Mother’s Day Ideas on Maui

By Susan Halas

You already know that Mother’s Day is Sunday: this SunMother’s Day Ideasday – Sunday, May 13, 2012.

That date is looming, but it just hasn’t come to the forward “take action” front of your brain yet.

And, you already know that if you wait until the very last moment to send a card, order flowers, make a brunch reservation, or even buy a gift – that person who gave birth to you, or who is the mother of your children, may not say anything — but she will be disappointed.

Infallible Mother’s Day Advice

We know that even if you are not presently speaking to your mother, and even if she infuriates and maddens you (and vice versa), she is privately hoping for a token of your esteem this Sunday.

Even though you you may have other plans for Sunday, we still strongly suggest you contact your mom tell her how you ardently wish you could be with her. If you can’t be there in person, we recommend you call – sooner rather later.

Mothers Know – Mothers Care – Mothers Have Long Memories

Matters not that she has told you repeatedly that Mother’s Day is just another example of the “massive commercialization of personal sentiment” and that she, for one, is “horrified to see people wasting perfectly good money on greeting cards that only enrich Hallmark.”

Wipe those remarks from your mind: that is what we call in mother-speak a “red herring.” It is said to confuse and mislead you.

Your mother wants a real card, with a real stamp on the envelope and a personal hand-written note. She wants a card that’s ends “XOXO” and “Love” and is signed by you.

That’s why Maui Now is reminding you, that right now, as you are reading this on the internet, time is running out. The deadline is near.

She Wants You to Call or Write

No matter what you mother has said (or might say – should you ask her directly) she does not want an e-card, an email, a text message or some crummy post on your Facebook page.

She wants you to call. She wants you to write. And unless she’s diabetic or has raging allergies, a little chocolate and a few flowers wouldn’t hurt either.

In the happy event in the event that both of you are on Maui this Sunday here are a few suggestions on things she might like. They include fresh flowers, presents, a day in the garden, a nice brunch and any number of other delightful prospects.

Flowers: Leis and Cut Flowers

Haleakala Florist and Paradise Flower Farm are both under the same management. Paradise Flower Farm specializes in leis and Haleakala Florist has vases and cut flowers. They offer any Maui Now reader who mentions this article a $5 discount on any order placed at either company.

Flowers can be viewed online and they can also be ordered by phone at 878-2591. Though the websites are different, the phone numbers are the same for both companies.

Both deliver island-wide for orders of $50 or more. (There is no delivery to Paia, Haiku or Hana.) The delivery fee ranges from$9 to $15, depending on location.

Mauians are also invited to visit their Kula headquarters at 331 Ihe Place. They will be open on Saturday. There is no fee or minimum for flowers purchased at this location, but since everything is freshly made, their customer service representative requests a call in advance if you are headed their way. She also notes you may have a short wait.

Leis click here.  Cut Flowers click here.

Other Floral Options at Costco

Maui Costco always has a large selection for Mother’s day. Their flowers are supplied by Maui Floral.

Maui Floral owner Caver Wilson says there will be an abundant supply of flowers including leis and cut flowers for Mother’s Day this year. Cut flowers there are priced about $9 – $50 and about $9 – $24 for leis.

Hawaii grown orchids, tropicals, and other local flowers are featured, as well as imported blooms. Roses  he said will run about $17 for 18 long stemmed beauties imported from South America.

Roses cost $17 for 18 stems at Costco. Courtesy image.

Though the supply will be replenished several times on Sunday, he suggests that it’s better to shop a little early and recommends a stop-by on  Friday or Saturday.

The Swap Meet

There are always flowers available on Saturday May 12 at the Maui Swap Meet in Kahului on the Maui College campus. Those who sell there remind shoppers that Mother’s Day Saturday is always a flower and blooming plant sell-out and suggest shopping early in the morning for the best selection.

A Mother’s Day Shopping Tradition at Seabury Hall Craft Fair on Saturday, May 12.

The Seabury Hall Craft’s Fair is always held the day before Mother’s Day. Seabury invites Mauians to spend a day on the slopes of Haleakala and experience an Upcountry Maui tradition.  The event features over 100 of Hawaii’s finest artists and crafters – woodworkers, traditional Hawaiian artists, jewelers, ceramists and weavers. Click here for details.

The Seabury Hall Craft's Fair is Saturday, May 12. Courtesy image.

Enjoy delicious food, island entertainment, fresh produce, cut flowers, children’s games, a huge rummage sale, and all the special items available at the silent auction.

The fair runs from 9-5 on Saturday at the Seabury Campus located above Makawao. For the best selection an early start is recommended.

Take Mom to Kula Ali’i Lavender

Mother’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year at Kula Ali’i Lavender located at 1100 Waipoli Road in Kula. There is no charge to visit the farm which is open from 9 a.m. -4 p.m. Click here for details.

There  are some special events planned for Mother’s Day for which an admission fee and reservations are required.

Mother’s Day here features a guided farm tour which includes a bouquet-making activity. This is a 30-45 minute narrated farm walk, gathering flowers, lavender and herbs as you go. Tours depart at 9:30,10:30, 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 and 2:30 p.m. The charge is $10 per person and reservations must be made no later than 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 12. Call 878-3004, Ex. 10 for reservations.

Kula Ali'i Lavender has a variety of specials for Mother's Day. Courtesy image.

The farm also offers a gourmet box lunch at $18 per person and it also must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance (by 4 p.m. Saturday May 12 – the same number 878-3004, Ex. 10 applies).

The farm has an extensive gift shop and also serves light refreshments including tea ($2) and scones ($3). There is a Mother’s Day sale at the gift shop, with a 15% discount on all bath and body products from 9 a.m. until noon.

Brunch with Mom

Brunch is a favorite M-Day activity. Here are a few in a variety of locations and price ranges. All the reservation desks report they are all filling up fast. Almost every Maui hotel, resort and restaurant has some sort of special event scheduled, so if you don’t get a reservation at any of these, shop around.

Kaanapali Beach Hotel Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch and Fashion Show

This festive meal is served from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Price includes a champagne brunch, Hawaiian music, hula and fashion show. Cost is $49 for adults, children 12 and under $25. Click here to see details.

This event is already heavily booked. The desk reports that only times still available are 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. (as of Tuesday at noon).

If planning to attend do not delay and reserve now. The music, entertainment, fashion show and prizes are continuous and are available no matter when you go. Call 667-0124 to make a reservation.

Maui Ocean Center Mother’s Day Brunch – Seascape Restaurant, Maalaea

The Seascape has a separate non-aquarium entrance. It offers a full menu plus a special brunch menu at $25 per person for adults and $15 for children 12 or under.

Reservations suggested – call 270-7068. Brunch hours are 11-2:30.

Duke’s Beach House Mother’s Day Breakfast and Brunch

Duke’s offers ocean-front dining at the north end of Kaanapali Beach in the Honua Kai resort. Seating is still available between 7:30 and 11 a.m., reservations are strongly suggested, call 662-2900. The buffet is $19 for adults, $10 children. An a la carte menu is also available. To view the menu on line click here.

Market Fresh Bistro, Makawao

Looking for  something smaller and more intimate? Try the Market Fresh Bistro in Makawao at 3620 Baldwin Ave. This venue holds a maximum of 50 diners and has indoor and outdoor seating available. For reservations  call 572-4877.  Like the other venues, it’s filling up fast. Market Fresh is not offering a buffet, but is instead an order- off-the menu affair with a variety of specials in honor of mom. Prices are in the $10-20 per person for adults and $6 to 11 for children. Hawaiian style ukulele music adds to the festive atmosphere. Reservations a must.

Makena Resort – Mother’s Day Brunch (formerly the Maui Prince Resort)

Expensive but worth it, Makena Resort Mother's Day brunch. Courtesy image.

This resort hosts the apex of brunches. It  has only a handful of seats left. Brunch here is all you’ve ever imagined with a huge assortment of delicacies to choose from in every category of edible. They are famed for their sashimi and seafood and also they boast a dazzling array of pastries and other breakfast specialties. Brunch includes sparkling wine or mimosas.

The only available times as of Tuesday afternoon are 10:15, 12:45 a.m. and 1 p.m.  Miss them and there’s no guarantee you’ll get in.

So, if you want to take mom to something really upscale instantly call 875-5888. The tab here is a steeper $60 per person for adult and somewhat less for children. Check their website for details.