French & Vanilla on the Island of Taha’a

Taha'a fiord

Tahiti has always been my dream destination, my imagination sparked in my youth by the romance of James Michener's novel, Hawaii, and one of my all-time favourite movies, South Pacific. I have always planned to sail, fly or swim there, if necessary, but somehow the decades passed and I never got there—until I moved to Maui, putting Tahiti a mere five hours away by plane.

When I recently discovered that the Paul Gauguin luxury cruise line was offering special discounted fares for Hawaiian residents on its cruises to Tahiti, I knew my time had finally arrived! A couple of phone calls, some online research and the entire trip was booked—with plenty of time to identify “the best of” everything: the best hotels, the best restaurants, the best beaches … even the best stops for washroom breaks.

Empowering Women on South Maui

(from left) Meagan DeGaia, Publisher,
Neighbors of Wailea & Makena, with Wailea Girl 

I recently discovered that my little island of Maui has an abundance of amazing, inspiring women who want to make a difference—and I had the privilege of meeting quite a few of them at the "Women Just Want to Have Fun Gala Fundraiser." Held on June 3 at the King Kamehameha Golf Club in Wailuku, this event was the first fundraiser organized by Na Wahine Ho'omana, a new not-for-profit organization created to empower women on South Maui. 

The evening was so much fun. Dinner was followed by a fashion show featuring swimwear, lingerie, island boutiques and fitness wear, and musical performances by local singers. A silent auction showcased items from local businesses, all owned by women. I was thrilled to have been invited to support such a worthy organization, whose mission of empowerment mirrors my own.