The Maui Online Podcast

In this episode, Show Curator Michael Pulliam of Maui OnStage gives us our own sneak peek at the upcoming 2019-2020 season at the ‘Iao Theater. The season begins this Friday, September 27 with The Graduate. Here’s the schedule of all 5 shows listed in the Maui Onstage 2019-2020 season: The Graduate September 27 – October 13 Benjamin Braddock is a confused young man. Having spent four years achieving a brilliant scholastic record, upon graduation he finds himself adrift, uncertain about his future, disconnected from his purpose, and increasingly alienated from the upper-class, suburban, “plastic” world of his parents. Fighting panic and boredom, he is deeply conflicted but ultimately willing when Mrs. Robinson, the unhappily married, alcoholic, and dangerously charismatic wife of his father’s business partner, tempts him into an affair. Benjamin’s tenuous existence of lazy days and stolen nights falls apart when he falls in love with Elaine, Mrs. Robinson’s upbeat, optimistic daughter. Terry Johnson’s stage adaptation of ‘The Graduate,’ based on the novel and the iconic 1967 film, is a bitterly hilarious dark comedy, full of rapid fire dialogue between fascinating and horrifying characters. This play explores family dysfunction, parental expectations, crumbling marriages, and the naive, yet disillusioned, dichotomy of youth, against the shiny backdrop of affluent Southern California in the 1960s.   Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical November 29 – December 15 The Tony Award-winning “Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical” is the captivating masterpiece that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly lovable Miss Honey. Even under Miss Honey’s watch however, Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing. The school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness and could be the school’s saving grace! Packed with high-energy dance numbers, and catchy songs, MATILDA is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.   A Chorus Line February 28 – March 15, 2020 “A Chorus Line” is a stunning concept musical capturing the spirit and tension of a Broadway chorus audition. Exploring the inner lives and poignant ambitions of professional Broadway gypsies, the show features one powerhouse number after another. Memorable musical numbers include “What I Did for Love, “One,” “I Can Do That,” “At the Ballet,” “The Music and the Mirror,” and “I Hope I Get It.” A brilliantly complex fusion of song, dance, and compellingly authentic drama, A CHORUS LINE was instantly recognized as a classic.   Cat on a Hot Tin Roof April 24 – May 10, 2020 In Tennessee William’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, a family celebrates the sixty-fifth birthday of Big Daddy, as they sentimentally dub him. The mood is somber, despite the festivities, because a number of evils poison the gaiety: greed, sins of the past and desperate, and clawing hopes for the future spar with one another as the knowledge that Big Daddy is dying slowly makes the rounds. Maggie, Big Daddy’s daughter-in-law, wants to give him the news that she’s finally become pregnant by Big Daddy’s favorite son, Brick, but Brick won’t cooperate in Maggie’s plans and prefers to stay in a mild alcoholic haze the entire length of his visit. Maggie has her own interests at heart in wanting to become pregnant, of course, but she also wants to make amends to Brick for an error in judgment that nearly cost her marriage. Swarming around Maggie and Brick are their intrusive, conniving relatives, all eager to see Maggie put in her place and Brick tumbled from his position of most-beloved son. By evening’s end, Maggie’s ingenuity, fortitude and passion will set things right, and Brick’s love for his father, never before expressed, will retrieve him from his path of destruction and return him, helplessly, to Maggie’s loving arms.   Priscilla Queen of the Desert: the musical July 10 – August 2, 2020 Based on the smash-hit movie, “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” the Musical is the heartwarming, uplifting adventure of three friends, Tick, Bernadette and Adam, a glamorous Sydney-based performing trio who agree to take their show to the middle of the Australian outback. They hop aboard a battered old bus (nicknamed Priscilla) searching for love and friendship and end up finding more than they ever could have ever dreamed of. With a dazzling array of outrageous Olivier and Tony award-winning costumes and a hit parade of dance floor favorites including “It’s Raining Men,” “I Will Survive,” “Hot Stuff,” “Boogie Wonderland,” “Go West,” “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” and “I Love The Nightlife,” this wildly fresh and funny musical is a journey to the heart of FABULOUS! The post Episode 7: Maui OnStage New Season Preview with Michael Pulliam appeared first on Maui Online.

Dan talks story with outrigger canoe racer Kaimana Brummel, and learns about her family’s ties to canoe paddling. At age 22, Kaimana became the Executive Director of Hawaiian Canoe Club, continuing the legacy of being deeply involved in this Kahului-based canoe club. Through her work with the club, Kaimana has organized the Pailolo Challenge outrigger canoe race. She also talks about how integrated canoe paddling is to Hawai’i’s culture and traditions, both in the past and in the present. Kaimana begins by talking about her own family’s roots in the paddling world, her involvement with Hawaiian Canoe Club, and how that has continued to shape her life with her own kids today. And through these stories, the idea begins to emerge that canoe paddling is much more than a sport not just to Kaimana, but to many people across these Hawaiian islands. Dan and Kaimana also talk about the history of the Hawaiian canoe here in Hawai’i, and how it played such an important role in pre-contact life. Hawaiians used outrigger canoes for fishing, sport, and transportation. But the missionary era had a stifling affect on Hawaiian culture, which has left knowledge gaps of tradition and cultural practices that are even felt today. Kaimana tells an amazing story that centers around the Hawaiian Canoe Club’s efforts to build a second koa canoe for their club, from harvesting the koa tree to creating the final outrigger. Kaimana expands on the metaphor that was used during the voyages of Hokule’a of a canoe as her moku (her sphere of influence, her immediate world, her area), and how we are all in the same canoe, depending on each other to move the canoe forwards. What can we learn from canoe racing and canoe paddling? And how can we take those lessons and apply them to our communities? During this talk story podcast, Kaimana helps us understand the important life lessons that are an everyday part of canoe paddling. And she believes that if more people were taught these lessons, it would have such a positive impact on communities across the world. The post Episode 6: Outrigger Canoe Paddling History and Culture with Kaimana Brummel appeared first on Maui Online.

This coming Saturday, almost a thousand canoe paddlers from across the globe will gather in west Maui for the start of the Pailolo Challenge, a 26 mile outrigger canoe race that crosses the Pailolo Channel between Maui and Moloka’i. And this week’s guest will fill us in on exactly what that means for the paddlers in this OC-6 (6-person) outrigger race. Her name is Kaimana Brummel, and she’s not only organized the event through her work with the Hawaiian Canoe Club, but she’s actually raced the Pailolo Challenge many times. In this podcast Kaimana to tell us why this is called the world’s funnest canoe race, and to talk about what makes canoe paddling much more than just a sport here in Hawaii. But my sit down with Kaimana didn’t stop at the Pailolo Challenge. We talked story about the world of canoe paddling as a whole, the cultural and historical significance of paddling to people here in Hawaii, and what lessons paddling can teach us both as individuals and members of a larger community. It’s a conversation that really opened up my eyes, but I  couldn’t squeeze that in to this podcast. So episode 6 of the Maui Online podcast will be my extended talk story with Kaimana, and believe me it’s a podcast you will not want to miss.  For now, enjoy a great talk all about the sport of canoe paddling, and the Pailolo Challenge. The post Episode 5: Pailolo Challenge with Kaimana Brummel appeared first on Maui Online.

In this special Labor Day podcast, we talked with artist, glass blower, jewelry maker, and sea turtle protector Amy Wakingwolf about her personal labor of love – volunteering with Hawaii Wildlife Fund to help watch sea turtle nests, clean up Maui’s beaches, and educate people about why Hawaii’s land and ocean environment is worth protecting. Amy’s labor of love involves a combination of social activism, volunteerism, artistic expression, and jewelry making all centered around Hawaii’s sea turtles. In this far ranging talk story episode, Amy discusses how she got involved with Hawaii Wildlife Fund, and what her personal connection is with Hawaii’s honu. Amy also discusses the dangers of plastics in our oceans and trash on our beaches and coastal areas, and her efforts to clean up Maui’s near shore environment. We talk about future plans to open up a marine discovery center on Maui’s west side in Kaanapali, and she explains her inspiration behind her popular Honu Collection jewelry line, and how creating sea turtle jewelry brought all of her passions together into one amazing life calling. And wrapped up in all of the conversation are some fascinating facts about Hawaii’s honu. For instance, did you know that a vast majority of green sea turtles don’t lay eggs here on Maui, but instead 800 miles away in the Northern Hawaiian Islands?! Amy is a wealth of information about honu, and provides listeners with even more inpsiration and information on how we all can get involved and have a positive impact on honu, and all ocean life throughout Hawaii. The post Labor of Love with Amy Wakingwolf appeared first on Maui Online.

In our third episode of The Maui Online Podcast, we invited Maui expert Matt Kerstein of Awapuhi Adventures into the studio to answer some Maui frequently asked questions (FAQs). We tackle topics such as the best way to experience The Road To Hana, how long it takes to reach Haleakala summit for sunrise and sunset, when to visit Maui for Whale Season, and Maui’s seasons and water temperatures year round. I even try to get Matt to reveal his favorite cheap eats around the island. Even for those experienced travelers to Maui, some of his answers will surprise you. And within his answers are some real gems of information for those looking to learn a bit more about Maui. For instance, while answering the age-old question of whether to stay on Maui’s southside (Kihei, Wailea) or westside (Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua), Matt reveals how Maui’s first master planned resort area (Kaanapali) originally got its name. The post Maui FAQs with Matt Kerstein appeared first on Maui Online.

Episode 2: Lahaina History Part 2 Aloha, and welcome to second episode of The Maui Online podcast, where we continue our historical look at Lahaina on Maui’s westside, from the Missionary Era to modern day Lahaina town.  Thanks once again to Theo Morrison and the Lahaina Restoration Foundation for taking the time to talk with us. During this talk story, we look back at the Old Courthouse and Banyan Tree Park, discuss Dwight Baldwin’s impact on Lahaina, and reflect on what makes Front Street such a unique spot on Maui. You’re sure to discover something you never knew about the island’s bustling westside hub. For instance, did you know that there used to be a fort where the courthouse now stands? Did you know that the Banyan Tree was almost cut down? Do you know who actually started preserving the town’s history? Theo Morrison discusses this and lots more during this episode. You can find out more about Lahaina and its history by visiting lahainarestoration.org. Consider going on one of their historic walking tours if you’re here on Maui, and see these historic sites firsthand – it’s really amazing. More about Maui And of course, you can explore the island of Maui anytime by watching our 24/7 live stream of Maui Visitor Channel. And if you find yourself on the Valley Isle, check out the Maui Visitor Channel 130 on cable tv. The post Maui Online Podcast: Lahaina History Part 2 appeared first on Maui Online.

Aloha, and welcome to Maui Online’s very first podcast. My name is Dan O’Brien. That’s right, this is episode number one of what we hope to be many more talk story segments all about the island of Maui – from history and culture to what’s happening around the island today. The premise is simple – I find the most interesting members of our community – and believe me, there are many to choose from – and I talk story with them to learn something new about Maui. And hopefully in the process you, the listener, learns something new as well! For this very first episode, I was lucky enough to sit down with Theo Morrison, Executive Director of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation, to explore Lahaina’s fascinating history. During an expansive interview with Theo, we explored everything Lahaina, beginning with its history as the capital of the Hawaiian Monarchy, through the whaling and missionary eras, the sugar cane era, all the way to the present day tourism era. The interview was held inside the Master’s Reading Room, an echoey upstairs area where you can almost feel the history of the space. The Lahaina Restoration Foundation is at the center of efforts to preserve and protect Lahaina’s amazing history, and they’re considered by many to be a deep well of knowledge when it comes to Lahaina’s past. So I took advantage of my time with Theo and touched on topics throughout Lahaina’s history. This first episode has us talking story about pre-contact Lahaina, Moku’ula and Lahaina’s history as the capital of the Hawaiian Monarchy, and the whaling and missionary eras. So, from the Master’s Reading Room at the Baldwin House Museum in Lahaina, here’s episode one of the Maui Online podcast The post Introducing the NEW Maui Online Podcast appeared first on Maui Online.