Beverage firm gets new name, owners

Under new owners, kombucha tea and water kefir Pauwela Beverage Co. has been recently launched as a rebranded and renamed company.

Formerly Big Wave Organics, the company was acquired by wife and husband team, Cady Cox and Kyle Fleming, about six months ago, a Wednesday press release said.

Since then, tap locations have been updated, including sites at Lipoa Street Farmers’ Market on Saturdays and at the Kula Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays. Pauwela drinks are also located at Foodland in Kihei, Pukalani and Lahaina; Haiku Market; Fork and Salad in Kahului and Kihei; Farmacy Health Bar in Pukalani and Wailuku; Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade; That’s a Wrap; Pauwela Store; and Charley’s Restaurant & Saloon.

For more information, visit www.pauwelabeverage.com.

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Azeka center has 3 new merchants

Three new businesses, Ekolu Kitchen1279, Studio 151 and O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, recently opened at Azeka Shopping Center in Kihei.

Ekolu Kitchen1279 is a collaboration among three restaurateurs and friends, all of whom were inspired by their years of experience paddling outrigger canoes. The Polynesian eatery serves upscale comfort food using locally-sourced ingredients and prepared in full view. Visit www.ekoluKitchen1279.com or call (808) 793-3333.

Studio 151 is a full-service tattoo and skate shop that also offers piercing, permanent makeup, microblading and apparel. Grand opening discounts on merchandise and services run through this month. Visit www.studio151Maui.com or call (808) 793-3151.

O’Reilly Automotive supplies auto parts to retail customers, professional installers and jobbers.

For information on Azeka Center, visit www.AzekaMaui.com.

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More pet-friendly rentals is PR goal

Maui Humane Society has tapped Jenerate PR, a full-service public relations and marketing agency on Oahu and in Las Vegas, to lead a campaign geared toward increasing the number of pet-friendly rentals available on Maui.

The “Give Them a Home of Their Own” initiative is designed to start a conversation with landlords about making pet-friendly housing more available and to educate renters with pets on how to be responsible tenants, according to a Feb. 24 news release. It also aims to reduce the number of pets surrendered over lack of available housing.

Jenerate PR began publicity and communication strategies for the campaign March 1.

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Farmer gathering held on Molokai

The first Ho’opili Na Mahi’ai (Farmers Gathering) event kicked off Feb. 22 at the Lanikeha Community Center on Molokai, with about 50 attending to gather resources and tools for growing.

Presented by the county’s Office of Economic Development, the event held a dozen state and local organizations.

I appreciate the time everyone contributed to the success of this very productive event,” said Stacey Crivello, Mayor’s Office community liaison for Molokai, in a release.

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Cool Cat serving up mega bacon burger

LahainaTown Action Committee is highlighting Cool Cat Cafe’s burger of the month, called “Everything is Better with Bacon,” according to a Feb. 28 news release.

The burger includes a 100-percent Angus beef patty, grilled onions, arugula, sharp cheddar, green apple, candied maple bacon and maple aioli on a brioche bun.

The committee collaborates with Maui Preparatory Academy interns to spotlight a member and create marketing and promotional materials.

Cool Cat Cafe is located in The Wharf Center, 658 Front St., Lahaina.

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Lahaina hotels top Hawaii readers poll

Hawaii Magazine’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards named two Lahaina hotels, Kaanapali Beach Hotel and The Plantation Inn, as two of Maui’s most beloved properties, according to a March 2 release.

Kaanapali Beach Hotel recently received seven No. 1 rankings on the magazine’s coveted list, including “Best Maui Hotel or Resort with Aloha Spirit” and “Best Maui Hotel or Resort Staff.” The Plantation Inn achieved the top ranking as “Best Maui Bed & Breakfast or Inn” for the third year in a row.

The awards come from a survey by the magazine, which surveys thousands of Mainland, Hawaii and international readers, the release said.