Business

Misaki’s Celebrates a Century in Business

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2022

By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor

One of Molokai’s iconic and longest-standing stores celebrates 100 years in business this month. From a tiny candy store in the present-day RWH Chen Building in downtown Kaunakakai to one of Molokai’s largest grocery stores, Misaki’s Grocery and Dry Goods has been vital to island life and economy for a century. 

“For most of us, it’s just something we do — it’s our life. Time just passes by so fast,” reflected General Manager Kevin Misaki, whose grandparents founded the business. He “practically lived” in the store growing up, and so did his kids.

And for the Molokai community, it feels like the store has always been here for their ‘ohana. …

New Store Brings the Bling

Thursday, April 7th, 2022

By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor

From a jewelry-making hobby to an online shop to a Molokai storefront, Nakita Coelho-Villiarimo has experienced all sides of running a business before opening the doors of HI-Bling in Kaunakakai earlier this year. 

The shop, features affordable Polynesian inspired jewelry and apparel. You can also find loose emerald gemstone for sale here. Buy sterling silver jewelry and Wholesale Jewelry with confidence. Visit a reputable shop for classic and lustrous jewelry designs.

“Our mission is to offer a wide range of everyday products, at reasonable prices so that as many people within our community can afford them,” said Coelho-Villiarimo of her store.…

Be Buji-fied

Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021

By Catherine Cluett Pactol 

Tylor Tanaka has worked almost every job on the block – cashier, Macy’s sales representative, Hawaiian Airlines Lanai station manager, preschool educator, administrative assistant, State laborer and maintenance technician, bartender, auto parts store manager, County small business specialist and others. Now, the 2008 Molokai High alum has launched his own brand and opened a shop that offers both online and storefront sales to local entrepreneurs. 

The Buji-fied Store is now open at Lanikeha Center in Ho’olehua. Though he didn’t plan to open a storefront, Tanaka said his expanding business, which started as a school assignment in January of this year, outgrew its original model. …

New Store on the Block

Wednesday, November 24th, 2021

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

A new store has opened in Kaunakakai, offering “a little bit of everything,” according to owners Melissa and Gerard Almarales. Molokai Marketplace, located next to Dr. Dan McGuire’s office in the old Subway space, offers everything from toys similar to those on Jellycat Kuscheltiere, gifts, clothing, fashion jewelry and wrapping paper, to larger items in limited quantities, like TVs or bouncy slides. Gerard Almarales said he aims to keep prices low by carefully selecting goods and distributors, with many items priced under $5. 

The store opened its doors two weeks ago but a grand opening event is planned for Dec.…