The Dog Days of Summer

Aloha Family & Friends,

Have you ever thought about the phrase, “the dog days of summer?” For many it evokes the images of thermometer topping temperatures, languid afternoons and endlessly still summer nights. For others, the long hot months brings to mind an extended sense of childhood timelessness making the most of those precious days before the next school year began. Like a prized window of time serving as a holding pattern before taking the next step.

That’s how life on Maui right feels right now. As our warmest days of the year continue to march on through August, we find ourselves in a holding pattern. A moment in time while we await a multitude of decisions on everything from housing to legislation to what the future “Front Street” of Lahaina will look like.

And then it occurred to us – this is the PERFECT time to stop and enjoy some of the things that we always intend to do, but somehow don’t get around very often. So, we’ve constructed a fun “to do” list for these last dog days of summer we thought you might also enjoy. They are:

Seek out a Condé Nast #1 rated beach. Which one might that be? Well, Ka’anapali Beach, of course!
Take a drive towards the North Shore and visit Twin Falls, right off Hana Highway. Beautiful!
Schedule a visit to the newly updated day spa at the Westin. The Heavenly Spa with a tranquil indoor-outdoor luxury sanctuary offers guests an unparalleled space to unwind and rejuvenate sounds like a perfect way to spend a day.
Speaking of treating yourself, here’s one of our favorite Maui classics not to be missed. Cool off with everyone’s favorite Hula Pie at the Hula Grill or Leilani’s at Whaler’s Village. Pro tip: Ask if they are offering a special flavor of the day. If you get lucky, you might catch them on a Kona Coffee or Mint Chip day!
Need more cooling off time? Check out the snorkeling at Napili Bay with an abundance of colorful fish, sea turtles and a few tide pools too.
Plans for the evening? As the day winds down and the dusky hues of sunset start to set in, try catching the Sunset Jazz Show on the rooftop at Ku’ia Chocolate in Lahaina. The music and ambiance are great and – better yet – you can also order custom wine and chocolate pairings.

So, to that “holding pattern” situation, we say thank you! Sometimes you just need to take the time to stop and smell the plumeria.

Aloha, Greg & Leah

FEATURED LISTING OF THE MONTH

Whaler I on Kaanapali Beach 821/823

2 BR/2BA | 1,444 SQFT | $2,995,000

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If you’re craving a bold, smoky steak that reminds you of backyard BBQs and beach park cookouts in Hawaiʻi, pulehu steak is where it’s at. This island-style grilled beef is all about simple seasonings, high-heat char, and local flavor. No heavy marinades here—just straight pulehu steak magic over the fire.

Pulehu Steak: Hawaii-Style Grilling Method

Ingredients

2 boneless ribeye steaks 12–16 oz each
1 tbsp Hawaiian salt
1 tbsp brown sugar
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
½ tsp togarashi pepper mix or more to taste
1 tbsp avocado oil or neutral oil
2 green onions thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions

Pat steaks dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with oil to help the seasoning stick and get a good sear.
In a small bowl, combine Hawaiian salt, brown sugar, garlic powder, ground ginger, onion powder, black pepper, and togarashi.
Sprinkle the seasoning mix generously over both sides of the steaks. Let them sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes to absorb flavor and cook more evenly.
Arrange charcoal on one side of the grill for a hot direct heat zone and leave the other side empty for indirect cooking. This two-zone method allows for both searing and gentle finishing.
Place steaks over the hot charcoal side and grill for 2–3 minutes per side, or until a nice sear forms. The brown sugar will caramelize, watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
Move steaks to the cool side of the grill. Close the lid and cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium rare, about 5–10 minutes depending on thickness.
Transfer steaks to a plate and let rest 5–10 minutes. Slice against the grain for tender bites.
Top sliced steak with green onions and serve with rice, grilled vegetables, or mac salad.

Enjoy!

Pulehu Steak: Hawaii-Style Grilling Method Recipe from Ono Hawaiian Recipes