The purpose of this post is to compare businesses in Maui vs. California. What do they emphasize? What do they get right? Where can they improve?

As someone who has worked with dozens of businesses here on Maui and the mainland, I appreciate both sides of the spectrum. The companies I will be comparing are not in the luxury space. While the financial elite has its differences, I will stick to the general population for now.

What do Maui businesses do right?

Maui is a culturally diverse place. Both being on an island creates an insular cultural apex.

Maui businesses tend not to lie.

While I am not saying that California is full of liars, I am confident that hurting your reputation in Maui can be challenging to recover from. We are a small community here, and we talk to each other. Californians have less to lose if there isn’t much substance to their words. If you have burnt your bridges, there are plenty of new bridges to build.

Hawaii people have a unique version of progressive environmentalism.

Here on Maui, we have to reduce the trash because we run out of land for our landfills. We must reduce our use because it’s difficult to ship goods here. While other parts of the country tend to be environmentally conscientious from a moral place, Maui residents come from a place of self-preservation. We also are an outdoor-friendly culture. We appreciate the outdoors; that’s why we live on such a beautiful island. If we just needed a place to stay, Maui’s high cost of living would not be the best choice.

Hawaii people are visually-minded.

I have many friends who have moved to California after growing up in Maui and made a great life in California. Most of them fit well with the moniker: ‘creative.’ Graphic designers, visual artists, photographers, and the list goes on. My college roommate recently signed on to make an upcoming Marvel film. He was born and raised in Haiku. A keen sense of art is a norm for Maui people.

Maui people are great at fostering relationships.

So when talking about businesses, Maui businesses are great on social media because they create beautiful content. At a recent conference, the speaker spoke about social capital. I have many close friends who are insanely talented and constantly produce fantastic work. When I look at who is successful and who is not, it usually comes down to relationships. The creatives who establish strong bonds with others are successful, while those with less social capital tend to get stuck in a rut. In the past, it has been said that ‘it’s all about who you know.’ While this saying does have value, I would like to update it: it’s all about who you have strong relationships with.

So what do Maui businesses do wrong?

Aha! Here we have arrived at the trash talk part of this post. First, I want to say that I come from a place of love and want to help. I have dedicated my life to helping small businesses in Maui. If what I said has offended you, please let me know in the comments.

Maui businesses tend to need help with messaging.

From spelling and grammar to big visions and ideas, the Maui business crowd can get by on different standards. I challenge you to proofread the website for any Hawaii business; if you don’t find something wrong or awkward, I will be shocked. Again, I am saying this from a place of love as a Native Hawaiian. If you are releasing some form of writing to the public, please have it pass through a competent proofreader. An unlimited number of services can help you with proofreading and writing. A Hawaii-based business focusing more on messaging and paper will surely stick out among the crowd. Use this phenomenon to your advantage.

Maui businesses tend to not be punctual.

I wouldn’t say I like the stereotype of the late Hawaii people, yet I have represented it well in the past. If you are quick about getting back to customers or getting the work done quickly, you will stick out on Maui. In other places, having deliverables on time is expected. In Maui, having deliverables on time is impressive. Use the culture to help your business get ahead of the pack.

Mahalo for Reading

What do you think about what I’m saying? Do you think I’m wrong? What are some advantages or disadvantages you have observed? Let me know in the comments. Also, please share this post if you enjoyed it.