Calling Seabirds Home As Wind Lease Renews
By Taryn Kama
On a quiet stretch of protected habitat on Maui, speakers hidden in the brush play the sound of seabirds calling into the night—a hopeful chorus meant to lure lost travelers home.
It’s a clever conservation trick known as “social attraction,” designed to convince endangered seabirds that a site is safe enough to nest. And it’s working. Sort of.
“The funny thing,” said biologist Jay Penniman, Special Projects & Development Specialist with the Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project (MNSRP), “is that the birds are coming back— but so far, almost all the ones we’ve sampled have been female.”
That unexpected twist highlights one of the challenges facing MNSRP, a program dedicated to rebuilding fragile seabird populations while mitigating losses tied to wind energy development.
Founded in 2006, MNSRP began after staff documented one of Hawaii’s largest known breeding colonies of endangered Hawaiian petrels (‘ua‘u) in the upper Lāna‘i watershed. Since then, the team has searched for colonies across Maui, Moloka‘i, and Lāna‘i, removing predators, restoring habitat, and educating the public. The project is a program of the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, in partnership with the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources and Living Pono Project.
Windmill Lease Renewed
The seabird recovery work is tied to the recently renewed 25-year lease for Kaheawa Wind Power I above Mā‘alaea. On Jan. 23, the Board of Land and Natural Resources unanimously approved the lease, allowing continued operation of the existing wind facility, which has produced renewable energy since 2006. The wind farm spans roughly 200 acres and includes 20 turbines capable of powering about 17,000 Maui homes annually, according to a Board press release.
While turbines generate clean energy, they also pose risks to birds. To offset impacts, the wind operator funds habitat restoration, predator control, and monitoring programs.
“They don’t want to be killing birds,” Penniman said. “So they fund mitigation, and we work with them to protect habitat and give these species a better chance.”
MNSRP’s conservation work includes predator-proof fencing, trapping cats, rats, and mongoose, planting native vegetation, and monitoring nests. At one fenced site, recorded bird calls are broadcast to attract returning seabirds. “It tells them other birds are there and it’s safe to land,” Penniman said.
The technique has drawn dozens of ‘a‘o (Newell’s shearwaters), ‘ua‘u (Hawaiian petrels), and ‘akē‘akē (band-rumped storm petrels)-all endemic to Hawaii—back to the area over several years.
“Without enough males, breeding remains limited, and population growth is slow.”
“We’ve had around 40 to 45 birds returning,” he said. “But almost every one has been female. We know at least one male has shown up because for three years a chick was raised each year in one burrow, but it’s been a mystery.”
Without enough males, breeding remains limited, and population growth is slow. “Social attraction takes time,” he added. “We’re experimenting with different calls and approaches.”
Penniman said seabirds play a critical environmental role, transporting nutrients from the ocean to land through their guano, which fertilizes native plants and even benefits nearshore reefs. “They bring marine nutrients back to the island,” he said. “That supports vegetation, insects, and even coral reef systems offshore.”
At restored coastal colonies, the effects are clear. Sites that once had only a handful of burrows now host hundreds after sustained predator trapping and habitat restoration.
While endangered seabirds receive the most attention, other species are affected too. For example, Nēnē, Hawaii’s state bird, and several migratory seabirds are killed by turbines. Sometimes more migratory birds get killed than endangered ones, because there are more of them, Penniman noted.
Article Continues On Page 4. >
Mariah Rivera, MNSRP Biologist, holds an ‘a’o after banding, ready to return to its burrow at Makamaka’ole Seabird Exclosure.
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Two Events Enliven Maui’s Art Scene In February
By Cindy Schumacher
Maui Plein Air Invitational
Paint Maui 2026, an annual Plein Air Invitational event, is being sponsored by Village Gallery, local artists, local businesses, and art enthusiasts.
Beginning on Sat., Feb. 14 through Sun., Feb. 22, 20 invited artists from the islands and the mainland will be traveling and painting scenes throughout Maui.
“In addition, the public can enjoy three painting demonstrations, where residents and guests are invited to experience the creative process firsthand and connect with artists as they bring their visions to life,” said Lynn Shue, owner of Village Galleries, Lahaina. “The event culminates with the Awards Presentation and Grand Art Sale at our new Village Gallery, located near the Cannery Mall, next to the Bank of Hawai’i, where the finished works will be on display. All paintings from the 2026 participating invitational artists will be offered for purchase.”
The sales begin Fri., Feb. 20 at 5pm at Village Gallery and continues on Sat., Feb. 21 and Sunday until noon. A portion of event proceeds supports the Lahaina Restoration Foundation, helping to preserve the historic and cultural sites that make Lahaina a place of enduring beauty.
“Our emphasis is on a relaxed fun event for all involved,” Shue noted. “Our gallery, with over 50 years of operation in Lahaina, is now open in its new location. After the devastating loss of our previous gallery in the August 2023 wildfire, we feel blessed to be in the perfect venue for our art sales.”
An artist captures a harbor scene at a previous Maui Plein Air Invitational event.
Plein air, a French expression meaning “in the open air,” refers to painting outdoors with the artist’s subject in full view. This method allows artists to directly capture the natural effects of light, color, and atmosphere; contrasting with traditional studio painting that might create a predetermined look.
The practice gained prominence in the 19th century, particularly with the Impressionists who were enabled by the invention of portable paint tubes and easels.
“Our public painting venues provide an opportunity to meet the artists and watch them as they construct their paintings,” Shue explained. “Artists will be working with oil, acrylic, pastel and watercolor media. We are blessed with year-round weather conductive to painting outdoors. There has been a rich history of plein air painters in Hawai’i, which has been populated with both artists and art galleries, and has been an art destination that attracts enthusiasts and collectors.”
The event schedule featuring public painting venues for the invited artists, a free lecture at the Kapalua Ritz Carlton and Children’s Painting Day at the Hyatt Regency Kā’anapali can be found online at www.paintingmaui. com, besides Facebook and Instagram pages. All Paint Maui 2026 events are free. Additional information about the invited artists can also be found on the website, www.paintingmaui.com.
Maui Open Studio (MOS)
Welcoming the public to the home of creative inspiration, another local artists’ association, MOS, features free self-guided tours of artist studios and exhibition spaces islandwide during several weekends (see below) in February. During the annual event, the art-loving public is invited to enjoy one-on-one interactions with the artists, to have the opportunity to learn about what inspires them, to talk story, and to purchase art directly from the artists themselves.
Artist venues can range from gallery settings to home studios, outdoor venues and other alternative exhibition spaces. Many artists have live entertainment or serve refreshments, some give live demonstrations, and there are often art supplies as well as art to purchase.
“To assist you, there are online artist directories, Google maps, and GPS, to guide visitors to the artist studios and exhibition spaces around Maui,” said Deb Lynch, an artist active with MOS for 10 years.
During the event, there are street signs directing you to artist locations. This provides a great opportunity for artists and art collectors to connect one-on-one with one another in interesting and inspiring environments.
“Our emphasis is on a relaxed fun event for all involved,.”
It’s a wonderful experience to meet the artists, to see some of them demonstrating their techniques, and to be able to buy in person some beautiful art and memories.”
The MOS annual event, held since 2010, connects hundreds of art lovers and art collectors, both locals and tourists alike, with the MOS artists. Attendance is free. Visit artists during the following three weekends when they open their studios and exhibition spaces to the public.
Weekend 1: Upcountry; February 14-15, 11am-6pm
Weekend 2: Central, North, Lower Haiku, and Hana; February 21-22, 11am-6pm
Weekend 3: South Maui; February 28-March 1, 11am-6pm
For more information about MOS, visit mauiopenstudios.com. Y
J. Felix
Kevin Omuro and Dennis Chamberlain ready their studio. Photo Credit: Mieko Horikoshi
Seabird Recovery Faces Challenges Head On Maui People Care
mid the steady drumbeat of negative national news, Maui somehow continues to hold on to its mellow vibe. Even local protests
The most heartening news is FEMA’s decision to extend housing support for another year, providing critical stability for hundreds of fire survivors who might otherwise face houselessness or uncertainty by the end of February.
Our cover story offers another note of hope, spotlighting efforts to restore seabird populations against long odds. It’s a powerful reminder that many in our community deeply care about the impact of human activity and invasive predators on Maui’s fragile ecosystems.
Maui is buzzing again—visitor numbers appear to be rising, and February is packed with all kinds of events that give everyone plenty to look forward to! - Eric T. Richter, Publisher Y
Maui Pulse is published by Maui Promotions.
Publisher & Editor ~ Eric T. Richter
Associate Publisher ~ Taryn Kama
Chief Creative Officer ~ Shai Zen Domingo
Phone/Text: (808) 344-6195
Email: MauiPulse@aol.com
Website: mauipulsenews.com
Address: Maui Promotions, 3666 L. Honoapiilani Rd. B-8 Lahaina, HI 96761
How the public can help
Small actions by residents also make a difference. Outdoor lights can disorient young seabirds on their first flight to sea, and cats pose a threat both as predators and carriers of toxoplasmosis. “Turning off unnecessary lights and keeping cats indoors or on a leash can really help,” Penniman said.
Despite the challenges—from predators to turbines to the missing males— Penniman remains optimistic. “When you remove predators and restore habitat, the birds come back,” he said. “We’ve seen colonies grow from a few dozen burrows to thousands.”
Article Continued From Page 1. ‘Ua’u exercising its wings getting ready to fly after being recovered from light distraction.
Until a few more eligible males return, the speakers will keep playing through the Maui night—a hopeful soundtrack for seabirds searching for home.
Dining On A Whim At Mama’s Fish House Feels Extra Special!
By The Unknown Eater
Scoring a last-minute reservation at Mama’s Fish House can feel like winning the lottery. Most weeks, this iconic Ku‘au restaurant is booked months in advance for celebrations and special occasions.
So when a midweek opening appeared, we happily grabbed a small table in the bar—an intimate perch that turned out to be perfect for a relaxed evening.
We began with cocktails, keeping things light and refreshing. I opted for a simple silver tequila with soda water—crisp, clean, and ideal after a warm Maui day. My spouse chose the Pau Hana, a bright blend of gin, guava, Tahitian lime, and ginger.
It arrived fragrant and slightly tart, with just enough spice from the ginger to make it interesting. Both drinks felt thoughtfully balanced and set the tone for the meal ahead.
For our starter, we shared the Hawaiian Ahi Sashimi with fresh wasabi and truffle shoyu. The fish was impeccably fresh—silky, clean, and ocean-
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sweet — the kind of quality you expect from Mama’s longstanding relationships with local fishermen. The truffle shoyu added a subtle earthiness without overpowering the ahi, and the fresh wasabi delivered a gentle heat that elevated each bite. It was simple, elegant, and memorable.
For my entrée, I ordered a longtime favorite: Mama’s signature curry with mahi mahi, ahi, and salmon, accompanied by banana, macadamia nuts, sambal, and mango chutney.
The dish has always been comforting and complex, a beautiful blend of sweet, savory, and spice. This time, however, it surprised me. The curry was noticeably richer than I remembered — almost buttery, with a heavier mouthfeel that made the dish feel more indulgent than balanced.
While the flavors were still delicious and the seafood perfectly cooked, the richness made it difficult to finish.
Still, Mama’s remains special not just for the food, but for the setting and experience—the oceanfront views, the warm service, and the sense that you’re dining somewhere deeply connected to Maui’s culinary history. Even on a quiet weeknight at the bar, it feels like an occasion.
Ahi Sashimi at Mama’s Fish House is always a delight. Photo Credit: IG
The Year Of The Fire Horse Sparks Numerous Celebrations
By Cindy Schumacher
The Chinese New Year, beginning Tues., Feb. 17, marks the Year of the Fire Horse. It’s a widely celebrated time of year when you hear the traditional greeting, Kung Hei Fat Choy. This Chinese salutation brings best wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year, with an emphasis on wealth and success.
“The Fire Horse is full of enthusiasm, speed and a fiery spirit,” said Sarah Shim, president of the Kwock Hing Society in Kula. “It’s a year to take bold steps and achieve fast progress like the horse, who is energetic, independent, adventurous, intelligent, and strong-willed. The fire element intensifies the horse’s speed. During the Chinese New Year families gather to honor traditions steeped in history alongside Maui’s local culture.”
Dr. Busaba Yip, docent of the former Wo Hing Museum on Front Street, explained, “The horse will canter its way to center stage with fresh starts, deep personal and collective rebirths, self-awareness, and new beginnings. Continuing to recover after the 2023 Lahaina fires, I have high hopes for 2026. The spiritual significance is that it’s the start of a new nine-year cycle of a powerful dynamic combination that happens again only once every 60 years with the 12 animals. According to Chinese astrology, each element has distinct traits. The five elements, earth, water, fire, metal, and wood correspond with the traits of the zodiac animal as each animal cycles through the influence of each element.”
Yip added, “The 2026 zodiac cycle of the fire horse can be seen as a year of powerful forward momentum. It brings new leadership and actions that will help build foundations for new projects and chapters in our lives. The new year is met with family reunions, dinners, fireworks, gifted red envelopes with money in them, plus one of the most recognizable celebrations, the lion dance.”
There are numerous Chinese New Year events throughout Maui, including:
• Maui Mall Village on Feb. 21, 9 am-3 pm;
• The Kwock Hing Society of Kula on March 1, at 178 Middle Road, Keokea, Kula, for which reservations are needed, email Society@gmail.com.;
• Lahaina Comprehensive Health Center on Feb. 16, 1-4 pm at 1830 Honoapi’ilani Highway, below the Civic Center;
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Big Island Four Seasons Mauna Kea Beach Resort
• Kaunoa West Maui, Feb. 11, 10am-noon at Kaunoa West Maui YMCA, 226 Kupuohi Street, Lahaina;
• Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, Feb. 18, 11am-1pm;
• The Shops at Wailea, Feb. 19, 2:30-4pm.
Huge selection of local glass pipes, water pipes, incense, vaporizers, dab rigs, largest selection of papers on the island.
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Fr. George Wong enjoys a previous celebration at Kwock Hing Temple in Kula. Photo: Cindy Schumacher
Feb. 1-15
GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL! The hilarious new musical about an unintentionally hilarious new musical! At the ProArts Playhouse in Kihei. Visit proartsmaui.org for dates and tickets.
Feb. 8
MYSTIC HOLISTIC FAIR & CRYSTAL SALE Sun. Feb 8 ~ 12-6pm joins the Wailea Healing Center’s 9th Anniversary Celebration. Intuitive Readers, Astrologers, body work, crystals, jewelry, art, unique gifts and crafts. Plus speakers, music and food! Call Judy Levy for info: 808/269-7762
Events Calendar
Feb. 11
KAWIKA KAHIAPO is featured at George Kahumoku’s Slack Key Show. Napili Kai Beach Resort. 6:30pm Tickets: www. Slackkeyshow.com or 808-669-3858
Feb. 11
9TH ANNUAL WORLD WHALE FILM FESTIVAL returns to the Historic Iao Theater, 6–9pm for an inspiring evening of ocean storytelling. Powerful short films celebrating whales, marine conservation, and our shared responsibility to protect the ocean. Tickets: pacificwhale.org
Feb. 11-14
MAUI SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL at the Ritz Carlton, Kapalua. The world’s best singer-songwriters come together! Visit www. mauisongwritersfestival.com
Feb. 12
CONSCIOUS CONNECTIONS invites you to come, meet new friends, Thurs., Feb .12 4-6pm. It’s a special meetup for Love Week! At the friendly Paia Bay Café. Hosts Judy Levy & Dahi Hakim. Call Judy for more info: 808.269-7762
Feb. 14
WHALE WATCH FUNDRAISER for Aloha Maui Pride, 1-3pm Sat., Feb. 14. Watch whales and enjoy pupus and drinks with your Maui LGBT+ ohana. Check listing on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ alohamauipride
Feb. 14-17
HARDY, EXPERIENCED BACKPACKERS needed for service in Haleakalā National Park February 14-17. Stay in Paliku Patrol Cabin, and help the Friends of Haleakalā National Park remove invasive plants or collect native seeds to protect native habitat. Register your readiness at www. fhnp.org/Service.html, then contact andy@fhnp.org or matt @fhnp.org.
Feb. 14, March 14
HAMMOCK YOGA & SOUND HEALING + Temple Spa Mini Retreat with Heather & Donny Regal, 2-6pm, Saturdays February 14, March 14. Two hours Spa + 2 hours class $50-$100. Must preregister BlackSwanTemple.org/ Events 808-269-4333
Feb. 15
Valentine’s Weekend with The STYLISTICS and The MANHATTANS! Legendary ‘60s groups at the MACC with a dance floor! Tickets: mauiarts.org
Feb. 17
YEAR OF THE FIRE HORSE RITUAL - Visioning, Sound Healing, Cacao, Live Music & Dance with Heather & Donny Regal & Friends, Temple of Peace, Tuesday, February 17. 6pm Doors open, Ritual begins at 6:30pm. Sliding Scale $30-$50. Preregister to receive Free Visioning Guide BlackSwanTemple.org/Events, 808.269.4333
Feb. 18
KIMO WEST is featured at George Kahumoku’s Slack Key Show. Napili Kai Beach Resort. 6:30pm Tickets: www.Slackkeyshow.com or 808-669-3858
Feb. 21
MULTIDIMENSIONAL MANIFESTATION: “The New Approach” February 21st. Pre-Registration Required: soulvoyageadventures.com (808) 264-0972
Feb. 21 & 22
REIKI TRAINING . Empower Your Healing Ability. Facilitated by Jenna Keck, Reiki Master. 408-6214102. Info./register online www.LifestyleReiki.com
Feb. 25
ANTHONY PFLUKE is featured at George Kahumoku’s Slack Key Show. Napili Kai Beach Resort. 6:30pm Tickets: www. Slackkeyshow.com or 808-669-3858.
Feb. 25
SAMMY OBEID, (Netflix, NBC, TikTok) returns to Maui for an unforgettable night of laughs! 6:30pm at the ProArts Playhouse, Kihei. Tickets: proartsmaui.org
Feb. 28, March 21
YIN YOGA SOUND HEALING ~ Saturdays with Lydee. 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Lumeria Maui Wellness Retreat. Cacao. Yin Yoga. Chakra clearing with crystals, and healing sound bath. Crystals are provided and available for purchase. For more info: 808-757-1111. $55
Page 8 Maui Pulse February, 2026
ONGOING EVENTS
ART HAPPY HOUR, 3-6PM Fridays at The Village Galleries, Lahaina Cannery Mall. Meet guest artists and enjoy refreshments!
Events Calendar Plankenstein: A Killer Surf Movie
DANCE with Annie Stackhouse Browning MFA Mondays and Thursdays 8:30 to 9:30 AM Wailea Healing Center. A super fun way to improve posture alignment and body integration. Warmup stretches followed by ballet basics, simple phrases and improv games. By donation. Join us!
CELTIC MUSIC TWICE EVERY SUNDAY Hamish’s ‘Maui Celtic Radio Show’ 8-10am & 5-7pm on KAKU 88.5fm Maui. No signal?online at https://www.akaku.org/ kaku-88-5-fm/
GEORGE KAHUMOKU’S SLACK KEY SHOW: Every Wednesday. Napili Kai Beach Resort. February Guests: Led Kaapana, Kawika Kahiapo, Kimo West, Anthony Pfluke Tickets: www.SlackKeyShow.com/showschedule or 808-669-3858
COMPLIMENTARY MONTHLY REIKI SHARE for people touched by cancer; by Reiki with Jenna in partnership with Maui Cancer Resources Angels on Assignment. Reserve: 408-621-4102 Jenna@ lifestylereiki.com
HUI NO‘EAU VISUAL ARTS CENTER, Upcountry. The Hui offers classes, workshops, and camps for all ages and artistic abilities. Hui classes include programs in drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, jewelry, ceramics, glassblowing, Hawaiian arts and more! Info.: huinoeau.com
ENJOY A VARIETY of sound healing and wellness events powered by scalar energy, with several offerings each week. Full schedule at mauiscalarroom.com/ events/
FIND EVENTS, meet new people and join the LGBTQIA+ community! Brunches, hiking, live entertainment. yearly festival and much more. Aloha Maui Pride on FB or visit AlohaMauiPride.org.
FREE LIVE MUSIC most nights at South Maui Gardens, Kihei. Enjoy food from 10-plus food trucks, artisan and farmer’s market, special events and more, all in a laid-back, family friendly atmosphere. Visit southmauigardens.com.
Maui Pulse calendar listings are 40 cents a word. Send to Maui Pulse@aol.com before Fri., Feb. 20 to be included in our March/April edition.
By Barry Wurst II
In a year where Hawaii independent cinema gave us so many great works to seek out and treasure, there’s always at least one in the batch that stands out, simply for being so different.
In the past, I can think of Christopher Makoto Yogi’s spiritual period piece, “I Was A Simple Man” (2021) and Christopher Kahunahana’s devastatingly powerful “Waikiki” (2020) and Mitchell Merrick’s engrossing “Water Like Fire” (2020), all tremendously accomplished films by local filmmakers that portray contemporary Hawaii.
On the far more niche side of movie tastes is Diq Diamond’s “Plankenstein: A Killer Surf Movie” (2025). Diamond’s film, a low budget but inventive, gross-and-proud-of-it horror/comedy, isn’t trying to be art but works overtime to make sure its audience is having fun.
The plot: on a beach inhabited by (from what we witness) stoners and lunatics, a mysterious surfboard has a strange draw for wave riders. The creature of the title is a board with stitches and bolts that occasionally bleeds and frequently turns on whoever is riding it. The local authorities get involved but no one can resist catching the ultimate wave, even as the possessed surfboard gets angry and casually rips off pieces of whoever is riding it.
The two young leads, Leilani Ramos and Alex Dayuha, have real screen presence and Robert Maclean steals his scenes as a stoner who goes by the name of “Scary.”
At times, the editing lets the movie down. On the other hand, give Diamond (who also wrote the screenplay) credit: even when the cast lands on a one-liner that bombs, or a gag that inspires groans and little else, he keeps it moving and the jokes come non-stop.
Because it’s highly profane, crass and proudly outrageous (in addition to heads, all sorts of other appendages are chopped off), the feeling is that Diamond has seen the films of Lloyd Kaufman’s Troma Studios (take that as either a compliment or a stern warning for the uninitiated).
To put it mildly, this is a silly, vulgar horror spoof. If you’re not on the film’s wavelength from the very start, it’s easy to dismiss. On the other hand, whether the movie was trying to be funny on purpose or by accident, I was laughing almost the entire time.
Diamond’s film had a theatrical run on Oahu and is now free to view on Tubi and other streaming sites. In the year that brought us groundbreaking documentaries on the Lahaina fire and the exhilarating “Chief of War” on AppleTV+, Diamond’s movie stands out for being such an elaborate goof.
Here’s a B-movie that lives up to its title and dishes out delightfully disreputable entertainment value. Also, Mary Shelley fans can save their disgust – unlike the recent Guillermo del Toro film, this is nothing at all like “Frankenstein.”
Imagine if “Beach Blanket Bingo” (1965) was invaded by “The Toxic Avenger” (1985), set in modern-day Oahu. Diamond’s film won’t win Oscars but expect a cult following.
Y
February, 2026 Maui Pulse Page 9
American singer-songwriter JOHN CRAIGIE will perform contemporary folk music along with special guest Will Evans, who explores the boundaries between folk, electronics and rock. 7:30pm, Feb. 28 at the MACC. Tickets: mauiarts.org Photo: Carly Montgomery
Not All Habits Are Detrimental To Our Self-Esteem
By Elena Lissone
Hi it’s Elena, your self-esteem reminder. Years ago a friend of mine asked me “Isn’t it enough to be a good person?” I immediately answered “I think so.”
Since that time I’ve expanded on that thought.
In order to consider what a good person is, we would have to define goodness. Unfortunately, there is judgment attached to that definition.
Here’s to compassionate as I believe it would be one standard of goodness in my book. Another would be someone who can do service without expecting praise and glorification. Goodness, in my view, means doing more than the bare minimum. I don’t believe someone else’s view of you as to if you are a good person or not, is necessarily accurate by your standards. We can strive and pad our self-esteem anyway we darn well feel like.
A wise spiritual teacher once stood on a stage and declared “What you think of me is none of my business.” That statement resonated with me to this day and is a
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wonderful guide in my quest for authenticity. The image you have of yourself very well may depend on your view of your own level of self-esteem. No one can take it from you, and certainly, no one else can give it to you.
Goodness cannot be measured through someone else’s eyes when it comes to delivering high self esteem for yourself.
The great self-esteem motivator Ernie Larson said it quite clearly and I will paraphrase for you right now. If you are
repeatedly doing self-esteem lowering behavior, there’s only one way to raise it and that is to stop.
We all have habits we may like to eliminate or modify in any case. Not all of these habits are detrimental to our self-esteem and only you can decide if they are so. And then we have the option to get busy ridding ourselves of them or changing the way our self-esteem exhibits if we keep these habits.
It is my wish to stay focused enough to combat any self-esteem lowering behavior I still exhibit.
We are so much more than anyone else’s view of our goodness. Our capacity to grow and improve our personhood, Is proof enough that striving to become more and better is not a waste of time. May you be blessed with the energy and fortitude to continue this quest. In order to shine brightly we sometimes have to let our guard down and take risks. That’s not to say take reckless risks. Keep your center, do good deeds and confirm yourself to positive growth.
Stay healthy, grounded and be good to yourself. Much aloha, a hui hou.
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Are You A Maui Love Machine?
By Jonathan Yudis
“Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.”Franklin P. Jones
I’ve always loved this line because it cuts straight through the noise. Success is great. Money can be fun. But we need to let go of the endless chase for “more.” And then there is “love.”
Love is the reason we’re here. It’s the thread that holds us and everything together. It’s the quiet truth humming beneath every moment of our lives.
If there’s one thing that is worthwhile in our lives, I believe it’s to deepen our experience of love. To practice it. To share it. To become it. Love isn’t just something we fall into with another person—it’s something we grow into within ourselves.
It’s how we show up in the world, how we forgive, how we listen, how we choose kindness even when it’s inconvenient.
Maui, in its gentle and powerful way, seems to understand this lesson better than most places. The island invites us— sometimes nudges us, sometimes insists— that we slow down and feel more.
This might look like a romantic dinner at Mama’s Fish House, where time stretches, the ocean whispers nearby, and every bite feels like a celebration of place. Or a sunset stroll along the beaches of Makena or Napili, where the sky blushes pink and gold, and you remember how small—and how connected—you are.
Love can also be found higher up. Hiking into Haleakalā Crater, spending the night
in a cabin or under the stars, watching the universe unfold in a kaleidoscope of light— there’s something profoundly intimate about standing beneath the vastness of it all. It reminds us that love is both delicate and enormous.
Sometimes love looks like adventure: chasing waterfalls in Huelo or Hana, getting a little muddy, laughing when plans go sideways.
And sometimes love is service—like volunteering at Hale Kau Kau or the Maui Food Bank, offering time and presence, and remembering that compassion is love in action.
And here’s a quiet truth that I’ve learned along the way: we don’t need another person to go on a date. We don’t need permission to experience romance, beauty, or joy. All we need is the willingness to open our hearts.
Because the most important person we will ever love—and forgive—is ourselves. When we do that, this ride becomes richer, softer, and far more meaningful.
And suddenly, everywhere we go becomes our love story.
After all, love is what makes the ride worthwhile.
Y
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Maribeth Theisen, MSW, LCSW, CCHt
Jonathan volunteering in the Hale Kau Kau soup kitchen.
The Young Monk Quietly Serving Maui, One
Morning At A Time
Rooted In Peace, He Leads The Rinzai Zen Temple
By Taryn Kama
When you think of a Buddhist monk who comes from a deep paternal line of ministers, you might not picture a 30-year-old calligrapher, free diver, and Instagram user.
Yet that’s exactly who quietly opens the doors of a small temple in Paia each morning, greeting the day before most of Maui is awake. Soft-spoken and mild-mannered, Reverend Kodai Haga (“Sen”) is a wise young man, who is of steady service: sweeping the temple grounds, fixing a leaky pipe, lighting incense, and then settling onto a cushion to guide meditation for whoever shows up.
Born and raised in rural Japan, the reverend grew up immersed in Buddhism. His father and grandfather were ministers, and he said he was basically “born in the temple.” Still, his childhood was ordinary. He attended regular schools, studied economics in college, and followed the same expectations and training placed on many young Japanese adults: earn a degree, find a job, build a stable life. But while his friends rushed into job hunting, he found himself asking bigger questions. How should he spend his life? What actually mattered?
Instead, he chose what he calls “a more meaningful path.” With his family’s full support—“My parents didn’t give me any pressure,” he said. “They just told me, ‘Do what you want to do.’”—he committed to monastic training at a Rinzai Zen monastery in Japan. He stayed nearly five years. The training was intense. Days began at 3:30 a.m. in the summer and 4 a.m. in the winter, and often ended close to 10 p.m. They were filled with meditation, chanting, and mindful work. Sleep was scarce. The first year was physically and mentally exhausting. But by the second year, something shifted. The strict rhythm became grounding. The simplicity became peaceful.
“The schedule is very strict. It’s very intense. We focus on the present moment,” he said. “I learned something important
. . I value where I stand.”
He began to see life differently — not as something to conquer or accumulate, but something to appreciate, moment by moment.
After completing his training, he returned home to help at his family’s temple and worked various jobs, from restaurant work to caring for children after school. Then, unexpectedly, an opportunity arrived from across the Pacific.
The historic Rinzai Zen Mission in Paia was searching for a new minister after its longtime reverend passed away. Established in 1932, the temple has served generations of Maui families and remains one of the few Rinzai Zen temples in the United States dating back to the Japanese immigration era.
“I just said ‘yes,” he recalled, even though he didn’t know much about Maui at the time.
Now, five years later, the reverend calls the island home and quietly tends both the temple and the people who enter it.
Every morning around 7:30 a.m., he opens the doors for zazen (Zen meditation), followed by a short Dharma talk, chanting, and prayer.
The gatherings are simple and welcoming. No experience is required. Some days a handful of people sit in stillness together; sometimes just one.
In an age of constant scrolling and information overload, he sees many people feeling ungrounded and disconnected.
“People are often lacking roots,” he said. “Buddhism is a daily practice—a steady rhythm that helps us live with more stability and grounding.”
He isn’t trying to convert anyone. Whatever someone’s faith—or none at all —they’re welcome. His goal is simply to offer tools for steadiness and presence.
“Sometimes we skip the foundation and try to pick the fruit first,” he explained. “But we need strong roots.”
His days are far from purely contemplative. Beyond meditation, he repairs the roof, fixes plumbing, and maintains the property, often with help from a couple of volunteers.
He loves teaching Japanese calligraphy, enjoys the ocean as a beginner free diver, and connects with the community in modern ways, including social media. The blend of ancient tradition and contemporary life feels natural to him.
What remains constant is his intention.
In a world shaped by conflict and division, the reverend believes real peace doesn’t come from force or power, but from true compassion and loving-kindness.
Some days, he admits, he feels like he isn’t doing enough. Still, each morning he unlocks the doors, lights the incense, and begins again.
Quietly. Consistently.
Helping others slow down, breathe deeply, and remember where their feet touch the ground.
More info. at https://www.rinzai-maui.org/; IG @hi.monksen.
Planting Love: The Story Of Our Wedding Tree
by Naïma Audant Nand — co-owner of NatureWorks Nursery
When Jayanti and I got married nearly a decade ago, we knew we wanted our ceremony to reflect what we value most: a life rooted in nature, guided by spirit, and deeply connected to the land that sustains us.
At the heart of our wedding altar we had a young Mapulehu mango tree. This tree was very meaningful to us because Jayanti had grown it himself from seed, then carefully grafted it with intention and care. Mapulehu has also been one of Jayanti’s favorite mango varieties, and when I look back, choosing this tree felt almost inevitable. It became a living symbol for our union and the life we were beginning to build together.
We set a simple but powerful intention: that just as this mango tree would put down roots and grow stronger with time, so would our marriage; and that, like a fruit tree, our love would not exist only for us, but would one day bear fruit that could nourish our family, our friends, and our wider community.
The Mapulehu mango itself holds a lineage that felt deeply aligned with these intentions. It is a Hawaiian variety known not only for its rich, golden fruit, but also for having been grown and cared for in Hawai‘i for a very long time. It is a tree that thrives when given a good home, time, patience, and steady care. For us, it reflected
On the morning of our ceremony, Jayanti left early to gather fresh ti leaf cuttings and arrange them in a circle on the ground where we would later exchange our vows. This circle became a living boundary of protection and blessing. When the ceremony was complete, we shared those cuttings with our friends and family to take home and plant, allowing the spirit of the day to extend outward beyond us. In this way, our wedding became not just a moment, but a shared act of giving, connecting our love to our ‘ohana.
As the years have passed, I often reflect on the choice we made to center our ceremony around living plants. It reminds me that love does not need to be extravagant to be meaningful. It can be expressed through something simple and alive like a tree planted with intention, a blessing shared, a future quietly envisioned.
Weddings pass in a single day, but the intentions we plant can live far beyond the moment. What we carry forward are not just memories, but the living expressions of the values we chose to honor.
As February arrives, a season often associated with love, I find myself returning to that image of a young mango tree standing at our altar, carrying our hopes into the soil.
This month, I invite you to consider planting something with intention: a tree, a seed, or even a promise. Let it grow alongside you as a living reminder that love, like a tree, deepens with time, and that what we nurture today can feed many, even generations to come. Y
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