NEXT WEEK’S PICKS:

SOCIAL MEDIA CLIMBER

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THU., OCT. 27 – If you oblige the little bird who told you “tweet,” but still want to learn how to make the most out of your mouse, check out the Maui Social Media Users Group, where you can meet Maui’s social media celebrities IRL–folks like @digitalsplash (Jeff Bennet), @amauiblog (Liza Pierce), @peterliu47 (Peter Liu) and @mauitime’s own @jenrusso and @tommyrusso–and talk about tech stuff. Seating limited to 30. Free. 4-6:30pm. Malcolm Center (1305 N. Holopono St., Kihei); hightechmaui.com/programs/workshops/cfm
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This Week’s Picks: Holla Atcha Poi

Wednesday through Sunday) July 10-August 20, 11am-5pm, Schaefer International Gallery, MACC, Kahului; free
by Anu Yagi

Ah, the poi dog. Colloquially, it means mongrel (in the best way); i.e. ancestry that—like the process of poi-making—is all mashed-up. (And literally, it references a now-extinct Hawaiian pariah dog. That name being interchangeable with “pye dog” and “pi dog,” you can see how the etymology ensued.) “Approach[ing] the concept of multi-ethnic roots and personal insights into individual histories while investigating ancestry, racial barriers and identity,” five renowned Valley Isle artists—Pat Masumoto, Darrell Orwig, Nancy Skrimstad, Michael Takemoto and Sidney Yee—have created a provocative body of multimedia work for the latest Schaefer exhibition, “Poi Dog.” In an interview with MauiTime, Masumoto says “We five artists have worked on creating this show for around three years. We realized that although we are very close to the culture, none of us are pedigree Hawaiian. Being a diverse bunch, we decided to explore our individual heritage.” Of her work, Masumoto explains, “I chose to do nine life-size ‘memory’ paintings that capture people from my childhood as I recall them,” along with nine poems. “Each painting and poem tells a story about growing up in Lahaina. The process of dredging up the past has been like finding old scrapbooks I’d left in the attic of my mind.” You can check out the gallery anytime Wednesday through Sunday (11am-5pm) to peruse and ponder all of the poi dog pieces at your extended leisure. And if you’ve got a prize-worthy poi dog pup of your own, save the date for the Poi Doggie Contest (August 2, 2pm); an event created in collaboration between the MACC and Maui Humane Society. This canine-centric contest is for mutts only (no pedigrees) and features contest categories like Dog-Owner Look-Alike, Most Mixed Up, Best Howl, and Ugliest Mug. mauiarts.org

realcolorwheel.com

spiritualrennaisance.com

In 1802, King Kamehameha dubbed Lahaina Town the capitol of his Hawaiian Kingdom.  During the following 50 years, King Kamehameha built a brick palace and other royal residences in the town, the ruins of which one can still be seen during a day of shopping or beaching. In 1873, William Owen Smith, the then-sheriff of Lahaina, planted the Banyan Tree  to honor the 50th anniversary of the first Christian mission in Lahaina.  Now spreading over almost an acre, proudly sporting twelve trunks and generously pampered by volunteers, the Banyan Tree serves as a uniting force in Lahaina town, filling a desperate need for shade and creating an open plaza and park where locals and tourists mingle more freely than at any other spot on the island. Show the love for this beautiful member of our community (I’ll talk about trees as if they were people if I please – its much more understandable than the way cat-lovers publicly “meow” at their pets) – and come to the Banyan Tree’s 137th birthday celebration at the Banyan Treee park, across from Wharf Cinemas, organized by the Lahaina Town Action Committee.  Birthday cake will be served, accompanied by entertainment: clowns and a magician (saturday only), as well as a pinata, face painting, artwork, and hands-on art activities for keiki.  There will also be a craft fair, quilting demonstrations, and musical entertainment by the likes of Kapule & Friends, Al Nip, Micheal Kollwitz, and more. For more information, call the Lahaina Town Action Committee at 808-667-9175. By: Sierra Brown

Click here for MAUITIME Listings of Lahaiana Events.

MauiTime is winding up to help support a favorite MACC event: The Maui Brewers Festival. Complete with beer tasting, pupus, and a party to mingle at with other like minded beer-aficionados, this is a can’t-miss event. Check out the MAUIDISH blog to get the scoop on brewing, drinking, and why this event is sure to be unforgettable.

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The N. Market street neighbors – If the Shoe fits, MauiTime, and Cafe Marc Aurel – are teaming up to host an eco-friendly shoe design contest.  The winning designer will win a free montly shoe for a year from “If the Shoe Fits.”Design entries needed to be able to be produced with at least 50% recycled/re-used materials.  The shoe designs will go on display on Saturday, January 20th at Cafe Marc Aurel, and the judges will arrive at 7.  Peruse the shoe designs yourself while sipping wine and munching on a wrap or quiche

from the Marc Aurel kitchen.  “If the Shoe Fits” won’t divulge any information on shoe designs or exactly what to expect, so come with an open mind and simply to enjoy the creativity of shoe designer hopefuls. By: Sierra Brown

Popular Hawaiian musicians set the mood, featuring Marty Dread, Cecilio, Kapono, Na Leo Pilimehana, Anuhea, George Kahumoku Jr., and John Cruz.  What else do we make in Hawaii besides good music? Ono food. Maui restaurants will offer up their fare, alongside a silent auction and a tent city of local artisans displaying, selling, and sharing their latest projects and wares.  Whale day has also developed a new, tech-savy side, and will be the go-to location for a “tweet-up,” – a meeting for twitter users who have become friends via twitter.com.

Of course, there are loads of ways for Keiki to enjoy themselves too, including lots of children’s activites, a

 skateboarding competition, the Wild and Wonderful Whale Regata, and educational booths about whales and the environment.  There are prizes to be won too, including a round-trip flight for two to the mainland and back.  At the heart of this event is a fundraiser for Keiki; proceeds will fund marine education programs for Maui schoolchildren.  

And don’t stress about the parking. Free parking will be available with to-and-from shuttle bus service from Hope chapel and Azeka Place Mauka Shopping Center.  Handicapped parking is in the lot facing Kalama park. So no excuses… drop by and visit the whales, it’s certainly easier than digging out all the gifts your returning relatives ever gave you and placing them strategically around the house. By: Sierra Brown

Image from dollsaga.wordpress.com

The looming aisles of Valentine’s day cards tower on either side of the empty shopping cart, cutting deep shadows in the fluorescent atmosphere, and  the infinite choices grow more threatening with each step.  Valentine’s day is like the high school prom… escape from it free from pig’s blood, 10,000 calorie binges, and with your relationship intact, and I will personally send you a “Congratulations!” card.  Alright, enough pessimism for one holiday (just hope you don’t run into me on Christmas).  Whether you’re single or currently experiencing Romeo-and-Juliet-esque bliss, call the American Red Cross to sign up for FREE CPR certification during the daylight hours of the 14th.  Before the lights dim that evening, look up the MAUITIME Calendar and make reservations at one of the romantic restaurants offering special valentine’s day  menus,music, drinks, and dancing.  Keali’i Rachel will perform in the Castle Theater at 7:30 PM, while at 6 PM and also at the MACC in the McCoy Theater, Smooth Jazz Nights XII will feature Peter White, Micheal Paulo, and Brian Simpson, in a romantic jazz performance.  Another interesting idea is to play tourist for the evening, and sign up for a dinner cruise. The Pacific Whale Foundation has reasonably-priced offers, and the proceeds go to a good cause.  As a final note, just remember to put aside all the red paper hearts, confetti, and creepily human-sized teddy bears, and focus not on what you do for valentines day, but rather on the person you are with. By: Sierra Brown

Image from Disney

Save the Whales!

Saturday, February 6th, The Pacific Whale Foundation is holding Maui’s 2010 Run For the Whales at Maalaea.  The Run will start at the Makena Beach & Golf Restort, and continue throughMakena and Wailea.  “It’s a benefit for the marine education programs that Pacific Whale Foundation offers for Maui schoolchildren.” There are a few different events that will be hosted:

Half Marathon: Begins at 6:30 AM (be there a half-hour before hand.) Electronically Timed (ankle bracelet timing chips). $38 registration fee on or before February 5. $42 after February 5. Free race t-shirt, and post-race breakfast included. Leis and medals will be awarded to the  top finishers of each age group.  The winners will be award to tickets for a Pacific Whale Foundation Whalewatch Eco-Adventure. Age Categories: 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over.

5K Race: Begins at 7:30 AM (be there a half-hour before hand.) Electronically Timed (ankle bracelet timing chips). $30 registration fee on or before February 5. $35 after February 5. Free race t-shirt, and post-race breakfast included.  Leis and medals will be awarded to the top finishers of each age group. The winners will be award to tickets for a Pacific Whale Foundation Whalewatch Eco-Adventure. Age Categories: 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over.

5K Walk:Begins at 7:30 AM (be there a half-hour before hand.) $25 registration fee on or before February 5. $30 after February 5. Free race t-shirt, and post-race breakfast included.  All ages.

Kids 2K Run: Begins at 8 AM (be there a half-hour before hand.) $20 registration fee on or before February 5. $25 after February 5.  Free race t-shirt, and post-race breakfast included. The winners will be awarded medals. Age groups: 5 & under, 6-8, 9-12.

Just Breakfast: Friends and family of participants can purchase post-race breakfast tickets for $7 each. Call 808-249-8811 by February 3.

To Volunteer: Call PacificWhale Foundation’s Volunteer Coordinator Kelly Vough at (8080) 244-8392 or email kelly@pacificwhale.org.

Free Parking at the Wailea Event Parking Lot. Shuttle service to starting line will be available, beginning at 5:30 AM.

Register at active.com, mauiwhalefestival.org, by visiting the Pacific Whale Foundation Harbor shops, or call (808) 249-8811 or 1-800-942-5311 ext. 1. (Is that enough options for you?)

The Maui 2010 Run for Whales is part of The Maui Whale Festival (here are some of the other events):

Watching Whales, Saving Whales Symposium (Saturday, February 13)

Keiki Eco-Day (Friday, February 19)

Laugh @ da Park (Friday, February 19)

Maui’s Parade of Whales (Saturday, February 20)

Whale Day Celebration (Saturday, February 20)

The Great Whale Count (Saturday, February 27).

For more information about the Maui Whale Festival, please call (808) 249-8811 or visit www.mauiwhalefestival.org.

By: Sierra Brown