The Maui Goodness

Recently, a few of us had the opportunity to attend a beautiful wedding at the Sugarman’s Estate in Makena, South Maui.  Everything went off without a hitch and we thought we’d mention some of the highlights.

This is one of the most beautiful properties on the island, and we we’re overjoyed in being able to spend some time on it again.  For weddings, it’s perfect.  The sunset over the water is set up perfectly for photos and general guest enjoyment.  The property is very large and able to accommodate hundreds of people with sprawling green lawns and very large trees with ample shade.

Our favorite part of the wedding was without doubt the food.  Maui Catering was provided by Maui Executive Catering, of whom did a smashing job.  We’ve been to many weddings in Maui, and the food can be hit or miss.  These guys did an unbelievable job.  We thought we’d peak in and take some photos of their crew and kitchen area while at work and ask their service staff some questions:

Aloha!  We’ve been noticing how well you all work together.  How did this catering company pull together such a great team?

“Jeff and Jason (Owners of Maui Executive Catering) work harder than most people we know.  They’re great to work with, and I think that’s why good service staff is drawn to work with them.  They take care of their crew and make it fun for everyone.  It’s a nice change to work for them as opposed to some lesser-organized companies.  Things just seem to go like clock work.”

The food has all been delicious.  You’ve put out some pretty exotic and attractive presentations.  Is this normal?

“Yes, another perk of working with them.  All of their chefs are classically trained and well-educated.  Most have gone to the Maui Culinary Academy, one of the best in the world.  They really take pride in their work.  I often notice that they’ll put in excessive prep time for some of the most minute details just to add an extra flair.  Yep, pretty normal for them.  They use top of the line gear, and don’t mind experimenting in order to find the perfect flavors for a dish.  I’ve heard more than once from guests that they don’t want to mess up their plates by eating.  But then once they take a bite, it’s over with.  Nobody leaves hungry, that’s for sure.”

The bartending provided by Maui Executive Catering was professional and friendly.  Their bartender and barback were fun and had the skills necessary to handle a crowd of thirsty guests and do it with style.  It seemed everyone by the end of the day had suggested that they loved the bartender and really enjoyed his humor and fun-loving attitude.

Great job, everyone.  We’ll be recommending you in the future!

To learn more about them, visit Maui Executive Catering.

After many difficulties, the Hawaii Superferry has finally been put to rest… for now.

The Hawaii Supreme Court struck down a new law that allowed the Alakai to run operations in Hawaii waters without an official Environmental Impact Report (EIS.)

The Hawaii Superferry ran its last voyage between Maui and Oahu on Thursday March 19th, 2009.  236 employees were laid off, and no future Hawaii service can be expected without an EIS. The Alakai, which ran for over a year and booked over 250,000 round-trip voyages in that time, will be leased for commercial use outside of Hawaiian Waters or by the US military. Hawaii Superferry President and Chief Executive Tom Fargo has hopes that his vision of an interisland ferry system can be met in the future by his organization, though the possibility of this happening is doubtful at best.

Concerns for the environment as well as danger to our visiting Humpback Whales has raised concerns particularly with both Kauai and Maui residents.  Protests and legal action have ensued from environmental groups after the state exempted the Hawaii Superferry from having any type of environmental review in 2005.  Controversy has grown seeing that the State had dealing with the Hawaii Superferry as far as investments.

From the beginning, the Hawaii Superferry has been a Maui Lawyers dream situation.  This will continue to be litigated over for years if the owners feel like putting the time into it.  Though it looks like they’re going to pursue other ways of making money.  The way things have been going, we can’t blame them.

Nowadays, it seems everyone in the world is suffering at least a little bit.  Maui and Hawaii are no exceptions.  After dealing with companies on Maui for many years now, we’ve identified some common traits that are keeping regular Maui business owners down, especially right now.  Here are a few things that you can do for your Hawaii Business that will keep you from going under.

1. Take Responsibility. When you have bills to pay, pay them on time.  If you don’t have the money, you shouldn’t have spent it.  If you need more money, see our next point.
2. Stop Complaining and start Maximizing your Business Potential! It’s possible that you’re business has run very well for the last 10-20 years while still operating in the stone age.  Keep in mind, it’s easy to keep things running smoothly when the economy is growing and visitors continue to come.  You need to realize that successful businesses don’t just GROW.  The true meaning of a successful business is an adaptable business that becomes more efficient with time, offering a more superior product year after year. Having 100 shops  that are all poorly run does not make you a success. You need to begin finding ways not only to save where you’re wasting, but also to maximize areas that work the best.  Cut needless costs, promote the most positive points of your business, and take advantage of opportunities that are new to this day and age (which brings me to my next point.)
3. Don’t be left behind because of Ignorance. If you’re business has yet to figure out that the web is the driving force for huge amounts of sales and inexpensive marketing, you can bet your competition has!  Just having a website is not enough.  Make sure people are getting to your site, through Sponsored listings, Referring websites, and our favorite, Search Engine Organic listings (FREE!)  Find some one to begin getting quality traffic to your website, and make sure your site doesn’t waste it once it gets it.  See Hawaii Web Group for quality Web Design, SEO, SEM, and PPC.  If you don’t know what these are, you should.  Have them explain it and find out how they can save you money and increase your profits ASAP.
4. Leave the Drama at home and Play Ethically. This is pretty standard for any community, but is especially important on Maui.  It has become all too clear how much Maui is like one big High School when it comes to business.  Everyone knows everyone, and they all have an opinion.  This island is small, and it astonishes me to see how many companies burn bridges, and more disturbingly screw other companies over.  Treat everyone the way you would want to be treated and stay out of the drama.  If you aren’t spreading gossip, rumors, or talking down the competition, you may be left out of the same conversations on the other side.
5. Show Up!  And on Time! I know this sounds crazy.  But in these times, we need every competitive edge we can get over our Hawaii competition.  Doing this will give you a foot in the door (because you know your competition will show up late!)
6. Reinvent your business!  Go Green! Ok, you’ve heard this before.  I’m not writing this on Hemp paper with incense burning.  I’m not suggesting you follow the trendy thing to do.  Rather, It’s become an obvious fact that companies whom take an interest in it’s own negative environmental contribution are appreciated and preferred over the more callous competition.  It’s not impossible, and can save your company a lot of money.  Once you’ve thoroughly looked at your company for needless waste, you’ll find many ways to save money.  Invest that money in more environmental and community friendly resources, and you’ll find a new angle at which to promote yourself.  It’ll pay off largely in a very short time.
7. Go Local! Take advantage of the local community resources.  This goes for personnel, commodities, and anything else that you can do to contribute to the island.  Yah, you may be able to get it cheaper from the mainland or another country, but the positive contribution will be recognized by those that receive it and will most likely be reciprocated in some way (which most always makes up for the cost.)  Plus, you’re feeding another Maui business which helps everyone.  The more we keep our money on Maui, the more we benefit directly and indirectly from it.
8. Continue to live life free from fear! I’m not saying,”spend! Spend! Spend!  Don’t worry about anything!”  What I mean is to be frugal, but don’t cut off your spending on Maui entirely.  Don’t let the media scare you into buying Euro dollars and living on Top Raman.  Continue to live life as you would, but with less extravagance and a more cautious eye.  The world is in a crazy place, but living in fear will only make things worse.
9. Find synergy with other businesses and opportunities! Find other local businesses that look as though they could benefit from working with you and vice versa.  Even your competitors can be used to help you make money if you use the right angle.  Just because you’re selling the same thing doesn’t mean you can’t help each other.  look into a relaxed partnership with a competitor to bulk up on things that make your product cheaper, better, and more desirable.
10. Preach and Spread Aloha! I know it’s a bit cliche, but that’s what people want.  Many people on the islands have forgotten how to live with aloha.  More importantly, many have stopped preaching its importance.  When you live with goodwill and a positive demeanor, it becomes infectious.  The happier we all are, the more valuable our home becomes, and the higher our quality of life becomes.

This was written by Chris Norberg, project manager of Hawaii Web Group LLC.  Their company has increased profits while building on new and continuing clients even with a down economy.  Much of their success is said to derive from their continual evolution as a business by staying one step ahead of popular trends and taking new technologies and using them for everyone’s benefit.  Learn how they can help you turn things around and become successful in these difficult times.