Uplifting Black Owned Businesses on Maui
- Caitlin Maratea
- Jul 15, 2020
- 11 min read
Updated: Jul 17, 2020
Black Lives Matter. It's a statement, it's a movement, it's a plea, and it's a fact. For many, this statement still requires an explanation. Meanwhile, the movement has gained traction in unprecedented ways. The plea existed long before any of us were alive, and the work to make this fact a reality continues. Please let me begin by acknowledging that I am writing this article cognisant that it is more appropriate for me, as a white female, to be listening to those who deserve the space to be heard. I simply wish to share some actionable information that residents of Maui and visitors alike, can use to recognize and uplift the talents of the Black community on Maui. I learned about so many interesting people and professions while researching this list. I am excited to share this resource, especially during the pandemic when small businesses need all the help they can get. This article is ever-evolving, so if I missed anyone, please let me know. If we genuinely support Black Lives Matter, then let's show that by learning about and frequenting Black-owned businesses in our community.
Restaurants
Sale Pepe
I couldn't possibly tell the story of Sale Pepe better than the owners themselves, so I will let them tell their story. The following is from their website:
"Our story starts with food, as most of the good ones do… We met at a restaurant, one of his, in Brooklyn. I'm Qiana, a native New Yorker, from Red Hook, Brooklyn. My husband, Michele, is from Rozzano, Milan by way of southern Italy. From vastly different worlds and cultures, we bonded over a love of cuisine, family, and travel. On one such trip to Maui, overcome by the magic of the island, we married on a whim and kept coming back.
Eventually, the pull that Maui held on our hearts could no longer be denied. We sold our Brooklyn restaurant and moved to Lahaina, eager to share our vision, philosophy, and love of Italian food and culture with the community.
We are thrilled to share Sale Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina - Maui's Authentic Italian Restaurant with you. Our pastas and artisanal Italian pizzas are crafted by a certified pizzaiola with fresh, local ingredients in classic and creative presentations. Paired with the enjoyment of a fun, social wine bar atmosphere, the Sale Pepe experience promises an authentic, warm, and satisfying result that cannot be duplicated anywhere else on Maui.
Mangiare Insieme, let's eat together!"
I have the added benefit of having this lovely couple as my neighbors. Not only do I LOVE visiting their restaurant for homemade pasta and their risotto as often as I can, but I also get to see their smiling faces all over town.
878 Front St Unit 7 & 8 near the Maui Theatre, Lahaina
808-667-7667
Farmacy Health Bar
Farmacy Health Bar shows us that food can be medicine. They share simple, healthy, high integrity food straight from the farm to the community. As mentioned on their website, "Chef Christopher Malik wrote this menu to please his mother, tutu Shama, who raised him plant-based and always wanting to know where her food came from, and what the effects of that food was to our bodies and the earth."
Find their delicious vegetarian dishes in two locations; Wailuku and Pukalani. They have order links on their website so you can order straight from there. I can't wait to try this place myself!
55 Pukalani St #11, Makawao
12 Market St. Wailuku
Soul Brothers Southern BBQ
Located in the Kihei Food Truck Park, Sol Brothers brings southern-style Alabama comfort food to Maui. Their family secret BBQ sauce for their tender, melt-in-your-mouth ribs is off the charts. They are also famous for their drunken chicken and five cheese Mac n Cheese. If you have a craving for southern BBQ, then check these guys out!
1 Piikea Ave, Kihei
808-214-4482
Local Boys Shave Ice
I have thoroughly enjoyed gathering stories behind Maui's small businesses, and this one was quite special. Local Boys Shave Ice started as a small snack shop by a father who simply wanted to spend more time with his son. They worked seven days a week together and saved every penny they could. Finally, they were able to open their first location in Kihei. Eventually, they were able to grow enough to open their second location in Lahaina. They have consistently shared their aloha spirit with the community, and have amassed a loyal following. They mix all their own flavors! Residents and guests alike love this sweet treat. A must-try if you haven't already.
1941 S. Kihei Rd, Kihei
624 Front St, Lahaina
808-344-9779
Kihei Caffe
Kihei Caffe is a famous breakfast spot in the Kihei Kalama Village Center. Their enormous menu has practically every breakfast item you could want. They open early at 5 am. There is often a considerable line forming by 7 am, and for good reason. Owner Barry Allison was featured in 2018 at the annual Masters of Retail Success in Maui event. The restaurant business has been hit especially hard during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is up to Maui as a community and Maui's visitors to support the surviving restaurants that we love.
1945 South Kihei Road, Kihei
808-879-2230
Creations and Services
Susanna Cromwell Art
Susanna Cromwell has a new admirer. Do you ever have those moments when a piece of art appears in your life at the right moment? I was deeply inspired by her hand block printed original artwork, and I am saving up to bring one of her creations home one day. Her husband makes the frames by hand as well. A series of videos on her website honestly and candidly describes the creative process of being an artist and answering one's calling. Her work was recently featured at Art Maui 2020 at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. Check out her Instagram and website for more examples of her unique work.
Ohana Chewelry Box
Ohana Chewelry Box features teething friendly jewelry. Owner Drea shares on her website, "Ohana Chewelry Box is inspired by my keiki. My 7-year-old son could not sit still in class and was taking it out on pencils and erasers. Meanwhile, our 8-year-old daughter was nibbling on her shirt collars until they were stretched out. At the same time, our late-blooming 10 month-old was starting to teethe. This is where my passion for creating chewelry was born. I realized I could help all my children with their sensory and teething needs, and at the same time, make it look cute! Today, our "Chewelry Box" is full of teethers and chewy necklaces for my whole 'Ohana to wear.
Now, I focus on styling out teething babies with the cutest island vibe teethers. I hope to be an advocate for families who have children with sensory needs.
We hope we can support your 'Ohana and Mahalo for supporting ours!"
Onyx and Myrrh
Devin Boschetti created Onyx & Myrrh to support women's empowerment through her unique jewelry and body care line. 4% of every purchase is donated to support non-profits that focus on issues such as human trafficking, women's education, and domestic violence. Self-love is an integral part of her message, and part of female self-love is feeling beautiful with your style and skincare. Support fellow women and look amazing at the same time.
Raquel Noriko Curl Studio
Growing up, I had ringlet curls. I hated them, mostly because I didn't know how to style my hair properly. Now my hair is straight (from lots of straightening, I imagine), and I wish I had found Raquel earlier! She loves coloring and styling all hair types but specializes in curls. She is a Coach Educator for Deva Curl, which allows her to travel while teaching stylists and customers alike about their products and techniques. She is available by appointment only for consultations, dry cuts, curl revival treatment, hair coloring, and more.
400 Hana Highway Suite B1/C, Kahului
818-275-1636
Revitalize Maui
If you are looking for anti-aging aesthetic treatments, meet Dr. Okwuje, an expert in the artistry of facial rejuvenation and longevity medicine. All treatments at Revitalize Maui are performed by him personally. Dr. Okwuje graduated from the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Medicine. With an extensive background in Anesthesiology, Dr. Okwuje naturally found his niche in anti-aging and longevity medicine. He is committed to constant learning, and his clientele receives the most cutting edge and clinically proven treatments. Patients may explore aesthetic options such as dermal fillers, neuromodulators, hormone replacement therapy, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, IV hydration therapy, botox, weight loss programs, and more. For the ultimate personalized service from the lead doctor himself, visit Dr. Okwuje in North Kihei.
300 Ohukai Rd. Suite B321, Kihei
808-419-7445
Rock Flower Beauty
Emily Grace, owner of Rock Flower Beauty, has been an Esthetician since 2005. She especially loves to help her clients with skin conditions such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and reversal of aging. She is a waxing expert and is well versed in various methods. As described on her website, "She brings an intuitive and healing approach to her practice which leaves clients with a transformative experience beyond glowing skin." I was also delighted to find that she uses Maui-made Oshan Essential Oils in her services. She is available by appointment only on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
808-280-6842
emilygraceesthetics@gmail.com
Love Quartz Yoni Eggs
Owner Tiffany Janay has been working with yoni eggs since 2008. Yoni eggs are egg-shaped, semi-precious stones that are used by females for tightening and energetic cleansing. In 2015, Tiffany became the first to professionally package yoni eggs and distribute them. Her company took her from seven years of homelessness and poverty to the ability to help many women worldwide. Her website provides an abundance of information.
Rippyʻs Construction
John Stan Rippy, owner of Rippy's Construction in Wailuku, has been in business for over 20 years. He can help with any home improvement need. If you want the job done right the first time, then give Rippy's Construction a call! John Rippy also owns Molina's Bar in Wailuku since 1994. His wife, Lorraine, owns Pampering at Lorraine's, her beauty salon, also in Wailuku. Each of their business listings reference the same address.
92 Maluhia Dr, Wailuku
Rippy's Construction:
808-870-3621
Pampering at Lorraine's:
808-242-7444
Maui Innovations & SewSustainable Gifts
Owners Eric and Amy Campbell started their Etsy shops in 2019. Their merchandise features embroidered patches, screen printed shirts, custom scrub caps, and unique face masks for life in pandemic times. Check out their statement pieces at their two Etsy shops!
808-222-3197
808-740-8228
Music
Rabbitt
Jessica Lewis, aka Rabbitt, is well established on the Maui music scene. The modern soul feel of her music, along with her sultry voice, makes a powerful combination. Her self-titted 2019 album Rabbitt was a labor of love and is sure to continue to gain traction. She recently hosted a Virtual Music Fundraiser, Juneteenth, on Friday, June 19th, 2020 in honor of the same date in 1865 when the last remaining slaves in the Confederacy received word of the emancipation proclamation. The ratification of the 13th Amendment happened that same year. All proceeds were split between Black Lives Matter, the NAACP, and the ACLU. Be on the lookout for more of her online shows, and hopefully performances in person when pandemic times pass!
Spotify- Rabbitt
Nara Boone
Nara Boone has been a professional vocalist for over 25 years. She is the original lead vocalist for the award-winning show' Ulalena. Before Covid-19 shut down Maui's bars and restaurants, you could often find her at Stopwatch for Soulful Sundays. I was blown away by her beautiful voice and harmonizing in the videos posted on her Facebook page Nara Sings. Let's hope she's back on Maui's stages soon! According to mauimama.com, she is offering singing lessons with Nara Boone Vocal Studio. Contact her for more info.
808-283-3982
naraboone@hotmail.com
Marty Dread
Famously known as Hawai'i's Reggae Ambassador, Marty Dread has been creating, performing, collaborating, and touring since the 90s. He has a loyal following not only here in Hawai'i, but all over the world. I was introduced to his music at the Sierra Nevada Music Festival, a reggae music festival in California in 2009. After seeing such a loving fan base there, upon moving to Maui, I was happy to learn that he performed on Friday evening sunset cruises out of Ma'alea with Pacific Whale Foundation. As I write this, I'm listening to his cover of Jacob Miller's Shakey Girl and longing for the time when we can see live music shows in a packed venue again. If you haven't heard Marty Dread's music before, now is the time to get on board.
Education & Non-Profits
Story of Hawai'i Museum
Co-creators and co-curators, Bryant Neal and Richard Mickelson, started the Story of Hawai'i Museum to share Hawai'i's history and culture through their impressive collection of rare historical maps and prints documents, engravings, memorabilia, and original Hawaiian sheet music. They bring in authors, artists, historians, teachers, and cultural experts to help share this rich story as well. Part of their goal is to make sure that every Maui student visits the exhibit at some point during their schooling experience. They are currently working with instructors from the Department of Education, UH Maui, and local private schools to develop a curriculum that meets the performance standards for Hawaiian history.
While their brick and mortar shop and their exhibit at NorthShore Zipline in Haiku is currently closed during the pandemic, there is plenty of information on their website. Mr. Neal is also offering mobile presentations for small or large groups. Monetary contributions and donations of authentic, original materials are welcomed!
info@storyofhawaiimuseum.com
Contributions:
PO Box 10756
Lahaina, Hi 96761
Bryant Neal
808-283-3576
African Americans on Maui Association (AAOMA)
The primary mission of this non-profit organization is to, "Enlighten and inform the community and the people of the State of Hawaiʻi, nation, and the world about the history, culture, contributions, and experiences of people of African descent in the United States and Hawaiʻi." AAOMA promotes high-quality research, culture exhibits, arts, scholarships, and teaching of the African American experience. They invite all races and ethnicities to learn, participate, and share in the legacy, history, culture, and arts, as well as contribute to the advancement of African Americans. Their contribution to the Maui community has spanned several years. Board member Dr. Ayin Adams wrote African Americans in Hawaiʻi: A Search for Identity which explores the lives, contributions, roles, and successes of the Black community in Hawai'i from migration, to whaling, medicine, business, education, science, civil service, the arts, social work, the military, and politics.
A wealth of knowledge comes from this organization and its members. Look for their sponsored events and resources to further get involved and learn.
africanamericansonmaui@gmail.com
President: Gwyn Gorg 808-878-8434
The Pōpolo Project
"The Pōpolo Project is a Hawaiʻi-based non-profit organization that redefines what it means to be Black in Hawaiʻi and the world through cultivating radical reconnection to ourselves, our community, our ancestors, and the land, changing what we commonly think of as Local and highlighting the vivid, complex diversity of Blackness."
The Pōpolo Project provides a space for a diverse community to connect, learn, create, and invest in making the Black community visible and redefine what it means to be Black in Hawaiʻi. They offer a course called Understanding Race and Belonging in Hawaiʻi. Spurred by an op-ed piece in the New York Times titled, "Want to be less racist? Move to Hawaiʻi," and the reaction to this piece both within the islands and abroad, the Pōpolo Project created a lesson plan. As stated about the course on their website, "This unique training will guide you in understanding how race, ethnicity, and power are changing in Hawaiʻi as we move from plantation politics to become a part of an ever more connected, dynamic global community. Armed with a new perspective on the historical, cultural, and structural factors that shape our daily lives, you'll leave equipped with a Hawaiʻi-specific racial justice framework and tools to build a just future for all."
Their website offers much more information about their mission, and you can contact them for future offerings of their course. They also have a comprehensive list of literature if you are interested in learning more about Black history and current experience in Hawaiʻi.
info@thepopoloproject.com
Final Thought
Thank you for taking the time to learn about these innovative businesses on Maui. The fight for racial equality in the United States continues, and Hawaiʻi is not exempt. myblackreceipt.com is a current movement to track financial support for Black-owned businesses by encouraging users to upload their receipts to their website. They tracked spending from Juneteenth (June 19th, 2020) until July 6th, 2020, a day before #BlackOutDay, when organizers called upon Black people to withdraw their spending from the economy to show the power of their economic contribution. They surpassed their goal of $5 million, reaching more than $7 million in spending from June 19th until July 6th. A comprehensive list of businesses is available on their website, and you can still upload your receipts.
By striving for success for ourselves and the people around us, we make our communities strong as a whole. In the words of the immortally wise Martin Luther King Jr., "I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the way our world is made. No individual or nation can stand out boasting of being independent. We are interdependent."
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