IHOP in the Maui Mall has reopened following a renovation, the restaurant announced last week.

The restaurant, which has been closed for the past five months, is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

During the shutdown, renovations were made to the entire dining room, including new floors, tables, booths, lighting fixtures, wall art and paint.

Along with social distancing, other safety precautions have been implemented, like the use of paper menus and serving condiments in disposable containers. In addition, all tables, chairs and booths are sanitized between uses.

Kupu Spirits White Whiskey won a gold medal in the U.S. Open Whiskey and Spirits Championships. Kupu Spirits photo

“We’re happy to announce more of our merchants are reopening and have used this time of closure to renovate like at IHOP and Tasaka Guri Guri, providing additional dining opportunities,” said Brian Yano, mall operator JLL general manager of Maui retail. 

“We are excited to be back open and encourage all customers to come and check out our new look and enjoy great service with your favorite brunch meals,” said IHOP General Manager Rodrigo Anguiano.

To make a reservation or call ahead for IHOP ‘n’ go carry-out and curbside pickup, call 871-4000. Walk-ins are also welcome.

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Kupu Spirts take gold, silver medals

Kupu Spirits, an offshoot of Maui Brewing Co., won a gold medal for its white whiskey and a silver medal for its gin in the U.S. Open Whiskey and Spirits Championships.

“Special congratulations to our lead distiller, Nick Reiss, for his unwavering commitment to excellence in his craft,” said founder and CEO Garrett Marrero of Kupu Spirits. “We’re excited that Kupu Spirits is now making its way to new markets having shipped to the West Coast, Alaska and even out to Massachusetts.”

Kupu Spirits White Whiskey won its category of Non-Aged Whiskey. The unembellished white whiskey is 88 proof and is recommended for use in place of vodka, rum or tequila.

Kupu Spirits Gin is distilled from wheat and a proprietary blend of botanicals, including juniper, kaffir lime, local oranges, lemon peel, licorice root and hibiscus. It is gluten free and 88 proof. 

A brand extension of Maui Brewing Co., Kupu Spirits debuted last summer with the launch of a ready-to-drink craft canned cocktail collection including Whiskey Ginger, Whiskey Cola and Gin & Tonic varieties. The craft cocktails blend whiskey and gin, along with Maui Brewing’s Island Sodas, which were created in-house using all-natural ingredients, such as cane sugar, local island honey and Hawaii-grown ginger. 

Judging for the contest occurred in both Welland, Ontario, Canada, and Oxford, Ohio. This year, entries were received from distilleries for evaluation across 36 categories. For a complete list of the competition’s 2020 Champions, visit usopenwhiskey.com.

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Aston hotels offer kamaaina discount

Aston at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach, Aston Maui Hill, Aston Mahana at Kaanapali and Maui Kaanapali Villas are offering discounted rates to kamaaina through Dec. 20, according to Aqua-Aston Hospitality.

Residents can get up to 20 percent off room rates and a single-room category upgrade with zero amenity fee with Aqua-Aston’s Kamaaina Staycation deal.

Each hotel has implemented Aqua-Aston’s “Next Level” cleaning and service program, which ensures 24 hours between check-ins, daily health screenings for staff, CDC-approved cleaning agents, sanitizing of high-touch surfaces and washing of laundry at high temperatures.

For more information on cleaning policies, visit www.aquaaston.com/next-level/next-level-clean.

For more information on discounts, visit www.aquaaston.com/offers/kamaaina-deal.

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5 Palms in Kihei has new hours

The 5 Palms restaurant in Kihei has new hours and specials.

The restaurant at 2960 S. Kihei Road in the Mana Kai Resort is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday for breakfast, lunch, happy hour and dinner.

Specials include a three-course catch of the day for $39.95 and filet and lobster entree of $44.95.

Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 879-2607. The restaurant’s website is www.5palmsrestaurant.com.

The restaurant is open for drive in or in-restaurant pickups.

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Maui Grown has new product

Maui Grown Therapies launched its new botanical remedy, formulated in response to COVID-era patient requests, called Lavendiol.

It is one-a-day capsule that combines CBD, lavender extract and a microdose of THC.

“Some of our patients are genuinely struggling with stress and anxiety during this unpredictable pandemic and requested support,” said Christopher Cole, Maui Grown Therapies director of product development. “So we did the research to formulate an effective natural product that can help during these turbulent times.”

Any registered medical cannabis patient with a valid 329-card and matching government-issued photo ID may purchase Lavendiol from Maui Grown Therapies.

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Silver Wave Moving joins national group

Silver Wave Senior Moving Services has joined the National Association of Senior Move Managers.

As a member of the association, the Maui company is pledging “integrity, committed to best practices in client services, business operations, safety and ethics and is dedicated to continuing professional development,” said Mary Kay Buysse, the group’s executive director.

Owner Erin Luckau said the company helps retirees move their possessions and to downsize. Senior Wave Senior Moving Services helps with arranging estate sales, cleaning out entire homes and taking the items to Goodwill or to the dump.

The National Association of Senior Move Managers is the leading membership organization for senior move managers with more than 850 members.

Luckau is also a licensed real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty Maui.

For more information, contact Luckau at (808) 793-8900, info@silverwavemaui.com or on the website www.silverwavemaui.com.