LET THE FOOD BECOME YOUR TOUR GUIDE


Hi,

I'm Nikki and I live in beautiful Portland, OR. I am a lover of foods and also travel. So, I thought it would be fun to combine the two.

I know my favorite part of my vacations is the different foods I get to try that represent those regions. Foods are the thumbprint of a city. The foods people eat support life, they express their history, and they bring cultures together. Sounds great to me. I suppose that's why I "live food" full-time now....as a culinary student.

If you're interested in food and travel and would like to learn a little more about the food, sights, and culture of a few places around the world then this may be the blog for you. If you think so too, I'm looking forward to having you come along with me on this journey.

Bon Voyage & Bon Appetit!

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

THE UNSURPASSED BEAUTY OF MAUI, HAWAII

LIKE NOTHING ELSE ON EARTH.



Imagine a place like no other place on earth.  A one of a kind experience that becomes a part of you as soon as you step off the plane and never leaves you, even decades later.  Can you imagine it?  I would venture a guess that the place you are envisioning is Maui and would go on to add that once you come here, you will understand what it means to have a place become a part of who you are and who you hope to be.



Aloha!

Welcome to the beautiful Island of Maui, Hawaii's second largest island.   I think you picked the right day to join us....turquoise blue skies, white sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters.  Who could ask for anything more than that in a destination?  Well, me actually.  I also dream of fantastic food that has a spiritual connection to its surroundings and its history.  Unbelievably, this place has that too.

Come on in fellow food lovers.....the water's fine!


HISTORY


Hawaiian legend speaks of a mythical and mischievous God named Maui who fished the islands out of the deep sea.   All of Hawaiian culture has wonderful stories and myths associated with it that makes it the magical place we love.

In the 1800's, Maui was where plantation workers from China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and locations in Europe came to work the sugar cane fields and later the pineapple fields.   That immigration of workers is what has given Hawaii its diverse ethnic background.

In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state and its tourism industry began to take root on the other islands.  It wasn't until several years later; however, that Maui became the vacation destination that it is known for today.      


BEST TIME TO VISIT

One of the greatest things about Hawaii is that there's never a bad time to visit!  Due to it being at the edge of a tropical zone, Hawaii boasts fantastic weather year-round.  Hawaii has only two seasons:  summer with an average temperature of 85 degrees and winter with an average temperature of 78 degrees.  Not too shabby!

My research indicates that the best time to visit (weather wise) are the last two weeks of December. You might be able to save quite a bit on airlines and hotel at that time as well.   I, on the other hand, will be going back there this summer (hooray!) which I'm finding out quickly is also known as the expensive season!  Apparently there are more than two seasons after all!


TOP ATTRACTIONS


While you're visiting Maui, there are some things that should definitely be a part of your "Hawaiian Experience"....here's a few:

  • The stunning beaches 
  • Lahaina Historic Town 
  • Maui Ocean Center
  • Road to Hana Scenic Drive
  • Atlantis Submarine Ride 
  • Whale Watching (Seasonal)
  • Volcano Tour Day Trip


The historic town of Lahaina was one of my most memorable experiences  when I visited.   We had a wonderful time visiting all the shops and walking around.   One of their great attractions there is the Sugar Cane Train....it's great fun for a nostalgic trip into yesteryear.

Oh, and then there's always snorkeling, sailing, scuba diving, bicycling, parasailing, boating, hiking, bird watching, scooter riding, surfing, etc., etc., etc.   Although it may be tough to fit those things in once you hear about the food.......




FOOD, HAWAIIAN STYLE


  1. Spam Musubi (classic spam/rice sushi)
  2. Tropical Fruits (Maui Gold Pineapple, coconut) & Nuts (Macadamia)
  3. Famous "Plate Lunch" (Main dish with mac salad & two scoops of rice)
  4. Lualau (Pork, chicken, or beef wrapped in taro or ti leaves & steamed)
  5. Loco Moco (Hamburger patty served with a fried egg, rice, & brown gravy)
  6. Hawaiian Shaved Ice (Snow-like snowcone flavored with local, tropical  flavors)
  7. Poke (Personal favorite. Raw, diced tuna with sesame oil)
  8. Poi (Mashed taro root served as a condiment - traditional food, but acquired taste)
  9. Mochi (Ice cream inside of sweetened rice ball.  Green tea mochi is delicious!)
  10. Finish it off with a Blue Hawaii or Mai-Tai cocktail or maybe a mug of steamy Kona coffee

DEFINING HAWAIIAN FOODS


Loco Moco Takeout!
Hawaiian foods to me are a celebration of what the islands have to offer and they are also are an homage to tradition and history.   Spam, for example, was introduced to Hawaii during WWII and has now become inseparable in Hawaiian culture.  Other foods are symbolic and show appreciation for the gifts of their surroundings.  Fresh fruits and nuts such as pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nuts (especially the ones dipped in chocolate) are plentiful and grace many dishes there.      


One consideration to contemplate on a Maui vacation is the cost of food which can be rather pricey on an island.   The website Go Hawaii - About.com offers a great list of affordable places to eat that you might want to check out.   Alternatively, there is no shortage of fancy restaurants available, most with views that will leave you speechless.  If you rent a car while you're there (recommended), you will be able to venture into some of the more residential areas where all the locals go.   One option I came across was actually called Local Food!   According to Trip Advisor, this is a close place to go to get good Hawaiian food and also relief from pricey meals.  My overall advice would be to just plan your meals while you're visiting and enjoy....it's some of the best food you'll find and you should do your best to try it all!
   

THE ALOHA EXPERIENCE


When I visited Hawaii, I was a young girl and have been waiting ever since to go back.  There is a hard to explain feeling that you get when you're there.  It's beyond relaxed - it's a transforming state of mind.  Although there are parts that are embellished to enhance the "tourist experience," you really get a sense of how spiritually connected Hawaiian people are to their home which is like none other.        

Don't worry about having to leave.....Hawaii will always stay with you and will welcome you with open arms upon your return.


Thanks for coming along.  We've got more exciting destinations to explore.   Next we're off to the City of Angels for some notoriously fresh & healthy California Cuisine.


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