Maui Thing

Opened by Sardine Ota, Co-owned by Ashley Takitani-leahey: After selling Maui-inspired merchandise online and under a 10×10’ tent at the inaugural First Friday event, Saedene Ota couldn’t resist opening a store in her hometown. “It was a dream to have a little local shop in Wailuku and we did it! We wanted our designs to be different, inspired by good,” reminisces Saedene Ota. The store opened on July 4, 2008, during the recession. With a lot of heart, help of friends and family and designs inspired by “good things on Maui,” the brand emerged as a heʻe whose body is the shape of the island. The slogan, “Stuck on Good” has rung true throughout the business whether communicated through the company’s apparel or though their Second Saturday Art classes they have offered free to keiki since the store opened.