The Maui Nō Ka ‘Oi Podcast Presented By SilverShark Media

Diane Woodburn speaks to Paula Hegele, President at Maui Wine.  In this podcast Paula talks about joining what was originally Tedeschi Vineyards in 1990, what sparked the original idea to grow grapes on Maui, navigating the pros and cons behind the global success of their pineapple wine, how decisions were made to expand the grape and wine portfolio, why syrah was viewed as an important addition, how the success of the grapes and wines kept the terrain and conditions of Maui front and center, navigating tourism challenges over the years, how the tasting room became a more personalized experience due to the pandemic, the history of the Rose Ranch at Ulupalakua where the vineyards are located, and her advice for entrepreneurs.  

Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Caleb Hopkins of Hana Hou Hospitality and the upcoming Lahaina Food & Wine Festival (Feb 18th-22nd). In this episode Caleb talks about his career path in hospitality, the transition from working in the restaurant industry to being an owner in a restaurant group, the original inspiration behind the Lahaina Food & Wine Festival, how the festival is growing from its first year, the lineup of events February 18th through February 22nd including chefs from around the island that are participating, how the Grand Taste event will raise money for the Lahaina Jodo Mission and LahainaTown Action Committee, information on the free keiki culinary cooking class, how Sale Pepe will be simultaneously running a three-night special menu, and the teamwork that goes into putting on this multi-day festival.

For ticket & event information:  www.lahainafoodandwine.com 

Diane Woodburn speaks to Roger Stettler, renowned Executive Chef & Restaurateur on Maui.  In this podcast Roger talks about his early training as a chef growing up in Switzerland, a career path that included stops on the Big Island, Singapore, Seoul, & Maui, adapting to different cultures, his work on Maui that included Four Seasons & opening Taverna, spending time last year as a chef instructor at UH Maui College, his experience teaching the younger generation of chefs, drawing inspiration from his roots when he travels back to Europe, how the culinary experience has evolved on Maui, and after 40 years in the kitchen what he sees for his future in the culinary industry.  

Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Deron & Kit Furukawa, co-owners of Maui Chili Chili Oil.  In this podcast Deron & Kit talk about what their product is, the inspiration behind launching the business, how they left their tradition career backgrounds to start this business, getting their big break at the Made In Maui festival, the time frame starting with when they created the first recipe to getting products in stores, using their social media to pull back the curtain on running a small business, challenges they've had to overcome while growing the company, developing different variations of products, how Mana Up Hawaii helped them to scale up, working together as a husband & wife team, and where people can buy their products or learn more about Maui Chili Chili Oil online. 

Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Peter Merriman, Executive Chef & Restaurateur with Merriman's Kapalua, Monkeypod Kitchen, & Ulu Kitchen. In this podcast Peter talks about when to make changes on restaurants that have continued success such as Merriman's and Monkeypod, what defines a great guest experience, whether he can dine at his own restaurants as a customer or does work always creep into his mind, what went into opening Ulu Kitchen at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa in 2024, how a resort property can differ from an independent location, determining where a new menu item fits amongst the different restaurants, business lessons from the recovery in the pandemic that came to mind after the 2023 fires, his take on the restaurant industry in Maui currently and whether that differs statewide, industry challenges such as staffing and fish supply, supporting ag partners through ups and downs, the importance of affordable housing to the Maui workforce, what encourages him currently about the industry in Maui, sustainability initiatives such as using high quality boxed wine to reduce the amount of glass bottles that are discarded, goals for the future including the opening of a new restaurant in south Maui in 2026, and his advice to anyone looking to open a restaurant in Maui in the next year.    

Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Richard Elliott, General Manager of the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort.  In this podcast Richard talks about his background growing up in Jamaica, eventually moving to Chicago where he got his first job with a hotel property, when he realized there would be potential for a career in the hospitality industry, his path to becoming a general manager, the value of networking, the similarities and differences working with properties in city locations vs tropical locations, his goals when taking over as GM at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort in 2024, lessons he has learned over the years that have helped him deal with new industry challenges that pop up, the importance of giving back to the community, a few examples of experiences currently being offered to guests at the property, and his advice to anyone looking to start a career in hospitality.  

Diane Woodburn speaks to Stephanie Mallek, CEO and co-owner of Kula Lodge.  In this podcast Stephanie talks about dealing with the recent fire at Kula Lodge, the history of the property, her father Simon Vodjani's experience in the restaurant industry, an update on the damage that was done to the restaurant, how a small part of the interior was salvaged by a local firefighter, the impact of the fire on employees, the process of rebuilding, her vision for the future of Kula Lodge, how the property will offer a food trailer in the meantime for guests to experience, and a message for the community that has supported the Kula Lodge over the years.  

Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Daryl Fujiwara, Event Coordinator for the Festivals of Aloha.  In this podcast Daryl talks about the history of Festivals of Aloha, the logistics behind putting on these events, the importance of communication while planning a festival series like this, a rundown of the two-month long event series starting with First Friday in Wailuku on September 5th and running each weekend until October 26th, the venues involved that include events in Wailuku, Kahului, Kapalua, Wailea, Makawao, Hana, Lanai, & Molokai, the cultural importance behind certain events such as the falsetto contests, hula performances, & paniolo rodeo, and how people can learn more about the Festivals of Aloha including a calendar of events. 

Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to David Gridley & Maria McMillan about the upcoming 2025 Seed To Cup Coffee Festival on August 10th.  In this podcast David & Maria talk about how they first got involved working in the coffee industry, how the Maui Coffee Association supports local coffee growers and producers, how David founded Maui Oma Coffee Roasting Company and Maria took over in 2018 when he retired, the challenges the industry has faced over the years for Maui coffee growers, what to expect at the upcoming 2025 Seed To Cup Festival, a rundown of events including coffee workshops and a barista throw-down, the legacy of Ancil Clancy to the Maui community, and how David and Maria describe their perfect cup of coffee. 

Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Jayson Asuncion, Executive Chef at the Royal Lahaina Resort.  In this podcast Jayson talks about his first culinary influences while growing up in Lahaina, moving to the west coast for culinary school and his first jobs in the industry, when he realized this was the career path he wanted to pursue, working for both independent restaurants and resort properties, what led to his move back to Maui, how he's seen the food scene evolve on Maui over the past few decades, the inspiration behind opening a food truck, the importance of communication in the industry, joining the team at Royal Lahaina Resort in 2019, what went into the menu design at the Lahaina Noon restaurant at the Royal Lahaina Resort, the inspiration behind the name Lahaina Noon, items on the menu that a first time diner should try, the expanded options at the nearby Pineapple Moon poolside bar, the importance of sourcing local ingredients, how the kitchen has implemented an energy efficient ventilation system, the upcoming Hawaii Food & Wine Festival event that will be hosted at the Royal Lahaina Resort on October 26th, and his advice for younger chefs looking to work their way up in the culinary industry.