Highlights and Happy Returns

Highlights and Happy Returns

Aloha Family & Friends,

February here on Maui brought more than just the return of our replenishing seasonal showers. It is a month we look forward to each year, vibrant with community spirit and numerous activities across the island. As always, we enjoyed our beloved annual traditions, gathering with neighbors and visitors alike for vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations and admiring the incredible talent at the Maui Plein Air Art Invitational. However, this February was particularly special, marked by the exciting return of two major Lahaina mainstays.

We are absolutely thrilled to share that Atlantis Adventures Maui is back. For years, seeing that little yellow submarine gently passing by the Lahaina Town coastline was a familiar and joyful sight. It has returned with an impressive upgrade: a brand-new, battery-powered 48-passenger submarine departing right from Lahaina Harbor. Guests can once again marvel at Maui’s unique underwater paradise, including the opportunity to see the Carthaginian — a stunning replica of a 19th-century supply vessel that rests beneath the waves, serving as a flourishing, self-sustaining marine habitat. It is a spectacular journey that we are so grateful to have back on our shores.

The second major highlight of the month was the delightful and delicious return of the Lahaina Food and Wine Festival. Historically, locals and visitors will remember “The Taste of Lahaina” as a premier, long-running September event where dozens of West Maui restaurants set up booths to share their diverse cuisine. Organized by the Lahaina Town Action Committee to bring the community together and support local chefs, the new iteration of this festival had its inaugural run in 2025, and this year’s 2026 event was nothing short of a triumph.

Across five incredible days, guests celebrated the resilience and talent of our culinary community through exclusive wine-paired dinners, industry tastings, and interactive culinary experiences. These gatherings took place at some of Lahaina’s most beloved dining destinations, including Māla Ocean Tavern, Coco Deck, and Sale Pepe. The festivities culminated in a picturesque Grand Taste held at the historic Jodo Mission in Lahaina. Pleased to see this year’s event was a great success, we are already counting down the days and look forward to attending the 3rd Annual Lahaina Food & Wine Festival in February 2027.

As we bid farewell to an eventful February, we remain incredibly grateful for the resilience, beauty, and vibrant lifestyle that make West Maui so special.

Aloha, Greg, Leah & Gidget

FEATURED LISTING OF THE MONTH

MONTHLY MAUI MARKET UPDATE

These Chinese almond cookies are buttery, crumbly, and lightly sweet, with that signature almond flavor and a lucky red dot. Just like the ones you’d spot at restaurants in Hawaiʻi, only fresher… because they’re homemade.

Chinese Almond Cookies

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the shortening, sugar, and almond extract until well combined. Then beat in the egg until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix using the pastry cutter just until a dough forms and is crumbly.
5. Using a cookie scoop, scoop some of the dough and roll the dough into large marble-sized balls and place on the cookie sheet.
6. Poke each dough ball with your finger to make a small dip in the center. Then dip the end of a chopstick into red food coloring and stamp (pressing into the dough) a dot in the center of the indent.
7. Optional: press an almond (sliced) on top after dotting.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve and enjoy!

Enjoy!

Chinese Almond Cookies Recipe from Ono Hawaiian Recipes