Open Jaw :: On The Town ::

with B.A.
17FEB09

l-r: Kathleen Costello, Wailea Community Association;
Pueo Pata, Cultural Specialist; Shelley Kekuna, Kannapali Beach Resort
Association & Keli 'i Brown, Maui Visitors Bureau

Being wined and dined by the Maui Visitors Bureau

Julie Bicoy, Molokai Visitors Association and
Waynette Kwon, Lanai Visitors Bureau

West Coasters Warm Up To Maui

Given the “arctic-like” conditions we have once again been experiencing in Canada this winter, the mention of Maui evokes thoughts of warm breezes, swaying coconut trees and walking barefoot in the sand.

The Maui Visitor’s Bureau’s annual winter road show through North America made it’s final stop at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver last week before heading back home. The format this year was one-on-one 15 minute marketplace sessions with eight representatives from hotels and the tourist offices of Maui, Moloka’i and Lana’i.

But it wasn’t all work all the time. At noon, we adjourned to a cozy function room warmed by a fireplace for a delightful lunch complemented by local wines from the Peller Estates in the Okanagan. The fireplace was most welcomed by our hosts, who were dressed in tropical Hawaiian shirts and greatly appreciated a break from the outdoor chill. During lunch, Pueo Pata, a cultural specialist, musician and Hawaiian language cum hula teacher provided a musically entertaining insight into a bit of Maui’s history – he even talked about the friendship between Captain George Vancouver and King Kamehameha!

Then, there was the lucky draw, during which all of us waited with bated breath, hoping to have our names picked for one of the two prizes of an all-expenses-paid trip to Maui and Lana’i. Smarting a bit from not being one of the fortunate prize winners, I was consoled that I did not go away empty handed – our hosts sent us away with a packet of Maui coffee and a CD of Hawaiian musician, Keali’i Reichel. Mahalo!