MauiGoose is constantly exploring new sources for products and flowers, and continuously evaluates every product line for excellence in value, and variety - all carefully balanced with a sense of business integrity and a deep respect for the Hawaiian culture.

The MauiGoose story begins in 1978 on a ten-acre flower farm growing and selling exotic protea. The farm was called Hunalani (Hidden Heaven), nestled on the cool slopes of the large mountain "Haleakala" (House of the Sun) on the island of Maui. Packing and shipping was handled under the brand of Hawaii Protea Co-op, which later became the Hawaii Protea Corporation. The original shop (and model for today's Maui Goose) was called The Protea Gift Shoppe. Both were located at the lovely Kula Lodge, with the farm a nearby half-mile up the mountain.
Offering the freshest and most lush blooms of the harvest (either from Hunalani or other local farms), the Protea Gift Shoppe quickly established a reputation for friendly helpfulness, expertise and quality with visitors and kama'aina (longtime Hawaii residents) alike.
Verna Kuyper managed the Protea Gift Shoppe and worked tirelessly developing the business, including expanding to sell to both individual customers and florists. She traveled extensively on the Mainland giving promotional workshops on the use and care of Hawaiian flowers. Verna applied her background in the arts and in sculpture to the medium of floral arrangement, creating both classic and contemporary designs to emphasize the beauty of Hawaiian flowers. Verna has worked to advance the arts in Hawaii while building Maui Goose.
As President of Hawaii Craftsmen, she wrote a National Endowment for the Arts award nomination for Me'alii Kalama, a Hawaiian quilter. Me'alii became the first craftsman of Hawaiian descent to receive the NEA's coveted national folk art award! As part of the seven member advisory committee to the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Verna helped select and commission architectural artwork elements for the Visual and Performing Arts Center.
A few years later, the original business disbanded, leaving Verna Kuyper full of expertise and eager to expand on the business concept, and to add an e-commerce component. Regrouping in Honolulu, Verna began the search for a new company name. The name "Maui Goose" - widely adored by customers worldwide - is a great example of the spirit of this unique company. The name is the result of sheer inspiration! One night, Verna dreamed of a large nene goose flying strongly, circling thru the clouds above her farm, towing a little wooden cart brimming with the day's bountiful harvest. Verna instantly traded her title of "CEO" for "COG" - Chief Operating Goose. MauiGoose was born!