Nā Hoaloha ‘Ekolu celebrates 40 years and welcomes a new chapter of local leadership

This year, Old Lāhainā Lūʻau celebrates its 40th year in business on the Westside of Maui — a remarkable journey marked by challenges, celebrations and gratitude in equal measure.

Founded by Michael Moore, Robert Aguiar, and Tim Moore, parent company Nā Hoaloha ‘Ekolu has grown from the creation of Old Lāhainā Lūʻau 40 years ago into a family of businesses that has become an important part of Maui’s hospitality and culinary community. Along the way, the company welcomed Aloha Mixed Plate in 1996, Star Noodle in 2010, and Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop in 2011, while building an ever-growing family of employees, leaders, and community partners.

The past four decades have tested this family as much as they have rewarded it. Nā Hoaloha ‘Ekolu has weathered economic recessions, hurricanes, tsunamis, and storms; navigated the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic; and endured the devastating Lahaina fires of August 2023 — through it all, staying focused on getting employees safely back to work.

Local Leadership Invests in the Future

As the company celebrates this milestone, its founders are elated to announce that a core group from their leadership team — who have guided the company through both the good times and the challenging ones — have become Managing Partners of Nā Hoaloha ‘Ekolu: Emer Rickard, Judee Mae Aki, Nicky Boskoff, and Kawika Freitas.

Together, these four leaders bring a combined 103 years of experience with Nā Hoaloha ‘Ekolu and have played important roles in guiding the company through its highs and its hardest moments.

Their investment represents more than a leadership transition. It reflects a deliberate commitment to keeping Nā Hoaloha ‘Ekolu locally owned and locally led, ensuring that the company’s future remains connected to the people, culture, and community that have shaped it from the beginning.

The new Managing Partners also bring deep personal ties to Hawaiʻi. Emer Rickard was raised in Lahaina and is a graduate of Lahainaluna High School. Judee Mae Aki was born in Makawao and is also a Lahainaluna graduate. Nicky Boskoff was born in Lahaina and graduated from Kapaʻa High School on Kauaʻi. Kawika Freitas was born on Hawaiʻi Island and is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools.

Continuing the Vision, Not Changing It

While Michael, Robert, and Tim will take a less active role in day-to-day operations, they will remain actively involved in the company’s development, strategic direction, and long-term vision.

The founders view this next chapter not as an ending, but as an opportunity to strengthen the foundation they have built, while ensuring Nā Hoaloha ‘Ekolu remains in the hands of people deeply invested in Maui and in the company’s future.

“The core values that have guided the company for 40 years — hard work, integrity, mālama for one another, aloha, genuine Hawaiian hospitality, and commitment to community — will remain at its heart. The vision continues. The values remain. The commitment to Maui grows. And the future is local,” according to the announcement. “As Nā Hoaloha ‘Ekolu enters its fifth decade, the company is deeply rooted in the place where its story began — Lahaina.”