Spotlight on Small Business

Spotlight on Small Business

Aloha Family & Friends,

Since January has been something of a fresh start for 2026, it’s a good time to look at other beginnings. In West Maui, we’re happy to report there have been 114 homes completed, and another 418 have been issued permits and are either under construction or ready to begin building. That’s a great start.

But that’s not the only kind of “beginning” we’re experiencing. We’ve steadily watched as former Lahaina Town businesses have reopened in alternative locations as well as a variety of new businesses popping up in town. Not only is supporting them is a way help keep our economy strong, but also a way to enjoy some great products and services!

Based on your feedback, we’ve noticed how much you enjoy learning about new businesses and unique local services on the island. For this reason, we are launching a new feature on our social media pages called “Spotlight on Small Business.” Over time, the Small Business Spotlight clips will take you on a tour of our favorites … from food to furniture and even facials! Well, that last one will be specifically a Leah post.

And not to worry if you’re not a social media person, our loyal newsletter folks will still be privy to all our favorite finds.

To start us off, we would like to tell you about Pau Bakery, a fantastic little bakeshop that quietly made its way onto the scene back in March. Their handcrafted pastries and fresh sourdough bread made fresh daily wowed us then and continues to impress. They are located just across from the Honokowai beach park at 3636 Lower Honoapiilani Rd. in Lahaina. Here’s a spotlight for you from our first visit recorded on both Facebook and Instagram. Might we recommend the Almond Croissants… we find them decadently, or should we say dangerously delicious!

Hope you enjoy this recommendation and keep an eye out for more “Spotlight on Small Business” to come.

With Aloha, Greg, Leah & Gidget

FEATURED LISTING OF THE MONTH

MONTHLY MAUI MARKET UPDATE

Does the cold weather have you dreaming of a hearty and comforting meal? We’ve got just the thing, Hawaiian Style Beef Stew with a rich savory twist!

Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew

Instructions

1. Season the beef: Place ¼ cup of the flour in a medium bowl. Using paper towels, pat the stew meat as dry as possible, then season generously with the salt and ground black pepper. Dredge the seasoned stew meat in the flour, coating the meat well but shaking off any excess flour. Set aside.
2. Brown the beef: Add the olive oil to a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat (I use a 5-quart Dutch oven). Once the oil and hot and shimmering, add in the beef, shaking off any excess flour before adding it into the pot. Brown 2-3 minutes per side, working in batches as necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot.
3. Build the Hawaiian beef stew: Once the beef is browned, add the remaining ingredients into the pot: celery, carrots, onions, potatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, shoyu, Worcestershire, and 3 ½ cups of the beef stock. Stir to combine.
4. Cook the Hawaiian beef stew: Increase the heat to high to bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fall-apart tender. Add the remaining ½ cup beef stock and ¼ cup all-purpose flour to a bowl or jar, whisking or shaking vigorously to combine until a slurry forms. While stirring, gradually pour the slurry into the beef stew. The stew should thicken almost immediately. Simmer 1-2 minutes longer to cook off the flour.
5. Serve the Hawaiian beef stew island-style, over a bed of rice.

Enjoy!

Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew Recipe from Plays Well With Butter