Growing up in Hawai’i, especially doing water sports, we are used to seeing pterygiums on our friends’ eyes and unfortunately, usually in the mirror. Both of my parents have it and mine became noticeable when I was 18.

You can get surgery to remove it, but I kind of like mine. When I lived on the mainland, that is how I knew people were making eye contact. They would zoom in on my eye and ask what it was. When I see others with a “googly” I know we have something in common: a love for the ocean.  But it also has its cons. Any time I surf or paddle without sunglasses, I am left with irritated, itchy, painful, red eyes.

The best thing to do: WEAR SUNGLASSES.

We are excited to have Maui Jim as the title sponsor for the 10th Annual Pailolo Challenge!

Maui Jim is known to be one of the highest quality sunglasses on the market. They began in 1980 as a small company right here on Maui in Lahaina, just a few miles from the start of the Pailolo Challenge.

MAUI JIM PHILOSOPHY

“Inspired by the beauty and culture of Maui, our mission is to spread aloha through vivid color, clarity, and detail.
For those who appreciate the sun, Maui Jim provides more vibrant colors of the world while protecting your eyes from the harsh effects of glare and harmful rays.
We make your life brighter so you see the colors of your world at their best and always feel confident in your style. 
Maui Jim believes color and light are the key to human experience. Our sunglasses show you its full spectrum, so you can see the world like you’ve never seen. We believe everyone should experience all 16,777,216 hues of beautiful color that surrounds us every day. “

We are thrilled to have the support of such a quality company. Not only do they produce quality polarized lenses and eye protection, they are quite stylish and beneficial on the ocean.

Check out their shop online to pick out your next Maui Jim sunnies to protect your eyes and pterygiums!