84% matchSmith Optics
Contrast-boosting ChromaPop lenses, mountain-sport bias
What changes: Goggles and helmets dominate; snow rather than tropical
Brand profile
Maui Jim
Hawaii-born, Peoria-based maker of polarized performance sunglasses, owned by Kering Eyewear since 2022.
PeoriaOrigin
UnisexFocus
Athleisure / SportswearStyle
$$$Price
3 brands like Maui Jim like Smith Optics, Sunski, Shwood Eyewear →
What to know about Maui Jim
Maui Jim makes polarized sunglasses engineered for tropical glare, built around PolarizedPlus2 lenses that cut reflected light while raising color contrast and blocking UV. The brand grew out of sunglasses sold on Lahaina beach in Maui and is now headquartered in Peoria, Illinois, offering nylon, acetate and titanium wrap and lifestyle frames such as Peahi and Ho'okipa, plus prescription lenses and readers. Kering Eyewear completed its purchase of the company in October 2022, placing it alongside Lindberg and Kering's licensed luxury eyewear. Distribution runs through optical retailers, sports shops and travel retail.
If you like Maui Jim
84% match
72% matchSunski
Polarized lifetime-warranty shades at a fraction of the price
What changes: Recycled resin, far cheaper, no Rx program
60% matchShwood Eyewear
Craft-material frames with an outdoors bent
What changes: Wood/stone design focus over lens engineering
Brand facts
- Founded
- 1980
- Origin
- Peoria, United States
- Made in
- Asia
- Price
- $$$
- Focus
- Unisex
- Styles
- Athleisure / Sportswear, Gorpcore / Outdoor, Minimalist / Contemporary