Compiled by Conn Brattain
We can’t think of a better way to revel in all that Maui has to offer than to start with ideas that are good for the island and the planet. In 2010, Makawao couple Joseph Imhoff and Sara Tekula launched Plant a Wish to encourage native-tree plantings across the U.S. Instead of purchasing a cut, disposable tree that arrives by barge (with a big carbon footprint), you can order a live ‘ohi‘a lehua for your holiday home, then plant it in your yard or at one of Maui’s native restoration sites.
Take a Bough
This native ‘ohi‘a tree comes in a 5-gallon pot and is approximately 3 feet tall. Red or yellow blooms (choice available while supplies last); grows well all over Maui. $75 each from Plant a Wish, delivery included. Orders start Nov. 1. Details at plantawish.org
Rattan basket with jute handles, by Jeffan, in 3 nesting sizes: 12”, 15” (shown) and 18” tall. $47, $77, $107 at HUE, 210 Alamaha St., Kahului; 873-6910; mauihue.com
For Him
Do You See What I See?
Maui artist Will Herrera’s playful take on conventional eye charts will test not only your vision, but your knowledge of wildlife common to the Islands. Available as an 11”x14” print on paper ($18 unframed, $78 framed), or an unframed giclee on canvas in multiple sizes, the chart comes with a legend that provides the answers and details about the animals in question. At hawaiianeyechart.com
Surf Him Right
Moku’s “Backset” T-shirt sports the abstract image of a beach break’s lineup, inspired by “seeing the sets rolling in . . . paddling out and [dropping] in on the coveted ‘backset.’” The shirt is 50% combed cotton, 50% polyester, and 100% comfortable, as befits clothing inspired by the Islands. $24 at Native Intelligence, 1980 Main St., Wailuku, 249-2421, native-intel.com
A Photographer’s Journey
We’ve been fans of landscape photographer Mike Neubauer ever since his photo of a Hana waterfall graced our September 2013 cover. His new book, The Kingdom of Maui, takes us to some of the most remote and majestic areas on Maui, Moloka‘i and Lana‘i through photos, stories and legends. Printed in full color on fine-art gloss paper, the 9”x12” hardcover book is 100 pages; $40 standard edition at earthtrot.com.
The Next Big Wave in Film
Before Taj Burrow, Kelly Slater and Andy Irons, there were surf legends Fred Van Dyke, Lance Carson, Skip Frye and Mike Doyle. Give the surfer in your life this collector’s set: 4 DVDs of classic surf films from the ’50s and ’60s: Surf Mania, Psych Out, Sunset Surf Craze and Once upon a Wave. $16 at shop.mountainapplecompany.com. Also available at Longs Drugs and ABC Stores throughout the Islands; prices vary.
Bottoms Up
Deep Island Hawaiian Rum’s first-formulation, Wave is blended with deep-ocean mineral water sourced 3,000 feet below the surface off the Big Island’s Kona Coast, and made with organic sugarcane. The taste is slightly sweet, with hints of tropical florals and rich, dark molasses in a clear, mixable, sippable, authentic Maui rum. Available in 750 ml. (shown, $33) and 1 L bottles at participating Safeway and ABC Stores, and deepislandrum.com
Slow Burn
Evoke lazy summer days at the shore with the Jonathan Adler Sea Salt Pop Candle — a refreshing mix of beachside scents such as island lime, ocean breeze, sea salt, blue lotus, water hyacinth, and white musk. The 8 oz. candle is 3¼”x3¼”, burns approximately 40 hours, and comes in a reusable, navy-blue glass vessel. $48 at Mahana Market at Montage Kapalua Bay, One Bay Dr., Kapalua, 662-6600
He’s Bound to Be Stoked
John Severson has been changing the way the world views surfing since launching Surfer magazine in 1960. His book Surf explores his odyssey through ephemera, painting, photography, film and publishing, and includes a foreword by Gerry Lopez, a.k.a. Mr. Pipeline, and that smashing cover shot Severson took of Ricky Grigg at Waimea Bay in 1961. Published by Puka Puka and Damiani. $45 and $75 (signed) at Puka Puka, 43 Hana Hwy., Pa‘ia, 579-3080; pukapuka.tv
Ombre for Your Hombre
Ibiza 16 oz. highball glasses are dishwasher safe and handsomely masculine. Available in ombre blue (shown) or clear, $17 each at Pacific Home, 221 Lalo St., Kahului, 727-8300; pacific-home.com.
Tickle Her Fancy
Purple Reign
Treat her like royalty. Plated in rose gold, these elegant Match & Dazzle earrings are finished with purple crystals; their multifaceted surfaces reflect the light and will simply make her shine. $105, by and at Folli Follie in The Shops at Wailea, 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 879-5467; follifollie.com
This One’s for Keeps
Louis Vuitton’s Pallas Chain bag features Monogram canvas, supple Cerise calf leather, and elegant pleats, a combination that makes this a versatile day-to-night accessory. The golden chain adjusts for short-shoulder, long-shoulder and cross-body carry. 10.2”w x 6.7” h x “2.4” d. Price on request, by and at Louis Vuitton in The Shops at Wailea, 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 875-6980; and Whalers Village, 2435 Ka‘anapali Pkwy., Ka‘anapali, 667-6114, louisvuitton.com
Fringe, Element
Maui designer Nickoel Martyn says her Taurus Moon jewelry is “inspired by the mystery of healing stones and the science of the stars.” We say her fringe bangles are just plain fun. Colorful cotton tassels accent sterling-silver, gold-filled or rose-gold-filled bangles with hammered-edge detail. $56 each at Letarte, 24 Baldwin Ave., Pa‘ia, 579-6022
Plum Lovely
Maui artist Stephanie Sachs and Chicago designer Sandee Zahn are the creative team behind Precious & Primitive. Their scarves are 100% modal — a bio-based textile that’s silky, breathable, and ultrasoft; and resists shrinkage, fading and pilling. Shown: Hummingbird scarf in plum, 27”x 80”, $89 at The Fairmont Store in the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 875-4100; and preciousandprimitive.com
Sleigh Bells, Ring
Transport her this holiday with the ultimate diamond ring: a radiant-cut, 4.42 ct. center yellow diamond surrounded by 12 snow-white, round-cut diamonds weighing a total 3.31ct., D color, VS clarity, all set in 14 kt., two-tone gold. $58,000 at Greenleaf Diamonds in The Shops at Wailea, 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 374-1118; greenleafdiamonds.com
Light from the East
Voluspa’s petite japonica candle comes in an embossed glass container with coordinating metal lid that invites reuse when the candle is gone. It’s filled with 4 oz. of fragrant coconut wax, has a 100% cotton wick, and is made without phthalates, parabens, sulfates or animal testing. Burn time is 25 hours. Shown: Santiago Huckleberry (purple), Baltic Amber (yellow), Goji & Tarocco Orange (red). $12 each at Lilikoi, 18 Baldwin Ave., Pa‘ia, 579-6055
Make Her Glow
Nature is Marco Bicego’s muse. His Lunaria Collection embraces organic shapes, hand-brushed and delicately worked in 18 kt. gold. Price on request at Baron & Leeds in The Shops at Wailea, 3750 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, 874-4900; and Whalers Village, 2435 Ka‘anapali Pkwy., Ka‘anapali, 661-6806; baronandleeds.com
How to Cushion Life’s Ups and Downs
Pearl Butik’s cotton ikat pillow covers come in a wide range of sizes, patterns, and vibrant colors. (Inserts sold separately.) $75-$125 by and at Pearl Butik, 71 Baldwin Ave., Pa‘ia, 579-8899; pearlbutik.com
For the Island Lifestyle
Naughty or Knife?
It’s almost too good to be true: cutlery handcrafted on Maui by a man named John Whittle. The handle is koa; the multipurpose santoku blade is Japanese Damascus: 33 layers of stainless steel folded over a high-carbon center that stays super sharp far longer. Overall length 11 3/4”, 7” edge. $330. At The Market by Capische, 10 Wailea Gateway Place, Wailea, 879-2433
Sound Advice
Brother Noland is a celebrated Hawaiian musician and recording artist. Who knew he was also a dedicated tracker? In this little gem of a book, he shares dozens of survival techniques, including how to avoid shark attack, wayfind in the forest, use a throw net, and make use of native plants. The Hawaiian Survival Handbook is $17, hardcover, 160 pages. Available through Watermark Publishing, bookshawaii.net
Save Some for Santa
Honolulu Cookie Company’s Mele Quilt Collection is a treasure of tasty treats: premium shortbread cookies in new holiday flavors (ginger spice, white-chocolate ginger spice, chocolate peppermint, dark-chocolate peppermint, white-chocolate peppermint and peppermint mini bites), plus classic favorites butter macadamia and chocolate-dipped macadamia. The medium gift box of 16 cookies is $17. The large gift box of 24 cookies is $25. At Honolulu Cookie Company in Whalers Village, 2435 Ka‘anapali Pkwy., Ka‘anapali, 661-8248; and 6956 Front St., Lahaina, 667-7559; honolulucookie.com
The Sparkle of the Season
Hula O Maui was Ulupalakua Winery’s first wine, and it’s still a favorite — receiving a gold medal and 90-points rating at the 2012 Los Angeles International Wine Competition. As floral as it is fruity, this sparkling wine offers fragrances of fresh-cut pineapple and lemon zest, and is great as an aperitif or accompaniment to seafood. $24/bottle at the winery’s tasting room at Ulupalakua Ranch on Hwy. 37, 878-6058; mauiwine.com
Brew Christmas
Located on the slopes of Haleakala, Maui Upcountry Coffee gathers beans from trees that flourish in the Islands’ rich volcanic soil, and roasts them in small batches to ensure freshness and flavor. Choose from 13 whole-bean selections such as 100% Maui Grown (shown), a dark roast with notes of chocolate and fruit and a silky finish. From $8 for an 8 oz. bag at Morihara Store, 4581 Lower Kula Rd., Kula, 878-2502. mauiupcountry.coffee
Island Charm
These wine charms by Nai‘a Wood Designs are an instant conversation starter. Set of six represents the six largest islands in the Hawaiian archipelago: Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, Maui and Hawai‘i Island. Each charm is laser-cut from salvaged koa, sealed with lacquer and attached to an antiqued stainless-steel ring. Natural variations in the wood make each one unique. $36/set at Native Intelligence, 1980 Main St., Wailuku, 249-2421; native-intel.com
Why Settle for 5 Golden Rings . . .
when you can give a whole, naturally sweet, island-grown pineapple? Succulent Maui Gold pineapples bring aloha to any doorstep in the Islands or the Lower 48. Available in single- ($30), two- ($45), and six-pack ($85) gift boxes, shipping included. Maui Gold Pineapple Company, 877-3805; pineapplemaui.com
The Artistry Shines Through
Husband-and-wife woodworkers Patrick and Peggy Bookey crafted this handsome Hibiscus bowl. Patrick turns salvaged Big Island koa into a light, thin bowl; then Peggy pierces the wood, creating a lacy effect with Hawaiian images. Also in whale and honu (sea turtle) patterns. $825, exclusively at Martin & MacArthur in Whalers Village, 2435 Ka‘anapali Pkwy., Ka‘anapali, 808-667-7422; and The Shops at Wailea, 3750 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, 891-8844; martinandmacarthur.com
