This February, Whole Foods Market celebrates one year on Maui. To mark the occasion, the store is hosting a slew of activities at its location in the Maui Mall in Kahului through the end of the month.
"The whole year has gone by really quick, says store team leader Ray Stockton. "The best thing is, how well-received we've been by the community."
At 4 p.m. Saturday, Whole Foods Market will host an art gallery opening, highlighting new pieces by Maui artists in the store's seating area.
Article Photos
Marketing supervisor Elyse Ditzel (left) and store team leader Ray Stockton examine some fresh Ka‘u oranges from the Big Island.
The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
"Artworks on display will be available for purchase with a percentage of all proceeds benefiting Maui art students and educational programs supported through the Hawaii Community Foundation" says Elyse Ditzel, marketing supervisor. "Guests will have a chance to meet the featured artists and enjoy light refreshments."
Want some birthday cake? Join the Whole Foods team at noon on Thursday, Feb. 24, in celebration of their official one-year anniversary.
On Friday, Feb. 25, there will be product samples as well as a movie screening starting at 5 p.m.
Enjoy samples in every department throughout the store featuring Maui-grown and produced products," says Ditzel. "Additionally, the store will host a screening at 6 p.m. of the award-winning movie 'Turning the Canoe,' which was filmed on Maui.
"A feature-length documentary, it focuses on the unique and fragile island of Maui, and shows us how we can each create a sustainable future."
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, and Sunday, Feb. 27, bring your appetites and your aloha and meet vendors, farmers and growers as they chat you up and offer you tastes of their produces.
"Confirmed so far from Maui are Maui Cattle Company, Hailiimaile Pineapple, Keokea Farms, Maui Kombucha, Coffees of Hawai'i, SoMoor Jams & Jellies, Maui Mamaki Tea, Hana Fresh, Surfing Goat Dairy and Tedeschi (aka Maui's Winery," said Ditzel.
Coming from Oahu will be Oils of Aloha, Pacific Place Tea, Mulvadi Coffee, Kaiulani Spices, Hawaiian Chip Co., and 4J Salts. The island of Hawaii will be represented by Big Island Bees.
Last but not least, a craft fair will be held in the store from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27.
"Maui's best artists, jewelers and craftsmen will host an in-store craft fair," says Ditzel. "Shoppers will be able to take advantage of great one-of-a-kind products. Proceeds benefit scholarships for graduating Maui seniors and their pursuit of art education."
For scholarship information, call Lynelle Marble at the Hawai'i Community Foundation at (808) 566-5564. For Whole Foods details, call 872-3310.
