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In the Loop

Fairmont debuts art/chocolate tours, MAKANA Market

World-famous sculptor Dale Zarrella just launched A Night of Art, Culture and Chocolate tours that run Wednesdays at the Wailea resort. Dale Zarrella photo

A Night of Art, Culture and Chocolate tours and MAKANA Market + Cafe both just debuted at the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea, and you don’t have to be a resort guest to enjoy either one. The general public may indulge.

At 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Fairmont’s Artist in Residence Dale Zarrella leads the engaging and complimentary A Night of Art, Culture and Chocolate.

“We meet right in the main lobby,” says Zarrella. “That’s where all of my works are. It’s free and open to the public. I like to say, ‘It’s six o’clock sharp,’ as I begin the evening by telling the story about what inspires all of those works. I know what it’s like to be on Maui time (late), but since we move around a bit, it is important to be prompt.”

Zarrella’s works at the Fairmont include a living gallery of his life-size sculptures in the resort’s lobby and public areas. You may also observe him live sculpting the latest pieces in his vast collection alongside the coastal path fronting the resort. Zarrella shares island myths and legends portrayed through his sculpture collection, and he enlightens guests on his experiences securing the rare Hawaiian woods and bronze he utilizes to create each masterpiece.

In his early years on Maui, Zarrella says he fell in love with the concept of utilizing chocolate as a form of fine art, sculpting many award-winning centerpieces in chocolate competitions. Eventually, combining his love of sea turtles and chocolate, Zarrella began making little melt-in-your-mouth baby chocolate turtles, which are created from his own molds, and he now serves these at the end of his weekly A Night of Art, Culture and Chocolate presentations.

“Everybody on the tour gets to enjoy my chocolates,” says the artist. “I have a big plate. At this point, I’m using really fine Belgian and hopefully will use Maui chocolate soon. My turtles come in both dark and milk chocolate. You may also buy boxes.”

In addition, Zarrella signs his most popular print, “Follow Your Dreams,” of baby turtles being born out of the sand. The print is a complimentary gift to attendees.

“We are delighted to welcome Dale Zarrella into our ohana,” explains Michael Pye, Fairmont Kea Lani’s general manager. “It is a privilege to be able to incorporate his larger-than-life island-inspired sculptures as part of the guest experience. Dale is recognized and respected for his work depicting historical figures in Hawaiian culture as well as nautical scenes of the abundant marine life of the Hawaiian Islands.

“He passionately shares the stories of his extraordinary sculptures with visitors from around the world. We are thrilled to continue to perpetuate the island’s cultural heritage in this unique artist collaboration,” continues Pye.

In addition, the former Caffe Ciao on the terrace level of the resort has been transformed into MAKANA Market + Cafe . It celebrates its grand opening this weekend. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

MAKANA Market + Cafe offers Maui and Hawaii Island grown and roasted coffees including nitro cold-brew coffees, espresso and pour-over drinks, matcha and exceptional Lot35 tea blends. It serves crowd-pleasing island cuisine including a selection of house-crafted pastries, sandwiches, salads, pizzas, smoothies and acai bowls as well as Pang’s Poke Bar featuring locally-harvested fish.

Award-winning Executive Chef Tylun Pang and his team have created Hawaiian-style poke with ahi, seaweed, onions and alaea sea salt, kim-chee tako with octopus, tsunami shrimp, spicy ahi, salmon and eggplant. Pick your option and it’s served with your choice of brown rice or butter lettuce along with three sides from a long list that includes avocado, namasu and wakame.

MAKANA also features a curated collection from top local artisans including renowned sculptor Zarrella, illustrators Kat Reeder and Sarah Voyer, and woodworker Aaron Lau. These artisans draw upon the beauty of the islands to create their collections and commissioned designs.

* For more details, call the Fairmont at 875-4100.

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