aloha

Ho Mai Ka Hala: Bring Forth The Hala

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Had the opportunity to visit the Schaefer International Gallery at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center last weekend and was blown away by the gorgeous lauhala exhibit – Ho Mai Ka Hala, Bring Forth The Hala.

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The ancient form of weaving entails picking, drying and cleaning the leaves from the Hala tree (Pandanus).  Leaves are then cut into strips of various widths depending on the task at hand.  The weaving process can take hours or weeks depending on how elaborate the project.

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Strips of other material are sometimes interwoven to create different textures and colors.

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This practice was used for creating mats, roof thatching, hats and baskets.  The display showcases ancient and modern day uses.2015-11-10 20.09.57

You can feel the mana (power) and the aloha (love) that went into each and every piece translated through intricately woven shapes and patterns.

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SCHAEFER INTERNATIONAL GALLERY

MAUI ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER

1 Cameron Way, Kahului, HI 96732

October 18 – December 20, 2015

Open Tuesday – Sunday 10:00am – 5:00pm

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Shop Around the Corner: Ku’au Store

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If you’ve ever driven through Pa’ia and continued down Hana Highway, there’s no way you could have missed this iconic row of surfboards long the makai (oceanside) of the road.  You are moments away from the legendary, the iconic, Ku’au Store.  Formally known and beloved as Ku’au Mart, this eatery was established in 1942.  It sat idle for a few years but was recently re-enegerized with new life, new paint, and new food!

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Ku'auMart5Their offerings include paninis, plate lunches, wraps, poke, smoothies, fresh pressed juices, an array of coffee beverages, local fruits, veggies and snacks as well as the local ‘mart’ fare that you would expect.

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It’s the perfect spot to stop and have lunch or to grab and go.  There are minimal table and chairs outside as well as the coveted wooden hightop right near the door which we envy every time we visit and which is why we think this shop is worthy of a post here (along with the rest of the charming details i.e. handwritten colorful chalkboards, light details, surfboard wall and more).

Next time you’re in Pa’ia and looking for a charming, quick, easy lunch spot- this is the place!

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And P.S. Did I mention the food is ‘ono!?!

KU’AU STORE

701 Hana Highway

Open Daily, 6:30am – 7:00pm

Shop Around The Corner: The Maui Swap Meet

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Whether you are a Maui resident or visitor, the Maui Swap Meet truly has something for everyone.  While this isn’t a traditional ‘shop around the corner’ there are treasures galore here.  About 200 vendors gather each week on the UH Maui Campus (parking is a breeze) each Saturday to offer Maui fresh produce, food, handcrafted goods and an array of traditional ‘swap meet’ style items.

The selection of fresh fruit  ranges from common papayas, bananas, oranges, seasonal items like lychee and mango all the way to specialty treats like dragon fruit, jackfruit and sour sop.  The selection of herbs and veggies runs the same gambit of variety.

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Fresh cut flowers flowers are set up in buckets on several corners throughout the lot.  Every tropical, colorful flower you’ve even seen makes an appearance ready to be a centerpiece for tonight’s dinner, a housewarming gift for friends, or a happy Saturday treat.

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The array of food trucks and delectable desserts offers your usuals and some surprises.  Mexican, Greek, local flair, specialty hot dogs, crepes,  baked goods, shaved ice, macaroons, fresh pressed juices & lemonades & more meet any craving that might come your way.

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There are booths filled with kitschy trinkets and genuinely  handmade treasures that will leave even the most discerning of shoppers walking out with something.

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THE MAUI SWAP MEET

UH Maui College Campus

310 W Ka’ahumanu Avenue, Kahului

Saturdays, 7:00am – 1:00pm

TIPS:

-Wear sunscreen, wear a hat

-Bring water and your own reusable shopping bag

-Have some cash on hand, the admission is .50 and the bulk of the vendors accept credit cards but just in case

-Go early!  It’s cooler and you’ll have first pick!