Kula Country Farms, a family-run upcountry business on Kula Highway, is a favorite stop for both locals and tourists alike. Chauncey Monden, a graduate from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and a fourth-generation farmer, took over the family farm in 1998 when his father retired. His wife Teena runs their open-air farm stand that is stocked with their home-grown strawberries, onions, assorted vegetables, pumpkins, fresh-baked good, and more. Most recently, their daughter Tess opened a smoothie, tea, and coffee truck next to the farm stand.
“We started the stand because we wanted to promote local agriculture and to sell directly to customers,” Chauncey said. “Our specialty crops like year-round strawberries give us that opportunity. One of the benefits of being a farmer is the gratification you feel when you produce a consistent product that people keep coming back for.”
Teena’s creativity keeps the stand continually growing, which helps keep the farm going. “Twice a year, usually April and October, the farm allows visitors to pick their own fresh strawberries,” Teena noted. “During the fall, the farm opens its now-famous pumpkin patch to literally thousands of residents looking for fresh gourds or pumpkins for Halloween. All ages love it!”
The stand’s product line is always increasing, and the Mondens are exploring new ways to hold events at the farm. “Everything is fresh from our fields, and some homegrown items are from our neighbors,” Teena added. “On the third Saturday of each month, Kula Country Farms hosts a popular craft fair with locally made items. In addition, we can host weddings and special events.”
Naturally, there are always challenges. The Mondens shared that the market has changed, finding employees has become more challenging, and supplies needed for farming are more expensive than ever. Even the weather has altered over time. “Still, we have a deep commitment to continue our farming legacy and to support agriculture on Maui.”
Chauncey and Teena have hosted students as part of the STEMworks Agriculture Business and Technology Internship Program to help foster the next generation of farmers. “We believe that the internship experience provides valuable work-based learning for students who not only gain technical skills but also have the chance to explore career pathways in different ag fields,” they said. “The students learn about hard work, patience, and most importantly, gratefulness.”
Our intent is to grow fresh, flavorful produce in Maui soil, and set the stage for economic sustainability.
Chauncey and Teena Monden, Kula Country Farms
Whether people are just getting started in business or looking to scale up, the recent Entrepreneur Bootcamp was designed to equip them with the tools, strategies, and connections needed to succeed. Presented by the UH Maui College Maui Food Innovation Center and the YWCA Maui Women’s Business Center in partnership with agencies, organizations, and sponsors from across Hawaiʻi, the all-day event included Maui residents of all ages and levels of business experience, including a 13-year-old entrepreneur. The event was free for participants, including breakfast, lunch, and a pau hana mixer. Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) sponsored the travel of Maui County’s islands in the spirit of collaboration.
“It’s a valuable and important collaboration between the non-profits of Maui,” said Annette Lynch, Director of Communications for MEDB who attended the bootcamp and consulted with attendees. “It’s fantastic to come together in one place so that small business owners and entrepreneurs know that there are resources and support to help them thrive on Maui. They don’t have to do it alone.”
“This year’s theme, Kūlia I Ka Nuʻu (Rising to the Summit), calls us to pursue excellence with determination and resilience,” said Angela Gannon, the event coordinator for the bootcamp. “It reminds us that the entrepreneurial path, like the climb to a mountain peak, requires vision, effort, and perseverance.”
Stacey Moniz, Director of the Maui Women’s Business Center, YWCA, noted, “The goals of this bootcamp are simple yet powerful: to meet the real needs of our local entrepreneurs, to deliver training and mentorship that build lasting business success, and to expand access across Maui Nui.”
Andra Tejero-Gaspar, business advisor from the Veterans Business Outreach Center, one of the bootcamp resource partners, shared, “We give assistance to those who are transitioning out of the military and to veterans who want to further their education, join the workforce, and become entrepreneurs. We do one-on-one consultations, provide resources, and connect veterans with business owners. All those in the military community are welcome.”
Bootcamp participant Monika Jost added, “This is a fabulous event! I found so many connections, ideas, and people willing to help me grow my business. I gained insights on business formation, planning, funding, marketing, accounting, and ecommerce, plus priceless networking.”
The keynote speakers, workshop presenters, and success story panelists provided a day of collaboration and growth while celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship together.
McKenna Lickle, Program Manager, Maui Food Innovation Center, UHMC
At Roselani Place, an assisted living community in Kahului, their mission is to keep residents happy, active, and smiling, and on two Wednesdays a month, happiness is just a twist away. Maui resident Una Bella, a professional clown, magician, and ballon twister known as Una Balloona, visits Roselani dressed in fun, colorful attire with one goal. “I promise to create unique balloon experiences for every resident and to make them smile and laugh while doing it,” Bella shared. “I love making people happy, especially those that might be struggling through depression and other health issues. I enjoy asking them what they would like to have made and do my best to please them. My hope, through a nonprofit, is to travel to other islands visiting assisted living facilities and hospitals.”
Bella began her career by delivering balloons and saw the magical energy and love that she could create. Currently, in addition to her Roselani Place visits, she is a Monday afternoon regular at Queen Kaʻahumanu Mall offering balloons and magic tricks at the entrance of Cat Cafe Maui. Every Sunday morning, she also performs with musician Steve Sargenti at Grandma’s Coffee House in Keokea. Her latest venture, a Balloona Gram delivery service, is a concept she says is quickly taking root.
“My balloon work just naturally makes people happy,” Bella explained. “The fact that I get to do parties, magic shows, glitter tattoos, arts, games, and tinker with balloons is super fulfilling. The joyful experience of clowning around and serving others brings a powerful and positive connection to everyone.”
Kalei Figaroa, Roselani Place’s activities director, noted, “We have many visitors and entertainers who come to Roselani and volunteer their services. Bella has a following and she never disappoints. The residents get to keep their ballons which represent shared happiness and collective celebration. Psychologists believe that ballons tap into our sense of nostalgia. They symbolize happiness, hope, and the joy of life.”
Figaroa added, “We are always looking for volunteers at Roselani. Even sitting and talking with a resident can be a service bringing great happiness to someone.” To learn more about Roselani Place, visit https://roselaniplace.com/.
I am so grateful to have been a part of bringing magic and joy to Maui’s community for over 20 years. Serving others brings joy and fulfillment.
Una Bella, “Una Balloona”, Clown and Magician
Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) recent Maui TechOhana meeting featured marketing expert and Baldwin High School alumna Jennifer Apy, who shared powerful lessons on digital marketing strategies using artificial intelligence (AI). Apy gave an instructive presentation, “Stories from the Marketing Battlefield: Wins and How We Earned Our Stripes,” to over 50 Maui entrepreneurs and small business owners.
As a seasoned marketer for Fortune 500 brands, an Area Managing Partner for Chief Outsiders, and a certified speaker for Vistage, the world’s largest CEO coaching organization, Apy travels the country to support companies who are ready to accelerate growth. Taking advantage of her academic training in computer science, she also has experience co-founding a software company and is currently invested in a broad portfolio of startups.
Apy explained, “My passion is for helping companies succeed and grow with go-to-market approaches,” she explained. “Strategy, creativity, and resourcefulness lead to big wins. To attain top-line business results, it is key to know your customer and to reflect on your company’s ability to achieve competitive progress through blended insight, approach, and execution.”
Ululani Shave Ice CEO David Yamashiro noted, “It’s important that all small business owners understand what AI is about and how to use it efficiently. No matter how successful a business is, owners need to stay updated on real-world tools to accelerate growth. Apy explained this well.”
Kelli Myers from Real Broker added, “My passion lies in helping sellers navigate the market with confidence and ease. Learning new tools to use to communicate with my clientele is priceless. MEDB offers great workshops to help Maui’s small business and entrepreneur community.”
Ron Viloria from iamakam.ai also shared, “As a small business owner, I wanted to explore how AI is revolutionizing business functions like marketing, sales, customer service, and operations to drive growth. MEDB continues to bring this kind of valuable technical assistance into our community.”
MEDB’s Maui TechOhana provides informal networking opportunities open to anyone interested in tech-driven business strategies. Learn more at www.mauitechohana.com.
Choosing the right digital channels, such as innovative applications of generative AI, can help deliver long-term profits.
Jennifer Apy, Area Managing Partner, and CMO Chief Outsiders
Maui without a cobbler has been a sad story for so many people who love their broken-in shoes and boots but have no one to repair them. Repairing favorite footwear can be less expensive than buying a new pair, and extending a shoe’s lifespan also contributes to an eco-friendly lifestyle. Fortunately, the Tester family is back in business for anyone needing shoe repairs on Maui. Restoring shoes to their original beauty and functionality has been their passion for over 40 years.
“We are delighted to return to our roots,” said Lu Tester, owner of Tester’s Shoe Repair in Kihei. “Our family-owned, woman-led business specializes in high-quality repair and restoration. Expert shoe care combines skill, experience, and dedication…we focus on delivering exceptional results using our specialized approach. With meticulous attention to aesthetics, we handle everything from heel and sole replacement to comprehensive boot and heel repair. These skills have been passed down through generations.”
It all began with the late Ken Tester, who got his start in the trade in 1961. He learned the basics of shoe repair while serving in the Marine Corps, and after the Marines, Ken taught the trade to his sons and their wives. He recalled that the most experience he got in shoe repair was while working for one of the most respected cobblers in Hawaiʻi, Joe Pacific. This story recently came full circle when, after 90 years, Joe Pacific Shoe Repair closed its business and shipped all their equipment to the Tester family.
For those aspiring to get a start in this much-needed profession, the skills required to master the trade can be challenging to learn. Cobblers need to be proficient in using various tools and techniques, including sewing, cutting, stitching, patching, sanding, polishing, sealing, and more. They need to think of innovative ways to repair or customize footwear and understand the needs and preferences of their customers.
“Proper maintenance and repairs can significantly extend the life of shoes, making them more cost effective and feeling new again,” Lu added. “We also offer precision care for accessories, such as belt and bag repair. We’re so happy to be back in business!”
Every repair we do is executed with care. Damaged soles, frayed stitching, and scuffs are taken care of using methods honed through decades of craftsmanship.
Lu Tester, Business Owner and Cobbler, Tester’s Shoe Repair
Founded in 2019 in Wailuku, Jamie Anderson’s Friends & Faire (F&F) is an in-studio space where people can gather to create, learn, and share their craft. In 2023, F&F also began focusing on mobile workshops, bringing creative experiences to private parties, team building events, and pop-up locations. Now, F&F is settling into their new home on Market Street in Wailuku, where they’ll continue to cultivate a community of creativity.
“Creativity, entrepreneurship, and teaching run in my family on both sides,” Anderson explained. “Together, my mom and dad, Arsie and Bruce, have made F&F possible by fueling my own creativity. I started making gifts, clothing, and jewelry at a young age with my artsy mom and helped her sell at numerous craft fairs. That led to eventually selling my own creations. Occasionally, mom teaches a workshop or two and is the best helper for big workshops. My retired school-principal dad has his hand on every wood piece that is used for workshops, from sourcing the wood to cutting and sanding every piece.”
As a part-time middle school art teacher, Anderson has gained much experience as an instructor with community connections. She loves crafting and making memories with everyone who signs up for a workshop. “I love creating something cool with my clients,” she noted. “F&F presents classes for adults and keiki, which include ceramics, wood burning, stenciled wood signs, block print, mixed media, lei-making, and numerous other craft-related items. We love hosting birthday parties, girls’ night out, bridal/baby showers, bachelorette parties, staff holiday parties, or team-building activities with community members. We can create a craft experience that caters to any group, no matter the size.”
Anderson’s vision is to have a community of crafters and artists in her new space, both making and selling crafts. “We can plan something in our Wailuku space or a location of choice,” she added. “Let’s plan a creative gathering! F&F is the right place for those who like to make all kinds of things.” Upcoming workshops include a Keiki Craft Camp on May 26 and Upcycle Crafts workshops every Saturday from 10am-12pm.
Workshops are led by talented Maui artists, crafters, and teachers. Whether in our new space or a private home, workplace, or event venue, we welcome all fellow makers!
Jamie Anderson, Founder and Owner, Friends & Faire
Remembering Lahaina, a touching, nostalgic, and beautiful coffee table art book compiled by the Maui Arts League, is a collection of high resolution photographs of original artwork from the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational events from 2006 to 2020 and 2023. It is a tribute to the places, people, and culture of the historic town as well as to the galleries that lost thousands of pieces of artwork due to the August 2023 wildfire.
“Measuring 10 by 12 inches, this 208-page full-color hardcover book contains 251 images of paintings created by acclaimed professional plein air artists,” said Lois Reising, President of the Maui Arts League, art collector, community volunteer, and publisher of Remembering Lahaina. “Plein air artists paint outside, not in their studios, creating works that document a point in time under natural atmospheric conditions. The book also shares messages from the artists, which include what neighborhood their scene is from, why they were drawn to the scene they painted, as well as the Hawaiian names of the locations.”
The collection offered in Remembering Lahaina documents not only Lahaina’s historic architecture, but also its rich multicultural community and endearing charm. Some of the 87 plein air artists who contributed to this book lost their homes, studios, and art inventories in the fire that destroyed Lahaina town. The dust cover features “Lahainaluna View” by Ronaldo Macedo. A prolific local artist, Macedo also recently won the 2024 Lahaina poster contest with his artwork, “I will always remember you this way,” a piece featuring Lahaina’s iconic harbor.
“Each section of the book – Places, Harbor, Culture, Lifestyle, ʻOhana, and Around the Island – offers readers a look back at the historical town of Lahaina, memorializing the town we once knew,” Reising added. “Net proceeds from sales of the first release of Remembering Lahaina will be used to benefit Maui artists, their families, and staff who were impacted by the Lahaina fires. This limited-run, first-edition, and one-of-a-kind commemoration of the Lahaina we love enriches lives and supports artists in need.” The book can be preordered at mauiartsleague.org/book.
Founded in 1975, the Maui Arts League is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Lahaina that showcases and builds appreciation for visual fine arts through a variety of community activities. They are most well-known for their Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational, first organized in 2006, which brings both local and visiting painters together on Maui to produce artworks that feature the unique landscapes and communities of the island.
We hope to encourage these artists to regroup and reshape their careers as they are faced with many daunting challenges.
Lois Reising, President, Maui Arts League
As the gift-giving season begins, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) encourages the community to participate in Small Business Saturday (SBS), a nationwide initiative that aims to support small local businesses. Also called the “Shop Small” movement, it was founded by American Express in 2010 to promote small businesses during the holiday season and is observed annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
“We know that Maui small businesses need our support more than ever as they navigate the effects of the August 2023 Lahaina and Kula wildfires,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President and CEO. “SBS reminds us of the prime shopping opportunities right in our own backyards.”
Maui’s arts industry in particular has suffered significant losses due to the wildfires. Local artist and Wailuku studio owner Taryn Alessandro shared, “Once supported by Front Street’s thriving, world-wide art market, local artists are now finding ourselves having to figure out new ways to get our work out there. Many of us also lost years, even decades worth of original work – so we are simultaneously re-building our collections along with our business models.”
Many of these local creators are now relocating to Wailuku. Alessandro explained, “I am right in the heart of downtown Wailuku, where many other artists are establishing themselves, as we collectively grow into ‘Maui’s Arts District.’ It is both a humbling and exciting time.” In addition to the Wailuku Arts District, weekly markets such as the Maui Swap Meet and the Upcountry Farmers Market offer additional opportunities for shopping small. “This is the place to find the real bargains on Maui,” said Cary, one of the Swap Meet vendors.
For those who prefer to shop from home, Pop-Up Mākeke is a virtual marketplace designed to support Hawaiian small businesses. Created by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA), Pop-Up Mākeke features Hawaiʻi-based small business owners, artisans, and vendors. Kūhiō Lewis, President and CEO of CNHA, emphasized, “This mākeke helps keep that spirit of community that makes Hawaiʻi unique. In order for our community to succeed, we need to empower those businesses rooted here in Hawaiʻi.”
Even more local businesses can be found online using Shop Small Hawaiʻi’s directory of small businesses, available at shopsmallhawaii.com. Hawaiian Airlines’ Made on Maui Festival also maintains an online directory of all vendors who participated in the festival, available at https://www.madeinmauicountyfestival.com/our-vendors.
The support of the local community is crucial to us artists and small businesses. As recovery continues, we are here and we are open for business!
Taryn Alessandro, Artist and Studio Owner, Taryn Alessandro Fine Art LLC
Maui resident and 2002 St. Anthony High School graduate Keith DeVey is the founder of Maui Walking Tours. The company, launched in early 2024, offers free guided walks through Kīhei and historic Wailuku town. The tours highlight each area’s origins and new developments, including details about local history, important landmarks, and street art. DeVey has done extensive research to uncover the best local stories, and his walks showcase the island through the eyes of a long-time resident who truly believes Maui is the best place on earth.
“Guided walking tours are a wonderful way to really get to know the place you live or are visiting,” said DeVey. “People get to hear stories that I collected firsthand through one-on-one meetings with historians, authors, local kupuna, historical practitioners, city officials, residents, educational outlets, and local architects. My sources include George Rixey, community architect and former president of the Kīhei Community Association; Lucienne De Naie, published Maui author and historian; Vernon Kalanikau, Maui County cultural advisor and lead organizer of the ahupuaʻa sign project; and Elan Vital, the artist who sculpted the Kalama Park whale.”
DeVey has assembled walking routes that allow participants to take a step back in time to better understand the present. He explains how land was divided and cared for by the early Hawaiians, the influence of the first missionary families, the formation of large plantations, the impact of the US military during WWII, and the transition to a tourism-based economy in the 1960s and 1970s. The Wailuku tour pays special attention to the revitalization of the town as a center for artists and the town’s numerous murals.
DeVey added, “I also want people to become more familiar with the colorful flora and fauna seen throughout the Hawaiian Islands, which are unlike anywhere else in the world. After each tour, participants routinely come up to me to personally share how much they enjoyed it. Some even tell me their unique history of living in or visiting Kīhei and Wailuku through the decades.”
Each tour is capped at 25 participants to ensure an enjoyable walking and learning experience. To sign up for one of the free upcoming tours, visit www.mauiwalkingtours.com.
Through my own travels, I discovered some of the most memorable takeaways were experienced through free walking tours guided by locals that lived in each community.
Keith DeVey
Founder and Tour Guide
Maui Walking Tours LLC
