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W
est Maui is famous for its
exquisite beaches, fabulous
shopping, fi ne dining and
all around fun-in-the-sun activity. It's
hard to compete with watching the sun
set lazily into the ocean and feeling those
warm trade winds on the salt-soaked
skin. Although the resorts boast some fi ne
amenities it's nice to head to Lahaina Town
to get a little fl avor with your vacation.
Being the pale-skinned gal that I am,
I like to hit Lahaina Town right before
sunset. I prefer parking in the larger
paid parking lots, besides it's best to do
the town on foot. The streets are narrow
and crammed with all kinds of shops,
outdoor kiosks, tucked away restaurants
and more. The boardwalk is ideal for
watching the sunset, although most of
the restaurants along Front Street offer
sunset views. There is something to be
said for sipping the classic Mai Tai while
watching the sun set over the Pacifi c.
That just screams Hawaii.
If it's fi ne dining you're in the mood
for, I'd recommend Lahaina Grill,
formerly David Paul's. You'll fi nd this
restaurant just up the block from Front
Street on Lahainaluna Road. The wait
staff is courteous and professional and
the food is outstanding. There is a
reason they've been voted "Best Maui
Restaurant" for the last fourteen years
by Honolulu Magazine readers' poll.
Right across the street is Kingwell Island
Art, Jim Kingwell's cozy gallery. His
paintings, a favorite of which is featured
on the cover, embrace the love that so
many feel for the island lifestyle.
A wonderful time to visit Lahaina
is on Friday night, known as "Friday
Night Art Night." The whole town is
abuzz with activity as galleries host new
artist's exhibits, entertainment, and many
artists are working right there on site. It's
a special opportunity to meet the artists
face to face and discuss their work and
passion. There's usually a Champagne
bottle circling the room, and gallery
attendees available to answer questions
and make introductions. Aside from
being a fun evening, it's an important
community event that helps strengthen
Maui's commitment to the arts. So many
talented artists call Maui their home, in
these challenging economic times, it's an
opportunity to let them know they are
valued and appreciated.
While enjoying the festivities of
Lahaina's Friday Night Art Night, no
night is complete without making the
stop at 505 Front Street. This small
shopping center, located a few blocks
from the main part of town, is home to
Joëlle C. Gallery and Maui To Go Arts
& Crafts. Here you will fi nd Joëlle's
lively sister Monique attending to the
gallery and shop. In her strong French
accent, she will help you fi nd that
perfect gift to take home from a fi ne
selection of hand made works by Maui
artisans. Or allow her to take you on
a tour of the senses in Joëlle's elegant
gallery. Bon Jour and Aloha.
by Melody Cook
Why We Love the West Side
"At Home In Paradise" found at Joëlle C Gallery in Lahaina, where you'll fi nd more galleries condensed in one strip than anywhere else in the world.
Lahaina Grill is an excellent choice for fi ne dining.
Art & Culture On Maui
www.ArtandCultureOnMaui.com
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