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[ ISLAND HOPPING ]

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Lions dance in Lahaina

Chinese lion dancers will be on Maui, appearing on Front Street beginning 5:30 p.m. Friday to visit downtown Lahaina shops to chase evil spirits and bring good luck in the Year of the Monkey.

The Oahu-based Au's Shaolin Arts Society will perform the traditional dance, as well as present a demonstration of martial healing arts and contemporary self-defense at Banyan Tree Park.

According to Chinese folklore, the lion is a heavenly being who comes to Earth to replace old, stagnant energy with fresh and vibrant energy during special occasions. It is attracted to places of festivities, by fireworks and the music of drums, gongs, and cymbals.

For more information, call the LahainaTown Action Committee at 808-667-9175.

Cook Chinese-style

Also in time for the start of the Lunar New Year, the Waikoloa Beach Marriott culinary team will demonstrate how to cook traditional Chinese dishes in a free event Thursday at the Kohala Coast property's Paniolo Terrace.

At 2 p.m. executive sous chef Joseph Almoguera will prepare jai, known as vegetarian "monk food." Then at 3 p.m., chef de cuisine Patrick Saito will show how to make Chinese-style steamed fish. And, at 4 p.m., executive pastry chef Evangelina Talaro will demonstrate the making of nian gao, or New Year's Cake. Recipes for these dishes will be available to take home. Guests will also sample other popular Chinese dishes including cold ginger chicken, roast pork, spicy shrimp with cashews and crispy won tons.

The Waikoloa Beach Marriott is a 545-room resort surrounded by 15 acres of tropical landscaping, lava fields, historic trails and beaches. The resort was recently named a winner in Travel + Leisure's 2003 World's Best Awards and ranked fifth in Hawaii by Travel + Leisure Family as a family-friendly property.

For information about the resort, visit www.waikoloabeachmarriott.com. For reservations, call 800-922-5533.