Saturday, March 18, 2017

Shep Gordon's New Year's Eve Extravaganza on Maui 2016 - 2017

Dave Mason and me
Me and "Weird" Al Yankovic
There are many things to do on Maui New Year's Eve! You can enjoy a simple celebration with your own fireworks on one of our many beautiful public beaches (as of this writing they are legal) and watch spectacular fireworks at the stroke of midnight launched from a barge out over the ocean in Wailea and also Lahaina.  Sometimes the best things in life are free.  Plus we have great weather year round that help make our celebrations enjoyable and comfortable.  We are indeed spoiled!

Many Maui restaurants, bars, and hotels offer tickets for their private parties if you want a more intimate, upscale experience that includes dinner, dancing, and kick off at midnight.

My video shorts of the fun event.  You will see great actors and singers 
not pictured in this blog.  Watch to see who the surprise celebrities are.



Fergie and Lynda Carter
Steven Tyler
This year December 31, 2016 I celebrated by attending Shep Gordon's New Year's Eve extravaganza!  What a blast.  My bucket list item fulfilled.  It was pricey but well worth it for the entertainment.  They served light pupus at 7:30 pm and I do mean light, so be sure you have dinner before you arrive. The bar served drinks all night long.  The ticket price increased this year 2016/2017  compared to Shep's previous parties.  My ticket was well over $600.  I'm not sure how many people attended.  Perhaps it was a couple hundred?  I liked the fact it was not too crowded.  I felt it was the perfect amount of visitors.  There was plenty of space to move and dance.  I met  interesting people who tell me they make this event their annual celebration.
Who is this man? 
Does anyone know?


Me and Shep Gordon
If you do not know who Shep Gordon is check-out this entertaining documentary of his fascinating life "Supermensch" produced and directed by Mike Myers.  It is funny.

Many of the famous performers are local Maui residents. The event is a fundraiser for the Maui Food Bank and the Maui Arts and Cultural Center.  It is good to know that the price of the ticket helps our Maui community.


Me and Diana Krall
Me and Alto Reed
I had so much fun. It is one of the best events I have experienced here on Maui.  The celebrities sometimes sit in the audience to see the other entertainers perform.  I was able to meet a few during and after the show.

About 11:30 pm we left the ballroom of the hotel and headed to the rooftop of the Marriott hotel to experience the firework show over the ocean.  It was beautiful from above and I have seen it below in past years on the beach walk.

I created a short video of the event....Since I was dancing  and filming I decided to use a tool in YouTube that stabilizes the video it worked!  However, the words I typed are a little jumpy.  It took forever to upload to YouTube so I don't plan on fixing that minor issue.  I hope you enjoy the video and get a feel for the fun!
Alice Cooper and Damon Johnson

You never know who Alice Cooper's friends will be.  They keep it a surprise and mystery until the moment you are there.

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Kanai A Nalu Unit 414 - Peace and quiet awaits you at this gorgeous ocean front home

Kanai A Nalu Unit 414
Peace and quiet awaits you at this gorgeous ocean front home

2 Bedroom / 2 Bath • Sleeps 4

Ocean front condo on 4th and top floor with beautiful ocean views! HIGH-END gorgeous upgraded property. Quiet home listen to the sounds of the sea


Welcome to Kana'i A Nalu a quiet resort that sits on the ocean away from the road.  This complex sits directly on a 3-mile stretch of white sand beach that spans almost the entire Ma'alaea Bay. This setting is wonderful for romantic sunset strolls. For the more active person this is a great beach to run on as you can do so for miles in peace away from the crowds. The west end of the beach is Haycraft Park and Ma'alaea Harbor. If there is a big south swell, the wave off the harbor, "Freight Trains," can be one of the best in the world attracting expert surfers. Towards the east of Ma'alaea is a great spot for windsurfing, during both trade and Kona winds. This property is located less than a mile walking distance to Ma'alaea Harbor and it is centrally located on the island between South and North Maui. Three miles of quiet sandy beach will entice you to walk, run, or build sand castles. The tropical water is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, or windsurfing.

A short walk down the quiet, tree-lined road will lead you to Ma’alaea Harbor with its great restaurants and shops, including the Five Star rated waterfront. Just steps away is the Maui Ocean Center Aquarium, a putt-putt golf course, rock climbing wall, trampoline and bumper boats. Fun for the entire family!

The lanai is the perfect place to enjoy morning coffee or tea as you watch the whales playing (December-March) or boats going in and out of the harbor. The ocean front heated pool is set in a tropical landscaped courtyard that will inspire you to relax.  If you’re not into swimming there are plenty of lounge chairs for reading and sunning. There are charcoal barbecues and a gas grill for you to use.

This 950 sq ft condo has two bedrooms and two full bathrooms, both have identical walk-in showers one has an added bench for sitting.  This lovely home is a highend remodel suite  for guests who want to stay in luxury and comfort.  Enjoy the tropical décor, three flat screen TVs, and Hunter Douglas blinds. The master bedroom has a comfortable king bed, the other bedroom has two comfy twin beds. There is a fully equipped kitchen that includes a washer and dryer.

This unit includes a window A/C in the living room should you need it although we find it is rarely needed because the tradewinds keep you comfortable.  There are 6 ceiling fans, and FREE secure Wi-Fi Internet access for your laptop and other devices. This unit is spacious and bright. The kitchen is fully stocked with dishwasher, stove/oven; linens and towels; washer/dryer inside the unit; a telephone for free calls, cable TV, and CD/stereo. This opulent suite sleeps 4 guests maximum. 

This privately owned vacation condo is operated in full compliance with Hawaii law. General Excise and Transient Accommodation taxes are collected and transmitted to the State of Hawaii on all rentals:  163-975-5776-01