Maui Jim is an American based high-end manufacturer of luxury sunglasses based in Peoria, Illinois.[3] All sets of Maui Jim sunglasses feature UV-Ray blocking polarized lenses that enhance color. Almost all lines are marketed with an oceanic, sporty theme. In addition to their non-prescription sports sunglasses, Maui Jim currently produces prescription lenses for their designs, including bifocal lenses.[4]
Maui Jim was originally launched on the hotel pool decks of Maui, Hawaii. The brand was introduced in the mainland states in 1988 via distributorship by owner Bill Capps, based in Northern California. Dan Moreland, Jim Stroesser, Chuck Ponthier and Kelly Gough pioneered the technical sunglasses company in America, which quickly became a leading brand in the action sports and optical markets.
Maui Jim originally had its headquarters in Lahaina, Hawaii, but moved to Peoria after buying RLI Vision, the original vision insurance and vision care products unit of RLI Corp., in December 1996. The transaction was structured so that RLI Corp. became a major shareholder in Maui Jim, which has continued to the present.
In 1999 Forbes Magazine listed Maui Jim in their 100 Things Worth Every Penny article.[5]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maui_Jim