NEW MAUI JIM SUNGLASSES FOR 2008: STYLE + PROTECTION = ICONIC “ALOHA” VIBE

LAHAINA, Maui – The six newest models from Maui Jim – the Kukuna, Nalu, Bamboo, Kai, Topsail and Akoni – represent the company’s devotion to both the art and science of sunglass craftsmanship.

These new-for-2008 designs, along with the innovative Maui Readers introduced late last year, combine the company’s iconic “Aloha” style and leading edge technology to delight today’s sun-glare savvy – and fashion-conscious – men and women.

Crafted with the company’s proprietary PolarizedPlus2 technology and highly desirable, 8-base frame design, these are sunglasses that deliver the sought-after Maui Jim vibe along with lightweight, wrap-around, coverage to protect against the damaging rays of the sun.

“Our goal was to craft sunglasses that capture the Maui Jim ‘Aloha Spirit,’ provide enhanced sun protection – and still be comfortable enough for all-day wear,” says Chris Abbruzzese, the company’s Vice President of Marketing & Customer Care. “Our designers we were able to create new models with the protection of oversized lenses and with the highest quality optics – but without the weight .”

“And colors are enhanced as well, thanks to our patented PolarizedPlus2 lens technology,” he adds.

INTRODUCING MAUI JIM’S “CLASS OF ‘08”
For Women: The Bamboo ($229.00, available in Rx) and Kai ($199.00) — are both fashion-forward larger-wrap designs perfect for outdoor activities from driving to simply lounging on the beach. Both show off a high-gloss finish, are hypoallergenic and available in a wide range of colors and densities.
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Further, they both offer Maui Jim’s proprietary Maui Evolution® lens material, a fusion of the best qualities of the company’s SuperThin glass and polycarbonate lenses. These offer unsurpassed optical quality, color enhancement, scratch- and impact-resistance and are lightweight.
The Bamboo’s temple treatment features an open-design, with bars shaped to evoke the bamboo of the Maui forests, while hardware at the hinge area is shaped like bamboo leaves for a fashionable and feminine look. Thanks to its modified large square-sloped frame, the Bamboo compliments many facial shapes.

This fashion-forward frame is offered in Gloss Black with Silver (Neutral Grey lens) and Gloss Black with Gold (HCL Bronze lens).

The Kai’s undeniable appeal is classic, versatile and alluring. Its hinge is of an anti-corrosive, spring design, which provides a secure and comfortable fit. Non-slip nose pads provide a custom-like fit, while the frame’s wider temples enhance all-day comfort and protection from the harmful rays of the sun.
Kai frames are available in Gloss Black (Neutral Grey lens) and Root Beer Fade (HCL Bronze lens). In addition, the Kai is also offered in the Maui Rose® lens color (Gloss Black frame), which offers extra-sharp contrast and image resolution — a great choice for fast action activities, such as beach volleyball.

For Men: The Topsail ($259.00, available in Rx) and Akoni ($259.00, available in Rx) are perfect for those who demand the best in fashion and performance. Stylish and sophisticated, both make a strong statement about the wearer, whether at more formal occasions or relaxing on the patio.

And both the Topsail and Akoni feature PolarizedPlus2 technology that eliminates glare and boosts colors, as well as an 8-base frame design, for excellent, all-day comfort and protection from the sun’s harmful rays, as well as wind, sand and debris.

The Maui Jim Topsail styling conveys a confident, bold strength suitable for a wide range of occasions and crafted to withstand even the harshest conditions. This model boasts a non-corrosive, lightweight spring hinge and trim, stainless steel frame, for hard-wearing good looks. With non-slip, adjustable nose pads and rubber temple tips, the protective wrap design of the Topsail promotes an instantly secure, comfortable fit that compliments many facial shapes.

The Topsail frames are offered in Gunmetal (with Neutral Grey lens) or Espresso ((in HCL Bronze), for a confident, bold look.

The Akoni is Maui Jim’s 2008 take on the classic aviator style sunglass. Here is the answer for those seeking the ultimate in high-fashion/high-performance aviator frames, considered the optimal shape for complete peripheral eye coverage. The Akoni is designed to compliment many facial shapes. The company’s ST (Super Thin) lenses have crystal clear optics and are scratch resistant, yet light in weight, thanks to the fact that they are 20 percent thinner than conventional laminated polarized lenses.

In addition to lens colors in Neutral Grey (Black frame) and HCL Bronze (Gold frame), the Akoni is also offered in the new Maui Rose (Matte Bronze frame), which offers the sharpest contrast and image resolution — superb for activities where the action is fast and fierce.

For Men and Women: The Kukuna ($309.00; available in Rx) from the Maui Jim Flexon® collection is a unisex design perfect for larger faces – whether oblong, square or pear-shaped. A perfect blend of form and function, the open frame is crafted of a titanium-based alloy, for durability, flexibility and light weight for all-day comfort. The Kukuna is the company’s first marriage of Flexon frames and Maui Jim’s Evolution lens material, which means superior optical quality perfect for long-distance driving.

Sleek, contemporary and bold, the modified, rectangular shape of the Kukuna – with its split open temples, sleek, high-gloss finish, snug fit and non-slip rubber nose pads, is available in Gunmetal (Neutral Grey lens) and Metallic Gloss Copper (HCL Bronze lens).

The Nalu ($309.00; available in Rx) is the choice for fashion forward men and women looking for a mid-sized wrap with superior coverage that makes a bold statement behind the wheel or on the beach. The versatile frame is crafted of Alpacca, a stunning combination of sterling silver and nickel, for strength, durability and a modern look. The fit is secure and comfortable, thanks to an anti-corrosive nickel/silver spring hinge and non-slip rubber nose pads.

The Nalu is available in Gunmetal Black (Neutral Grey lens) and Espresso (HCL Bronze lens) and compliments round, oblong and pear-shaped faces.

Launched just months ago, Maui Readers ($199.00) are painstakingly crafted to put “power where you need it.” Their premium optical design incorporates a reader lens encased in polycarbonate. Unlike lesser sun readers, the Maui Readers lens design optimizes long-distance views and provides the near-power needed to read at the beach or text message a friend in the bright sun.

The frames of Maui Readers are strong, tough and light – as well as stylish. Frames are available in either gloss black or Grilamid TR 90 and are designed to stand up to extreme conditions.
Maui Readers are offered in two styles: Makaha and Ho’okipa. The Makaha’s sleek styling and mid-sized frame is ideal for a wide variety of men’s and women’s facial shapes, while the Ho’okipa Reader complements larger faces. Both are available with a choice of Neutral Grey or HCL Bronze lenses, with add powers of +1.50, +2.00 and +2.50.

“Maui Readers allow those enjoying active, upscale lifestyles to enjoy Maui Jim styling, along with the protection of our advanced polarization technology and the ability to read, outdoors, whether the skies are cloudy or bright,” says Maui Jim’s Abbruzzese. “With Maui Readers, one pair of quality sunglasses, featuring premium optics, enables men and women to enjoy vigorous leisure pursuits, whether they are sailing, fishing, mountaineering – or reading by the pool.”

MAUI JIM TECHNOLOGY TAKES ON THE HARSH RAYS OF THE SUN

Maui Jim wearers enjoy being outdoors, in all types of weather, no matter if the day is sunny or overcast, hot or chilly.

And, increasingly, they understand that daily protection against the sun’s ultraviolet light is a necessity. No wonder these consumers need and regularly wear sunglasses that offer cutting-edge style and sun protection.
“The word is out,” says Abbruzzese, “UV protection is a necessity. Thanks to our technology, Maui Jim sunglasses eliminate 99.9 percent of harsh reflected glare, block 100 percent of all UV light, up to 400 Nm, and are blue light and infrared effective and saltwater safe.”

The proprietary Maui Jim PolarizedPlus2 feature enhances colors, heightens contrast and improves depth perception. This is due to the company’s use of three, rare-earth elements (Neodymium, Erbium and Praseodymium).

“With Maui Jim technology, colors really pop,” explains Abbruzzese. “Our lenses are optically correct, distortion-free and actually shed water and snow thanks to their waterproof coating.”

The result: unmatched visual acuity, comfort and reduced eye fatigue, protection and contrast.

ABOUT MAUI JIM SUNGLASSES
Maui Jim began as a small company selling sunglasses on Maui, Hawaii, back in the early 1980s. Today, Maui Jim is the fastest-growing polarized sunglass maker in the world.

As local demand grew for sunglasses that provided advanced protection from the severe glare and UV rays of the Hawaiian sun – without distorting the beautiful colors of the Island, the company developed proprietary technology – PolarizedPlus, which was later patented.
Maui Jim was “born” with an original line of seven sunglass styles. At first, the sunglasses were exclusively sold in Maui, Hawaii. In 1991, the company was purchased by Hester Enterprises, and in 1994, Hester enlisted RLI Vision Corporation of Peoria, Illinois, to be the mainland distributor of Maui Jim Sunglasses for the ophthalmic market.

Maui Jim, Inc. was established in December 1996, when Maui Jim Sunglasses acquired RLI Vision. This provided the financial resources and infrastructure to accommodate the phenomenal sales growth of Maui Jim Sunglasses.
Today, the company sells more than 50 styles and 100 SKUs and is the fastest growing polarized sunglass maker in the world.

For further information on Maui Jim sunglasses, contact 888-Maui Jim, or visit the company online, at www.mauijim.com .

(Editor’s Note: to arrange an interview or obtain high-resolution digital photography, contact Martin Kleinman, 718/398-4009, mkleinman@nyc.rr.com, or Dawn Klimaszewski, 309/683-1931, dklimaszewski@mauijim.com