Maui Mompreneur celebrates its 11th year supporting the local community of shoppers and vendors during a spring event at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College on April 26-28, 2024.
The event features Maui-made crafts, jewelry, art, clothing, baked goods and more. The event kicks off with an open house on Friday, April 26 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Pāʻina Building, featuring 24 local vendors, Hawaiian food, tofu/veggie plates and a classic car show.
The shopping opportunities ramp up over the weekend with a range of 45 vendors, both inside and outside of the Pāʻina Building. Hours on Saturday, April 27 are from 4 to 8 p.m.; and on Sunday, April 28 are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission and parking are free of charge.
This season’s event will include around a dozen first-time participants who recently started their businesses to supplement income loss after the August 2023 wildfires.
“Supporting local means helping each other out. Since the fires, our small businesses and those who run them need our help more than ever. Unfortunately, many people have had to leave our island, not always because the fires destroyed their homes but because living here has gotten too expensive,” said event co-founder Luana HueSing-Ammasi. “So when we buy from local businesses, we do more than just shop. We help people put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. Spending our money at local businesses keeps our money here, on our island. This is really important now as we try to rebuild and bring our community back together. Supporting local helps us all.”
Examples of this year’s vendors and products include handmade soaps, crochet items, jewelry, local treats, exotic snacks from Japan, plate lunches, clothing, ceramics, wood laser printing, tote bags, fishing pole bags, baked goods, skin care products, and farmers with produce and plants. There will also be a “kidpreneur” table called Bead ‘Em Up Hawai’i with bead bracelets, lanyards, car charms and keychains, led by a 5-year-old vendor and her mom (to encourage values like kuleana and work ethic).
Shoppers can now enjoy an array of food trucks, including Al’s BBQ Pit, Mau Mau’z Kau Kau, Maui Balsamic Vinegars, Wai Lemi, Tru Grindz and Brekkie Bowls. There will also be street tacos, shave ice, roast pork plates, jumbo cookies, mochi, manju, cupcakes and nachos for sale.
We do short rentals like one or two days on a walk up basis. Just call us after 9am on the day you need a car and we’ll hold one for you. Reservations are accepted online or over the phone for 5 day or more rentals.
