By:
I don't think my whirlwind visit of nine days to Hawaii, the three islands, Oahu, the Big Island and Maui, gave my group, the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, enough time to fully appreciate the diversity and natural beauty of our 50th state. Three days in Maui was just not sufficient enough to enjoy the magic of Maui's breathtaking terrain of waterfalls, volcanoes, rainbows and tropical rain forests. Maui has also been cited as having the best beaches in all of the United States and its sea life is extraordinary.
Shortly after a short flight of less a than an hour from the Big Island on Hawaiian Airlines, I arrived at Kahului Airport just in time for lunch at a restaurant called I'o (pronounced EE-0h) very close to Lahaina Harbor on Front Street. The decor is nautical with portholes for lights filled with broken bottle glass. Its walls are made of beautiful three-dimensional glass windows carved with marine life which gives the impression of finely chiseled ice. There is also an outdoor patio which was the setting for a wedding reception for a young Japanese bride and groom and their families. I understand that this locale was the favorite recreation site for ancient Hawaiian ali'i (royalty). The food at the lunch was superb and consisted of executive chef James McDonald's signature dishes of Prawn and Basil Wontons, Fresh Ahi (tuna fish), Tempura and Sesame Seared Fresh Catch of the day.
My next activity was a short window shopping tour of the quaint seafront shops, followed by a walking tour of a historic graveyard of the first families of Hawaii, dating back to the time of the early missionaries. I, then was headed for the Outrigger Wailea Resort Hotel, one of the exclusive hotels along the Wail beachfront. The setting was magnificent with the ocean and beachfront as a backdrop to the exquisite landscaping. My room had all the luxurious amenities befitting the $25 million renovation program of the Outrigger hotel chain.
The hotels along the beachfront have a shuttle service which took me to my next reception at
the SeaWatch Restaurant on the grounds of the world-famous Wailea Golf Club. The appetizers
at the reception consisted of Foie Gras, prawns, scallops, caviar concoctions and other fabulous
delicacies. But as food writers, we had to sample more than just appetizers. We had to shuttle
off to Joe's Bar & Grill for a four-course dinner featuring the fine American cuisine of Beverly
Gannon and her daughter, Teresa. Beverly Gannon is a native of Texas and has been recognized
as a superior chef by all the leading gourmet publications. Her specialty is Paniola baby back ribs
with Hall'imaile Barbeque sauce. I found this dish to be delicious and I can provide you with the recipe.
The next day found me on my favorite traveling experience, shopping. Right outside of the Outrigger Wailea Resort were brand new upscale stores, appropriately named, "The Shops at Wailea," which included a sparkling new Tiffany's, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Coach and a wonderful Endangered Species shop. The Endangered Species had some great holiday items, within my budget, and wonderful novelties for the grandkids. After my shopping foray, I did get to the famous Maui beach if only for a relaxing Polynesian massage. At least I did get to spend some time on the turquoise sea before getting ready for a spectacular dinner at the oceanfront of the Outrigger Wailea Resort catered by the Chefs of the Four Seasons Hotel, the Ritz Carlton, the Renaissance and the Outrigger. The courses were unbelievably good and consisted of giant prawns with a lush coating of coconut, tara and other ingredients, a marvelous cut of beef, lobster tails and desserts that were out of this world.
Fortunately, the next day was devoted to active sports including mountain biking with a 38-mile downhill caper with only 400 yards of pedaling, starting early enough like 3 a.m. to catch an awesome sunrise at the Summit of the Volcano, Haleakala and a panoramic view of the five islands. You can get more information by calling Guided Bike Adventures at 1-800-535-Bike. My next column will cover more of the things to see and do, with just a bit more eating in Maui.
Copyright by Marcia Abramson
For rib recipe, contact me at mascribe@aol.com
