Kāko‘o Maui: Shop the Cutest Keiki Items from Mom-Owned Maui Brands

Shop small and support these Maui businesses helmed by multitalented mamas.

September 15, 2023

Jasmine Chagnon,

The wildfires on Maui have affected the Valley Isle’s residents in more ways than one. And sadly, the halt in tourism and general dismay is taking its toll on small businesses and, therefore, the families behind them. Of course, we always encourage shopping local, but especially now, we want to highlight these mom-owned Maui-based brands that you can help out by shopping online, or even just following on social media and sharing with a friend. Trust us, this stuff is cute.

Photo: Courtesy of Kookies Maui

Kookies Maui

If sustainability and cuteness are top priorities, check out Kookies Maui. The keiki clothing is handmade in a solar-powered studio using locally sourced T-shirts. It all started in the 1980s when a Maui-born stay-at-home mom decided to get creative, inspired by the rich history of alohawear and Hawaiian textiles. By the late ‘90s after having two more kids, a new era of her business was also born. If the name sounds vaguely familiar, it could be because in 2020, Cookies Maui rebranded to Kookies Maui since no actual cookies were being sold. Another cute fact? The owner Maggie’s first-born daughter is now designing, sewing and marketing the family business, too. kookiesmaui.com, @kookiesmaui

Photo: Courtesy of Paradise Now Hawai‘i

Paradise Now Hawai‘i

Maui mom of three and artist Jaclynn Sabado Eitel has been putting her heart and soul into her business for more than a decade. Paradise Now Hawai‘i’s art and apparel offerings are inspired by her Island life and the collection of keiki clothing and accessories are perfect for your beach babes—especially the lei tees and the UPF 50+ bucket hats in precious tropical prints. Online and in the flagship store, you can find Paradise Now items as well as other goods from Hawai‘i makers. 7 N. Market St., Wailuku, (808) 205-2807, shopparadisenow.com, @paradisenowhawaii

Photo: Courtesy Moon & Salt Botanicals Maui

Moon + Salt Botanicals Maui

Maui-born Nina Rivers harnesses the beauty and abundance of her family’s farm in Olinda to share with the community. Prior to the wildfires that torched much of the farm, Rivers was selling dahlia bouquets at the Olinda Rd. Farm Stand and at Monarch Collective. With that on hold, she’s focusing on a side of her business that she’s been perfecting for years now—creating skincare that focuses on the healing power of plants and sustainability. The bounty of beauty products are made from ethically sourced ingredients and packaged in environmentally conscious ways. Think biodegradable and compostable rice paper resealable bags and recyclable glass bottles. The organic baby oil and baby bath soak are the perfect gift for mamas-to-be. moonandsaltmaui.com, @moonandsaltfarmmaui

Photo: Courtesy of Let’s Go, Kiddo!

Let’s Go, Kiddo!

If you’re like every other parent in the universe and looking for ways to ease the stress of long travel days or limit hearing, “I’m bored!”, look to Let’s Go, Kiddo! Founder Danielle Via is a Maui-based mom who had a dream of showing her boys the world, but she also wanted to keep her sanity. Regardless of whether you’re on an adventure or in the comfort of your home, these educational and island-centric activity kits come in handy to keep keiki engaged. letsgotravelhappy.com, @lets_go_kiddo

Photo: Courtesy of Kūlua

Kūlua

HONOLULU’s resident fashion guru Brie Thalmann already talked about Kūlua here, but I couldn’t help but shed light on Maui designer/mama Anna Kahalekulu’s keiki clothing. Like all of her designs, prints are inspired by her Hawaiian heritage, and you can feel good knowing the clothes are made from sustainable materials, and are cut and sewn in a studio in historic Makawao town. We especially love the cut of the Keiki ‘Ōpua Tie Dress and matching sets. 1156 Makawao Ave. 1A, Makawao, (808) 727-0220, kuluamaui.com, @kuluamaui