Monthly Archives: January 2012

Today we are featuring Tim Breunig, a Big Bear Lake expert. Tim Breunig, with his wife Tamara, is co-owner of the United Wood Craftsmen Gallery. Tim’s blog, explorebigbearlake.com is a current and up-to-date look at shopping, dining, events for Big Bear Lake Getaway and Leisure Travel Visitors.

Big Bear Lake gets a lot of mention on southland TV news in the way of snow and ski conditions in the winter months but what you don’t hear about, and that consistently surprises many visitors, is just how much there is to do here that is not related to winter sports. A virtual Getaway Paradise in your own backyard, perfect for families and couples looking for clean air and blue skies in a lakeside alpine forest environment less than 3 hours driving from San Diego or Los Angeles.

Getting to Big Bear Lake from anywhere in Southern California is easy by car on one of the 3 highways into the Bear Valley. For pilots, Big Bear Lake has a 5000 foot runway at its Municipal Airport. The drive from San Bernardino or Redlands is absolutely inspiring as you climb in altitude from the coastal desert landscape to the heavily treed alpine forest. Big Bear Lake is located in the Bear Valley of the San Bernardino Mountains and sits at more than 6,700 feet above sea level. More than 18,000 people call the Bear Valley home.

A great place for the outdoor enthusiast, Big Bear offers visitors great Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Biking, Kayaking and Standup Paddle Boarding. Think you can paddle with the best? Then don’t miss the annual Big Bear Lake Paddlefest in late July. If you’re looking for a little less demanding experience on the lake, try a paddlewheel boat tour or rent your own boat at Pine Knot Marina  located on the lake’s south shore, in the Village.

If you’re considering when to visit Big Bear, you need to know that the busiest months are July and August for sure. However, the really great weather starts in early June and really runs well into late October and even early November. So if a little less stress and more choices and enjoyment are important, I would recommend booking your getaway in the off-peak months, June, September and October.

The Changing Face of Big Bear’s Alpine Experience

Copper Q Shop

Shopping has really never been better than today in the Village, Big Bear Lake’s retail shopping and dining district. With its many shops, galleries and restaurants, the Village offers something for everybody and there’s always lots of free parking in the Bartlett and Indian Village public parking lots.

Big Bear Lake destination events start this year in May with the Amgen Tour of California Stage 6 Finish, The Big Bear Climb. June is the Big Bear Lake Summer Jazztrax Festival, a 2 day music event held on the beach at the Marina Resort in the Village. In July events include the Pine Knot Village Artwalk, Big Bear Lake Paddlefest and the Chili Cook Off.

August events are the Big Bear Lake Classic Car Show and the Cowboy Gathering. In September Big Bear Lake is home to Southern California’s premiere International Film Festival and October is Big Bear’s 42 annual Oktoberfest Celebration.

When it comes to dining out, Big Bear Lake has a number of fine restaurants to choose from. In the Village, Big Bear’s Best includes the Peppercorn Grill, The Himalayan, El Jacalito and Sweet Basil Bistro.

Black Diamond Tavern

Big Bear Lake’s newest and most exciting dining experience is the Black Diamond Tavern on Moonridge Rd. Proprietors Daniel and Jessica Miller have brought their considerable restaurant and food service skills and applied them well at their new restaurant. Redefining the Big Bear Lake dining experience, the Black Tavern’s dining rooms have a comfortable, warm and relaxed décor and there is a sharp focus on service and detail. The seasonal comfort food menu and extensive wine list is perfect for Big Bear and the Cocktail Bar is maybe the best on the mountain. I recommend reservations at any restaurant on the weekends or if you are on a schedule.

Some of Big Bear’s newer offerings include Wine Tasting at Le Dolce Vita Tasting Room and Cocktails at Club Bombay both in the Village and both offering live entertainment on the weekends. New for kids is the Big Bear Funplex with games, laser tag and rides for the little ones.

Liza P. is the local Maui Mama talking story online – Maui, travel, family, social media, all da kine stuff. She blogs at www.amauiblog.com and at alohaluxurypropertiesblog.wordpress.com/ She is the social media director for Aloha Luxury Properties.

Your visit to Maui is never complete until you attend one of the Luau’s on Maui. Especially if this is your first time to visit the island. I know it may sound touristy, but in reality even us locals enjoy going to these luaus to enjoy the food and entertainment and time with family and friends.

What is a Luau? To put it simply, a luau is a Hawaiian party or feast. It is usually accompanied by entertainment, mostly music and dance. There are many choices of Luau on Maui to go to but I would like to highlight some of the best ones (in my opinion) to make it easier for you to decide.

The Old Lahaina Luau

This luau is known as Maui’s “Most Authentic Luau.” It is the favorite luau to recommend both by locals and tourists. It is located in Lahaina. They have their own Luau ground where you can experience a lot of Hawaiian activities prior to dinner and entertainment. Their hula and music are spectacular and award winning. They also have a premium open bar. Their shows always get fully booked early so if you are interested to attend this luau, make your reservations as early as possible. If you are visiting Maui from other states or country, I would even recommend calling them and making reservations prior to your arrival. Now, if you or any of your family want to see a fire dance, this luau is not for you because they don’t have that here.

The Drums of the Pacific

This is a high energy show that will treat you with the variety of Polynesian culture rhythms. This takes place nightly at the Maui Hyatt Hotel in Lahaina. Here, you can also watch the unearthing of a streaming, roasted pig from the underground (the imu ceremony) before helping yourself to a sumptuous buffet of traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Yes, they have fire dancers here. They also have an open bar. Their entertainment is not only Hawaiian but has the touch of Tongan, Tahiatian and Samoan as well.

The Feast Of Lele

This is known here as the “Most Romantic Luau”. The setting is spectacular where every table is intimate and offers a panoramic view of the West Maui sunset. Lele is the ancient name for Lahaina, and this is the beach where the Royal Family of Maui would feast and entertain. The menu at The Feast of Lele luau differs from all other Maui luaus, as it is a four course gourmet dining experience. Dishes are served directly to your table, eliminating the need for long buffet lines. Each course represents a modern twist on traditional island cuisine as you are treated to four courses each representing a different island culture. You are started off with traditional polynesian banana, taro and sweet potato chips served with a tropical ginger salsa.

Kaanapali Sunset Luau at Black Rock

If ever you’ve seen in the TV shows or movies or heard from your friends about a cliff diving before a luau, this is the one. The Kaanapali Sunset Luau takes place right at the edge of Kaanapali’s famous Black Rock Point. There is also a torch ceremony prior to the diving off the cliff. I like this part of the luau (the torch ceremony and cliff diving). A great Polynesian show happens as you eat your delicious food from the buffet. The Polynesian show has songs and dances from Tahiti, Fiji, Rarotonga, News Zealand and Samoa. And yes, there is a Fire dance here.

Now you will notice that all the Luau’s I previously mentioned are on the West Side of Maui. For the South side let me mention two:

The Grand Luau at the Grand Wailea

If you are staying in Kihei, Wailea, or Makena and don’t want to drive an hour to attend a luau in Lahaina or Kaanapali, your best option is the Grand Luau at the Grand Wailea Resort. This luau is the best in the Wailea /South Maui area. It is held at an isolated, romantic oceanfront setting in Wailea near the beach. Mai Tais and a full open bar, along with an outstanding buffet featuring Kalua pig cooked in a genuine underground imu, huli huli chicken, grilled fish, charbroiled teriyaki steak, and a variety of salads and island delicacies. The show reviews dancing from the islands of Polynesia, including the Samoan fireknife dance.

Polynesian Village Luau

Now this is the fun for the family Luau. A bit casual than most of the Luau I listed here. It is at South Kihei Road at the luau ground of the Old Maui Lu. In this luau you can participate in activities and demonstration of Polynesian daily-life activities: coconut bowling, spear throwing, lei making, ukulele mele, wood carving, basket weaving, coconut demonstrations, and other local cultural displays not found anywhere else in Maui! One of the main attractions of the luau is the famous Samona Chief “Fiafia”. He calls himself the official ambassador of happiness on Maui. He is a funny guy and will keep you entertained. Our family attended its opening a few years back and we had a good time. The bar is not like the other Luau and it’s BYOB.

There are other Maui Luaus not listed here. For more info on Luau on Maui you also also visit the Luau Page of Maui-Maps. Remember, this is part of the Maui experience, so you’ll want to attend at least once, maybe more

Photos courtesy of Maui-Maps

Today we’re featuring local knowledge by Maui pro, Tania G. Tania is a Maui girl who adores design and living well. Her blog, MauiShopGirl is about “everything I love and living large in my favorite spot of the world, Maui No Ka Oi.”  Feel free to tweet for Maui dining and shopping tips.

We all know Maui has beautiful sunsets, gorgeous beaches and a relaxed vibe, but did you know Maui is a great place to shop too?

Paia Town

Paia is a beach town on the north shore just down the road from Hookipa, one of the most renowned windsurfing spots in the world. You’ll find many of the best boutiques and local designers nestled in the quaint wooden buildings.

Nuage Bleu, Biasa Rose and Imrie are a must stop for contemporary clothing and accessories from Fighting Eel, Current Elliott, Velvet, Susana Monaco and Linea Pelle. Alice in Hulaland is my go to when I need a new pair of slippas (local speak for flip flops).

Le Tarte’s flagship store is beautiful, the perfect backdrop for their swimsuits which have caught Sports Illustrated’s eye for the past decade. Tamara Catz is the spot to find the perfect resort wear or dress for that sunset beach wedding.

Sophie Grace has opened a location on Baldwin Avenue complete with a jewelry bar for a custom design. Maui Hands represents hundreds of artisans, potters and artists on the island and is the ideal spot to buy a unique handmade gift.

Indigo carries fair trade textiles and hardware to bring an exotic touch to your home as well as clothing and jewelry. Its husband and wife proprietors have designed each piece.

Visit Mana Foods for organic produce, kale chips and groceries to stock your cooler for the road to Hana.

Front Street

The west side must-see is Front Street, a relaxing walk along the ocean and home to the best in surf brands like Hurley, Honolua Surf Co and Maui Built. Art galleries feature the work of amazing artists and photographers like Thomas Barbey.

Unique gift and specialty shops like the adorable bath and body shop, Lush, provide plenty of options to take home. Hawaii jeweler, Maui Divers, will tempt you with its fine jewelry pieces in the shape of dolphins, sea urchins and the honu (sea turtle).

Visit the many historical buildings and exhibits to get a sense of the rich history of Lahaina as a plantation town, a sailing port and the first capitol of Hawaii. Dining options often include an ocean view and a casual atmosphere.

Whalers Village

The mall where you can shop to your heart’s desire, eat a great meal and take a dip in the ocean at one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Located in the resort area of Kaanapali, Whalers Village has everything from global luxury to the elegant, sexy and eclectic ready to wear by Maui based Maggie Columbe.

Everyone’s favorite makeup, skin care, fragrance and hair care emporium, Sephora, has also recently opened a location in Whalers Village.

Tori Richards will dress you in elegant aloha attire and its sister store, Kahala, offers the perfect modern aloha shirt.

Cinnamon Girl offers locally designed floral sundresses for both mama and daughter and Sand People has shabby beach chic home accessories, contemporary separates and my personal favorite, wrap bracelets by Chan Luu.

Wailea Shopping Center

On the south side, The Shops at Wailea has a fantastic mix of high and low. Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Tiffany & Co. will satisfy your taste of luxury. Tommy Bahamas will attire you in quality resort wear which will go perfectly with your Hawaiian jewelry from Na Hoku, Hawaii’s oldest jewelry retailer.

The Enchantress Boutique will get you ready for a night of dancing with dresses by Sky and jewelry by Maui Dive Girl while Maui Water Wear will help you find the swimsuit you’ll love. You’ll find the perfect footwear at Sandal Tree for a night out or a day on the beach. Blue Ginger’s batik pieces are perfect for island wear or a charming spring/summer look back home.

National brands like the Gap, Sunglass Hut, BCBG, Quicksilver and Chico’s will help you fill in the gaps of your vacation wardrobe and Betsy Johnson will satisfy your girls just wanna have fun urges.

The Cos Bar offers the best in beauty in the most luxurious brands including Chanel, Le Prairie and Bliss.

You can finish your day of shopping with some of the best fine dining and cocktails on the island with plenty of outdoor seating available to watch the sunset. Follow up with ice cream by Lapperts.

Images: Row 1: Mana Foods, Maui Hands, Alice in Hulaland, Thomas Barbey; row 2: Front Street, Maui Built, Whalers’ Village, Maggie Columbe; row 3: Cinnamon Girl, Cos Bar, Wailea Shopping Village, Maui Water Wear.