Shop Maui Local is a destination to shop exclusively at Maui-owned businesses, helping support the local Maui economy after the recent devastating wildfires.
Hi Product Hunt!
We’re so excited to launch Shop Maui Local here today. Shop Maui Local is a marketplace of Maui-owned businesses, all of which were impacted (directly or indirectly) by the wildfires that devastated the island in August 2023, displacing thousands of locals. These businesses are important for our economy, and we want to raise awareness of the creativity, talent and products unique to Maui. One way to help Maui is by supporting our local businesses. Visit our website and see what local businesses have created for you.
The wildfires began on August 8, 2023, ravaging Lahaina and damaging parts of Kula. According to Hawaii.gov, 115 people lost their lives and 2,000 homes were destroyed. Many people are still unaccounted for. More than 800 businesses with 7,000 employees were based in these areas. Our thoughts are with those who lost loved ones, their homes and their livelihoods.
You may be familiar with the Hawaiian word, Aloha. Most people know it’s a greeting or farewell, but it’s more than that. The Aloha Spirit is a feeling that also means mutual regard and affection, which extends warmth with no obligation.
Even with the devastation and chaos of the wildfires, what you may not have seen was the Aloha Spirit on this island. The community quickly organized supply shipments and coordinated housing on and off the island to house survivors, and set up meal stations to provide free meals to those in need.
Rebuilding the island will take time. But what you can do to help the Maui economy is check out the online shops and buy their products. Thanks for supporting Shop Maui Local!
Report
This website is sure neat! I just placed a few orders with the businesses listed. One piece of feedback that entered my mind is that when browsing Shop Maui Local, I would be interested to see where on Maui each business is located. While it's not a big island, I am still curious about what parts of the island these businesses call home. Could be neat to see a little map with a pin on each business page so that it further connects the business with Maui.
What a wonderful initiative! Supporting local businesses is crucial for recovery. How has the community response been to Shop Maui Local, and do you have any plans to expand this idea to other areas in need?
Shop Maui Local
Voxme: AI coach, insights, guidance