Next week is Thanksgiving and if you are a visitor or resident on Maui, and need to know where to go to enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving meal, here are the restaurants that are featuring special holiday meals with links to menus and/or websites:

SOUTH MAUI

The Waterfront Restaurant (Maalaea):
Doors open at 4pm.  Adults: $45, Children (12 and younger) $21

Seascape Ma'alaea Restaurant (Maalaea):
$14.95 per person.  Call (808) 270-7068 for reservations.

Five Palms Beach Grill (Kihei):
Dinner from 3 to 9pm.  Adults $36.95 or $29.95, Children (10 and younger) $16.95

Spago Maui (Wailea):
Dinner from 2:30pm to 4:30pm.  Residents with HI ID $24, Non-residents $48.

Grand Wailea Dining Room (Wailea)
Buffet from 2 to 9pm.  Adults $75, Children (5 to 12) $37

Stella Blues Cafe (Kihei):
Dinner from 1 to 9 pm.  Adults $24, Children $12

DUO Steak and Seafood (Four Seasons Resort, Wailea):
Buffet from 3 to 8pm.  Adults $87, Children (6 to 12) $39

Mulligans on the Blue (Wailea)
Buffet from 4 to 8pm.  $25 per person

Ruth's Chris Steak House (Wailea):
Prix fix menu starts at 4pm.  Adults $45, Children (12 and younger) $19


CENTRAL MAUI:

Cafe O'Lei (Dunes at Maui Lani, Kahului):
Buffet from 11am to 5pm.  Adults $36, Children (4 to 12) $18.  Reservations call (808) 877-0073

King Kamehameha Golf Club (Waikapu):
Buffet seating at 10am and again at 12:30.  Adults (includes tax and tip) $39, Children (6 to 12) $19.50.  Reservations call (808) 243-1024

Coconut Grill (Maui Seaside Hotel, Kahului):
Buffets seating at 10am, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm.  Adults $34.95, Children (5 to 12) $15.95.  Reservations call (808) 871-8881

Cary & Eddie's Hideaway (Kahului):
Buffet from 4pm to closing.  Adults $21.99, Children (younger than 10) $10.99.  Reservations call (808) 873-6555

UPCOUNTRY:

Makawao Steak House (Makawao):
Doors open at 4pm.  Adults $24.95, Children (10 and younger) $10.95.  Reservations call (808) 572-8711

WEST MAUI:

Pacific Whale Foundation (Lahaina Harbor):
Dinner cruise departs at 5:30pm.  Check website for prices.

The Terrace (Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua)
Buffet from 3 to 7pm.  Adults $75, Children (5 to 12) $27.50.  Call (808) 665-7089 for reservations.

Plantation House (Kapalua):
Adults $29.50, Children (12 and younger) $17.50.  Call (808) 669-6299

Gerard's (Plantation Inn, Lahaina)
Dinner starts at 5:30pm.  Adults $32.50, Children (12 and younger) half price.  Residents receive 20% discount.

Pacific'o (Lahaina)
Dinner starts at 5pm.  Cost is $38 per person.  Call (808) 661-8422 for reservations.

Tiki Terrace , Courtyard, and Kanahele Room (Ka'anapali Beach Hotel, Ka'anapali)
Dinner from 3 to 7pm.  Adults $ 45.95, Children (6 to 12) $22.  Call (808) 667-0124 for reservations.

Maui Grill (Napili Shores, Napili)
Lunch from 10 am to 2pm, dinner from 4:30 to 9:30pm.  Cost is $24.95 per person.  Call (808) 442-3700 for reservations.

'Umalu (Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Ka'anapali)
Buffet from 4 to 8pm.  Adults $45.  Call (808) 667-4727

Cascades (Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Ka'anapali)
Pre-fixe dinner $46 per person.  Call (808) 667-4727

Black Rock Steak & Seafood (Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa)
Buffet from 4 to 9pm.  Adults $39, Children (5 to 12) $19.  Call (808) 661-0031 for reservations.

Merriman's (Kapalua)
Dinner from 4 to 9pm.  Call (808) 669-6400 for reservations.

Happy Eating!

After such hearing such wonderful praises from other parents about Valley Isle Gymnastics in Kahului on Maui, I decided to sign up my 2 and a half year-old daughter for a toddler class.

And I'm very glad I did!  Although I was very interested in enrolling her in an activity over the summer, I wasn't sure if she was ready for a structured class, nor emotionally ready to engage in an activity with other children (I just pictured her standing off to the side as she just watched rather than participate).  So therefore, I wasn't ready to pay for a class that she wouldn't appreciate or enjoy.

As I've noticed her developing more and more and becoming more engaging with other children, I felt it was time to sign her up for a gymnastics class.

She is enrolled in a weekly 45 minute Discovery Class with other 2 and 3 year-olds.  The class, which also requires parent participation, focuses on basic gymnastic skills.  They get get to play on the large trampoline, low bars, various mats, and balance beams. 

The best thing about the class is her coach, Coach Rusty, since he is VERY patient and engaging with the children.  Each class has a focus and starts out with a 5 to 10 minute warm-up routine with stretching, music, and games.  After that the children are encouraged to roam and play with the various equipment with the coach's assistance of demonstrating certain techniques and movements.  The structure of the class is great for my daughter because of her limited attention span, like most 2 year-olds, and allows her to discover skills on her own, but with the help of an instructor.

It's only been her second class and she LOVES it!  She looks forward to it each week and isn't quite ready to leave when the class is over.  I highly recommend the class to other parents of 2 and 3 year-olds. 

Valley Isle Gymnastics also offers classes for other age groups ranging from 2 months to 18 years old, so definitely check it out!

Every time I visit Mana Kai, a gorgeous condominium resort located in South Maui, I instantly feel like I'm on vacation. 

The glorious ocean views, warm sun, and the white sandy beach just outside the building make me want to drop everything and just relax one of their beach chairs on the lawn and forget about what I have to do for the rest of the day.

If I were on vacation, I would definitely want to stay here.  Located in Kihei, just north of Wailea on South Kihei Road, Mana Kai is situated on one of Maui's premier beaches. 

The one and two bedroom condo units include a fully equipped kitchen and private lanai, and allow short-term vacation rentals.  This complex is perfect for someone who loves to vacation in South Maui, but would enjoy the benefit of leasing their unit to vacationers when not on the island.

Mana Kai Resort has recently been renovated and features a beautiful pool, activities desk, beauty shop, open-air dining that offers an EXCELLENT Happy Hour at Five Palms Grill, general store and gift shop, and Maui Yoga Path yoga center.

For more information about Mana Kai, or information on available condominium units for purchase, please contact me!

The First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit has officially been extended!  Just last week, the bill was approved and signed by President Obama, which is great news for first-time home owners, as well as existing home-owners.

I wrote an earlier blog on the tax credit, which was set to expire November 30, 2009, about the details and qualifications for this credit. 

The extension to the existing first-time home buyer credit is the same amount, $8,000, and expires April 30, 2010.  If a binding contract is signed by April 30, 2010, the home purchase will qualify if it closes by June 30, 2010.

Income limits, however, have been extended for sales occurring after November 6, 2009. For single taxpayers, the limit is $125,000, and for married couples filing jointly, the limit is $225,000.

For sales occurring between January 1, 2009 and November 6, 2009, the limit for single taxpayers is $75,000 and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly.

There is also a credit for existing home owners, as well. 

A credit of $6,500 will be granted to existing home-owners for home purchases occuring between November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010 (or purchased by June 30, 2010 with a binding contract signed by April 30, 2010).

One of the qualification of this credit is that the owner must have owned and lived in a home for 5 consecutive years of the 8 years prior to the new purchase date.

For income limits and more qualifications for the existing home-buyer credit, please visit:

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/faq2.php#1

Photo courtesy of fotosearch

You may have heard about this inspirational story of an unbreakable bond between a U.S. Marine and a stray dog from Iraq, which aired on the Today Show a couple days ago.

If you haven't, I've included the video below. 

The story is so touching, I just had to share it.

It is a beautiful story of a stray dog, who had suffered the abuse of an Iraqi soldier, that captured the heart of a U.S. Marine, Dennis, while serving duty in Iraq.  After becoming briefly separated, the dog walked 75 miles to be reunited with the soldier.  Although it is against policy for soldiers to care for dogs while serving, Dennis was determined to keep him. 

He arranged for the dog to be flown to his home in San Diego, where Dennis would eventually meet up with him.  The cost of the dog's travel was going to amount to $5,000, but with the overwhelming help of his friends and strangers back in the U.S., his dog was able to make the trip. 

Dennis and 'Nubs' are now inseparable.

Piilani Villages II and III is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Kihei, which located in South Maui.  The nearby location to stores, restaurants, beautiful beaches, and schools cannot be beat.  Families, couples, and retirees also enjoy the peace and quiet of the area. 

The neighborhood is a popular spot for trick-or-treaters on Halloween, and this recent Halloween was no exception.  Many neighbors get in the spirit with lawn decorations, making the evening a fun and festive event!

Homes in the neighborhood range from 2 bedroom/2 bath to 4 bedroom/3.5 bath floor-plans.  If you are interested in homes for sale in the neighborhood, click here.

These are the homes that have sold with the past 6 month, 5/3/09 through 11/3/09:

It was just announced that beginning November 1st, first-time home buyers on Maui can receive assistance with a down payment and/or closing costs through a new program, First-Time Home Buyer's Grant, through the County's Department of Housing and Human Concerns. 

Evergreen Home Loans, located at 173 Hoohana St., Suite 104, Kahului, has been contracted to help administer this program.

Grant applications will be available at the Evergreen Home Loans location on November 1st, however, applicants are not required to obtain a first mortgage from Evergreen Home Loans in order to apply for the grant.

A maximum of $15,000 per grant is allowed per applicant.  In order to qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a Maui resident
• Must be 18 years old, or older
• Must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien
• Must not have more than 50% interest in property suitable for residential development
• Must be a first-time home buyer

Applicants must also not exceed the following household income limits:

• $105,560 for Maui County residents
  
• $90,888 for Hana residents
• $91,938 for Lanai residents
• $70,238 for Molokai residents

In addition, applicants are not required to repay the grant unless the grantee:

• refinances the first mortgage loan
• no longer uses the property as a principal residence
• sells the property

For more information, call Evergreen Home Loans at 808-873-3480

This Saturday is Halloween so don't miss out on some of the ghoulishly festive events going on around Maui. 

Friday, October 30: Lahaina Gateway Shopping Center is hosting a "Keiki Trick-or-Treat Night" from 5 pm to 8 pm.  Stores and restaurants will be handing out treats to your little ones.  This event is for children 12 and under. 

Halloween, Saturday, October 31st:  Downtown Paia is the place to take your kids trick-or-treating on Halloween night.  Stores and restaurants have decorated their storefronts and will be handing out candy from 5 pm to 7 pm.  Activities are also planned to entertain the crowds.  Flatbread Pizza is hosting a keiki costume contest at 5pm.  Visit the 'haunted spa' at Maui Ocean Spa for $1 donation to the Boo Boo Zoo.  DJ Michael Fong will be playing music from 6 pm to 8 pm from atop the Green Banana decorated as a haunted house.  Cafe Mambo is hosting a Karaoke and a costume contest.  Then from 10 pm to 2 am, show off your unique costumes at Charley's or Jacques, where they both will be offering costume contests and great music.

Head on down to Kihei at Piilani Village Center, for "Halloween Rock-tober" beginning at 3pm at the center stage next to the Food Court.  Gift certificates will be awarded to the best costumes for adults and kids  A Karaoke Sign-Off contest is scheduled at 3pm for elementary students, 4 pm for high school students, and 5 pm for adults.  Duster the Clown will also be there to entertain the kids, and as well as free balloons, face painting, and temporary tattoos.  Stores will also be handing out treats all afternoon to the kids.

If you are in the mood for something a bit more extravagant, the J Walter Cameron Center is hosting "A Halloween Spooktacular" at the Wailea Marriott Resort & Spa starting a 6 pm.  A costume ball, live entertainment, dinner, and silent and live auctions are all planned for the adults, as well as dancing to the music of Jimmy Mac and the Kool Kats.  Bring the kids along so they can enjoy the Keiki Haunted Fun House for those 12 and under from 4 pm to 7 pm.  Keiki care will also be provided from 6 pm to 10:30 pm.  Ticket prices begin at $125, with sponsorship opportunities beginning at $1,500.  Call 344-8880 for more details.

Gian Don's in Kihei is hosting an evening of fun at their spooktacular event, "HalloQueen".  A $100 cash prize will awarded for the best costume.  Live entertainment will include a special appearance by Annabelle.  There will be 2 separate shows, beginning at 9:30 pm and 11:30 pm.  Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

Lahaina is always a popular destination on Halloween.  The annual Keiki Halloween Costume Parade begins at 3:30 at Papalaua Street, then heads down along Front Street and then ending at the Banyan Tree Park.  Afterwards, a costume contest for Keiki takes place at the Wharf Cinema Center from 6 pm to 7 pm, followed by the annual Ghoulish Gala Karaoke Costume Contest from 7 pm to 9:30 pm.  Then, head on down to Cool Cat Cafe where Marty Dread will be playing from 10 pm to 1 am.  From 9:30 to 12:30 am, stop by Mulligan's at the Wharf where Sounds of Addiction will be playing.

Ongoing Haunted Houses:  Visit The Historic Ioa Theater's Haunted House on October 29th and 30th from 6 pm to 9 pm, then on October 31st from 6 pm to 10 pm.  In addition to the scary haunts, a couple special dance performances will take place in the theater, "I Put a Spell on You" and "Thriller".

In Lahaina, visit the Wharf Cinema Center's Haunted House going on now through October 30th.  The kid-friendly shows are from 1 pm to 6 pm and the scarier shows for adults run from 6 pm to 10 pm.  On Halloween night it begins at 1 pm until the "coffin closes".

Happy

One of my favorite places to go for Happy Hour on Maui is at the Five Palms Beach Grill in south Kihei. 

I love the shaded, outdoor seating, wonderful menu items at GREAT prices, and of course, the beautiful ocean views. 

Located on the ground floor of the Mana Kai Maui Resort, the restaurant overlooks the beautiful Keawakapu beach. 

The island views of Molokini and Kahoolawe are especially beautiful as the sun begins to set in the late afternoon. 

During whale season (early November through late April) you can enjoy watching the humpback whales frolic in the distant waters. 

I always look forward to that time of year!

Happy hour time at Five Palms is generously scheduled from 2 pm through 7 pm and again at 9pm to 11pm everyday! 

Beer, wine, and cocktails during those times range in price from $2.50 to $5.00.  You can't beat that!  I love their Mai Tai's :). 

Also, pupus (or appetizers) and sushi from their happy hour menu are 50% off from 3pm to 7 pm everyday.

Five Palms Beach Grill also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Check out their website for menus and additional information.

If on Maui, definitely stop by!  It's the perfect place to go to relax and enjoy the beautiful day.  I like how it makes me feel like I'm on vacation, yet I don't have to leave :).

Maui did it again!  It was voted 'Best Island in the World' by Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards poll, for the 15th time.

Maui was also voted 'Best Pacific Island' for the 19th straight year. 

It's not hard to see why.  It's easy to fall in love with the island's beauty with its glorious sandy beaches, lush rainforests, and mountainous terrain.  But it's also about the people. 

The people of Maui spreading the Aloha Spirit that touches the hearts of visitors and residents alike.  I've never lived in a more friendly community where people truly care about others and who will go out of their way to help them.

I've been touched by kindness many times here, and it would not be something I ever would have expected in the places I've lived on the mainland.

Yes, Maui is certainly beautiful, but the spirit of the island and of its people is what truly sets it apart.