As a long time resident of Maui County, I have seen things come and go. Mostly they go — as rents are getting higher and larger companies always eventually end up taking out the smaller ones. This being the case, I was thrilled to see the Matson Shipping containers at the Kukui Mall here in Kihei. It seems that Kukui Mall, has yet again changed ownership and the movie theater is now welcoming a new tenant.
New to Kihei
Regency Kihei Luxury Cinemas is the anchor of that complex and slated to open mid-year 2018. Check out the recent Maui Now article here. The greatest part of this is that the family owned and operated, Regency Theatres will be offering “special programming and events, extreme sports and surf films, community events, including live broadcasts of operas and ballets.” With this new addition to the Kihei and South Maui area, we can only hope that the nearly vacant Kukui Mall will now be spurred by industry to get more tenants to cater to the high-traffic Kihei area.
Rainy Day Activities
As the rain has been hammering much of Maui County it also has got me to thinking of what people, both residents, and visitors, to do with their children when we have days and days of winter weather. Maybe you’re looking for an escape from the sun, or have to depart your hotel 5 or 6 hours before your flight and you want to wear out your children… I have something old and something new for you to check out. I will start with the older business that is geared (in my opinion) toward toddlers and young children from ages 3 through 8 or 9.
The Kihei Playhouse which was formally located near the airport has stepped up their location and is now The Keiki Playhouse located in Queen Kaahumanu Center next door to the fun factory. It’s a nice place to take the kids that’s not outside and is a place of creative thinking, imagination, and active playing. Many areas of the space include dress-up, castles, art areas and more. The two options for the play space make versatile ad a cool place to go! You can stay and watch the kids or simply hook up to wi-fi and work… or pay a little more and the staff members will watch your children while you shop, eat or just run an errand. This place is such a plus in this busy mom’s life as there are so many school holidays where I need to work. The fun place is also available for birthday parties.
** Rates starting at $12 per drop-in, passes and party packages available, check out their website at thekeikiplayhouse.com.
A little off the beaten path from “tourist” Maui is the new trampoline park. Ultimate Air Maui is located in the Kahului area just below Wailuku and is actually much more fun than I had initially thought it would be. It gets a little cramped during the wetter days but it’s a large warehouse space with lots of areas for large groups. Relax on one of the just enough couches and TV’s for the adults to break away from the flying bodies and happy faces that are running around this place. A dodgeball area, a 2 year and under area, a tightrope area, jump walls and more. They have a snack bar and offer “jump socks” at a reasonable rate. Think ahead and fill out the waiver via their online system. We did it in the parking lot and it saved some time with the group 4 kids and 2 adults and we efficiently maneuvered through the process without too much pain.
** Jump passes available starting at $17 per hour kamaaina or $22 w/o HI ID. Birthday parties and packages available, check out their website at Ultimateairmaui.com.
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