The Wisdom of the Whales

One of the best parts of February is that it’s right in the middle of whale season. Just imagine watching the blue skies and beautiful turquoise water and suddenly a gentle giant pops up out of the water, into an enjoyable and greatly needed breach. Why do they breach? It could be for a number of reasons. Perhaps they are communicating, mating, shaking off parasites or simply changing directions. Speaking of changes in direction, a notable new development occurred early this month in the Lahaina rebuild process.

To quote the County of Maui website:

“To expedite the rebuilding of Lahaina, Mayor Richard Bissen announced his intention to move forward with the temporary suspension of Special Management Area (SMA) rules for properties located mauka (inland) of Front Street within the impact zone. This decision, made in collaboration with Gov. Josh Green, is supported by new provisions in the Governor’s latest Emergency Proclamation, signed into law on Feb. 4, 2025. The suspension is expected to accelerate reconstruction efforts and support the community’s recovery.

Properties mauka of Front Street or outside of the erosion hazard line are now exempt from SMA rules, which typically require lengthy review processes. This allows property owners to apply for building permits and begin reconstruction more quickly. However, compliance with other regulations, such as Historical District permits, the West Maui Community Plan, Cultural Resources Commission review and County building permit processes, is still required.”

What does that mean for Lahaina? After nearly 18 months of indecision, this new direction from the County and State can allow residents and businesses on an additional 636 parcels to begin the process of moving forward. While we recognize it doesn’t answer all the questions for the future of the town, it’s a start. So, just as the whales can appreciate a change of direction, we do too.

Aloha, Greg & Leah

Download Printable Version

Explore the tropical flavors of our Hawaiian Banana Bread, featuring ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and coconut flakes. This delightful bread combines moist texture with sweet island taste for an easy-to-make treat.

Coconut Pineapple Banana Bread

Ingredients

½ cup of butter softened
1 cup of granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 very ripe banana mashed
1 cup of crushed pineapple undrained
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of baking powder
½ teaspoon of baking soda
¼ teaspoon of salt
¼ cup of shredded coconut

Instructions

Oven Preparation: Initiate the baking process by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the oven reaches the appropriate temperature for baking.
Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a substantial mixing bowl, utilize an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for introducing air into the batter, which helps in achieving a soft, well-risen bread.
Incorporating Eggs and Fruits: Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure thorough integration. Following the eggs, incorporate the mashed banana and crushed pineapple into the mixture, stirring until evenly combined.
Combining Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid over-mixing, which could lead to a denser loaf.
Adding Coconut: Fold in the shredded coconut, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the batter to infuse the bread with its distinctive flavor and texture.
Baking the Bread: Transfer the batter into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean, indicating that it is fully baked.

Variations and Substitutions

Whether you’re accommodating dietary needs or just like to mix things up, here are some handy variations and substitutions for our Hawaiian Banana Bread:

Gluten-Free Flour: Easily swap out regular flour for a gluten-free blend to make this bread suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Sugar Alternatives: Coconut sugar or a sugar substitute can be used in place of white sugar for a healthier option or different flavor profile.
Add Nuts: Introduce chopped macadamia nuts for an extra crunchy texture and a nuttier flavor, enhancing the tropical vibe.
Vegan Adaptations: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs to cater to a vegan diet without sacrificing texture or taste.

Enjoy!

Coconut Pineapple Banana Bread recipe from That Oven Feelin