News and reviews of made on Maui products and Maui-based companies and success stories. Also featuring island shopping guides

Hui Holiday Happenings!

09 08 17

What’s better than a hand-made holiday gift? Well, not much.  When I’m in need of a thoughtful gift, I head on over to the Hui Noeau… and the ladies of the Hui have thoughtfully sent over all of their upcoming events, from art classes (so you can even make your own gifts and holiday decor) and their excellent holiday shopping dates.

Besides all of the holiday-themed activities described below, the Hui will offer several other classes & workshops in the next few months as well. This includes live art demos by Hawaiian cultural practitioners, visiting artists from the mainland teaching a wide variety of media, as well as all of our regular amazing programming in jewelry, ceramics, glassblowing, printmaking, photography, painting, drawing, and more. A complete list of classes is available online at huinoeau.com

 

Hui Holidays 2017

  • Nov. 20 – Dec. 24, 2017
  • Open Daily 9am – 4pm; Free admission
  • Shop late! Dec. 6, 13 & 20
  • Take part in the season of giving! Hui Holidays artisan showcase returns with a winter wonderland of local and handmade items for everyone on your list! During this magical season, the Hui gift shop expands to include even more one-of-a-kind handmade gifts by local artists and crafters like paintings, ceramic pieces, hand-blown glass work, locally made beauty products, holiday ornaments and more!
hui noeau 2017 hui holidays first night

The Paper Dress Installation is always a highlight of the Hui Holidays!

Hui Holidays First Night 2017

  • Nov. 29, 2017 / 5 – 8 p.m.
  • Tickets available online at huinoeau.com or by calling 808-572-6560
  • Join us for the special opening of Hui Holidays at First Night, where you can do your holiday shopping in style as you enjoy drinks, pupu, and spirited music – all the while surrounded by the holiday décor of the dramatically decorated Kaluanui estate including the famous and sought after paper dress installation and hand made wreath sale. With new items being added to the gallery throughout the holidays, our elves are happy to help you check off your shopping list all winter long!
hui noeau 2017

Come meet Santa at the Hui!

Handmade Holidays! 

Blow Your Own Maui Glass Ornament 

  • Stephen Fellerman 
  • Available on Wednesdays from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm by reservation!
  • Please call (808) 572-6560 ext. 21 to book your spot and specify your preferred time!
  • Experience some holiday magic and create a beautiful glass ball ornament! Each participant will walk away with an incredible personalized glass ornament—ready to give as a gift or to display proudly in your home. Over approximately 30 minutes, you will choose the colors for your unique glass ball, learn about basic tools and techniques, and even try your hand at some of the process! No experience is required and you’ll have lots of help and guidance from Teaching Artist Stephen Fellerman. Note: Pieces will be available for pick up 24-48 hours after class; flat rate shipping is also available on request at an additional charge. 
  • Tuition & Supply Fee: $95 per person
  • A supply list is posted online at huinoeau.com under the class description.

Lauhala Ornament Workshop 

  • Visiting Artist Lufi Luteru 
  • Friday, 1 day
  • October 6, 2017/ 1:00 – 4:00 pm
  • Create a keepsake ornament using a Hawaiian weaving technique. See the Visiting Artists section on page 6 for more details!
  • Tuition: $25 ($32 nonmember)
  • Supply Fee: $10
  • A supply list is posted online at huinoeau.com under the class description.

Print Your Own Holiday Art Cards 

  • Tania Arens 
  • Saturday, 1 day
  • November 18, 2017 / 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Make a set of cards with a personalized touch this holiday season! In this workshop, you’ll learn the art of relief printing as you create a design, carve into linoleum, and print your own holiday greetings— ready to send to your friends and family.
  • Tuition: $25 ($32 nonmember)
  • Supply Fee: $15
  • A supply list is posted online at huinoeau.com under the class description.

Holiday Wreath Workshop 

  • Judy Bisgard & Sandra Reynolds 
  • Friday, 1 day
  • December 1, 2017 / 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Making a holiday wreath by hand is a great way to get into the holiday spirit! The Hui will provide all the greenery, space, and instruction you’ll need to create a beautiful wreath that will bring you joy all season long. We’ll finish class with some tea and sweet treats to continue the holiday fun!
  • Tuition: $35 ($44 nonmember)

Print Your Own Wrapping Paper 

  • Tania Arens 
  • Saturday, 1 day
  • December 9, 2017 / 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • After this workshop, your holiday gifts will stand out from the crowd! You’ll be provided with all the tools, ink, paper, studio space, and instruction needed to create your very own personalized wrapping paper. In the process, you’ll enjoy learning the basics of relief printing!
  • Tuition: $25 ($32 nonmember)
  • Supply Fee: $15
  • A supply list is posted online at huinoeau.com under the class description.

Joyful Jewelry: Maui-made Bangles 

  • Julie Matheis 
  • Tuesday, 1 day
  • December 12, 2017 / 5:00 – 9:00 pm
  • Create a personalized gift from the heart! In this workshop, students will learn to solder with sterling silver, shape the bangle, and polish and finish the final pieces. Great to give or keep, bangles are a wonderful way to learn jewelry basics and have fun, too!
  • Tuition: $45 ($57 nonmember)
  • Supply Fee: $20
  • A supply list is posted online at huinoeau.com under the class description.

Enameled Holiday Ornaments: Made on Maui! 

  • Roberta Ann Weisenburg 
  • Tuesday, 1 day
  • December 19, 2017 / 5:00 – 9:00 pm
  • Learn to make a handmade ornament that will become a special holiday keepsake for years to come! While enjoying some holiday fun, you’ll also learn the art of enameling as you add color to your metal design. These ornaments will become special holiday keepsakes and are a great way to share a bit of aloha with someone you love.
  • Tuition: $35 ($44 nonmember)
  • Supply Fee: $15
  • A supply list is posted online at huinoeau.com under the class description.
  • Keiki Holiday Workshops 

4:00 – 5:00 pm on Art Market nights in December! 

  • Drop off the kids for a workshop and do some holiday shopping! The Hui’s gallery is filled with wonderful gift items—and on these special Wednesdays, you’ll get an early look at the Hui’s new “Art Market” while your child has fun, too!
  • Tuition & Supply Fee: $10

Snowflake Ornaments 

  • Julie Matheis 
  • Wednesday, December 6, 2017/ 4:00 – 5:00 pm
  • Keiki will create snowflake ornaments in a variety of patterns using pipe cleaners and beads. These ornaments will make fun additions to your holiday décor!
  • Make Your Own Snowpeople 

Katie Peterson 

  • Wednesday, December 13, 2017 / 4:00 – 5:00 pm
  • Create whimsical snowpeople that won’t melt away at the end of the season! Keiki will use a sock, pom poms, cotton stuffing, popcorn kernels, and toothpicks to make their own unique version of “Frosty” the snowman.

Floral Wreaths 

Katie Peterson 

  • Wednesday, December 20, 2017 / 4:00 – 5:00 pm
  • Children will make their very own colorful wreath using tissue paper, pom poms, and paper plates! Keiki may choose from traditional holiday colors or create their own tropical color scheme for a fun, multimedia floral wreath.

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Uncategorized

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Fun and Furniture in Kahului!

02 08 17

milega hawaii bean bags and furniture maui There’s a new beanbag and specialty children’s goods/ home decor store on Maui that I just have to tell you about!

Milega was founded 20 years ago in Israel and its grown to a successful brand with 10 stores in Israel and several franchises around the world.

“What started out as a quest to find the most comfortable slouching chair/sofa/bean bag/etc… turned out to be a life full of colors, creativity, laughs and learning.”

maui furniture and bean bags

Colorful and Fun (and washable!) furniture items for your whole house!

It has now been brought to Maui, in the company’s first franchise in the US, by Ayelet and Omi Chamdi.  Ayelet shared, “I am so in love with this product!  I spent three weeks in their warehouse in Israel and I couldn’t pick which items I wanted, so I just brought them all here!” Come check out what she means – there are fun little (and BIG!) treasures to be found all over their cute and colorful showroom! Just be careful sitting down, you may never leave!

sensory hammocks hawaii The store, located on Hukilike in Kahului, is filled with bean bags, activity mats, sensory hammocks, pillows, iPad-holders, baby wraps, baby neck holders, outdoor tents and MORE!   All of the covers are removable and washable.  And they are filling all of the items here on Maui, so you don’t even have to wait to receive custom orders!

They have two baby-wearing wraps!
These adorable baby neck-pillows are washable!

 

heart shaped pillows

Heart-Shaped pillows, ipad and book holders, and much more, all ready to be given as gifts!

This is the perfect place to fill your playroom, pick up a gift for a baby shower, or check out a wide range of items to help out children with sensory issues.

They even have some waterproof and floating bean bags that you can take in the pool!

Pyramid Bean Bags
What a cute book corner or conversation nook!
Holds up iPads, Books or more!
iPad holders are all wrapped up and ready to go as gifts!
Can you see this in your kids bedroom or a playroom?
Fun activity mats and accessories for babies!

Check it out for yourself :

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Learn more about their bean bags:

You have to try it to really understand what it means to get comfortable!When it comes to relaxing and comfort,nothing beats a Yogi bean bag.

Our quality fabrics are stretchy and pleasant to the touch and adapt to the shape of your body.

Yogi products are available in various sizes and colors.All Yogi products are made with a lining and removable washable cover.

In addition,refill packs of polystyrene beads are available so you can keep your favorite products for many years.Yogi products are suitable for all ages.

Category:

Furniture, Home Decor, Kids

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SolKine- A New, Natural Sunscreen Made on Maui!

08 23 16

It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything here, since when I have paying clients this ‘fun’ blog gets back-burner status, but when I saw a post about this new made-on-Maui natural and reef-friendly sunscreen, I just had to interview them!

Below is my interview with Maja Liotta, CEO and Founder of SolKine

solkine natural reef safe sunscreen made on maui Maui Made: How did you get the idea for your company? 

Maja: I had been making beauty products for as long as I can remember. From sugar scrubs with fragrant essential oils to even soap made from rendered pork fat, I have always been someone whose mind is always thinking about how I can elevate a product or food and make it better. I am also a private chef so I am comfortable manipulating ingredient ratios to achieve a beneficial result. I had been making sunscreen for four years for my own family and had been sharing it with various moms on the beaches. With some encouragement and the help of my awesome packaging, branding and website designer, SolKine got a “look” and a following as we promote and share our product with tons of north shore groms and their families.

solkine natural reef safe sunscreen made on maui

MM: What are the difficulties of running a business on Maui? 

ML: Shipping costs!!! Getting materials here is a huge annoyance- nothing comes cheap to Maui and it takes forever!!

MM: What are the best parts of running a business on Maui?  

ML: We get to live in paradise AND have a successful business plus every person on the island desperately needs a reef safe suncare product.

MM: What’s next for your company? 

ML: We opened a bay area headquarters and are excited to start getting product to the west coast and the eastern seaboard and beyond!  We are also launching a high alpine product “SolKine Alpine” as the original recipe of this product was inspired by the harshest of elements while my family and I lived in the high rockies at 9000ft elevation.

MM: Where can people buy your product? 

ML: Right now, our e-commerce site is awesome as well as its available at Hi-Tech, Sailboards Maui, Mana Foods and Paia Pit Stop.  We are adding new retailers weekly so check our website to see where else we are selling!

solkine natural reef safe sunscreen made on mauisolkine natural reef safe sunscreen made on maui

 

Mahalo to Maja for taking the time to give us an interview!  

Category:

Bath and Body, Kids, Surf

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Maui Private School Directory

10 09 15

As this blog has evolved, I’ve tried to stick to a few basic rules: the topic must be unique to Maui, and ideally will serve as a resource for others.  As I’ve been involved in helping to promote a private school here on Maui recently, I realized that the other directories of Maui’s private schools are either hard to find, hard to read, out of date or otherwise incomplete.  So, to the best of my ability, here’s a directory of Maui’s private schools, listed alphabetically. Tuitions and deadlines are based on what I could find online, or what I’ve been provided by the school, but please contact schools directly to confirm.  I’ve also included pertinent dates as applicable, of upcoming events, open houses, etc.  To Update or correct a listing please email me at mauiliz77 (at) yahoo (dot ) com

Click on the school name to be linked to their website. Scroll to the bottom to view schools listed by location and grade levels…

  • Carden Academy of Maui | Maui Private School School: Carden Academy of Maui 
  • Location: Pukalani
  • Current Enrollment: 143
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 10: 1 (includes enrichment teachers, max class sizes are 12 (preschool), 16 (elementary school) and 18 (middle school))
  • Grades: PreK – 8
  • Educational Philosophy/ Mission: To educate the whole child through a balance of academic excellence, character development, and enrichment through the arts in a nurturing, small classroom setting.
  • Religious Affiliation: None
  • Application Deadline for 2015-2016 school year: deadline info coming soon 
  • Annual Tuition: Pre K : $8,500, K – 5 : $10,250 , 6-8 : $11,250
  • Open House Dates: January 23, 2016
  • Annual Events: Fall Festival , Carden Jamboree
  • School: Clearview Christian Girls School 
  • Location: Makawao
  • Current Enrollment: 20
  • Student to Teacher Ratio: 5-1
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Educational Philosophy: Clearview Christian Girls School provides a safe place for early adolescent girls to develop academic excellence, physical fitness, artistic appreciation, moral awareness, and spiritual strength.
  • Religious Affiliation: Christian
  • Annual Tuition:$7,015
  • Doris Todd Logo | Maui Private SchoolSchool: Doris Todd Memorial Christian School / Maui Christian Academy 
  • Location: Paia
  • Current Enrollment: 178
  • Student to Teacher Ratio: 14: 1
  • Grades: Pre-K – 8 (and a new high school: Maui Christian Academy)
  • Educational Philosophy/ Mission: The mission of Doris Todd Memorial Christian School is to provide a Christ-centered, Biblically-directed education which instills the desire and practice of academic excellence, moral integrity, patriotism, and church involvement to the glory of God.
  • Annual Tuition: Preschool – 5th Grade: $6,170  / 6-8th : $6,535 / 9-12 $7,072
  • Emmanuel Lutheran School Logo | Maui Private School School: Emmanuel Lutheran School
  • Location: Kahului
  • Current Enrollment: 170
  • Student to Teacher Ratio:13:1
  • Grades: K – 8
  • Educational Philosophy: The purpose of Emmanuel Lutheran School is to share the good news of Jesus Christ by providing a high quality, Christ-centered education.
  • Religious Affiliation: Lutheran
  • Annual Tuition:$6,100 K – 5th, $7,100 6-8th
  • Upcoming Event: Pumpkin Festival is coming up: Friday, October 24, 2015
  • Haleakala Waldorf Logo | Maui Private School School: Haleakala Waldorf
  • Location: Kula (Infant- Middle School) \ Makawao (High School) 
  • Current Enrollment: 292
  • Student to Teacher Ratio: varies
  • Grades: Pre- 12
  • Educational Philosophy: Developed by Rudolf Steiner in 1919, Waldorf Education is based on an understanding of human development that addresses the needs of the growing child. Waldorf teachers strive to transform education into an art that educates the whole child—the heart and the hands, as well as the head.
  • Religious Affiliation: none
  • Annual Tuition: $12,000 – $15,000 dependent on grade level
  • Application Deadline: deadline info coming soon 
  • Annual Event: Holiday Faire
  • School: Kaahumanu Hou Christian School (and Noah’s Ark Preschool) 
  • Location: Kahului
  • Grades: Pre-K – 12
  • Current Enrollment: 100
  • Student to Teacher Ratio: 8:1
  • Religious Affiliation: Christian
  • Educational Philosophy:We are a Classical Christian School emphasizing academics and discipleship in all grades.  We offer small class sizes for personalized attention, staffed with excellent teachers.
  • Annual Tuition:$3,600 and up
  • School: Kamehameha School MauiKamehameha Schools | Maui Private School
  • Location: Makawao
  • Current Enrollment: 1,068
  • Grades: Preschool – 12th
  • Mission: To improve the capability and well-being of Hawaiians through education.
  • Religious Affiliation: Christian
  • Application Deadline:
    • Preschool applications for the 2016-2017 school year will become available on November 2, 2015
    • The deadline for K-12 campus programs for the 2016-2017 school year has passed. The deadline was September 30, 2015.
  • Annual Tuition: Click here to view the tuitions for the various grades and programs 
  • maui Prep Logo | Maui SchoolSchool: Maui Prep
  • Location: Napili
  • Current Enrollment: 200
  • Student to Teacher Ratio:8:1
  • Grades:
    • Day students: Preschool-12th grade
    • Boarding students: 8th-12th grade
  • Educational Philosophy:A college preparatory education focused on developing higher order thinking skills through the academics, arts, and athletics.
  • Religious Affiliation: none
  • Application Deadline: rolling admissions throughout the year
  • Annual Tuition:
    • Preschool: $10,200
    • Lower School (K-5): $14,610
    • Middle School (6-8): $16,430
    • Upper School: $17,350
  • Financial Aid:
    • approximately 40% of our students receive some sort of financial aid
    • annual scholarships available
  • Open House: Tours are available on a daily basis, as are “shadow days”.  Open house usually occurs in late January.
  • School: Montessori Hale O Keiki
  • Location: Kihei
  • Current Enrollment:
  • Student to Teacher Ratio:
  • Grades: K – 8
  • Educational Philosophy:The Montessori philosophy provides a curriculum and environment in which each child will develop physically, intellectually and spiritually to his or her fullest potential. Children are introduced to the joy of learning at an early age and provided with a structured framework in which intellectual and social discipline goes hand-in-hand.
  • Religious Affiliation: none
  • Fun Fact: Montessori Hale O Keiki is the only independent school in South Maui. In 2009, MHOK became the state of Hawaii’s Marine Science School of the Future and is incorporating Marine Science curriculum in all classrooms. The students are exploring marine science concepts, discovering marine ecosystems, and providing underwater ocean research via our PADI certified middle school students.
  • Montessori School Maui Private SchoolSchool: Montessori School of Maui
  • Location: Makawao
  • Current Enrollment: 269
  • Student to Teacher Ratio: 12:1
  • Grades: 18 months – 8th grade
  • Educational Philosophy: The Montessori School of Maui provides a comprehensive curriculum from early childhood into adolescence by following the principles, spirit and philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori’s method of education. This approach features a collaborative learning environment to stimulate each student’s critical thinking skills, cultivate inquisitive minds and empower children to actively participate in the rapidly changing environment of the twenty-first century.
  • Religious Affiliation: none
  • Annual Tuition: ranges from $12,743-$15,004 based on age/grade
  • Application Dates: “We are currently accepting applications for the 2016-2017 school year, however, new applicants are wait-listed until the re-enrollment process is completed with our current students on Mar 4, 2016. Open enrollment begins for new families on March 7, 2016.”
  • Open House: Schedule your OWN open house, click for more information 
  • School: Roots School
  • Location: Haiku
  • Grades: Preschool – 8th Grade
  • Educational Philosophy: The ROOTS mission is to provide educational and learning programs that allow children to think independently, engage collaboratively, make connections across disciplines, realize their talents, and apply their learning in the world.
  • School: Sacred Hearts
  • Location: Lahaina
  • Current Enrollment: 216
  • Student to Teacher Ratio: 25:1 max
  • Grades: Early Learning School (3&4 year olds) – 8th
  • Educational Philosophy: The mission of the Sacred Hearts School community is to provide excellence in education and to nurture a life of prayer, faith and service in the Catholic tradition.
  • Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic
  • Enrollment Deadline: “No deadline, we take applications until a class fills up”
  • Annual Tuition: ELC PT $5400,  FT $6750, Kindergarten -5th $7330,  6th-8th $7730
  • Annual Event: Sacred Hearts Bazaar 
  • School: Seabury Hall
  • Location: Makawao
  • Current Enrollment:454
  • Student to Teacher Ratio: 10: 1
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Educational Philosophy:Seabury Hall is deeply committed to its college preparatory mission and its purpose to develop students in mind, body and soul.  The school equally values the commitment to service to others.  The nurturing learning environment of the school provides fertile soil for students to grow, potentials to be reached, and achievements to be celebrated.
  • Religious Affiliation: Episcopal
  • Enrollment Deadline: February 20, 2016
  • Annual Tuition: $18,950 (2015-16)
  • Major Annual Fundraising Event: Seabury Hall Craft Fair
  • Upcoming Open House Dates: October 17, 2015 / February 23, 2016  (click to learn more and RSVP)
  • School: St. Anthony Grade School
  • Location: Wailuku
  • Current Enrollment: 176
  • Grades: K – 6
  • Mission:St. Anthony Grade School is a K – 6 parish school providing quality Catholic education, enabling students to become caring, responsible, and socially conscious member of society.
  • Religious Affiliation: Catholic
  • Application Deadlines (using last year as reference) Grade 1 – 6 due by March 15, 2015 / Kindergarten due by January 15, 2015
  • Annual Tuition :$5,200.00 (2014 – 2015)
  • School: St. Anthony Junior and High School 
  • Location: Wailuku
  • Current Enrollment:
  • Student to Teacher Ratio:
  • Grades: 7 – 12
  • Educational Philosophy: The St. Anthony Junior-Senior High School provides quality Catholic education in the Marianist spirit to young men and women on Maui.  St. Anthony is an ‘ohana –  living and dynamic community of sharing and learning where leadership skills, social awareness, academic competence and commitment to faith-filled service are developed.
  • Religious Affiliation: Catholic
  • Annual Tuition: Grade 7 : $9,350 Grade 8: $10,400 Grade 9-12 $12,500

 

Schools by Location:

Upcountry (Haiku/Paia/Makawao/Pukalani/Kula) 

  • Carden Academy
  • Clearview Christian Girls School
  • Doris Todd
  • Haleakala Waldorf
  • Kamehameha Schools Maui
  • Montessori School of Maui
  • Roots School
  • Seabury Hall

Central (Wailuku/Kahului) 

  • Emmanuel Lutheran
  • Kaahumanu Hou
  • St. Anthony

Kihei 

  • Montessori Hale o Keiki

West Side (Lahaina – Napili) 

  • Maui Prep
  • Sacred Hearts

 

Schools by Grades:

Preschool (this list does not include stand-alone preschools)

  • Carden Academy
  • Doris Todd
  • Haleakala Waldorf
  • Kaahumanu Hou/ Noah’s Ark Preschool
  • Kamehameha Schools Maui
  • Maui Prep
  • Montessori School of Maui
  • Roots School
  • Sacred Hearts

Elementary School (K-5)

  • Carden Academy
  • Doris Todd
  • Emmanuel Lutheran
  • Haleakala Waldorf
  • Kaahumanu Hou
  • Kamehameha Schools Maui
  • Maui Prep
  • Montessori Hale o Keiki
  • Montessori School of Maui
  • Roots School
  • Sacred Hearts
  • St. Anthony

Middle School (6-8)

  • Carden Academy
  • Clearview Christian Girls School
  • Doris Todd
  • Emmanuel Lutheran
  • Haleakala Waldorf
  • Kaahumanu Hou
  • Kamehameha Schools Maui
  • Maui Prep
  • Montessori Hale o Keiki
  • Montessori School of Maui
  • Roots School
  • Sacred Hearts
  • Seabury Hall
  • St. Anthony

High School (9-12)

  • Clearview Christian Girls School
  • Maui Christian Academy (the new high school with Doris Todd)
  • Haleakala Waldorf
  • Kaahumanu Hou
  • Kamehameha Schools Maui
  • Maui Prep
  • Seabury Hall
  • St. Anthony

 

Blogging Disclosure: I am on the Board of Directors of Carden Academy, and a past board member of Seabury Hall Alumni Board, but no compensation was received from any school on this list.  

Category:

Kids, Schools

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Maui Sweet Cakes Launches Indiegogo Campaign

09 02 15

Made on Maui Cookies Cakes Brownies

I’m not sure what is happening in the kitchen over at Maui Sweet Cakes, but every time I turn around, Heidi Cramer is baking up some new, and delicious, creations!  Heidi just sent me a note to let me know that she’s expanding her line of shortbread cookies to now include Maui Sprinkle Cookies and Swirl Brownies!  You may have already seen them around at some local retail locations, with more coming soon.  Heidi also shared that she’s starting to get more requests for gift boxes, especially with all the corporate meetings and incentive groups coming to Maui, who are looking for unique, made on Maui treats.

The perfect Made on Maui gift!
Macadamia Nut Chocolate Sprinkle Cookies
Great Gifts for Weddings, Meetings or Incentive Groups – Made on Maui!

In fact, the shortbread cookies have been so popular that Heidi is now looking for support to grow her business, and is launching an Indiegogo campaign today! Here’s some highlights from the campaign:  

This campaign will help us meet our growing demand and market our products both on Maui and beyond.  Your contributions will enable me to expand Maui Sweet Cakes in the following ways:

* Hire more cookie ninjas! (i.e. expand our staff)

* Purchase needed kitchen equipment

* Invest in professional-quality marketing materials and photography

* Conquer the WORLD-wide web by completing our e-commerce website

And of course, donating to this project comes with some sweet perks.

Caramel Swirl Brownies | Maui Sweet Cakes
The Large Vanilla Sprinkle Cookie | Maui Sweet Cakes
Coconut Lime Sprinkle Cookies | Maui Sweet Cakes

While everyone is encouraged to donate to the Indiegogo campaign, if you want to place a direct cookie or brownie order before the e-commerce website is up, you can contact Heidi at cakemaui@gmail.com or (808)385-6202.

If you are lucky enough to be on Maui, you can find Maui Sweet Cakes cookies and brownies at the following locations:

  • Maui Gift Cookies Maui Cookies

    Shortbread Cookies – Maui Sweet Cakes

    Mana Foods

  • Whole Foods
  • The Market by Capische
  • Sip Me Coffee in Makawao
  • Ulupalukua Ranch Store
  • Haiku Market
  • Whalers General: Front Street & Shops at Wailea
  • Foodland Pukalani,  & Lahaina
  • Foodland Farms
  • Andaz – Mokapu Market (& as in-room amenities!)
  • Kea Lani – Cafe Ciao
  • MACC
  • Accents @ The Wailea Marriott

And Coming soon:

  • Foodland Kahealani
  • Whalers General-Banyan Tree & Pioneer Inn and more!

And if you recall Heidi’s other recent venture of Maui Dog Treats, it is currently being re-organized and will be re-launched early November. 

Corporate Gifts Maui Cookies and Sweets

Category:

Food and Beverage, Fundraiser, Uncategorized, Wedding

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Paia Update- August 2015

08 26 15

I went away for two weeks in July, and upon returning, it seemed like there was a whole flurry of activity in Paia!  New shops had opened, other shops had moved, restaurants are closing and opening, and the construction boom is still in full force!

Here’s a run down of what’s new in Paia:

SHOPS

Congratulations to Christine and Tim Thevenard on the opening of their beautiful new shop Luna and Tide (website still under construction but has contact info)  – this shop is worth the entry just to see their gorgeous floors. I popped my head in when I was cruising around town with a four year old (who is not much for shopping) so I will have to go back and check out the shop soon solo. Plus they have my favorite Robena painting. According to Christine, “Luna & Tide is a new Paia store filled with gifts, art and home decor.  Many of the products that are sold here support and give back to the world artisans communities were they are from.  We are looking forward to working with more local artisan as well. Please come in to visit!”

yes, these people are walking around paia with surfboards. hi = tech maui rents boards right in the middle of town
cute shirts and cover ups
My favorite painting by Robena.
Check out the amazing floors!

A shop that is no longer in Paia is the custom swimwear shop ‘Love the Beach‘ (and I believe she’s still making custom suits but I’m trying to confirm this!)- the space is now called The Mermaid Inn, and shares that same owners as the neighboring Paia Mercantile.  More on the Mermaid Inn coming soon… 

I can’t keep track of where everyone has been or is going, but it appears that Nectar Creations is now in the former Hemp House location and Original Kashmir (which appears to be a kind of import store with all kinds of crystals, jewelry and of course, cashmere) has taken its place along Hana Highway.

Tristan is a BIG fan of the crystals…

RESTAURANTS

Hana Ranch Provisions - Opening August 2015 - New Restaurant Paia, Hawaii

Hana Ranch Provisions Opens in Paia!

The big news in the Paia restaurant world is the opening of Hāna Ranch Provisions.  The to-go counter (most recently Moana Bakery) is currently open, and the restaurant side will be opening for dinner on Friday, August 28!   According to the press release “Hāna  Ranch  is  thrilled  to  introduce  Hāna  Ranch  Provisions,  a  new  community  gathering  place  that,  at  its  core,  will  strive  to  provide  a  wholesome,  ingredient-­focused  food  experience,”  said  Linh  Phu,  culinary  manager  of  Hāna  Ranch.  “We  look  forward  to  sharing  all  of  the  Hāna  Ranch  grown  products  and  stories  through  Hāna  Ranch  Provisions,  where  each  dish  will  be  inspired  by  our  land,  history  and  culture.”

The to-go counter is open from 8:30am – 2pm, and the  restaurant  will  serve  breakfast,  lunch  and  dinner  daily.  A  sampling  of  planned  menu  items  include  daily  pastries,  sandwiches  on  freshly  baked  bread,  squeezed  juices,  house-­‐butchered  smoked  meats  and  sausages  and  more,  with  the  majority  of  ingredients  sourced  by  Hāna  Ranch.      The  restaurant  will  be  led  by  a  management  team  with  decades  of  combined  experience  in  the  culinary  industry,  including  Linh  Phu,  culinary  manager,  and  Morgan  Maki,  hospitality  manager  of  Hāna  Ranch.   Follow Hāna Ranch Provisions on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  (Photos courtesy of Hāna  Ranch)

Hana Ranch Provisions Opens in Paia, Maui

Events

Award-winning shore break photographer Clark Little will be holding a Signing and Meet & Greet Event on Thursday, August 27 from 5-7pm at Hi-Tech in Paia.

Clark Little will be at the store meeting with fans, signing autographs, and taking photos. Hurley + Clark Little Apparel Line “Flash Pack” , Clark Little 2016 Calendars and Clark’s latest book, Shorebreak (Standard Edition), will be available for purchase. Product quantities may be limited. 

Clark Little Maui Tour 2015 - Paia, Maui, Hawaii

New Construction

And the ongoing construction in Paia seems to be, well, ongoing.  Want more information about leasing space in Paia?  Click here.  

My kids asked me what scaffolding was. apparently never been to NYC
Got Space?
Hana Hwy Retail Space – July 2015 Update
Baldwin Avenue Retail Location Rendering
Hana Hwy Retail Space Rendering and While Under Construction
Luna Place Rendering – Paia, Maui, Hawaii

And once again, if you are reading all the way down here, you must be really bored.  So take a ride with me. Do you know what’s a fun website to check out? Craigslist.  And no, I don’t mean the Missed Connections, although they are often hilarious.  I mean Job Postings. For example, there is currently an ad for help wanted for Honolulu Coffee Company in Paia.  Is this a new business coming in? Or does Honolulu Coffee Company run one of the existing coffee shops? Well, a quick search of Honolulu Coffee Company shows that yes, indeed, they actually own Anthony’s.

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Event, Food and Beverage, Home Decor, News, Photography, Shop Local

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How I became a ‘Surfer Girl’

08 06 15

Alternate Title: My one week escape from reality!

greetings from camp maui hawaii

UPDATE: The dates for 2016 are posted and registration is available!  If you pay a deposit by Dec 31, 2015, you will get a $200 discount!  Women’s camp is running June 19-24, 2016 – click here for more information and to register! 

 

I’m not going to lie. I literally just had the best week of my life. I went to camp. A real, honest-to-goodness, overnight camp. Just for women. On Maui. Can you believe it? I still can’t either.maui surfer girls camp

A couple months ago, a post appeared on my Facebook feed about a camp for women held by Maui Surfer Girls. Now, I already knew the company’s owner, Dustin Tester, as we went to the same high school and more recently served on the alumni board at the same time. Just knowing what a cool chick (and truly awesome surfer) she is, I emailed her as quickly as I could, hoping to ensure a spot at camp.

Dustin and her team have been running these camps for 15 years for high school-aged girls, teaching the girls to surf, amongst other activities, with a strong focus on empowerment.  In the past few years, they have held camps for women in other areas of the world, and collaborated with SwellWomen for on-island camps as well. This summer, Dustin explained that they were “finally ready to try out our signature girls camp program on women at the same facility with similar activities.  It’s more of a ‘return to summer camp’ experience and it was quite well received!”

red mini van for surfing

My mini-van turned into a board-hauling, estrogen filled machine!

On the first Monday of camp, I cleared the car seats and kids toys out of my minivan, replaced them with bikinis, beach chairs and lots of sunscreen and headed to my great adventure.  A mere 20 minutes later, as I approached the entrance to Camp Olowalu, I saw a group of surfers already hitting the waves.  “Are those my people?” I wondered.  I was greeted by Lucy, the assistant camp director, who informed me that the waves are “never this good here, in our 15 summers of camp we’ve never been able to surf this wave!” So I dropped my bags in my cabin and grabbed a board to go out and meet the group of women that I would be bonding with over the next 5 days.

Amazing view from camp. No wind at all during the first few days!

Amazing view from camp. No wind and lots of waves (though not in this pic-too busy surfing!) during the first few days!

After a short session we came in to the shore to go over the schedule for the week, which included glorious things like Yoga, Massages, Snorkeling, Reggae Cruises and Bonfires (complete with s’mores)!  Plus, of course, the 2 or 3 hours of surfing every morning!  Then we paddled out towards the waves again and held our opening circle of camp, which was such a magical experience – so much excitement buzzing for the week ahead!

Our welcome circle
From inside the welcoming circle

I won’t bore you (or send you into a jealous rage) with a minute by minute account of what we did for the week (see schedule above!), but I will go over the highlights of camp, for anyone considering attending in upcoming sessions.

Dustin (center) with her pod of surfer girls for the first half of the week!
amazing to surf right at Olowalu! Chicks with Sticks!

First of all, the location of the camp is truly amazing. It is just off the highway heading out to Lahaina (across the road from Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop) yet it feels worlds away from anywhere.  The cabins are ‘rustic’ (if you count having locking doors and electricity with ceiling fans rustic), but they are literally on the beach and plenty roomy for the 2 or 3 women per cabin at this particular camp.  The cabins were thoughtfully appointed by the staffers with Christmas lights, air mattresses (I believe an upgrade from the teen camp!), and clothes lines between each cabin for drying towels, suits and rash guards.  There are nearby bathrooms with all the modern conveniences, and there is also a full kitchen and multi-purpose room where we ate all our meals.

Some of the sweet touches were clothes lines between all the cabins…
The camp store! Full of Maui Surfer Girls logo attire
the inside of the cabins – totally spacious! with ceiling fans and lights, blow up air mattresses (for the women)…

For both the teen and women’s camp, a team of talented chefs (flown in all the way from New York!) cooked 3 healthy and amazing meals for each day, graciously working around everyone’s various dietary restrictions. And yes! There was beer and wine!  This was adult camp after all!

kelly potts maui surfer girl

Professional Surfer Kelly Potts – A true inspiration on and off the waves. Photo by Lauren Stirpe

For each morning’s surf session, we headed just a bit down the road to Ukumehame Beach, where we were instructed by either Dustin or professional surfer Kelly Potts.  I’d never taken a proper surf lesson before, but it was obvious that these two ladies are not just passionate about surfing, they are excellent in their teaching abilities.  They are able to watch someone and tell them exactly what they need to do to take their surfing to the next level, and often on the very next wave.  It was so amazing being surrounded by so many supportive, encouraging women (not just the instructors but all the other campers as well!) that hours seemed to pass by as minutes (pruny fingers and sun kissed noses were good indicators as to when it was time to head in…)!

In between activities, there was plenty of down time, and the camp was fully stocked with snorkel gear, stand up paddle boards, (even a pool table!) but lounging in hammocks, reading and napping were often popular activities. The best part about adult camp is that we were all adults and all of the activities were pretty much optional, it was kind of a choose your own adventure!  And as you can imagine, there was lots of laughter and fun throughout the week.

some tide pooling…
yoga at the park…
lounging was a popular activity
just a little wet fun!
Lounging, did I mention the lounging?
even more lounging
here i am! complete in my finest... being outside ALL DAY made covering up (surfing in hats and yoga pants) essential

here i am! complete in my finest… being outside ALL DAY made covering up (surfing in hats and yoga pants) essential

I’m sure we all went to camp for various reasons, maybe reliving a memorable summer, or perhaps even to become a better surfer. Personally I went to camp to get out of the daily mommy-grind (I was the only one leaving two young children at home- thanks hubby for taking them!). After 7.5 years of stay-at-home/work-from-home momminess, it was time for a little R&R.  The camp was so relaxing and rejuvenating, I went home feeling completely refreshed.  I also want my children to know that I have hobbies besides carpool driving and dishes.  And besides, daddy surfs, so why can’t I?

The camp was wrapped up with the Island Rhythms Sunset Cocktail Cruise  by Pacific Whale Foundation, with live and DJed music by Marty Dread.  As Maui’s resident reggae star, I know Marty always puts on a great time, but there was something pretty special about this cruise.  The dance floor was absolutely packed, and on occasion the beat of the dancers literally had the boat rocking up and down.  At one point we were passed by a very calm and serene looking crowd aboard another sunset cruise, and you just had to feel bad for a moment, knowing all those people had definitely gotten aboard the WRONG boat…

 

sunset maui panorama

Party aboard Pacific Whale Foundation!!!

Party aboard Pacific Whale Foundation!!!

The last morning a few of us die hards woke up for a final early session before the first departures started.  Once we got back to camp the packing was in full gear, and in that bittersweet moment, as we said our goodbyes, we all asked where we could put a deposit down for 2016.

I’m already counting down the days.

All of the lovely ladies of Maui Surfer Girls first women’s camp!
This is what packing up an entire month of surf camp looks like.
we literally put a lime in a coconut. and shook it all up
A close up of some of the darling cabins!
Dustin and the Maui Surfer Girls’ Mascot Luna!
that’s a lot of boards…

—

For More Information: 

 

2016 Camp dates are June 19 – 24 for Women.  Register and place a deposit by Dec 31, 2015 to get a discount!  Click here for more information on their women’s camps

Maui Surfer Girls 

Or check out their Year-Round Surf Lessons! You dont have to go to camp to experience the excellent teaching of Maui Surfer Girls (and some of their awesome male instructors too!) – Lessons are open to ALL Ages and beginner to intermediate surfers.

Follow Maui Surfer Girls: 

Instagram 

Facebook 

 

A panoramic view of the camp grounds.

A panoramic view of the camp grounds.

Category:

Activity, Surf

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Swoon-Worthy Leather Bags – Bags by Gscout

07 18 15

scout hobo bag bags by gscout Inspiration for new blog posts come from everywhere… meeting new people, shopping through our local boutiques, or in the case of this post, simply scrolling through Facebook. I have no idea how these pictures originally appeared on my feed (through the magic of Facebook!) but when I saw these stunning, handmade leather bags, I just had to investigate further!

Gillian Adamo of Bags by Gscout shares her story of how she learned about leather work, taught herself how to make bags, and then combined her lifelong skills as a healer to create custom bags, along with her daughter and partner Cheyenne, with just a bit of something special…. 

leather bag handmade leather work braid work tassels

One of the original bags, twenty years old!

“Twenty five years ago I was traveling in Nepal, a girl walking down the dusty streets of Kathmandu caught my eye. She looked like a wild gypsy girl and she had this amazing braided leather necklace on. I asked her about it and she said she made it and that she sold them. I asked her if I could buy one from her and she said “No, I’ll teach you how to make it”!!

“She invited myself and my boyfriend to come and stay with her in her home on a lake in a town at the base of the Himalayas. Over a period of 3 weeks, she taught me numerous techniques in leather braid work.

“After returning home to Canada I got the idea to make leather bags. I created designs in my mind for bags and stitched them into form with the stitches I had been taught in Nepal. My craft was born. I created leather bags in Canada for the following 3 years. Then I moved to Maui to raise my daughter. I put my bags to the side and 20 years later my daughter asked me to make her a bag. I did, I posted a picture of it and I got 5 requests for bags… Gscout  begins!!!

Smoke Colored Deer Skin Leather
Red Leather Bag
The most popular design – lots of fringe!

“This has been a full time job for me, alongside the healing work that I have been doing throughout my life. They go hand in hand as the healing energy I work with also goes in to every one of these bags. I like to say that people ‘carry a feeling’ with them when they carry our bags. Its the feeling I generate through my healing work.

silver hand pounded detail on

Solid silver hand pounded ring on strap

“Each bag is handmade with no electricity or machines, using genuine Italian & Spanish leathers and deer skin from Alaska. My daughter, Cheyenne Jagger, works along side me. Before we joined forces, she acquired a knack for goldsmith skills and became a jeweler of fine metals and stones. In our Gscout Bags, Cheyenne creates solid silver hand-pounded rings for our strap attachments, adding one more level of refinement to these creations. Many of the Gscout bags are made to order so as our clients may have a bag perfectly fit to the individuals tastes and needs.

Cheyenne and Gillian
Cheyenne Jagger
a new creation…
A custom leather bag in the making…

The custom bag for Christine McVie

“Mick Fleetwood’s girlfriend commissioned a bag for him, and she gave me a few little trinket treasures of his that I attached to the pouch. She also gave me a cool skeleton key that had special significance between the two of them and I added that to the inside pocket of her bag.  A year later, Mick commissioned a bag as a gift for Christine McVie —> (Christine’s clutch got cool sexy lines to match her cool rock and roll persona), then the next year he bought his girlfriend one of my bags. I made Krishna Das a bag, and I added a vintage Indian coin since India is so deeply in his heart. I’m making something for Gretchen Rhodes, who sings with Kenny Chesney. Gretchen’s bag is going to be earthy and sexy and solid just like her.”

Want to get your hands on your own Gscout? 

Check them out in person at Holiday and Co in Makawao, or view and purchase online at www.gscouthawaii.com. (and don’t forget about the custom options!)  And make sure you follow them on Facebook – Bags by GScout and Instagram- g scout bags .

Mahalo to Gillian for sharing her awesome story and her gorgeous bags!  Now I just need to come up with an excuse to get my own custom Gscout…

The City Slicker Bag

 

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Accessories, handmade

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Haleakala Creamery Churns up some Deliciousness

06 10 15

haleakala dairy creamery caramel ice cream

If you have lots of goat milk handy, but dislike that taste of it, what’s a girl to do? This was the dilemma that Rebecca Woodburn-Rist faced, which was answered by lots and lots of ice cream and caramel, and a whole new enterprise!  Rebecca is now making caramel sauce out of goat’s milk as well as cow’s milk, with flavors including vanilla, cinnamon and coffee, and is selling it at retail locations across the island!  I’m also a sucker for the sweet and creamy deliciousness, so check out what’s happening at Haleakala Creamery!

caramel recipe goat milk Maui Made: How did you learn how to make caramel? 

Rebecca: ​I taught myself how to make caramel after reading about traditionally made goat’s milk caramel (cajeta) because I had a surplus of milk.  It took a lot of trial batches to find the right balance of sweetness and silky texture. The cow’s milk caramel cooks a bit differently and I have had to experiment with different ratios of milk and sugar to get the right texture. I started making caramel​ in the spring of 2013 after a year of making my own goat’s milk ice cream​.

Haleakala Creamery offers goat and cow milk Caramel in different flavors at the Upcountry Farmers Market and retail locations around Maui.
Rebecca with a baby goat!

MM: Where do you make your caramel now? 

R: ​I use the Lokahi ​Kitchen in Wailuku. It has been a huge help having a kitchen available to rent so that I could start wholesaling my products. We are currently in the permitting/design process for our own facility to be built on the new farm property.

goat milk ice cream

Goat milk ice cream is also served up on Saturdays at the Upcountry Farmer’s Market if you make it up there early!

MM: Where do you get your goat and cow milk?

​R: My cow’s milk comes from Island Dairy on the big island under the Hawaii’s Fresh label, they are one of the last commercial dairies operating in the state of Hawaii​. We are in the process of building our own micro dairy facility and will begin using all of our own goat’s milk as soon as it is certified.  Until then I am using Summerhill goat’s milk from California.

goats.milk.ice.cream.caramel

MM: What’s the hardest thing of having a business on Maui? 

​​R: The cost of land on Maui is very high and for a startup farming venture it can be very prohibitive. The islands also have a very small gene pool of dairy goats and I had to fly in a buck (male breeding goat) from Arizona to improve my herd.

MM: And best thing?

R: ​All of the ingredients that make good caramel are on Maui!​

baby.goat.mauiMM: You have over 1,200 followers on Instagram – how did you do that?  

R: ​It’s all the cute goat pictures! By connecting with other farms on Instagram I noticed what types of pictures people like to see and how they respond to them.  The great thing is that I have connected and become friends with so many of my Instagram followers and I am always excited when someone introduces themselves in real life!

MM: What’s next for Haleakala Creamery?

R: ​I am currently working on spreading my caramel sauce to new retail locations. My caramel is being reviewed by Whole Foods as a new product so fingers crossed that goes well.​ Within the next year we plan to be in our own dairy and kitchen facility​. I am experimenting with chewy goat’s milk caramel candies and hope to be able to retail those soon.

MM: Tell us a little bit about yourself: 

R: ​I grew up in Victoria, BC but I have family that live in Hawaii. My sisters grew up on the big island and Hawaii always felt like my second home.  I became a resident in 2001, I love living in the islands.  Growing up my family owned a horse drawn carriage business and I continue to ride and work with horses. My husband and I just welcomed our newborn son about 3.5 months ago and I have been juggling goat chores, caramel cooking and baby raising. I couldn’t do it without Dylan! I love growing our own food and knowing where all the ingredients came from.  By making a caramel with local ingredients I get to do two things I am passionate about – Promote local food and care for a herd of dairy goats.

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Mahalo to Rebecca for chatting with us about her exciting new products!  

caramel.crepe.recipeWhere to buy Haleakala Creamery’s Caramels:  Haleakala Creamery Online Shop, Maui Ocean Center – Maalaea, Maui Coffee Roasters – Kahului, Fustini’s – Shops at Wailea, Maui Winery and at the Upcountry Farmers Market on Saturday mornings (with the goat milk ice cream when available as well!) 

Check out some of Rebecca’s recipes (like these delicious crepes) to see what she does with her caramel! 

Follow Rebecca and Haleakala Creamery on Facebook and Instagram (for lots of cute goat pictures!) 

haleakala.creamery.logo

 

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Food and Beverage, Swap Meet

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Two Chicks in a Hammock

06 05 15

Once upon a time, two chicks were hanging out in a hammock. Today, Michelle Jones and Katherine Crosby are taking over the island with their Backyard Juice, Hawaiian Salt, Hawaiian Chili Pepper Pickles, Bread and Butter Pickles and Dill Pickles and even a new food booth!

backyard juice maui Backyard Juice Hawaiian Chili Pepper Water is the original product from Two Chicks in a Hammock, and according to their website, it’s their version of traditional Hawaiian chili pepper water. “It goes well on all kinds of fish, dried, cooked or raw, grilled steak, grilled veggies, noodles, seafood such as shrimp, opihis (limpits) and oysters, as a marinade for any protein, including tofu, as well as in stir-fry’s or on eggs or rice to add a kick of spiciness. Our chili water is made on Maui from mostly all local ingredients and sold in locally made bottles.” In 2014, they also unveiled a gluten and preservative-free version made with non-GMO, low sodium San-J brand tamari that sells at natural food stores.

I kept hearing about Two Chicks at last month’s Startup Weekend with the Waikapu Pickle Team (more on that one later) – “Those ladies are killing it!” I heard. “I think they’ve even quit their jobs!” was the rumor… turns out that’s only half true… And they were kind enough to donate to my basket of Made on Maui items for the Carden Jamboree, so yes, it was time to the Two Chicks blog post.

So here it is…

Maui Made: There’s a rumor going around that you’ve quit your jobs and this is now your full time gig… any truth to that? 
Michelle Jones: It is my full time job as of December 2014. Kat is still working for the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. I was a case coordinator for Easter Seals Hawaii before this. We started this company in January of 2013 and bottled our first round of Backyard Juice Hawaiian Chili Pepper Water (the original recipe) in June 2013. It just got to the point where I was working on Two Chicks stuff until 10 at night and I had to take the risk and do this full time.

Kat preps for the food booth
The Bottling begins!

MM: Where are you making your products? 
MJ: We make our products and food at the Lokahi Pacific Kitchen

MM: Tell me more about the new food booth!
MJ: We started our Pork, Chicks N’ Picks food booth in December 2014 selling our smoke pork, rosemary chicken, spicy, dill and bread n butter pickles, seasoning salt and Backyard Juice. We are at the swap meet, Kihei 4th Friday, the Ag Festival, and various concerts and festivals. Soon we will have a set roadside spot each week as well. It is going well. People are getting to know us and come back to tell us how much they enjoy the food.   We are also offering our smoke meat, rosemary chicken, pickles and garlic brussel sprouts for parties in advance!

Maui Spicy PicklesMM: What’s the hardest part of running a small business in Maui?
MJ: I would say that shipping costs from Oahu and back is the worst thing. Having our printing done locally costs more than it would on the mainland but we strive to use all local businesses when we can’t do something so that is one of the hardest things financially. There are lots of rules when making food for stores and the public and you have to be super on it to make sure everything is done legally and safe.
MM: How was the Made in Maui County Festival?  Are you going again this year? 
MJ: We had a great experience at the Made in Maui festival last year as well as the Made In Hawaii festival on Oahu. Great exposure to local people and tourists as well and a great chance to talk with store reps and distributors. Yes, we are going again this year! I would recommend any local company to attend because of the exposure and sale opportunities.
MM: What’s next for Two Chicks?
MJ: Getting into more and more stores with our products now that we have a distributor. We won Second Place for our Hawaiian Chili Pepper Salt at the Ag Fest and will soon be selling our salt, pickles and Backyard Juice to stores and restaurants wholesale. Our food cart will be going full time (probably Tuesday-Friday) in Haiku in the next month or so. We just got accepted into Foodland and Safeway statewide so will be delivering to them this month. At that point we will be in 92 stores all together.
Kat and Michelle win Second Place at the Maui Ag Festival 2015 for their Hawaiian Chili Pepper Salt Recipe
Hawaiian Chili Pepper Salt
Kat and Michelle at the Maui Ag Fest
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To Order your Backyard Juice or Hawaiian Chili Pepper Salt online, check out their website, or check out their extensive list of locations here!
Congrats, and mahalo to Michelle and Kat for sharing their story! I hope that you two get some time to relax in that hammock!!! 

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Food and Beverage, Swap Meet

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