GIVEAWAY - Maui Jim Sunglasses Review - See the Difference

Warning! This review is totally biased.  I’m not going to lie.  I am a Maui Jim sunglasses addict-fanatic.  Yes, it’s true.  Ever since I was introduced to them (believe it or not) in Maui, I have been hooked and cannot see wearing or using any other brand.  Why?  Once you “See the Difference” you just cannot go back to any other brand.  Over the years I have owned at least 10 or 12 pairs. 

Left-Napili Bay, Right-Fleming Beach by Maui Jim.  They're even salt-water safe.

10 years ago my family was on vacation in Maui when we spotted a rep that was letting folks try out a pair for the day.  Amidst a bright sun-filled sky and the reflection from the clear blue water, there’s simply no better test for shades.

Fleming Beach by Maui Jim

Maui Jim sunglasses were created on the island of Maui in 1980.  They saw the need to create a lens that could handle the intensity of the island sun, the glare from the reflective water and also keep out harmful UV rays.  Through high-tech engineering they have developed something called “PolarizedPlus2 Technology.”  Basically there are 9 key elements to their lenses including waterproofing that helps shed water and snow for sports enthusiasts or moms who get caught in the rain as they take their kids to school.  Something called Oleophobic (yes moms -fear of grease-I only wish my clothes had this technology) helps repel greasy finger smudges and sweat more easily from the lenses.  Their gradient lenses add protection from glare and harmful UV rays from above (sky) and below (reflective surfaces) – and basically what that means is you can see so clearly, even things below the surface of the water. 

Walking on the beach with our Maui Jim's and our
Golden Retriever, Koa.
Photo courtesy of Kristina Rust Photography

When I tried a pair on for the first time I wasn’t even aware of the coral reefs just beyond the shore where I stood.  Once I put on a pair of Maui Jim shades I could instantly see what I was missing.  That was the moment I was hooked.  Colors were more vivid, there was virtually no reflective glare from shiny surfaces and my eyes actually felt relief. 

Even on overcast, gloomy and rainy days at home I wear my Maui Jim sunglasses.  I see better when I wear them.  Of course the only time I don’t wear them is at night time – but you will rarely see me without my Maui Jim’s. 

In 2007 I elected to have Lasik surgery done on my very myopic eyes.  For the first time I was able to see the moment I woke up from a deep slumber.  I felt it was even more important to protect and maintain the health of my eyes.  My Maui Jim’s are a HUGE part of that.  I just had my annual eye check-up and my doctor tested my eyesight.  I have 20-15 in one eye and 20-20 in the other (I chose to get mono-vision in order to avoid reading glasses).  So far, so good.  I can read and see distance without any sort of corrective glasses.  Just me and my Maui Jim’s!  Oh, and I might add that my Vision Service Protection (VSP) covers a  large portion of my annual purchase of these sunglasses - extra AHH.

If you’re like a number of people who do need your reading glasses, Maui Jim now offers the Maui Readers lens – so you can read at the beach or text message even in the bright sunlight. 

Forbes magazine lists Maui Jim on their 100 Things Worth Every Penny.  I wholeheartedly agree. 

Maui Jim is now the fastest growing premium polarized sunglass maker in the world - when you wipe out 99.9% of the glare, 100% of harmful UV rays, and boost color – you will become an addict like me.  If you don’t have a pair you can’t see what you’re missing.

Check out the “Send a Lei” to help the save the oceans.  For every “like” they get on their Facebook page they will turn it into a donation and spread the aloha spirit.   Once their Lei meter reaches a certain level they will donate $10,000 to the Ocean Project, the world’s most extensive network of zoos, aquariums, museums and researchers focused on ocean education and conservation.

One lucky winner will receive a pair of Maui Jim Makaha sunglasses valued at $179.00.  That’s right – FREE!  Enter today through Wednesday March 14^th, 2012 12 midnight.  You can get up to 5 entries and all you have to do to enter is:

• Leave a comment at the bottom of this post with your email address spelled out
• “LIKE” the Maui Jim Facebook page.
• Come back and let me know that you liked the Maui Jim Facebook page and leave another comment for your second entry.
• Get 3 more entries by subscribing to this blog by clicking here.  Leave a comment to let me know you have subscribed

We will announce the winner by March 16^th through random.org.

Mahalo (thank you in Hawaiian) and good luck!

References: http://www.forbes.com/forbes-life-magazine/1999/1030/146.html

Full disclosure:  Maui Jim provided two pairs of their amazing shades for me to test.  I was not compensated in any other manner and all opinions are my own.  I only write about products I truly believe in and use.  I have purchased their products on my own for 10 years.  TEN YEARS.