Maui Jim
Kering Eyewear · United States
Maui Jim is an American eyewear brand founded in Hawaii in 1980 and headquartered in Peoria, Illinois. It makes polarised sunglasses, prescription lenses and optical frames, and has been part of Kering Eyewear since 2022.
| Founded | 1980, Lahaina, Hawaii |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Peoria, Illinois |
| Parent | Kering Eyewear (since 2022) |
| Lens technology | PolarizedPlus2 |
| European base | Braunschweig, Germany |
| Website | mauijim.com |
What is Maui Jim?
Maui Jim is a sunglasses and eyewear company that began in Lahaina, Hawaii, in 1980, when a fisherman known as the original "Maui Jim" sold sunglasses on the island's beaches. Today the brand is headquartered in Peoria, Illinois, and belongs to Kering Eyewear.
History
In 1991 boat captain Walter Hester bought the business, operating it as Hester Enterprises, Inc. RLI Vision acted as its mainland distributor from 1994, and the headquarters moved to Peoria in 1996. A European headquarters with a distribution centre opened in Braunschweig, Germany, in 2004. Kering Eyewear announced its acquisition of the company in March 2022 and completed it in October 2022.
Products and positioning
The brand is best known for polarised sunglasses using its patented PolarizedPlus2 technology. Alongside non-prescription sport and fashion styles, it offers its designs with prescription lenses, including progressive lenses, and added optical eyeglass frames in March 2018.
Distribution
As of 2016 Maui Jim sold 125 styles of polarised sunglasses in more than 100 countries. It keeps an office and storefront in Lahaina, a Canadian office in Mississauga, Ontario, and its European base in Braunschweig.
Why it matters
Maui Jim shows how a specialist lens story can underpin a global premium eyewear brand, and its move into Kering Eyewear reflects luxury groups' push to control eyewear in house.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Maui Jim?
Maui Jim has been owned by Kering Eyewear since the acquisition was completed in October 2022.
Where is Maui Jim from?
Maui Jim was founded in Lahaina, Hawaii, in 1980 and is now headquartered in Peoria, Illinois.