Every year, Hawaii welcomes over 10 million tourists, presenting itself as a vacation paradise. However, this idyllic island chain in the Pacific holds much more significance. It is a sacred home for Polynesians with a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries. The most responsible hotel properties in the state are those that actively advocate for these proud folkways, providing guests with the opportunity to establish a deeper and lasting connection with the land and its people.

Four Seasons Resort Maui: A Wayfinder's Journey

The Private Sunset Sail

The Four Seasons Resort Maui recently launched "A Wayfinder's Journey," a private sunset sail aboard a catamaran hosted by renowned Hawaiian navigator Kala Baybayan Tanaka. During the three-hour adventure, up to six guests are treated to her personal accounts of exploring the open seas. They gain insights into the tools and knowledge necessary for such daring expeditions and even get to test these skills as countless constellations emerge in the starry sky, aiding in nighttime navigation.As Baybayan Tanaka shares, "I am truly fortunate as all the dinners and experiences have been extraordinary, with great weather, beautiful views of Maui Komohana and Lahaina, and clear skies for stargazing. Each time we set sail in the evening, we pass by the Hawaiian voyaging canoe, Moʻokiha, moored in Lahaina, which is a remarkable sight for our guests. It is not often that one gets to see a Hawaiian voyaging canoe as they depart a harbor."

Michelin-Caliber Food and Wine Pairing

This extraordinary experience is paired with Michelin-caliber food and wine. The dishes served during the dining service incorporate native ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, and seafood collected from the surrounding beautiful landscape. Wine director Aaron Wood-Snyderman takes on the challenging task of selecting wines that perfectly complement this setting.As he tells Forbes, "I always strive to pair the wines and beverages with every aspect of the experience. If it's hot outside, cooler white, sparkling, or rose wines are ideal. When the water is rough, lighter alcohol wines are preferred. And on a chilly night atop Haleakala, bigger, more robust wines are called for. We continuously work to create amazing experiences, and wine and beverage pairing is one of my favorite ways to achieve this."He also enjoys introducing lesser-known varietals on the boat. Chenin blanc from Huet Vouvray is a perennial favorite not only for its fun and floral flavors but also because it is often overlooked. It happens to have a mineral backbone that enhances the briny ocean air."We sense acidity with our salivary glands, which makes our mouths water," he adds. "This makes it suitable for food pairing. A wine with an excellent finish is essential for great pairing. We don't usually have the food and wine in our mouths simultaneously. What I pair with the food is not just the initial attack or mid-palate but the finish. Is it long? Is it complex? Is it balanced?"

The Native Ingredient Tasting Menu

The current canoe plant-inspired tasting menu features a variety of delicious courses. Breadfruit gnocchi (Breadfruit | ՙUlu) is served with bacon espuma. Kampachi crudo (Coconut | Niu) comes with coconut gazpacho, pickled fresno, finger lime caviar, coconut crisp, and fennel radish slaw. Poi panna cotta (Taro | Kalo) is accompanied by American caviar, frisée, bitter crema, and kalo crisps. Grilled Heՙe (Turmeric | ՙOlena) is served with ginger-turmeric miso lackage, pea tendrils, sugar snap pea, and turmeric lemongrass emulsion. Seared Ahi (Sweet Potato | ՙUala) is paired with Molokai sweet potato, aliՙi mushrooms, seafood bordelaise, and pea shoots. The Banana (Banana | Maiՙa) is presented with Iholena banana flambe marmalade, fresh coconut mousse, and chocolate whipped ganache.As Baybayan Tanaka explains, "In all the places I have voyaged in the Pacific, these native ingredients are present and form the basis of some of the most delectable dishes I have tasted. As guests savor these preparations, depending on the dish, I share the stories of the origins of these native ingredients and how and where they are integrated into our Hawaiian culture."The "Wayfinder's Journey" is part of an ongoing series of programming at the Four Seasons property in Wailea titled "Unforgettable Experiences." Baybayan Tanaka is confident that the knowledge combined with the meal, even more than the wine, will help create those lasting memories."Learning about Hawaiian voyaging and navigation has revealed to me the beauty and relevance of ancestral knowledge," she says. "If we listen with all our senses, we can start to recognize these important wayfinding markers and use them to guide us on our journey back to our ancestral homelands and our futures."