinese New Year In Lahaina

February 23, 2018. Come celebrate Chinese New Year in Lahaina and ring in the lunar new year during this FREE community celebration, featuring Chinese lion dancing with drums, cymbals and firecrackers at the Wo Hing Museum and Cookhouse on Front Street. After firecrackers are lit, the lions dance down Front Street, stopping in shops and restaurants.

Throughout the day, enjoy cultural art activities, like calligraphy and knot tying, for the whole family. Presentations about Chinese New Year history and the fortune-telling arts will be held in the Cookhouse. There will be martial arts demonstrations and instrumental performances along with Chinese tea served in the garden. Celebrate the Year of the Dog!

WHEN:

February 23, 2018

TIME:

5pm – 9pm

WHERE:

Wo Hing Temple Museum

About the Wo Hing Museum

Chinatown in Lahaina began as one-story shops and housing on Front Street, and as more Chinese were attracted to the area, two-story wooden buildings were built to accommodate them. But the Chinese immigrants maintained social and political ties with their ancestral home and in the early 1900s, they formed the Wo Hing Society. At one time, it was a branch of the Chee Kung Tong (a fraternal society with chapters worldwide) but it is no longer affiliated. The society was formed to nurture the ex-pat community, providing social contacts, support in times of crisis, and housing for retired workers. It also supported the revolutionary activities of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, renowned as the Father of Modern China, and first provisional president of the Republic of China

About Chinese New Year

In China, Chinese New Year is not only the longest celebrated event but also the most important social holiday. The lunar new year begins on the second new moon following the winter solstice and ends two weeks later on the full moon. Today, the new year is a week-long public holiday so families can reunite and relax together, celebrating a year of hard work and offering wishes of good luck and prosperity in the coming year. This tenth year in the Chinese zodiac calendar is attributed to the rooster, and is said to be a year of powerful energy, financial windfall with hard work and a movement toward integrity.

Looking for more Maui vacation ideas? Lots of things to see and do, come on over and visit our Local Maui Guide!

Travel Tip created by Laurie in association with Vacation Soup

Step Back In Time At the Lahaina Heritage Museum

Laurie Gray Bounsall Activities & Adventures, Our Maui Guide, See and Do on Maui January 25, 2018January 23, 2018Hawaii, History, HolidayInMaui, Kihei, Lahaina, LahainaTown, Maui, Maui on a Shoestring, MauiActivities, Museum, Saving Money, Travel Tips, VacationInMaui, VacationSoup, whattodo 0 Comment

Step Back In Time At the Lahaina Heritage Museum

Lahaina Heritage Museum In The Old Lahaina Courthouse.

Step Back In Time At the Lahaina Heritage Museum and visit the days of Old Hawai‘i. Lahaina Heritage Museum offers visitors a comprehensive, interactive look at the rich and varied history of Lahaina from pre-contact Hawai‘i to the Monarchy era, including the missionary and whaling period, and from the Plantation era to early tourism.

Visiting the Lahaina Heritage Museum is part of the Lahaina Historical Walking Tour. This self guided tour is a great way to get to know Lahaina Town and it’s rich and amazing history.

65 SIGNIFICANT SITES

Did you know that Lahaina has 65 significant sites, museums and buildings that represent the history and culture of the town over a period of more than 500 years? It’s easy to locate them and learn their stories by viewing the colorful map- brochure and large maps installed in kiosks throughout Lahaina.

Visit the Lahaina Restoration Foundation for more info

WHERE

Address:
648 Wharf Street at Banyan Tree Park
Lahaina, HI

HOURS

Open Daily, 9:00am – 5:00pm

ADMISSION

Free admission

For more information visit Lahaina Heritage Museum

Looking for more Maui vacation ideas? Lots of things to see and do, come on over and visit our Local Maui Guide!

Travel Tip created by Laurie in association with Vacation Soup

The perfect Mahi Mahi Fish and Chips

Laurie Gray Bounsall Our Maui Guide, Restaurants & Food August 16, 2017January 21, 2018Dining, fish and chips, Food, foodie, Grinds, Kihei, Lahaina, Paia, Restaurants 0 Comment

The website is launched and live now and I can think of no better thing to talk about today than the the humble Mahi Mahi. When I travel to Maui, it’s one of the first meals I have. Mahi Mahi Fish & Chips – Maui style! Paia Fish Market has long been a favorite restaurant of mine – from way back in the days when my soul-sister and I would fly over to Maui with our checked luggage (back when you could still check two bags per person with no charge) consisting of mostly camping gear and we’d camp out at Papalua Beach campground. But that’s a story for another day…

I think in the 25 years or so that I’ve been visiting Maui, that I’ve only ever ordered the Fish & Chips from Paia Fish Market. Never had a need to try any other dish on the menu. This one is perfection and I just don’t want to mess with perfection. Though every dish that passed me by on it’s way to another customer look entirely mouth watering! There’s just something about a cold beer and a delicious, fresh cooked piece of fish!

I consider myself a Fish & Chips connoisseur. I’ve tried hundreds of fish & chips from England to New Zealand. Anytime we visit a coastal town and eat out, I try the fish and chips. Some make theirs too doughy, you know the kind where it’s still raw tasting goo in the middle, some have more batter than fish, others hit the mark but they just never can match my beloved Paia Fish Market style.

Picture this (and get a bib if you must) an ice cold beer (I had the Pau Hana Pilsner* from Maui Brewing Co. on my last visit, excellent!), delectable coleslaw with just the right tartness level, perfect French fries and laying over that are four lightly breaded (no gooey beer batter here!) with just the right amount of herbs and spices, cooked just right FISH STICKS! Inside is tender and juicy Mahi Mahi… hold on I have to go get my own bib – my mouth is watering just typing this… the flavor is enhanced by their perfect tartar sauce… mmm the tartar sauce adds just the perfect touch.

One serving can easily serve two people for a light dinner. I’ve never finished a whole meal of Fish & Chips in one setting. I always take leftovers home*.

When we first started eating here, there was one restaurant, all the way over in Paia (which isn’t really far) but not so inconveniently far that we wouldn’t hop in the rented beat-out Jeep with no top and head over to stuff ourselves. But now they boast three locations, one of which is just is 2.3 miles from our condo door! A mere 6 or 7 minutes to mouth-wateringly delicious food. I was so excited to see that they had opened up shop in Kihei! I can now get my fix without the long drive.

Paia Fish Market has a very casual environment. Order you meal & drinks at the window, get your ticket number and seat yourself to one of their picnic tables. Condiments, napkins and silverware are on the table, ready for you. When your piping hot Fish & Chips is ready for you (ok, maybe you tried something else on the menu) a server will bring your food to you. Casual or ‘Aloha’ ware attire is perfect for dining here. If you eat at the flagship restaurant in Paia there is some great surfing decor that is sadly missing at the Southside location.

Check out their flagship restaurant in Paia town on your way watch the wind surfers in Ho’okipa or to watch the surfers on the north shore. And if you’re up Lahaina way, grab a beer and some Fish & Chips (or be adventurous and try something else on the menu.)

* Tip! Pau Hana roughly translates as ‘Finished’ but it conveys as ‘The time after work. It is considered a time for relaxation, informal socializing with friends and family, and enjoyment.’

*Tip #2! Order extra fish sticks to take home. They run about $3 a piece and nothing beats cold fish sticks for breakfast! Don’t knock it till you try it!