Maui Jim started in 1980 as a no-frills operation selling sunglasses on the beach in Lahaina, Hawaii. They had set up on the pool decks of the resorts in Maui, offering respite to the sun for all the vacationers who had lost or forgotten their sunglasses.
It doesn’t take long in the Hawaiian sun to realize Maui is no place you want to be lacking protection for your eyes. The glare of the water and sand is heightened under the harsh sun, and many visitors realized normal sunglasses just wouldn’t do the trick.
Maui Jim created a lens that would offer full UV protection, polarized lenses that would ward off the glare, in addition to revolutionary lenses that would enhance colors naturally perceived by the eye, bringing the brilliant colors of the island to life.
Referencing that color and light are key parts of the human experience, their sunglasses focus on showing off the full spectrum. On the brand’s website, they claim…
“The harsh glare of the Hawaiian sun is what inspired us to design a lens that not only shields the eye, but also improves the color, clarity, and detail of the world around. Designed with your comfort in mind, our PolarizedPlus2® technology reduces the impact of the sun’s harsh glare while offering relief from a number of long-term health risks.”
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Their first customers on that pool deck would buy sunglasses, then would immediately start to show off to others how great the lenses were, becoming salesmen for this small setup. Because of this immediate positive response, they realized they had a product others loved (and really needed) as evidenced by the loyal following and natural word-of-mouth marketing.
Maui Jim has always held the beauty and culture of Maui at their forefront, looking to spread “aloha” through the inspirational colors and details of the beautiful land. They have continued to invest in technology so that Maui Jim can be synonymous with superior lenses. Their focus, design-wise, has always been classic and traditional. You don’t need to be on the beaches of Maui to rock their styles.
“Our goal remains the same to this day,” they say, “to deliver the world’s best views, full of color, clarity, and detail.”
Anchored in innovation, this distinctive Hawaiian heritage brand has grown from just a small beach set up to the world’s largest independently owned high-end eyewear brand in North America and has earned the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation for their effective UV filter for the eyes and surrounding skin.
Maui Jim favorites
High-end glasses like Maui Jim don’t have to break the bank. EZContacts offer some of their most popular styles for a discounted rate. Shop our picks below:
One of our most popular styles of Maui Jim frames, “Sugar Cane” frames, offer a classic shape in brown lenses making them perfect for any gender or age. The nylon frame offers comfort and durability, while the SuperThin glass lenses are almost a quarter lighter than standard sunglasses.
Designed with adventures in mind, these Maui Jim frames will take you to the beach, mountain, and beyond. The lightweight nylon frame features hidden spring hinges which allow for a comfortable and customizable fit for any activity.
Evoke old-school glamour with oversized cat-eye frames. These fashion-forward designs from Maui Jim offer a distinct and feminine approach, with a side of patented technology. The SuperThin glass lenses offer sharp optics and colorful views.
These ultra-lightweight frames highlight Maui Jim’s latest technology featuring their thinnest and most lightweight lens material yet. Designed with performance in mind, these light-as-a-feather glasses will deliver the ultimate comfort, ease, and speed wherever you may need them.
Here are three of the brand’s popular favorites, in stock, and ready to ship…
