Maui Business

Myrlynette “Kaui” Alo Palau, the building custodian known for leaving roses at co-workers’ desks, was honored as Maui Economic Opportunity’s Employee of the Month for December 2021.

Hawaiʻi gas prices are increasing rapidly in response to continued increases in oil prices, according to the AAA Hawaiʻi Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for Hawaiʻi is $4.50, which is six cents higher than last week. The average national price is $3.52, up four cents from a week ago.

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse is slated to open at The Shops at Wailea in the fall of 2022, marking the first Maui location for the restaurant.

Hawaiian Electric presented a $9,000 donation to Habitat for Humanity Maui to help more Valley Isle residents achieve homeownership.

Makaʻalae Farms on Maui is set to receive $250,000 in funding from the US Department of agriculture to help create new products and better advertise goods and services.  

The restaurant in Māʻalaea, is inviting kamaʻāina to connect over locally sourced ingredients and a delicious three-course prix fixe menu, all for the price of $25 per person. For each lunch purchased, Seascape will donate $1 to the MOC Marine Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of Hawaiian green sea turtles and coral restoration. 

In a surprise event at its Kapolei Banking Center on Saturday, Feb. 12, Bank of Hawaiʻi awarded customer Venise Faaita with the grand prize of 1 million HawaiianMiles, concluding its 5 Million HawaiianMiles Giveaway.

Maui has limited options for boba drinks, so Malia Stewart and business partner Sierra Coullahan decided to open The Boba Bar Paia at 2A Baldwin Ave., just mauka of Pāʻia Fish Market, on Jan. 31.

The agreement comes after Nalu Scientific was awarded more than $2.6 million in 2021 through seven awards from the US Department of Energy and National Institutes of Health under the Small Business Innovation Research program.

New standalone orthopedic clinic All Access Ortho Maui in Pukalani is expanding services with the addition of Adam Mays (nationally certified physician assistant with qualification in orthopedic surgery), Dr. Byron Izuka (board certified pediatric orthopedic surgeon) and Tammy Momohara (certified hand therapist).

Marriott Vacations Worldwide is hosting its first virtual career mixer for sales and marketing positions on Maui on Thursday, Feb. 10 at 1 p.m. HST to fill immediate openings at Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club, The Westin Kāʻanapali Ocean Resort, The Westin Nanea Ocean Resort Villas, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Lahaina VSC, and Sheraton Maui.

Stafford and Ortiz will oversee activities under their respective roles at Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center, medical offices, and clinics across the state. 

Turo responds to Maui supply and demand.

Maui’s First Topgolf Swing Suite is specifically geared toward visitors and guests looking for an immersive social golf experience, and doubles as an upscale entertainment or viewing party venue. PC: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

American Savings Bank announced its charitable contributions for the 2021 calendar year totaled more than $1.5 million. The funds were donated to the community, benefiting nearly 80 local nonprofit organizations, according to a company announcement.

Residential real estate brokerage, Hawaiʻi Life, has acquired Wailea Realty Corporation, a second-generation Maui real estate brokerage founded in 1972.

The legislation aims to support workers and small businesses in creative industries by increasing federal resources and expanding federal benefits for those using creativity and skill in their employment.

AARP Hawaiʻi conducted a survey in 2021 to find out how small businesses feel about legislation that would create a state-facilitated retirement savings program.

The program, called START: A Student Artist Immersion, will connect two talented high school students to some of the island’s top artists, provide a platform to show art at the Resort’s acclaimed Artists Showcase, teach them about the business of art, and supply a $3,000 scholarship to continue their development after graduation.

After receiving nearly 200 applications and reading so many compelling stories, the company made the decision to increase its overall donation to accommodate more charities and to spread it among 25 nonprofit organizations across the four states it serves.