Help the Nishiki Maui Farmers Market Recover After Devastating Kona Low Storm
Aloha friends, family, and community,
My name is Kai Nishiki, and I’m reaching out on behalf of our family business, Maui Farmers Market, founded nearly 50 years ago by my dad, Wayne Nishiki.
My dad started this business with a simple but powerful idea: support local farmers and bring fresh, healthy food directly to our community. What began as small roadside stands in South and West Maui grew into a place that so many residents and visitors have come to know and love.
Today, my dad is 82 years old. My sister, Sachi, has taken over the business and also cares for him full-time. Maui Farmers Market is not just a business—it is her only source of income and what allows her to care for our dad while continuing his legacy.
Sachi has the biggest heart and is always helping others—whether it’s offering a free meal, opening her home to someone in need, providing a job, or supporting just about every community cause that comes her way.
Most of you know my dad as a fierce advocate for our local community and the environment, with a big personality—quick with a loud laugh, a great big hug, and always ready with a free sample of perfectly ripe local papaya or fresh banana bread.
Over the past few years, we’ve already faced major challenges. After the 2023 West Maui wildfires, we lost our beloved Honokōwai location and lease. Our North Kīhei location—where Suda Store once stood, now home to ABC Store and Ululani’s—became the last remaining piece of our family’s livelihood.
Now, we’ve been hit again.
The recent Kona Low storm brought severe flooding to Maui, and our Kīhei location was directly impacted. Floodwaters and mud inundated the property, and fallen trees caused significant damage. What we’re left with is overwhelming—days, and likely weeks, of cleanup, repairs, and uncertainty.
On top of that, with South Kīhei Road closures and limited access, we don’t know when customers will be able to return in the numbers needed to sustain the business.
This moment is critical for our family.
We are asking for your support to help us:
• Clean up and repair storm damage
• Replace lost inventory and equipment
• Cover immediate expenses while the business is unable to operate normally
• Keep this nearly 50-year legacy alive
Maui Farmers Market has always been about community—supporting local farmers, feeding families, and creating a place where people connect.
If you’ve ever stopped by our stand or storefront, picked up fresh local food, or shared a laugh with our dad and our family, we humbly ask for your help now.
Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference. And if you’re not able to give, sharing this campaign means just as much to us.
From our family to yours, mahalo for your support, your kindness, and for helping us continue to serve Maui.
With deep gratitude,
The Nishiki ʻohana