I slowly pulled in to the parking lot fronting the office at Wahi Hawaii after missing the turn twice. A mother hen guided nine chicks excitedly across my path. Peeking inside the warehouse, I saw a waving hand popping over a stack of boxes in the back corner. “Hi Shawn!!!!” an excited voice came from behind them. The voice then appeared with a smile and a hug, my first time meeting Miyu of Wahi Hawaii. I’ve followed her brand and business for a long while on Instagram but we’ve never formally met. It felt as if I’d known her for years outside the realm of social media.
I’d contacted Miyu a few weeks back to feature their sustainable business on our Maui Shop Local Showcase. The thing that first struck me about Miyu was her dedication and passion. When asked to give a rundown of her business, her answers were given with purpose. A business built with heart will ultimately be granted true, authentic success. You can take passion to unlimited heights, and in the business world, that means everything.
Wahi Hawaii: Small start with a big impact
Since its founding in 2018, Wahi Hawaii has been on a mission to combat plastic pollution and inspire sustainable living. This passion was born during a family beach cleanup that unveiled the staggering amount of trash along Maui’s shores. Wahi Hawaii is leading the way with innovative and eco-friendly products.
Wahi Hawaii began with a simple yet powerful product: the bamboo straw. Why? Dubbed a “gateway plastic,” disposable straws often serve as an entry point for individuals looking to adopt more environmentally friendly habits. They are practical, inexpensive, and an easy way to separate oneself even slightly from the world of single-use plastic.
Miyu and her family used their bamboo straw as a launching point to educate others and provide tangible alternatives to businesses and individuals. Over time, their product line expanded to include a variety of reusable and disposable items designed for both individual consumers and businesses, all with sustainability at their core.
Meet Miyu, the Heart Behind Wahi Hawaii
Originally from Japan, Miyu has called Maui home for 14 years. Her deep connection to the ocean and nature is the driving force behind Wahi Hawaii’s mission. “I love spending time outdoors,” she shares. “Whether I’m swimming, snorkeling, or simply enjoying the beach, being in nature with loved ones is so fulfilling.” As a wife, mother to a 10-year-old daughter, and stepmother to a 20-year-old son, Miyu balances her busy family life with a spiritual outlook that prioritizes kindness, gratitude, and purpose.
Eco-Friendly Products for Everyday Life
Wahi Hawaii’s bestsellers include their bamboo cutlery sets, which are both reusable and disposable. These stylish, high-quality products are easy to carry and perfect for anyone seeking sustainable alternatives. Bamboo is rapidly renewable resource. It forms the heart of Wahi Hawaii’s product offerings due to its eco-friendly properties and versatility.
For businesses, Wahi Hawaii provides custom-branded products that showcase their commitment to the environment. Cafés, gift shops, and other establishments can work with Wahi Hawaii to create personalized items that leave a lasting impression on their customers while promoting sustainable values.
Available Everywhere, Always!
Wahi Hawaii’s products are available online and at retailers across Maui, making it easy for locals and visitors alike to shop sustainably. They collaborate with many local businesses to provide eco-friendly alternatives for takeout and retail shelves. Miyu is always eager to connect with potential partners, offering samples and personalized solutions to meet their needs.
“While we are an online-based business with a warehouse in Kahului, our main focus is on providing seamless, high-quality service to our customers, no matter where they are” Miyu says. All of their local orders are processed out of the Kahului warehouse I visited that morning.
“It’s a special part of our business that allows us to build strong relationships with the Maui community. Having a warehouse here on island allows us to contribute quickly to causes and events we believe in,” Miyu says.
“It also means fast, flexible service and delivery to our partners. I can’t stress enough how Customer Service is a top priority for me. We put a lot of time and effort into ensuring our customers have the best, easiest experience possible. I am truly grateful for every person who chooses our products. So being able to connect face to face with those people and businesses that help sustain our business is so rewarding.”
Inspired by Change
As a young girl, Miyu always dreamed of living in Hawaii. “I feel grateful and truly blessed to be able to call Maui home and to have built a life here. I’m deeply inspired by the beauty of the island and the incredible sense of community,” she says. “The ocean is such a big part of life on Maui, no matter where on the island you live. So I’m constantly reminded of the importance of protecting nature.”
Her love of the ocean and natural environment drives Miyu and fuels her passion for creating sustainable, eco-friendly products that help preserve Maui’s beauty. What keeps her pushing forward in business? Knowing that small actions can lead to big changes.
“Every day, I see the potential for us to make a positive impact on both the environment and the people around us,” Miyu says. “The support I receive from the Maui community, along with our shared commitment to sustainability, keeps me motivated to continue growing my business and finding new ways to make a difference.”
One of Miyu’s favorite quotes is “We protect what we love” by Jacques Cousteau.
“Whether it’s the beautiful ocean in Hawaii, the mountain views from the lakes in Colorado, or the peaceful valleys in Montana, we are all connected by nature. “Paradise” looks different to different people. It is our responsibility to preserve, protect, and take care of the places that mean the most to us.
Like Miyu, one of our family’s favorite ways to protect what we love – the ocean – is to incorporate beach cleanups into our every day.
My daughter and I have a tradition to wake up for sunrise when we can, get hot chocolate and enjoy sunrise at the beach. We spend a couple of minutes collecting trash and do what we can to help.
Want to make it easier to collect trash when you visit the beach? Keep a few cotton produce bags in your car or purse to collect trash, wash and reuse.
Join the Movement
Wahi Hawaii proves that small changes can make a big impact. Whether you’re looking to reduce your plastic use, source sustainable products for your business, or support a company that genuinely cares about Maui’s environment, Wahi Hawaii is here to help.
Wahi Hawaii are offering a special discount code to anyone who mentions this feature! It’s our way of saying thank you for your support. Feel free to reach out to them via social media to claim your discount!
Visiting Maui? Be sure to check out our sustainable Hawaii travel guide! You can also shop some of our favorite multi-use products to inject more reusable items into your lifestyle and routine.
My name is Shawn Ravazzano, I’m a photographer, mom and small business owner. I operate Love and Water Photography from the island of Maui alongside my husband, Adam. I enjoy showcasing and supporting local entrepreneurs to help spread the word about our favorite Maui small businesses. As someone who enjoys connecting with others through conversation, written words and pictures, I get to enjoy what I do in the process. Thank you for being here!
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