This year was no exception…

Check out the slideshows below and if you would like to save a high resolution image or even order a print, you can do so by clicking the slideshow window. You will then be taken to the webalbum where you will have those options.

These photos are meant for personal use. Selling them or publishing them without written consent is not allowed. Mahalo!

Day of Hope 2008 | Preparation: Four Seasons Employees Hard at Work

Day of Hope | Registration at 6AM

Day of Hope | 5K and 10K Run

Day of Hope 2008 | Reception

Day of Hope 2008 | Keiki Run and Canoe Ceremony

HONOLULU, Hawaii (AP) — Hawaii’s tourism industry is offering new deals, incentives and packages as it grapples with a turbulent airline industry and Americans holding tight to their wallets.

Classic Hawaii

Officials on Wednesday unveiled a $4.5 million campaign to lure visitors for the remainder of the year. The effort is part of the more than $12.5 million in emergency funding that has been devoted by the state and businesses to combat a slump in tourism.

Read the entire story on tourism in Hawaii here…

Many Wailea Hotels have great deals if you ask for them. Call and inquire at the Grand Wailea, Four Seasons Resort Maui, Fairmont Kea Lani and the Maui Prince.

For condos, check out: http://VacationRentalsofMaui.com

Maui Magazine Romance Rating (out of 3):
Maui Magazine Price Rating (out of 3):	$$
Suitable for Wedding Night:
View Rating :
Type of Cuisine:	French

REVIEW: Over the years I have heard again and again just how amazing this restaurant is. Friends of mine like Samantha Campbell of Deep Relief Maui (if you need your muscles released, she is the BEST) and even some wedding couples have told me that Chez Paul might quite possibly have been the best meal they’ve had on the island.

Strong words indeed.

I recently got to try it during a business meeting for lunch. I have to say though, that I would have much rather liked to have gone with my girlfriend for a romantic night out. The restaurant is situated in between Maalaea and Lahaina in Old Olowalu Town. You can’t miss it as you’re riding on the Pali. Driving towards Lahaina, it will be on the right hand side.

Walking into the restaurant, you are suddenly transported to another world. Gone are the Hawaiian vibes of beach, sun and surf and very present is the air of a really high-quality French restaurant that will surely not disappoint.

And true to what many have said, I was very pleasantly surprised. This little restaurant that I must have driven by thousands of times on my way to weddings on the west side has FINALLY coaxed me in and wowed me.

The service staff was attentive and friendly, and Chef Patrick — owner and operator — came out to greet us. It’s always nice to feel welcome and special in a restaurant, and Chez Paul delivered on that.

As an apetizer I had a shrimp and scallop dish in an aioli sauce that was delicate and tasty. As the main dish I had the Chez Paul’s classic preparation of fresh island fish poached in champagne with leeks and capers. A nice lunch portion and very very delicious.

Dessert was a simple yet perfect ending to the meal: an assortment of mixed berries in a hard caramelized honey cup with a dollop of fresh whip cream.

All in all, it was a restaurant unlike any other I have been to on Maui. More a french cavernous dining room than an open Maui beach restaurant. Chez Paul doesn’t try to be anything it’s not (a Maui beach restaurant), but it does try to serve up some of the finest cuisine (at a fair price) Maui has to offer, and dare I say comes very very close.

An excellent choice for a romantic dinner with your sweetheart.

Location: Chez Paul Restaurant
820 Olowalu Village Rd # B
Lahaina, HI 96761
(808) 661-3843
http://www.chezpaul.net

GOOGLE MAP

View Larger Map

FROM THE RESTAURANT LITERATURE

Located in Olowalu, just four miles south of the picturesque seaside town of Lahaina, you can find one of the most celebrated dining spots, by local residents, Hollywood celebrities and visitors to Maui…

Chez Paul Restaurant. Established in 1968, it is the oldest French restaurant in the Pacific. Owner, and Chef de Cuisine, Patrick Callarec has created the ultimate Island-chic restaurant for an unforgettable night out, special corporate events, private parties or the ultimate wedding reception. So, when in Maui, make sure that you save at least one night for an extraordinary dinner experience with Chez Paul.

MENU SAMPLE

APPETIZER

Cappuccino De Bisque De Homard Au Cognac
Cappuccino of lobster bisque with cognac.
Ten Dollar

Gratinee A L’Onion
The classic french onion soup.
Nine Dollars

Les Escargots De Bourgogne
Traditional burgundy escargots in their shell with melted garlic butter.
Twelve Dollars

Pithivier De Champignons Sauvages, Fromage De Brie, Sauce Au Vieux Porto
Wild mushrooms and Brie cheese baked in a flaky puff pastry served with a vintage port wine sauce.
Twelve Dollars

Crevettes Du Pays A La Nicoise
Sautéed prawns with tomato, basil, safron, nicoise olives, and white truffle essence.
Sixteen Dollars

Foie Gras Frais De Canard Sauté Aux Fruits De Saison
Sautéed fresh duck foie gras.
The preparation is delightful but will depend upon the mood of our Chef.
Twenty – Six Dollars

FISH ENTREES

Saumon Du Pacific Au Grand Marnier Et Soja
Shoyu and grand Marnier Caramelized Pacific Salmon with a simple citrus beurre blanc.
Twenty - Nine Dollars

Thon Des Alentours A L’Escabeche Et Coulis De Poivrons
Hawaiian “Ahi” tuna with sweet peppers and onions served with a roasted red bell pepper coulis.
Thirty Dollars

Poisson Des Isle Au Champagne
Chez Paul’s classic preparation of fresh island fish poached in champagne with leeks and capers.
Thirty - Six Dollars

Homard De Kona A La Facon Du Chef
Two generous pounds of Kona lobster served out of the shell.
Availability is depending on the market and the season.
The preparation is always delightful and creative, but depends upon the chef’s mood.
Market Price

MEAT ENTREES

Tournedos Aux Trois Poivres
Sautéed prime cut of filet mignon with a green, pink and black peppercorn brandy cream sauce.
Thirty - Eight Dollars

Carre D’Agneau Paniolo Chutney De Fruits Exotiques
Rack of Colorado lamb accompanied with a paniolo marinade and exotic fruits chutney.
Thirty - Nine Dollars

Canard Au Cassis
Crispy slow-roasted duck, almost boneless with a black currant sauce.
Thirty - Six Dollars

Coq Au Vin
Chicken baked in a cast iron pot with red wine, mushrooms and bacon.
Thirty – Two Dollars

Filetto di Branzino Arrostito – Roasted Hawaiian Seabass, Sautéed Napa Cabbage, Garlic Confit, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Warm Rosemary Vinaigrette

Cotoletta alla Milanese – Veal Milanese, Arugula, Cherry Tomatoes and Baby Mozzarella Salad

Here’s a video highlighting Olympic Gold Medal skier Julia Mancuso taking part in the 2008 Maui International Paddleboard Championships.

Read more about it at the official Maui Paddleboard Association Webpage: http://hawaiipaddleboardassociation.com/hawaii-paddleboard-events-schedule/2008-maui-international-paddleboard-race/

Here’s the SCOOP on Maui Wedding beach permits.

The State of Hawaii is now requiring permits for all “commercial activities” on all state beaches. That means if you are planning your wedding on Maui (or anywhere in Hawaii) and wish to have a wedding planner, a minister, a caterer or live music, you will need to obtain a permit from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Two words: NO PROBLEM!

These permits will be obtained and paid for by the wedding company of your choosing. There will be no inconvenience to you whatsoever and ceremonies on Maui’s beaches will continue like they always have.

I would even go a step further and say this permit process is a GOOD THING, since it provides an extra layer of security to you, the Hawaii destination wedding couple.

How so?

Because the beach permit process requires the wedding professional to be fully licensed and insured, fly-by-night businesses and unscrupulous people will be weeded out, leaving you feeling more secure that your romantic Maui beach wedding will be conducted by the very best that any destination wedding location has to offer.

I am not sure how it’s done in other countries where beach weddings are popular, but here in Hawaii, you can breathe easier knowing that consumer protection is on your side.

Maui No Ka’oi