Finding Genuine Kauai Products Just Got Easier

"Kauai Made" Program Authenticates Unique Products Found Only On Kauai

Individuals and companies who specialize in making authentic Kauai products - along with the retail outlets that sell them - are easier to find than ever, thanks to a new program, managed by the County of Kauai, called "Kauai Made".

The Kauai Made Web site, showcases 72 Kauai businesses that either make or sell products ranging from baked goods to jewelry to koa wood paddles.

We are very proud of this collection of high quality and authentic Kauai Made products, said Kauai Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste. The response has been overwhelmingly positive and we can only see this program growing over time.
In addition to the website, "Kauai Made" vendors and retailers are listed in a shopping guide, which is distributed at the Lihue airport and other venues throughout Kauai.

"The main goals of the program are to support small business, market Kauai through the variety of products available here, to encourage investment in the local economy through the use of raw materials and labor from Kauai in making the products, and to connect shoppers with the high quality and authentic Kauai products we know they are looking for," explains Beth Tokioka, Director of the County's Office of Economic Development who manages the program.

Product makers and retailers must pass an evaluation process in order to obtain a "Kauai Made" permit. "We evaluate each and every product to make sure that it contains a substantial amount of raw material from Kauai, Kauai labor, and value-added processes that are performed here on the island," states Tokioka. "We hold these products to a very high standard, so the consumer knows he or she is buying quality and authenticity."

In the brochure and website, products are divided into seven categories: food & floral, jewelry, crafts & heritage, health & beauty, apparel & accessories, art & music, and gifts & miscellaneous. "Kauai Made" products are identified with the symbol of a hookupu - or traditional Hawaiian gift - wrapped in ti leaf. "We loved this symbol because it honors our host culture and also represents the wide variety of offerings in the program," Tokioka said. This "Kauai Made" emblem (as seen on the cover of Kauai Magazine) assures you that the product is an authentic Kauai-made item.

In the pages that follow is a selection of approved "Kauai Made" products and retailers. By the way, Kauai Magazine, published on Kauai since 1980 and a charter member of the "Kauai Made" Program, is the only magazine approved by the program as an authentic "Kauai Made" creation.

Kauai Made Categories
Food & Floral
Health & Beauty
Jewelry
Crafts & Heritage
Apparel & Accessories
Art & Music
Gifts & Miscellaneous

Click Here for Select Kauai Retailers and Product Makers