The Business Spotlight Shines on Maui Toyota

In June 1975, Damian Farias opened the first Toyota dealership on Maui.  Exactly 44 years later, his grandson Sean is helping to lead the (still!!) family-owned business as sales manager, being mindful of these modern times, but also respecting the company’s longtime values.

“It was more important to make a point that family-owned is always good and to make sure we meet customers’ satisfaction of vehicles they’re really looking for and not just to make a profit off it, but to give good business,” says Maui Toyota sales manager Sean Farias, who first started working in the business by detailing cars.  “Local friendly service, right prices, we want them happy; we have an excellent service department, awesome sales staff.”

Owners take great pride in the company, but so do employees.  Anna Kusunoki, title clerk at Maui Toyota for 13 years, shared a personal story of loss:  after her four-month-old son passed away at a daycare, she got pregnant again and had another child.  Although she loved her job, it was very important for her to care for her baby directly.  Thankfully, Kusunoki was able to do both; she says the Farias family responded with empathy and compassion.

“When I was ready to come back to work, he welcomed myself along with my infant to come to work every day, and I remained his title clerk and I brought my baby to work every day; what an awesome guy,” say remembers.  “That love of family, feeling at home, is what I love about working here.”

The award-winning business is known for its personable service and diverse inventory, from sedans to trucks to SUVs to hybrids.  In fact, they even have the new 2020 hybrid Corollas in stock, which get about 52 miles per gallon.

“They’re under mid-$20’s for a hybrid Corolla, and they get excellent gas mileage,” says Farias. “It’s still new, but I see that taking over the Prius.”

The dealership also has a solid lineup of Tacomas and Tundras, which remain ever-popular on Maui.  Farias proudly estimates 70 to 80% of Toyota trucks on the island come from their business.  Learn more about their inventory and family story in our video above.

Every new vehicle comes with two years of service, including oil changes and tire rotations.  During their anniversary month, Maui Toyota is also offering vehicles for sale below MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price), with financing available for qualified buyers.

There’s also a special giveaway happening that could give you a chance to win a Westside staycation, just by highlighting your ride, old or new!  Entering to win is easy: get the details here.

Farias has even helped organize a way for Toyota fans to showcase their beautiful vehicles in a Maui meet-up event, called The Aloha Convoy.

“It’s the newer generation of our Toyota community,” he says, adding that last year’s meet-up brought together around 100 lifted Toyotas, many that originated from their dealership.  “This year it’s happening around August, and you’ll see over 100 Toyotas cruising on the road!”

Look for updates on The Aloha Convoy via Maui Toyota’s Facebook page.  To learn more about the business and its new and pre-owned inventory, call (808) 877-2781 or go to the Maui Toyota website.