Maui No Ka Oi Magazine and SilverShark Media bring you stories with community leaders, industry experts, and small business owners on the island of Maui.
Diane Woodburn speaks to Jeremy Solyn, Chef/Owner of NyloS located in Paia. In this podcast Jeremy talks about his first job in culinary industry working in the Hamptons as an 18 year old, his career path that eventually brought him to Maui, what it was like to be the recipient of Best Chef's Table at the 2025 Aipono Awards, what guests can expect to experience at a NyloS dinner, how he worked through the economic downturns with the pandemic and Maui fires, dealing with some of the current industry challenges, how people can book a reservation at NyloS, and his advice for younger chefs.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Ryan Cruz, Executive Chef at Hotel Wailea. In this podcast Ryan talks about dropping out of business school to change his career path to the culinary industry, why fried shrimp brings up special family memories growing up, how he started on his culinary path, how public speaking classes from his business course help with his current career, lessons he learned early on in his days working with Wolfgang Puck restaurants, how his career took him around the world from LA to London to Istanbul to New York and then back to Maui, the approach to menu design at Hotel Wailea, how designing a prix fixe menu at The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea differs from an a la carte menu for the Birdcage at Hotel Wailea, the private dining options at Hotel Wailea including The Kitchen Table, how guests can attend a special culinary event on Friday May 30th at The Restaurant with Chef Ryan Cruz joined by Chef Zach Laidlaw of Hua Momona Farms, and his advice to younger chefs.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Zach Sato, Chef/Owner of Havens Harborside Fish & Chophouse & Havens Kahului Food Truck. In this podcast Zach talks about how he got his start in the restaurant industry, his favorite family dishes growing up, advancing his career once he became a chef, the decision to open his first restaurant, how the pandemic forced him to pivot on his plans, running his own restaurant vs working as a chef in an existing restaurant, the decision to launch the food truck in Kahului, the approach to menu design for his different locations, opening Havens Harborside Fish & Chophouse, navigating the challenges after the fires in 2023, jumping into action right away to help provide food to the local community after the fires, what it was like to win the 2025 Aipono Award for Chef of the Year, opening a new food truck focused on subs and sandwiches later in May, & how people can learn more about the different Havens restaurants.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Rhonda Alexander-Monkres, Executive Director of the Ho'ōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group. In this podcast Rhonda talks about the mission of the organization, bringing together various nonprofits and community leaders to help streamline recovery efforts, how the group supports different recovery needs, working on the challenge of rebuilding owner occupied housing, the importance of flexibility when trying to overcome challenges during the recovery process, the importance of having community led leadership, how people can get involved if they want to support the organization, how people can find out if they qualify for additional support, and the goals for the next stages of the recovery effort.
Diane Woodburn speaks to GM Josh Hargrove & Hotel Manager Selawe Tau of the Westin Maui Resort and Spa and chair of the 46th annual Maui Charity Walk. In this podcast Josh & Selawe talk about their career paths, the history of the Charity Walk, why the event is important for the Maui community, the goal this year for Maui to raise $2M for local nonprofit organizations, what the role of chair entails for an event of this scale, how people can get involved to either enter a team or donate money, the details for the May 10th event including food & music on site, what makes them most proud to work on an event like this, & their advice for a young person who may want to start a career in the hospitality industry. ** Here is the link mentioned during the podcast that will give more information about how to get involved with the 2025 Maui Charity Walk **https://mauihla.org/events/charity-walk-maui
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks Meli James, co-founder of Mana Up. In this podcast Meli talks about what Mana Up does, the inspiration behind launching the company, the process going from the initial business idea to the first day of company operations, initial challenges the company had to overcome, ways that Mana Up helps local businesses, examples of Maui businesses that have grown with the support of Mana Up, how pop-up Aloha Markets like the current one at Haneda Airport in Japan help to promote local businesses outside of Hawaii, goals for the future, her advice to small businesses that are in the early stages (or people looking to launch a small business in the near future), and how people can learn more about Mana Up.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Kyle Fleming, co-founder & head brewer at Pauwela Beverage Company. In this podcast Kyle talks about brewing fermented beverages like Kombucha, differences in brewing kombucha vs beer, Kyle's background that led to this career, starting the business in January of 2020 and having to immediately adapt to the pandemic, their biggest challenge getting the business started, sourcing ingredients from local Maui farms, what was needed to scale up distribution, advice he would give himself 5 years ago when he started the business, what people can expect from visiting the taproom in Haiku, goals for the future, and how to find out more about Pauwela online or in person.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Alexa Caskey, owner of Moku Roots. In this podcast Alexa talks about her culinary influences growing up, when she made the decision to adopt a vegan diet, misconceptions people commonly have about vegan food, going from an engineering background to opening her first restaurant, the biggest challenge leading up to opening Moku Roots Lahaina in 2018, learning to be more efficient as a business during the pandemic, why a zero waste approach for a restaurant is important, the new chapter of Moku Roots up in Kula that includes farm events like dinners and brunches, the type of menu people can expect at a Moku Roots event, the creativity of vegan menus with ingredients sourced directly from the farm, the importance of agritourism, and how people can learn more and/or visit Moku Roots.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Isaac Bancaco, VP of Operations for Koholā Brewery. In this podcast Isaac talks about his first culinary inspirations, his favorite dish to make with his grandmother, his career path in the culinary industry, what he learned from mentors like Ming Tsai and Roy Yamaguchi, evolving his career beyond the role of an executive chef, how the restaurant industry prepares people for any career, how he splits time within different parts of the business, how he approached the menu design, the value of working with successful business leaders, challenges the restaurant industry has been going through both nationally and locally, the importance of treating employees well, what to expect at Koholā on February 9th for the Super Bowl, and some of his favorite things he'd recommend for Saquan Barkley or any guest to Koholā to order off the food menu.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Max Novena, Executive Director of the Sentry PGA golf tournament. In this podcast Max talks about his first introduction to golf, what inspired him to pursue a career in sports, his experience working with major sports leagues like the NBA & NHL, details for the upcoming Sentry PGA Tournament held at the Plantation course in Kapalua from January 2nd-5th, why community engagement and impact is a top priority for the Sentry, a few examples of ways the Sentry has supported local organizations on Maui, some names to watch in this years tournament, how people can volunteer during the event, the different ticket options including Kama'aina rates, and where to find out more online about the event week.
Diane Woodburn talks to Taylor Ponte, Executive Chef of Aurum Maui (opening in 2025). In this podcast Taylor talks about his culinary path, key lessons he learned from mentors along the way, opening the new restaurant Aurum Maui at the Shops at Wailea in the first half of 2025, his approach to creating a menu, why he first decided to get into the culinary industry, how he met his wife who also is his business partner, his advice for couples looking to start a restaurant together (or any business), his advice to younger chefs hoping to work their way up, and how people can follow Taylor on social media to learn more about both his catering and Aurum Maui in 2025.
Diane Woodburn speaks to Ryan Urig, Executive Chef at the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. In this podcast Ryan talks about how he started his career on Maui, his time working at the Ritz-Carlton Maui at Kapalua, approaching his 10 year anniversary of working at the Grand Wailea Resort, the inspiration behind Olivine which is one of the properties signature restaurants, the types of dishes guests can expect at Olivine, working together with other chefs and community leaders after the 2023 fires to provide meals to those in need, how his community work over the years has been one of his career highlights, additional culinary options that guests can experience on property at the resort, his advice for younger chefs getting into the hospitality industry, and some of his favorite things on the Olivine menu to try if you're coming in for the first time.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Dustin Paradis of the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute. In this podcast Dustin talks about what the MOCMI does, his career path that led him to this role, the work they do to protect and grow local corals, the sea turtle stranding response & rescue program that helps turtles in need across the island, the importance of community engagement to make these programs more impactful, and how people can get involved to either volunteer or make a donation. **The hotline Dustin mentions for the sea turtle response and rescue program is (808) 286-2549**
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Chef Alvin Savella and GM Rob Farrell of Coco Deck Lahaina. In this podcast Alvin & Rob talk about their first jobs in a restaurant and how their career paths eventually intersected, why they decided to partner together on a new restaurant, the phases that led to opening Coco Deck in September of 2024, Alvin's approach to creating the food menu & Rob's approach to creating the bar menu, the importance of sourcing locally when possible, 3 things each of them would recommend to first time guests, why the happy hour has become so popular, the football Sunday menu, the upcoming supper club that will be featured each Wednesday, lessons learned from the pandemic that are similar to the current economic recovery, advice to anyone looking to go into a business partnership with a friend or family member, and how people can learn more about Coco Deck Lahaina.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Naomi Cooper, Interim Executive Director of the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association. In this podcast Naomi talks about her career path that led to her current position, the main goal of the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, the importance of connecting local businesses in an island economy, how the approach of the MHLA has changed through the pandemic and fire recovery, how the MHLA offers scholarship and educational opportunities in local schools, the success of the annual Charity Walk and how that money raised is distributed back into the Maui community, details on the upcoming Rice for the Holidays & Na Kupuna Appreciation events, and how to learn more about the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association online.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Anna Kahalekulu, owner & designer of Kūlua, a sustainable clothing store located in Makawao. In this podcast Anna explains the approach of Kūlua, her inspiration for opening the business, how the store keeps manufacturing on Maui, what gave her the confidence as an entrepreneur to take the business from an idea to a storefront, navigating through the pandemic in 2020 shortly after opening a store in Makawao, integrating culture and family in her designs, what it's like to see people wear her products, the importance of supporting Maui businesses, ways Kūlua has given back to the community, her advice for anyone looking to get into the fashion industry, what it was like to do a collaboration with popular fashion brand Faherty, and how people can find out more about Kūlua both online and in person.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Dr. Lisa Labrecque, CEO of the Maui Humane Society. In this podcast Lisa talks about her path to becoming CEO, some of the differences between private veterinary care and working with an animal shelter, challenges for pet owners in Maui, becoming CEO in June of 2023 and then having to navigate the organization through the August fires, some of the new programs the MHS is offering including the Lahaina Pet Resource Center, how people can get involved with the animal foster program, how residents can qualify for pet related financial support along with additional pet resources, how residents and visitors can volunteer, simplifying the adoption process for visitors who want to adopt a pet to take with them, upcoming fundraising events, & her advice for anyone looking to have a career in this field.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Tina Carranza, Fundraising Director at the Hua Momona Foundation. In this podcast Tina talks about how the Hua Momona Foundation first started in 2021, how she got involved with the organization, providing food to the Maui community through the pandemic and the 2023 fires, what goes into organizing large scale food distribution, some of the challenges that come with keeping a nonprofit running smoothly, details for the upcoming 1st annual Maui Food & Music Experience that is taking place September 5th-7th, how people can get tickets to the event, how local residents impacted by the fires can gain free access to the concert day, the goals for the foundation for the remainder of the year, how people can get involved to volunteer or support the Hua Momona Foundation, what she'd like visitors to know about coming to Maui a year after the fires, and how people can learn more about the Hua Momona Foundation on social media & their websites. ** The event websites Tina mentioned for tickets can be found below **www.mauimusicandfoodexperience.orghttps://makai.org/freetickets/
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Scott Fisher, Director of ʻĀina Stewardship at Hawai'i Land Trust. In this podcast Scott talks about what the Hawai'i Land Trust does, the type of lands they look to acquire and/or manage, challenges that come with protecting land in locations with on-going development, the work they are doing to restore a freshwater fishpond originally built around 1500 or so in Waihe'e, an ongoing project at the Nuʻu Refuge in Kaupō aiming to restore a native forest designed to protect coastal wetlands from tsunami events, how people can volunteer to work with Hawai'i Land Trust, and additional ways to learn more and get involved.
Diane Woodburn speaks to Nicky Boskoff, Food & Beverage Director of Star Noodle, Aloha Mixed Plate, & Leoda's. In this podcast Nicky talks about ways the Na Hoaloha 'Ekolu restaurant group provided support to their staff and community, her background growing up on Maui and Kauai, how she first got into the restaurant industry, the original concept for Star Noodle when it first opened in 2010, the dedication of Executive Chef Caesar Perez, the menu approach to Star Noodle, opening in a new location, opening Aloha Mixed Plate nearby, new items that are coming to the Star Noodle menu, the difference in navigating through covid vs the current recovery, and ways visitors can be respectful to employees and community members they come across during their travels.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to David Gridley of the Maui Coffee Association. In this podcast David talks about how he first got involved with the coffee industry around 30 years ago, helping to organize coffee growers and roasters on Maui in the early 2000's, challenges the industry faced on Maui when he first opened Maui Oma Coffee Roasting Company, how the Maui Coffee Association helps to support the local Maui coffee industry, the time needed to grow and produce coffee, some differences in Kona coffee and Maui coffee, how new legislation will change how coffee is labeled in the future in Hawaii, why it's important to support the local coffee industry, how the Maui Coffee Association provides educational tools for current and prospective coffee growers, details about the upcoming Seed To Cup event on Sunday August 18th at Maui Tropical Plantation, & what goes into David's perfect cup of coffee.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Singer / Songwriter Anuhea. In this podcast Anuhea talks about her first introductions to playing musical instruments while growing up on Maui, how her Aunt was an early inspiration, what led to her performing in public for the first time, what it was like to release her first album in 2009, the process of narrowing down how many songs will make an album, winning Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards in 2009 & 2019, how she has grown as an artist since her first album, what advice she would give her younger self, wrapping up her 2024 summer tour highlighted by her newer release “Lotus”, why she became an advocate for mental health, and details on her upcoming performance Friday August 2nd at the Alaloa Lounge in the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua from 6p-9p (free entry).
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Sean Corpuel, owner of Cool Cat Cafe. In this podcast Sean talks about his first exposure to the restaurant industry helping his dad run a small burger shack, how that eventually became his career path, opening the first Cool Cat Cafe in California, the decision to open a Cool Cat Cafe in Lahaina back in 2003, challenges in getting the original wharf location opened up, his approach to menu design, how the restaurant immersed itself in the Maui community, continuing the family business with his kids, the inspiration to open Captain Jack's at the wharf after the success of Cool Cats, the initial aftermath of the August fires, the decision and process that went into reopening Cool Cat Cafe in Kihei, what to expect from the south side menu, bringing a new Captain Jack's location back to west Maui, & lessons he learned in his teens about the industry that still resonate today.
Diane Woodburn speaks to Tetsuji (Tets) Yamazaki, GM of the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. In this podcast Tets talks about what brought him to Maui 30 years ago, his path from working as a dishwasher to becoming a general manager, how the Sheraton was an integral part of disaster response last August, how the economic recovery from the August fires differs from the recovery during the pandemic, the history of the Sheraton property which was one of the first resorts to open on Maui, the upcoming Kokua For Maui event on July 5th that will showcase Lahaina businesses, his message to visitors who are contemplating a trip to Maui, goals for the remainder of 2024, and his advice to anyone looking to advance their career in the hospitality industry.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Jo Wing, General Manager of O'o Farm. In this podcast Jo talks about the history of O'o Farm, her background in agriculture that took her from New Zealand to Napa and eventually to Maui, what her role as a GM entails, how coffee has become one of the staple products grown at O'o Farm, the challenges of growing coffee, other products that the farm produces, the different types of farm tour experiences offered to anyone who wants to visit O'o Farm, how agriculture and tourism continue to intersect, goals for the farm, and how to learn more about O'o Farm including CSA subscriptions, volunteering, or visiting the farm.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Paul Turner, owner of Waikulu Distillery in Makawao. In this podcast Paul talks about how he first came up with the idea to open a distillery, how the Maui climate is ideal for agave plants, the challenge of transforming a hobby into a business, the comparison between agave spirits and tequila, the types of spirits the distillery produces, how he started this business without any experience in the industry, what people can see on farm tours on site, how long it takes to go from harvest to bottle, how he established distribution across Maui, the origins of the business name, goals for the future, and how people can learn more about the distillery and where to find their products.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Charlene Ka'uhane, event organizer of the Maui AgFest and 4H Livestock Fair. In this podcast Charlene talks about why this event is special to her, how it has grown since the first one 15 years ago, the educational sessions that will be available this year focusing on topics like kalo/fish/coffee/cacao, how the event provides guests a chance to learn from industry experts, a preview into the Grand Taste event featuring a number of Maui culinary figures, advice for those who want to attend AgFest on Saturday June 1st, and how people can learn more and buy advance tickets to the special sessions throughout the day.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks with Mary Anderson, President and Co-owner of Koholā Brewery. In this podcast Mary gives an update on the Koholā team since the August fires, talks about how she went about the next steps for the business last fall, the partnership with Kona Brewing Company that enabled Koholā to resume production, how her business background in Silicon Valley helped in certain aspects of decision making over the past 8 months, the importance of collaboration, the current production output for Koholā beer, opening a new location Wailea that will feature a restaurant and taproom, partnering with chef Isaac Bancaco to design a menu for the new location, a sneak peek at a few of the items that will be on the menu, lessons from the pandemic that helped navigate the current Maui economic environment, and how people can learn more about the opening of the new restaurant and where to buy Koholā products.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Daryl Fujiwara, event coordinator for a number of events on Maui including the upcoming Nā Kamehameha Commemorative Pā‘ū Parade and Ho‘olaule‘a on June 15th. In this podcast Daryl talks about how he grew up attending and supporting local events across the island, how he began helping to plan and coordinate events, the importance of collaboration in event planning, what went into planning for the 2024 King Kamehameha Day Parade, how the location this year was selected, how this year will be different, what types of applications the parade is looking at for participants, the upcoming Maui Ag Fest on June 1st, the return of Wailuku First Friday's in July, and the Festivals of Aloha later this year.
Diane Woodburn speaks to Dean Wong, Executive Director of Imua Family Services. In this podcast Dean talks about how Imua Family Services began, services the organization offers, similarities and differences to the Easter Seals foundation, how Imua Family Services provided support to families on Maui after the August fires including providing resources to children of all ages, the importance of the Imua Gardens, why it's important to offer children outlets that get them away from mobile devices for periods of time, the upcoming Color Festival on Sunday April 28th, and how to learn more and provide support to Imua Family Services.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Lipoa Kahaleuahi and Mikala Minn of the nonprofit organization Ma Ka Hana Ka 'Ike. In this podcast Lipoa begins by talking about what Ma Ka Hana Ka 'Ike aims to do, what her role as Executive Director entails, the importance of students learning trade skills outside of a classroom setting, the history of the Hana Build program and how it directly benefits the local Hana community, and other programs offered by Ma Ka Hana Ka 'Ike that help students learn cultural practices and culinary skills. Mikala then joins the podcast to talk about Mahele Farm, how he went from a former student working with Ma Ka Hana Ka 'Ike to becoming a project leader for the organization decades later, the types of lessons students learn from farming, the products the farm can grow, and how Mahele Farm works together with the community. Lipoa then talks about the goals moving forward for the organization, the upcoming East Maui Kalo Festival on April 20th, and how people can learn more and support Ma Ka Hana Ka 'Ike.
Jason Evans speaks to Ryan Schelling who is the Executive Chef at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. In this podcast Ryan talks about his first job in the culinary industry, his path with Four Seasons starting as a line cook in 2006, the role of an Executive Chef at a resort property, highlights of the new redesign of Ferraro's, his approach to menu design, how the different restaurants on property compliment each other, some of the ways the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea supported the Maui community last fall including their Love For Lahaina culinary series, his goals for the rest of 2024, and how people can learn more about the new menu at Ferraro's along with the other F&B options on property.
Jason Evans speaks to Master Sommelier Michael Jordan about the upcoming Kapalua Wine & Food Festival happening June 6th-9th, 2024. In this podcast Michael talks about how he became a Master Sommelier, how the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival has evolved over the past few decades, how the festival gives back each year to support local foundations and causes, how giving back this year is as important as ever, what to expect with the 2024 festival event schedule, options for full festival passes or single event tickets, the effort that goes into planning an event like this, and how to learn more about the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival online.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Ed Lyman, Regional Large Whale Entanglement Response Coordinator under NOAA's Marine Mammal Health & Stranding Response Program. In this podcast Ed talks about the work of NOAA Fisheries, his role with the Marine Mammal Health & Stranding Response Program, the recent incident last week with the injured whale calf that was spotted off Ma'alaea, the importance of science communication, how research helped give boat operators a guide for speed out on the water to minimize harmful whale encounters, why individuals shouldn't try to help a whale out on the water and instead call the hotline to report an incident, how this has been a different type of season out on the water, and how people can get involved to support NOAA and the response team. Hotline to call if you see a whale (or other marine animal) in distress: 888-256-9840 (Toll Free)Link to the course Ed mentions at 18:55https://pacific-islands-training.whaledisentanglement.org/#/
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks with Jeff Scheer, chef/owner of Marlow. In this podcast Jeff talks about the recent renovations at Marlow, what the first two and a half years have been like for the restaurant, how he and his wife Kaili work so well together as co-owners, his advice for anyone looking to start a business with a significant other or family member, his approach to adding new items to a menu, how he and his team worked to support the Maui community after the fires in August, the challenges the industry continues to face with staffing, getting nominated as a semifinalist in the James Beard Awards, his recommendations for anyone visiting Marlow including during breakfast hours, and how people can learn more about the restaurant on social media.
Diane Woodburn speaks with Dena Roady, Area Vice President of Hyatt Hotels Hawaii & General Manager of Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort. In this episode Dena talks about her path with Hyatt that has spanned 13 properties over 28 years, what an Area Vice President does, how Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is viewed as one of the flagship properties of the Andaz portfolio, what it has been like ascending in the industry as a female, how decisions were made immediately after the August fires for the Hyatt and Andaz properties to provide housing and support to the Maui community, the current balancing act for the hospitality industry as a whole to both continue to provide resources to the Maui community while also working to support tourism revenue, how visitors to Maui can get involved and help the local community, her outlook for 2024 in the industry, how groups like the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association help industry leaders support each other and learn what others may need, and her advice to anyone looking to start a career or work their way up in hospitality.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks with Joey Macadangdang, chef/owner of the new Balai Pata restaurant in Kahului along with Joey's Kitchen in Napili & Whaler's Village. In this episode Joey talks about the inspiration for opening Balai Pata in Kahului, the flavor profiles of Filipino cuisine, the decision to make this location a brand new restaurant concept instead vs making it a new Joey's Kitchen location, how he constructs a menu for a restaurant, how travel provides inspiration to his dishes, the balance of excitement and nerves when opening a new restaurant, how he immediately provided relief to the community at Joey's Kitchen in Napili following the fires in August, the challenges the restaurant industry continues to face in 2024, his advice to anyone looking to open a restaurant, why he will only add to the menu at Joey's Kitchen and not remove anything, his recommended top 3 dishes to order at Balai Pata and Joey's Kitchen for anyone visiting each restaurant for the first time, and how people can find more information about both restaurants.
This week Jason Evans speaks with Zach Laidlaw of Hua Momona Farms. In this episode Zach talks about his first introduction into the culinary world, making the decision to pursue a career in the industry, his path from Chicago to Hua Momona Farms in Kapalua, the history and approach of Hua Momona Farms, how the farms makes their own soil, the advantage of growing microgreens, the process of getting their product into restaurants across the island, the importance of communication in agriculture, how the farm mobilized to provide relief after the Lahaina fires, lessons learned from the 2020 pandemic that helped make the approach to relief more efficient in 2023, how people can help the ongoing community work that Hua Momona Farms is doing, the benefits and potential of having a mobile commercial kitchen, Zach's appearance on the latest season of Next Level Chef on FOX, and how people can learn more about what Hua Momona Farms is up to and where to follow both the farm and Zach on social media.We continue our Maui podcast series with the intention of respectfully providing insight into local businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders on Maui through what is a very difficult and challenging time. Our thoughts continue to be with our neighbors, friends, community, and colleagues across Maui.
This week Diane Woodburn speaks with Kyle Kawakami of Maui Fresh Streatery. In this episode Kyle talks about what went into his initial response last August to help get food out to community members, how the community support efforts have evolved since August, resuming the Kokua Meals Initiative originally started during Covid that helps get food to community members in need, lessons learned from 2020 that helped make support efforts more efficient in 2023, the challenges restaurants are facing in 2024, details about how to help the ongoing Kokua Meals Initiative, and why it's critical to show respect and compassion to restaurant workers and the entire Maui community. To donate to the Kokua Meals Initiative that Kyle talks about on the podcast you can send money on Venmo to @Kyle-Kawakami-1This episode begins the 5th year of our Maui podcast series with the intention of respectfully providing insight into local businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders on Maui through what is a very difficult and challenging time. Our thoughts continue to be with our neighbors, friends, community, and colleagues across Maui.
We resume our Maui podcast series with the intention of respectfully providing insight into local businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders on Maui through what is a very difficult and challenging time. Our thoughts continue to be with our neighbors, friends, community, and colleagues across Maui. This week Diane Woodburn speaks with Myra Galinato, Vice President & General Manager at Blue Hawaiian Activities. In this episode Myra talks about her background in the hospitality industry, how Blue Hawaiian Helicopters were able to provide immediate support in the aftermath of the August fires including supply runs to West Maui when the roads were closed, her message to people who are considering a trip to Maui, and her advice to anyone looking to begin a career in the tourism industry.
We resume our Maui podcast series with the intention of respectfully providing insight into local businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders on Maui through what is a very difficult and challenging time. Our thoughts continue to be with our neighbors, friends, community, and colleagues across Maui. This week Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks with LiAnne Driessen of Trilogy Excursions. In this podcast LiAnne talks about 2023 marking the 50 year anniversary of Trilogy Excursions, her advice for those involved in a family business, the post-fire community support provided by Trilogy, how guests who cancelled their trips to Maui decided to donate money towards the employees and Maui community, how Trilogy is providing free trips to displaced Maui community members to get them out on the water for a few hours, from a business perspective the similarities and differences of September 2023 vs the early stages of the covid pandemic in 2020, what the future will hold for Trilogy moving forward, and a message to visitors who are debating on when and if to come to Maui.
We resume our Maui podcast series with the intention of respectfully providing insight into local businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders on Maui through what is a very difficult and challenging time. Our thoughts continue to be with our neighbors, friends, community, and colleagues across Maui. This week Diane Woodburn speaks with Stephanie Vojdani & Isa Shipley of Kula Lodge. In this podcast Stephanie & Isa talk about moving from the former 5 Palms Kihei up to the Kula Lodge, the importance behind keeping the charm of this upcountry staple, how they moved to provide immediate support in the aftermath of the August fires, and what the future sense of normalcy will start to look like from a business perspective.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks with Marc McDowell, the Executive Chef & Owner of SixtyTwo MarcKet. In this episode Marc talks about his introduction into the culinary industry, the path that took him from the Culinary Institute of America in New York to Maui, lessons he learned at different resorts & restaurants he worked at on Maui over the years, what gave him the confidence to branch out and open his own restaurant, what the process was like going from a new restaurant concept to opening the doors, the challenges he faced both pre and post pandemic, his approach to a revolving seasonal menu at SixtyTwo MarcKet, the importance of knowing your farmers, some of his favorite items on the menu, and how to learn more about SixtyTwo MarcKet in Wailuku including hours of operation.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Graeme Swain, owner and founder of Gather In Maui. In this episode Graeme talks about the origins of the Gather restaurant concept, his first introduction into the restaurant industry, what brought him from Jackson Hole to Maui, opening a hydroponics farm in his hometown, taking over the restaurant from what used to be Gannon's, what the transition was like changing the location from Gannon's to Gather In Maui, the approach to the food and bar menu, navigating the challenges of the restaurant industry, and his goals for Gather In Maui in the future.
Diane Woodburn speaks to Paula Hegele, President and co-owner of MauiWine. In this podcast Paula talks about the history of MauiWine, her involvement as a mentor with the University of Hawai'i Maui College, the business challenges she's had to work through over the past few years, how the Tasting Room experience has evolved since 2020, what makes the location of MauiWine in Ulupalakua so special, working through production and supply chain challenges, her near term and long term outlook for MauiWine, a recap of the products that are available, and her advice to young women looking to establish a career in the agriculture or wine industries.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Nicholas Winfrey, President & Chief Professional Officer of the Maui United Way. In this podcast Nicholas talks about what the past year has been like for the Maui United Way, the ups and downs of the non-profit sector since the beginning of the pandemic, lessens learned and applied since 2020, the overall mission of the Maui United Way, what it was like to win the 2022 Mayor's Small Business Award for Outstanding Nonprofit Business, the goals for Maui United Way for the next year, the upcoming Keiki Talapia Fishing Tournament on August 26th (and a way you MIGHT be able to get tickets if you haven't already...), plans for a 2024 golf fundraising event in Wailea, advice for anyone considering a job with a non-profit, and how to get involved with Maui United Way.
Diane Woodburn speaks to Barry Rivers, Executive Director of the Maui Film Festival. In this podcast Barry talks about his original pitches to begin the film festival over two decades ago, how the vision for the festival evolved over the years, the 2023 festival schedule including the in person and virtual cinema options, the vast number of short films this year including incorporating films that were produced in Hawaii, a night by night run down of what to expect between June 28th-July 2nd, and how people can learn more about the festival and purchase tickets.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Daryl Fujiwara, the event coordinator for the King Kamehameha Day Parade in Lahaina on June 17th. In this podcast Daryl talks about the significance of King Kamehameha Day, what goes into planning for this event, how the parade has evolved over the past decade, the schedule of events on June 17th in Lahaina for the parade, why this commemorative tradition is so important to continue, and how to learn more about the event.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Charlene Ka'uhane, event organizer of the Maui AgFest & 4H Livestock Fair. In this podcast Charlene talks about the history of Maui AgFest, the importance of connecting the community to agriculture, what goes into planning an event like Maui AgFest, adding a Grand Dessert tasting event, goals to expand to a multi-day event in the future, how the pandemic reinforced the importance of local agriculture, how the agriculture industry formed new partnerships island wide due to the pandemic, a rundown of events for this years AgFest event, and how people can learn more about the event and purchase tickets in advance.
Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Laura Night, CEO of Vida by Sip Me Maui. In this podcast Laura talks about the inspiration to open a coffee shop in 2014, how she was denied funding 16 times before opening her business, the impact the Maui Economic Opportunity program provided to open Sip Me Maui, the balance of excitement vs nerves when opening a business, the importance of community engagement, how the pandemic impacted the business, innovations from the pandemic that she thinks will stick around, challenges from the pandemic that have not be solved yet within the service industry, her role as chair with the non profit Common Ground Collective who seeks to help with food security on Maui,
Diane Woodburn speaks with Roger Stettler, Executive Chef & Partner of Taverna. In this podcast Roger talks about growing up in Switzerland, the early culinary influences of his mother and grandmother, the path that led him from Switzerland to the Caribbean thru Asia and then eventually Maui, winning the Aipono Chef of the Year Award in 2012 while at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, the importance of being involved in the local community, his decision to help open Taverna, what it was like navigating through the pandemic, the ongoing challenge of staffing for the hospitality industry, the upcoming event Taverna will host in June as part of the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival, some of his favorite things on the Taverna menu, & his advice for those looking to move up in the restaurant industry.
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