When I tell people that our Maui trip was “magical,” I am not kidding.  Not only is it a magical island with amazing sights and experiences to be had, we spent a magnificent evening at Kupanaha, the Kaanapali Beach Hotel‘s magic show and dinner theater during our stay. The expression Kupanaha translates as marvelously amazing, incredible wonderful, extraordinarily surprising, and simply astonishing, and this may be an understatement. The show began while checking in as a magician’s assistant wowed us with simple slight of hand magic as we waited in the lobby of the hotel, home of Kupanaha for 10 amazing years.

Delicious cocktails were distributed while awaiting the show, and a delicious Kalua Pork Bruschetta was immediately served. Our compliments to the Chef, this appetizer was a trip favorite and we enjoyed our own magic making that disappear.

Cocktails, soda, and coffee were unlimited until the start of the show and then our main course of beef tenderloin arrived.  A jumbo shrimp and mashed potatoes completed this dish and I’m just so blown away on how every meal was so flavorful and tender.  The meat just melted in my mouth.  Dessert was a artwork of fruit, flowers, and cheesecake, like the first two courses, mouth-watering and delicious.  If only they could spread the meal and possibly offer dessert toward the end of the show, you get it all at once and it’s very filling!

Delightful Hula dances entertained during the service of the entrees and desert was served with interactive tableside magic. Like so many experiences in Maui, our meal and show was served family style and we met a wonderful group from Melbourne Australia.  Getting to talking, we learned their kids were about the same age as ours and it’s great to see that this show was indeed family-friendly.

Wonderful food and enchanting entertainment set the stage for the main event. Then world-renowned master magician Jody Baran took the stage for an awe inspiring display of the art entertainment. While relating some magical history Jody and his enchanting family (his gorgeous wife is his right hand assistant and one of his daughter also participates) repeatedly stole the breath of the audience with amazing illusions and entertaining anecdotes of famous magicians who have graced the Hawaiian Islands. Jody wowed us with incredible renditions of the master magicians, Howard Thurston, Dante, Long Tack Sam, Carter the Mysterious, The Great Raymond, Nicola and Harry Houdini. Included was Jody’s story on how he started magic as a young boy, and that translated over to audience participation of both kids and adults and a prize to one child of a magic kit.  As a mother, this was really special to see.  Overall, the tremendous off the cuff comedy really gave the performance a unique twist and made this show special. What an experience to make one childhood hobby into a family career on the amazing island of Maui!  Dreams do come true!  We can’t wait to share this incredible show with our family and friends.

We were hosted for the evening, all opinions and experiences are our honest feelings.