I capped off my busy month of March on a yacht, celebrating the launch of Maui Jim in Cebu. The spotlight was on their upgraded HO’OKIPA collection, featuring the popular HO’OKIPA Ultra Asian Fit Sunglasses, designed for comfort and tailored to fit our unique facial contours. However, with a high price tag, the big question is: Are they really worth it? Let’s explore the features, fit, and my overall experience with these beautiful sunglasses to help you decide if they should be part of your summer collection!
“Founded in the ’80s, Maui Jim is a brand renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation. They bring vibrancy to summer, transforming how we see the world and making everything appear more colorful and enjoyable. Specializing in high-performance sunglasses, Maui Jim has built a reputation for enhancing visual experiences while providing excellent eye protection against harmful UV rays.” This is part of what I read in the invitation kit.
To be honest, this was my first time hearing about this brand. When it comes to sunglasses, I only knew of Oakley and Ray-Ban, as those are the pairs my husband owns. I never really invested in sunglasses myself, mostly due to my ‘Asian’ nose bridge; it’s often challenging to find a pair that fits perfectly, feels comfortable, complements my face, and offers top-notch eye protection. So, when I received an invitation to the Maui Jim launch and learned about their offerings, I RSVPed right away, eager to see for myself whether these sunglasses lived up to the hype or were just marketing talk…
The launch event of Maui Jim in Cebu was yesterday, March 31st.
We kicked off the festivities in the afternoon at the SM Store in SM Seaside, where we gathered for a lively cocktail reception. The atmosphere was electric as influencers and content creators from Cebu mingled, sharing their excitement about the new sunglasses. We celebrated the official opening of Maui Jim stores not only in SM Seaside but across all other SM locations nationwide. Representatives from Maui Jim took the stage to share insights about the brand and highlight the stunning features of the sunglasses we were eager to try.
Exciting activities allowed us to put the lenses to the test, comparing their color and clarity, as well as their lightweight design through a fun water experiment. Afterward, we headed to the Ideal Vision Center on the lower ground floor, where we interacted with the knowledgeable staff. I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Lorna, who assisted me in selecting the HO’OKIPA sunglasses I liked. Her enthusiasm for the products was infectious, and she shared valuable insights about the frames, lenses, and other options available in the shop.
I also met Ms. Archie and Ms. Carmina from the Public Relations team, who provided more information about Maui Jim and Ideal Vision Center. It was fascinating to realize that we were among the first in the country to own the HO’OKIPA ULTRA ASIAN FIT sunglasses. I truly felt special!!!
The grand finale of the launch was a stunning yacht party in Mactan. After leaving SM Seaside, we made our way to Mactan Marina Wharf, where we boarded a luxurious yacht for a memorable cruise. As we settled in, we were treated to delicious snacks and flowing drinks, all accompanied by great music that set the perfect mood for a breathtaking sunset. This was an ideal opportunity to socialize with fellow influencers, Ideal Vision representatives, and the Maui Jim team while putting our sunglasses to the test under the sun, soaking in the spectacular views of the waters. With the sun shining brightly and the sky transitioning through a beautiful range of hues at sunset, coupled with the refreshing breeze, I was eager to see how well the sunglasses performed in such vibrant conditions.
About the HO’OKIPA ULTRA ASIAN FIT
The HO’OKIPA ULTRA ASIAN FIT polarized wrap sunglasses are a contemporary sporty evolution of the perennial best-seller Ho’okipa, designed with curving temples and an adjusted fit for the comfort of Asians (as the name gives away). The collection is available in four stunning colors: Metal Matte Red with Neutral Grey lenses, Matte Black with Neutral Grey lenses, Metal Matte Silver with Neutral Grey lenses, and Metal Matte Blue with Blue Hawaii lenses. I chose the Metal Matte Red, and it quickly became my favorite!
Equipped with Maui Ultra technology, they are ultra-durable and ultra-light, ensuring an ultra-intense color resolution that enhances the view of any outdoor activity. The exclusive PolarizedPlus2 lens technology guarantees exceptional clarity and glare reduction, making them a must-have for sunny days.
My experience with the HO’OKIPA ULTRA ASIAN FIT Style 677 in Metal Matte Red
One of the standout qualities I appreciate about the HO’OKIPA ULTRA ASIAN FIT design is how well it caters to my unique features. The elevated nose bridge and built-up nose pad area minimize slippage, especially during a bit of perspiration, perfectly accommodating my small nose bridge. It fits so securely that it didn’t fall off even while I made some vigorous head movements—though I wouldn’t recommend testing it unless you’re prepared to risk losing your sunglasses!!!!!!
Additionally, the subtly angled frame fronts provide a comfortable fit, especially for those with higher cheekbones like mine. Maui Jim truly understands the diverse characteristics of their customers, and it makes all the difference!
In the past, I often struggled to wear sunglasses for extended periods because they would give me headaches or make me feel dizzy after just two hours, making it feel like something heavy was sitting on my face. However, wearing the HO’OKIPA ULTRA ASIAN FIT was a game changer because they are ultralight.
The frame looks sturdy and comes with a protective box and cleaning cloth, plus there’s a two-year warranty for this product, which adds to the peace of mind for those who invest in these sunglasses.
Parting Words
The HO’OKIPA ULTRA ASIAN FIT sunglasses are the perfect blend of style, comfort, and functionality. Their sleek design, combined with lightweight construction and exceptional UV protection, makes them an essential accessory for summer adventures. The fit and comfort are truly unmatched; I could shake my head and dance to the music without worrying about them slipping off, all while feeling confident that my eyes were shielded from the sun’s rays during this beautiful day. I can wholeheartedly say that these qualities justify the premium price, especially for those who spend a lot of time outdoors.
