Maui Makai Launch Party: Celebrating with Local Vendors and Community
Hey, it’s Kama. I feel like I say this in every personal post I make, but I’m gonna say it again: Maui has given me so much. The people, the nature, the businesses, the magical mana that imbues this whole island have inspired every move I’ve made. Maui Makai is an act of devotion; An attempt to give back what I have received by highlighting all the awesome stories of people and businesses doing amazing things here. It’s a sharing of all I love. Ironically, the more I give here, the more I receive. Raising tides has sincerely lifted all boats. Maui, you are one special place.
Just a little over a week ago, we celebrated our official launch at Story Pa’ia. We ate, we danced, we laughed and we connected, deeply, authentically and joyfully. THANK YOU to everyone who came to talk story with us. Thank you to everyone who supported our vision. Here are the local businesses that made the official Maui Makai Launch Party so freaking memorable:
Photo: Matias Eczurra Photography
Story Maui
First and foremost: what would we have done without this epic space? It’s bright and airy, their coffee and pastries are delicious, the staff is warm and hilarious and they have a resident cat. Not to mention, their whole brand is inspired by talking story (as is ours). It all felt really aligned and we were so grateful for their generosity. This is a space to come hang out whether it’s at your next event or for your morning latte with the community. Sophie, this truly couldn’t have happened without you.
Photo: Matias Ezcurra Photography
Aloha Moon
Aloha Moon is a female-owned charcuterie board company on-island that sources from local farms and suppliers. They are truly one of the cutest things a host could offer. For our magazine's launch party, the owner, Annie, provided a beautiful board with high quality ingredients and a personal touch (our brand name in edible lettering!)! It's clear she loves what she does and is thoughtful in every step of the process. Working with Annie was a breeze and we are so excited for more (we see one of her surfboard charcuterie boards in our future ;)).
Photo: Shooting Stars Maui
Maui Mood Swing
Maui Mood Swing is another female-owned brand with a lot of heart and consciousness. This vintage brand is a thrifter’s paradise (in paradise) that is thoughtfully curated with the cutest pieces and the funnest people. The team set up a rack at the party for a bit of dress-up on the side. The mannequin had to be changed about three times because everything she was dressed in got sold. We cannot wait for their official location to open in Wailuku in September! Mahalo to Maiya, Danah and Alison for all their positive vibes along the way.
Photo: Shooting Stars Maui
Lunetta Sourdough
Though this female-founded bakery is known for their delicious sourdough, I very quickly discovered that somehow, they make treats that are even MORE delicious than that. Cue their Hawaiian sourdough sweet rolls that take the classic Hawaiian bread roll to another level. And cue their brown butter chocolate chip cookies which literally sent fireworks through my entire body. Sweet, salty, buttery, delicious. Founder Ellina and her righthand woman, Liv are magicians with all things baked and the sweetest to boot.
Photo: Matias Ezcurra Photography
Maui Printing Company
Jason and Robert at Maui Printing Company were truly the meat and potatoes of this event. Because of them, we were able to display a taste of the brand we’re so proud to have created. They used their impressive printing facility to get us a giant circular print out of our logo for the DJ stand and a whole bunch of adorable stickers to share with the community. It made it all so legit and they were the easiest, most reliable people to work with. Maui businesses, keep them in mind for all your marketing and promo needs!
Photo: Shooting Stars Maui
Maui DJ Services
Scott coordinated, Kurt turned it up. Maui DJ Services is known to put on some of the best parties for the biggest events (in fact, I almost got married once upon a time and they were the first people that were recommended to me). I see why. I sent in about ten songs in advance and Kurt created the most perfect playlist: upbeat, vibe-y, fun, dance-y enough. There were about fifty moments I wanted to stop everything I was doing and just groove to the beats he was dropping. He absolutely nailed it. Everyone was in such a great mood and there is no doubt the sonic ambiance was a huge part of it.
Photo of Nate from Sunlit Films by Matias Ezcurra Photography
Sunlit Films
Nate is such a chill guy with such a great vibe and that is absolutely essential to have as the person who is following you around with a camera telling your story. His friendly casual demeanor takes away all the camera shyness and the work he creates afterwards is a masterpiece. Sunlit Films is a company we’d absolutely recommend whether it’s your wedding, your launch party or some cool business content.
Photo: Matias Ezcurra Photography
Matias Ezcurra Photography
Matias’s work is truly stunning and his passion shows in everything he does. From high end romantic wedding shots to iconic brand shoots, we trust him to elevate our image, capture a potent essence and tell a story through every image. He’s so effortlessly good you literally forget you’re doing a photoshoot with him and lose yourself in the Bad Bunny playlist you guys selected.
Photo: Shooting Stars Photography
Shooting Stars Photography
Stephen is one of the OG Maui photographers with a specialty in live events and portraits. His long history in the music scene has made him go-to source for local musicians and big names on island like Mick Fleetwood and Sammy Hagar. He’s a straight shooter who captures your vibe quickly and candidly. He’ll also make you laugh along the way.
