On Sunday, Nov. 19, more than 1,000 people gathered at the Neal Blaisdell Center on Oahu to cheer on Maui.Maui vendors participating in KahKua on Maui: Shopping and Shows Aloha The event showcased a variety of products from all over Maui County and gave many businesses new opportunities to sell and promote their work.
“This is a huge deal for our business,” said Emily Stolte of Aloha Aina Adaptogenics. “We’ve been having a hard time the last few months because there are so few tourists coming to Maui and people need the extra money instead of spending it. So, come to Oahu and fly To have the opportunity to have my bills and hotel paid for and be able to come here was a really big deal.”
In addition to providing much-needed economic opportunities for Maui businesses, many Maui businesses were able to connect with customers, colleagues, and friends.
“We have two stores in Lahaina. Of course, we lost one person in the Lahaina Fire. Barbara and I were working hard that night when the fire raged through town,” Maui Toys said. Robert Lorea of Works said. “We escaped the fire and are here today. It’s a great opportunity to be here with Kokua for Maui. Great group of people here. We meet a lot of our neighbors. We are really enjoying this opportunity to be here because it brings us so much joy and warmth.”
The event was sponsored in part by the State of Hawaii and the City and County of Honolulu. Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke and Mayor Rick Blangiardi greeted and met with many vendors during Sunday’s event.
“We thought of a way to support the people of Maui while at the same time showcasing Maui’s culture, spirit and resilience,” said Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke. “We had the idea to bring Maui vendors to all the islands and have a place where you could show off who you are and how strong you are.”
Saturday, November 18ththResidents attending the Hilo Farmers Market warmly welcomed eight Maui vendors who arrived as part of the event. Kokua on Maui: Shopping and Aloha Show Initiative in partnership with Hawaii County.
If you missed any of these events, they are still scheduled to take place, including on Monday, November 20th.th It will be held on Tuesday, November 21st at the Royal Hawaiian Center on Oahu. There will be 75 vendors throughout the center from 2 to 8 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kauai County will host vendors at the Small Business Saturday Craft Fair featuring Kauai. Manufactured at Kukui Grove Center on Maui.
See below for event details and updates on the Kokua for Maui program and continued support of local Maui businesses. Mauinuifirst.com.