The 10th Annual Buy Back the Beach benefit will take you to the HILT on Jan. 29 at Old Lahaina Lu'au, situated oceanfront on Front Street in Lahaina.
It will feature a showcase of West Maui restaurants along with emcee dynamos Tony Takitani and Kathy Collins, and musical guest stars Barry Flanagan of Hapa playing with Eric Gilliom of the Island Rumours Band.
Most importantly, it is also the official introduction of HILT, the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust, a newly formed statewide land conservancy created by a merger of Maui Coastal Land Trust and similar organizations that are located on Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii Island.
Article Photos
Old Lahaina Lu‘au will feature eight different food stations.
Old Lahaina Lu‘au photo
The merger took place Jan. 1 and now HILT manages stewardship and protection of more than 17,400 prime acres across the state of Hawaii.
Partygoers may graze the eight different food stations to taste the innovative cuisine of guest chefs Peter Merriman of Merriman's Restaurants, Ivan Pahk of Cane & Taro, Ben Klein of Mala Ocean Tavern, James McDonald of Pacific'O, Tom Muromoto of Ka'anapali Beach Hotel and Sheldon Simeon of Star Noodle. In addition, Old Lahaina Lu'au host chefs Craig Masuda and Jorge Perez will prepare traditional luau fare.
The "Adventures for the 'Aina" live auction will return with great adventures on Maui and beyond. Exclusive packages include a lunch and tour with U.S. Poet Laureate William S. Merwin at his Haiku estate; adventure packages such as a guided Kaupo hunt with private dinner by Chef Brian Etheredge of Capische?; and great getaways including a three-night stay at Mauna Kea Beach Resort on the Big Island or a weeklong vacation at a luxury home in Sandpoint, Idaho.
An auction preview is at www.mauicoastallandtrust.org.
The event Sponsors are Mana Foods, Whalers Realty Inc., First Wind, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, Pacific BioDiesel and Cleanway Systems.
"Our success is due to the incredible support from so many," says board president Helen Nielsen. "Together, let's celebrate the success of the last 10 years and toast to the future."
Tickets are $150 each or $1,200 for a table of eight. Seating is limited. To make reservations, call Hawaiian Islands Land Trust at 244-5263.
