Above and Beyond

THE PARTY Kupu Maui, the Valley Isle’s roaming gourmet pop-up headed by Dania Katz and chef James Simpliciano, partnered with Gunars and JoRene Valkirs to host an entirely locally sourced dinner for PBS Hawaii at the Valkirses’ home in Pineapple Hill in Kapalua. THE PLAYERS Leading Maui chefs Jason Hacker, Isaac Bancaco, Paris Nabavi, Eduardo Pineda, Elizabeth MacDonald and Mark Ellman; Greg and Susy Stille of Pililani Kope Farms THE HIGHLIGHTS As legendary musician George Kahumoku worked his magic, distant views of the Pacific Ocean dazzled guests, creating the perfect atmosphere for the repast to come. (Cocktails made with Maui’s own Ocean Vodka helped set the mood, of course.) After a farm tour, guests sat down to dinner, where chefs prepared their own courses and worked wonders with the island-grown ingredients provided by Roxanne Tifflin of Kula Fields. Moved by the support from Maui, PBS Hawaii President and CEO Leslie Wilcox offered her thanks to everyone in attendance. Photography by Peter Liu