Three Hawaiian Regional Cuisine Dishes

Hawaii regional cuisine is a relatively new term that was coined by 12 Hawaiian chefs in 1994. After becoming tired of cooking food that didn’t truly represent the Hawaiian culture and lifestyle, these chefs teamed up to create a style of cuisine that shaped Hawaiian food into what it is today. Moving away from food that is popular to the mainland, Hawaii regional cuisine uses fresh ingredients that are sourced from plants, cattle, and fish which are native to Hawaii. To truly take in Hawaii regional cuisine, we’ve compiled just a few of the popular Hawaiian dishes that can be found around the island today, so that you may experience the unique flavor profiles that Hawaii has to offer.

If you’re ready to book your trip to Kapalua, contact AlohaVacation Villas! We have several vacation rentals to choose from to accommodate families of all sizes, and our rates are competitively priced for the convenience of our customers.

Kalua 

Kalua is a traditional Hawaiian technique for cooking pig, turkey, and a variety of other regional food. The Kalua cooking method involves slowly cooking Hawaiian cuisine in an underground oven, so that the food’s flavors can fully develop over an extended period of time. Many travelers visiting Hawaii have probably experienced the delicious cuisine that is produced by kalua style cooking, as this cooking technique is very popular at luaus and other festive events. Kalua cookouts are a can’t-miss experience while visiting Hawaii if you have yet to taste the slow-cooked flavors achieved from underground cooking.

Malasadas 

Originating as a portuguese dessert, malasadas are made from a yeast dough with eggs, and are rolled in granulated sugar. Similar to a doughnut, malasadas are deep fried in oil, giving them a flaky crust that can easily be pulled apart. While traditional malasadas utilize a limited number of key ingredients, some bakeries pay tribute to the native flavors of Hawaii by filling malasadas with a gooey custard or coconut pudding. Malasadas can be found in just about any bakery, as well as at restaurants where they are served up as a gourmet dessert dish.

Poke

One of the most popular dishes served in Hawaii, Poke is a fish salad made with ahi tuna or yellowfin tuna. This dish is traditionally served raw while seasoned with Japanese-style flavors like sesame oil, green onions, soy sauce, and more. Variations of poke are made using salmon, or he’e, the Hawaiian word for octopus. You can find poke just about anywhere in Hawaii, as this popular cuisine continues to remain as one of the most sought after dishes on the island.

Are you ready to book your trip to Kapalua, Hawaii? If so, get in touch with Aloha Vacation Villas! We work with customers to help them find the Kapalua Bay villa of their dreams, so that they can spend more time discovering Hawaii, and less time searching through vacation rental listings. To view any of our available Kapalua Bay villas, start by browsing through our vacation rentals page today! If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our friendly staff members. We’ll help you find a villa that has a convenient location with an affordable price to go with it. Book your dream vacation rental today to get started!

The Best Tennis and Golfing Near Kapalua

Kapalua, Hawaii is home to numerous outdoor activities like lounging on the beach, hiking scenic oceanside areas overgrown by lush greenery, or taking a refreshing kayak tour from DT Flemings Beach. If, however, hiking or outdoor adventure isn’t for you, Kapalua is also home to pristine golf courses and luxurious tennis gardens. Golfers from all around the country have visited Hawaii to experience the amazing golf courses located along the coastlines of Kapalua. In fact, Kapalua is known for having one of the best golf courses in all of Hawaii! Throughout this article, we’ll talk about a few of the golf courses and tennis clubs that make Kapalua truly special for sports enthusiasts.

If you’re searching for golfing or tennis destinations around Hawaii, you’re probably looking for a course or court that offers truly unique characteristics. Fortunately, Kapalua’s tennis courts and golf courses feature immaculate landscaping and consistently excellent upkeep. Why rough it for 18 holes in less than ideal weather when you could visit Hawaii for a truly unforgettable golfing or tennis experience? There are plenty of tennis facilities and golf courses to choose from around Kapalua and Honua Kai, which is why Aloha Vacation Villas has compiled the top tennis and golfing locations near Kapalua. Below, we’ll list the highest reviewed golfing and tennis areas around Kapalua and the many services they offer to guests. If you plan on traveling to Kapalua or Honua Kai, browse high-end vacation rentals at Aloha Vacation Villas. Our wide variety of properties are equipped to meet the needs of families ranging from large to small, while our dedication to our customers ensures that they experience the vacation of a lifetime.


Kapalua Golf’s Bay Course  

An 18-hole course welcoming golfers of all skill levels, Kapalua Golf’s Bay Course is an excellent choice for spending a day out on the green. The Bay Course has been graced by some of the top PGA contenders to ever play like Davis Love III and Fred Couples, and continues to be a popular choice for golfers seeking gorgeous views at the turn of every hole. Players at the Bay Course will experience stunning oceanside golfing that will be sure to leave a lasting impression which makes it a favorite for many. If you’d like to experience one of the top golf courses in Hawaii, Kapalua Golf offers online booking for scheduling tee times in advance.


Kapalua Golf’s Plantation Course 

Touted as the best golf course in all of Hawaii, Kapalua Golf’s Plantation Course provides experienced golfers breathtaking coastal views at every hole. The 18-hole course has been traversed by some of the greatest golfers of all time such as Vijay Singh, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Keegan Bradley, and many other golfing legends. With a stamp of approval by many of golf’s greatest players, as well as 10 consecutive years of receiving the number one spot for Golfweek’s Best Golf Courses in Hawaii Award, it’s no wonder that golfers from all around the country visit Kapalua for the opportunity to play on Hawaii’s best golf course. If you are planning to visit Kapalua and would like to golf the Plantation Course, you may easily schedule your tee time online in advance.

Kapalua Tennis Garden

Immerse yourself in an otherworldly tennis experience at the Kapalua Tennis Garden. The Kapalua Tennis Garden sports 10 plexipave courts, allowing players of all abilities to enjoy its natural surroundings, lush greenery, and native tropical plants that are sure to impress. Offering instructional clinics, technical guidance from professionals, and lighting to accommodate night time matches, the Kapalua Tennis Garden is designed to be a memorable experience for players of all skill levels. If you’re looking to improve your serve or backhand, the Kapalua Tennis Garden also offers summer tennis camps for Hawaii residents as well as resort guests. To schedule your court time, simply call in advance to request a court reservation.

Royal Lahaina Tennis Ranch

Located just five miles south of Kapalua, Maui’s Royal Lahaina Tennis Ranch features 10 pristine courts available to tennis players ranging from beginner to professional. The Royal Lahaina Tennis Ranch has received several awards for its stunning facilities including USPTA’s Facility of the Year award, as well as ranking in Tennis Resorts Online’s top 100 tennis destinations in the world. Equipped with ample lighting, the Royal Lahaina Tennis Ranch allows for night play on five of their ten courts. Known for its massive tennis stadium, the Royal Lahaina Tennis Ranch hosts large scale events for tennis enthusiasts to spectate such as the 2017 Fed Cup; the world’s biggest yearly team competition for women. For all reservation and scheduling information, visit The Royal Lahaina Tennis Ranch’s pro shop.

Though these are only four popular tennis and golfing locations around Kapalua, there are many other high quality golfing and tennis resorts throughout Hawaii. We are devoted to making your trip to Hawaii a unique experience catered to your interests, which begins with helping you find the perfect golfing or tennis facility to fit your needs. If you are planning a trip to Kapalua or Honua Kai, and are looking for quality vacation rentals at an affordable price, Contact our experienced staff at Aloha Vacation Villas. We offer numerous vacation rentals to choose from to ensure that you can easily find a rental property within your desired budget and location. Get in touch with our friendly and helpful staff today to learn more about our vacation rentals!

Top Things to Do in Kapalua

If you’ve recently booked your trip to beautiful Kapalua, you’re probably starting to look for exciting things to do around the island. With so many hidden gems that Kapalua has to offer, it can be difficult to find the activities that fit your lifestyle most. At Aloha Vacation Villas, we want your vacation to be both enjoyable and worry free, which is why we’ve made a list of popular activities around Kapalua that you won’t want to miss while you’re visiting. If you’re considering traveling to Hawaii, and are looking to reserve a luxury Kapalua Bay rental, look no further than Aloha Vacation Villas. We offer gorgeous villa rentals at an affordable price, and work with customers to help them find the perfect property rental to fit their needs.

Kapalua Ziplines 

Visit the longest and tallest suspension bridge in Hawaii while embarking on a stunning zipline tour. Kapalua Ziplines offers five, six, and seven line tours, as well as a moonlight tour during the summer. A unique way to experience Hawaii, Kapalua’s zipline tours provide visitors with an unforgettable view of Kapalua Bay while experiencing the unique sensation of flight. It is advisable that you make ziplining reservations in advance as spaces do fill up rather quickly.

D.T. Fleming Beach Park  

Voted “America’s Best Beach” in 2003, D.T. Fleming Beach Park is a great location to check out while visiting Kapalua. D.T. Fleming Beach Park welcomes surfers and boogie boarders alike thanks to its larger swells. If you forget your bag of snacks in your room, visitors can buy both food and drink at D.T. Fleming Beach Park, as it is located near The Ritz-Carlton. With long, expansive swaths of beach and ample amounts of shade, D.T. Fleming Beach Park is one of the less trafficked beaches around Kapalua.

Maui Kayak Adventures 

Receive a unique perspective of Kapalua by taking a kayak tour with Maui Kayak Adventures. Located at D.T. Fleming Beach, Maui Kayak Adventures’ kayak tours are a great way to experience snorkeling, as well as whale spotting around the coastline. Kayakers frequently witness sea turtles, manta rays, indigenous fish, and much more during their tour, and all tours include free photography so that you can reminisce on every moment captured.

Dragon’s Teeth Trail 

If you’re looking for an easy hike in Kapalua that provides gorgeous views, consider hiking along Dragon’s Teeth Trail. Don’t let the name fool you, Dragon’s Teeth Trail is a relatively easy hike named after the unique rock formation along the coastline. Dragon’s Teeth Trail spans less than a mile in distance, and provides hikers with an incredible view of Honokahua Bay as well as Oneloa Bay. While you’re there, be sure to take a trip through the Dragon’s Teeth stone labyrinth, an elaborate stone formation that provides a fun challenge for hikers of all ages.

Ready to experience all that Kapalua, Hawaii has to offer? View any of our available Kapalua Bay villas by browsing our convenient vacation rentals page now! As the leading villa rental company in Kapalua, AlohaVacation Villas is devoted to making your next trip to Hawaii a memorable vacation by offering top-notch customer service and unbeatable prices. Book your Aloha vacation rental today to get started!

Looking for more ideas? See 'A Journey to Hana' for more. 

Four Can’t Miss Dining Spots Around Kapalua

If you plan on traveling to Kapalua or Honua Kai, Hawaii this year, you’re probably preparing for a trip full of exciting activities, beautiful beaches, and luscious hiking trails. Or, maybe you’re coming to Kapalua to play a few rounds of golf along the coastline. Whatever your reasons may be for visiting Hawaii, there is something for everyone to enjoy while visiting. While Kapalua and Honua Kai are home to luxurious golf courses and plenty of sandy beaches, they also offer a wide variety of exciting culinary dining experiences.

When going on vacation, cuisine choices are often not decided on until arriving at your destination. What many travelers don’t realize is that an enjoyable dining experience can either make or break your vacation. You’ve probably had a less than desirable meal at a restaurant before, leaving you with a bad taste in your mouth, both literally and figuratively. A negative experience at a restaurant can affect the rest of your day, leaving you less than satisfied with the meal that was prepared for you. That’s why Aloha Vacation Villas has gathered four restaurants that you won’t want to miss out on while visiting Kapalua or Honua Kai. Below, we’ll talk more about some of our favorite foodie spots around the island and what they have to offer guests. If you plan on visiting Kapalua or Honua Kai in the near future, consider an affordable vacation rental from Aloha Vacation Villas. Our extensive listing of properties can comfortably accommodate families of all sizes while providing the utmost in customer service and hospitality.

Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar 

If you’re looking for a gourmet seafood dining experience in Kapalua, be sure to visit Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar. Located just outside of central Kapalua, Sansei’s menu is composed of the finest seafood and sushi offerings such as seared salmon, fresh ahi tuna, exquisite calamari, and much more to choose from. Sansei has been called “one of America’s best sushi bars,” and many of their dishes have won culinary awards, such as their infamous panko-crusted fresh ahi sashimi. With a full lineup of award-winning dishes, paired with their complete bar which serves wine, cocktails, beer, and sake, you’ll be sure to find something that will bring pleasure to your palate.

Merriman’s 

Are you searching for the perfect restaurant for a romantic evening on the point of Kapalua Bay? If so, look no further than Merriman’s. A luxurious location to dine at after a day filled with tennis or golfing, Merriman’s serves some of the finest regional cuisine available in Kapalua. More than 90 percent of Merriman’s menu is locally sourced, guaranteeing that the freshest food is served up on your plate. Choose from various dishes native to Hawaii such as kalua pig, ahi ginger poke, or sauteed kauai shrimp, just to name a few. Merriman’s also has a full dessert menu for visitors looking to satiate their sweet tooth. From coconut creme brulee and flourless chocolate cake, to bread pudding or malasadas, you can be sure that you’ll find something for your mouth to fall in love with at Merriman’s. Before you head to Merriman’s, be sure that you call in advance to make a reservation as seating is limited at this popular restaurant.

The Plantation House 

Located on a beautiful lookout point above Kapalua’s Plantation Golf Course, The Plantation House offers a unique open-air experience while dining. Staffed by one of the top chefs in Hawaii, The Plantation House offers an unforgettable menu of gourmet breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert items. Guests have a variety of cuisine options to choose from including the most tender twice cooked pork belly, caramelized hokkaido scallops, or the incredibly flavorful 45-day aged pork ribeye. The Plantation House is also host to weddings or private events, for those special occasions that you never want to forget. If you’re looking to make your trip to Kapalua an unforgettable one, The Plantation House will leave you with a full stomach and a happy heart.

Cane & Canoe 

Looking for the perfect restaurant for a romantic getaway with ocean views included? Visit Kapalua’s upscale Cane & Canoe. Culinary guests who visit Cane & Canoe receive a beautiful view of Kapalua Bay while experiencing some of the best modern Hawaiian cuisine that Kapalua has to offer. Popular dishes at Cane & Canoe include the succulent kobe ribeye, delectable suckling pig, sesame seared mahi mahi, and much more. Cane and Canoe has received several culinary awards including a four star rating from Forbes Travel Guide and the Best Hawaii Regional Cuisine award from Maui No Ka Oi Magazine. If you’re considering visiting Cane & Canoe during your stay in Kapalua, be sure to make reservations, as seating is quickly reserved by guests in advance.

While these are only four of Kapalua’s fine dining restaurants, there are countless restaurants located around the island that serve high-quality gourmet cuisine. We want to make your stay in Kapalua or Honua Kai enjoyable and worry free, and that starts with ensuring that you never experience a bad dining experience during your vacation. If you’re considering travelling to Kapalua or Honua Kai, and are looking for the best vacation rentals available, get in touch with Aloha Vacation Villas. We have countless rental properties to choose from that offer all the amenities you will need to make your vacation both fun and relaxing. Contact our friendly staff today to learn more about our vacation rentals!

A Maui View From The Saddle

Horseback riding along the base of the West Maui Mountains with spectacular views Lahaina below and the islands of Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe will leave you breathless.

Lahaina Stables is conveniently located near Lahaina and Kaanapali and serves all levels of experience. The Trail Guides are knowledgeable riders and are essential to your experience. The Owner Ray Fuqua is a naturalist and former history teacher who started 'Ohe'o Stables in Hana and later moved the business in 2004 to Lahaina (thus becoming Lahaina Stables). Lahaina Stables embodies Ray's philosophy of appreciating Maui's history and folklore. 

Every ride is tailored to the group with trails to Kauaula Valley and Launiupoko Valley. With incredible views of West Maui, your eventual destination will be the stream and reservoir where you'll dismount for refreshments and either lunch or a snack, depending on the tour you choose.

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Phone: 808-667-2222

Toll Free: 888-842-7663

Website: www.mauihorse.com

King Kamehameha Golf Club | Guest for a Day

Aloha Vacation Villas is a family owned business and we make sure to experience the island to better convey the best of Maui. Our Son Michael (pictured below) is visiting from the mainland to help build out a couple of villa kitchen projects.  So naturally, we took a break for a family game of Golf Scramble and decided to visit the King Kamehameha Golf Club.

As Maui's only private 18-hole lush course along side the West Maui Mountains, King Kamehameha Golf Club offers an impressive design and ranks 2nd to the Plantation Course at Kapalua. With great conditioning, a superb layout and spectacular panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, many would say it rivals the Plantation Course.

Throughout there are elevated tee shots and slopes -- lots of them. In fact, holes that might seem short on the surface can play extremely long, like the 387-yard ninth, which often plays uphill and into the wind. The approach shot can easily be three clubs longer and that's after a drive that goes nowhere nearly as long as you thought off the tee. The finishing hole is one of the best on Maui at 559 yards, it's reachable because it's downhill, but a lake and waterfall guards the green.

Then you arrive at the 74'000 sq. ft. Frank Lloyd Wright-designed clubhouse. The spectacular building is adorned with original artwork by prominent local artists and has a beautiful golf shop. Lavished with spa facilities, including therapeutic showers, whirlpools, a Furo (Japanese style bathtub) and saunas, King Kamehameha offers a 'Guest for a Day' program ($170+ with limited tee times). The price, by the way, is a bargain compared to other Maui resort courses, especially considering what you get for it.

Furo  |  Japanese Style Bathtub

For dining, there's the intimate Wai Kahe Room and suncourt that are both open for Lunch and cocktails only. The menu includes Hawaiian regional cuisine with a euro-asian flair as well as traditional Japanese food. Food service is also available in both men's and women's lounges with a full bar.

Wai Kahe Room  |  Suncourt

Practice facilities are also impressive with a full grass range, short-game area and putting greens. Training aids, such as alignment sticks and weighted clubs, are a nice touch on the range for warming up before a round.

So, while visiting the Kapalua Resort, you can include King Kamehameha on your rotation. Like all private clubs, their goal is to sell memberships. But you can try it out at least once. As a 'Guest for a Day', that's perfect and perhaps you would consider joining if you regularly visit Maui.

Journey to Hana | by Jake Jacobs

Lynn and I have lived on the island for 8 years. We are constantly asked by our Aloha Vacation Villas Guests, about the journey to Hana. Well this weekend, my son Rob who just moved to the island, a full grown man decided he and his friend Deano (another full grown man) were going to drive to Hana and go all the way around! Lynn, my wife said, "It's suppose to rain, and most of what you want to see is along the road to Hana. So have a good guide with you." So at 8:30 am, off they went on their adventure without much of a plan. Yup, it was raining too, and they said not to worry.

Well, it was around 5pm when the sound of the road warriors returned. “How'd it go?” I said.  “Well it's exhausting and I guess we drove right by the 7 sacred pools, not a lot to see and the road after Hana is scary at best” my Son said.  “OK (chuckle)...So did you stop along the way?” He said, “We went to Jaws, saw a whale…and saw lots of bridges. Oh and it rained as hard as I have ever seen it rain.”

So the lesson learned here is to plan. Although my Son's experience is different than most, it will be for everyone. But with a little research and planning, Hana can remarkably be a memorable journey.

The Road to Hana is one of the most scenic drives in Hawaii that hugs the Pacific Ocean’s coastline. It’s a two lane road - 40 mile stretch of highway that’s carved into the cliffs with winding roads, lots of one lane bridges, several waterfalls off the side of the road, with hiking trails, and swimming holes nestled in the rainforest. A few of the most popular areas to see on the Road to Hana are Twin Falls, the Garden of Eden, the Bamboo Forest, Wainapanapa State Park and Black Sand Beach, Hana Bay, and the Seven Sacred Pools.

So this is what we tell our Aloha Vacation Villas Guest:

Decide on whether you will drive yourself or take a tour. If you choose to visit Hana at your own leisure, decide on a day-trip or overnight experience. If you stay overnight, we highly recommend the Travaasa Hana Hotel, a Conde Naste Readers Choice.  The hotel is right in the middle of Hana Town and is one of the nicest places to stay in Hawaii. If you're staying overnight, consider having groceries delivered to your accommodation to save some money and have everything you might need.

You will need a rental car (convertible is best), something small enough to navigate the narrow road. You’ll also need to decide just how much you'd like to see, so do some research. If you plan accordingly to your interest, you can experience Hana in a day.

We recommend this Road to Hana guide. It's inexpensive and is like having an experienced guide sitting next to you.

With the Road to Hana CD Guide, you will find:

• Hidden waterfalls, as high as 400 feet
• Secluded jungle waiting to be explored
• The most romantic places on Maui
• Jaw-dropping natural wonders
• Panoramic views of sparkling coastline
• An enchanting bamboo forest
• A "clothing-optional" beach ;)
• Incredible food stands and restaurants
• And the 3 stops you will NOT want to miss!

What's Included:

• 26 narrated tracks on audio CD covering:
• The top 15 spots on the Road to Hana
• History of Hawaii
• Plus, Hollywood on Maui
• The best spots as voted on by R2H customers
• Large map with important mile markers
• Your choice of a 1 or 2-day itinerary
• Driving Tips for the Road to Hana
• Checklist of important items to bring
• Photos from the Road to Hana

So, Leave early and grab a picnic lunch. The Kuau Store is on the way and opens at 6:30am. You can top off the gas tank in Paia; grab a picnic lunch and some snacks. Look for the famous surfboard fence (808) 579-8844.

Lastly, pay attention to time and be sure to leave Hana at least a couple hours before sunset. It gets very dark and you’ll want to be back on time for Dinner.

Who We Are | The Owners of Aloha Vacation Villas

We are a family owned business that grew organically through our great love for Kapalua and West Maui.  We had made the area our vacation destination of choice for most of our lives until one day, we decided to put down our roots and call this magical paradise,... home.

In the course of frequent visits, we had come to know many of the homeowners in the resort and looked forward to seeing them each year.  When they learned we were settling as permanent residents, it was a natural progression to have us keep watch over their prized investment. 

We are fortunate to say we have never had to advertise our services.  All of the properties we manage have come to us from satisfied owners, guests and those individuals who've helped us service them.

Our mission has always been to create an experience that we, along with our friends and family would enjoy and remember fondly. It may sound simple, but this belief has proven to be the most important factor in our success. 

We proudly oversee 50+ privately owned homes in West Maui, Hawaii.  Following our dreams years ago and becoming a part of the island was the best decision we ever made!

Welcome to paradise!  

Jake & Lynn                       

The Wine Palette

We found a Wonderful and really fun new place to eat in kapalua. The WINE PALETTE.

  The entire menu is pupus, (hors d'oeuvres to you mainlanders). Every bite is so good and the wine selection top notch. They have a full bar, so no worries for whatever you might want to drink. Really fun thing to do is paint an ornament, canvas, or wine glass.

Sit outdoors or in. The decor is very thought out and beautiful.

There is only one way to experience the WINE PALETTE...come to Maui, stay with Aloha Vacation Villas and have a vacation of your life.


website:  http://www.the-wine-palette.com/

Reviews:  http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-wine-palette-lahaina-3