Maui Jim Brings Aloha Spirit to 13th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards

LAHAINA, Hawaii, Nov. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Joining the colorful backstage celebration that will be The XIII Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards will be the world's fastest growing maker of premium polarized sunglasses, Maui Jim, Inc^®. Some of the biggest names in Latin music will discover the latest styles and lens technologies, along with a little aloha spirit, from the company whose sunglasses were born on the beaches of Maui, Hawaii. The awards will be held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on Thursday, Nov. 15, and will be broadcast live on the Univision Network at 8 p.m. ET/7 Central.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121114/CL13528 )

"This is our first year at The Latin GRAMMY Awards," said Harry Rhodes, vice president of sales for Maui Jim. "As you can probably imagine, our glasses are extremely popular in Latin American countries because our lens technology is specifically designed to protect eyes from the beating sun. Many musicians wear our glasses. So it seemed appropriate that we show up and support the awards that recognize their wonderful music."

Backstage, performers will have the opportunity to try on Maui Jim's line of sunglasses, the only eyewear with patented PolarizedPlus2^® lens technology that uses up to nine layers of protection to cut 100 percent of UV rays and 99.9 percent of glare from above, below and behind each lens.  Maui Jim is the only company to embed three rare earth elements in its lenses to significantly enhance color. The company offers a range of lens materials designed for different sports and outdoor activities. They also offer their lenses in four colors for different light conditions. Most Maui Jim sunglasses are available with prescription lenses. The company also makes two styles of MauiReaders^® that enhance up-close vision for reading maps, golf scorecards or fine print.

Maui Jim's portfolio includes 93 different styles of polarized sunglasses in designs that range from classic wayfarers to sport frames. This year, the company launched its ON THE WATER COLLECTION of sunglasses with features specifically designed for water sports enthusiasts, including fishermen, boaters, paddlers, surfers and stand-up paddlers. Maui Jim also added five new aviator styles, creating one of the largest portfolios of aviator sunglasses on the market. Never settling for anything but the best lens technology, the company introduced its MauiPure™ lens that is the eyewear industry's clearest non-glass lens that is also scratch- and impact-resistant. Throughout the year, frames like Lilikoi, Ginger, Waterways, Kamuela, Ailana and Mavericks made a strong statement that high style could also incorporate the best eye protection on the market.

For more information on Maui Jim, visit MauiJim.com or follow the company on Facebook and Twitter at @OfficialMauiJim.

About Maui Jim, Inc.^®

Maui Jim began as one man selling sunglasses on the beaches of Maui, Hawaii, back in the early 1980s. As local demand grew for sunglasses that provided advanced protection from the severe glare and UV rays of the Hawaiian sun – without distorting the beautiful colors of the Islands – the  company developed proprietary technology – PolarizedPlus^®, which was later patented and subsequently enhanced to create the company's newest technology, PolarizedPlus2^®.
 
Maui Jim was "born" with an original line of seven sunglass styles.  Up to 1991, the sunglasses were exclusively sold in Maui, Hawaii.  In 1991, the company was purchased by Hester Enterprises, and in 1994, Hester enlisted RLI Vision Corporation of Peoria, Illinois, to be the mainland distributor of Maui Jim Sunglasses for the ophthalmic market.   Maui Jim, Inc. was established in December 1996, when Maui Jim Sunglasses acquired RLI Vision. Today, the company sells more than 88 styles and 200 SKUs and is the fastest growing polarized sunglass maker in the world. Maui Jim was voted favorite sunglasses company and best sunglasses for women by optical retailers and readers of Vision Monday, 20/20 Magazine and Eye Care Products magazine; and best sunglasses by Health magazine.

About the Latin Recording Academy

The Latin Recording Academy is an international, membership-based organization comprised of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking recording artists, musicians, songwriters, producers and other creative and technical recording professionals. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for Latin music and its makers. In addition to producing the Latin GRAMMY Awards to honor excellence in the recorded arts and sciences, The Latin Recording Academy provides educational and outreach programs for the Latin music community. For more information about The Latin Recording Academy, please visit www.latingrammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, join the organization's social networks as a Twitter follower at www.twitter.com/latingrammys, and a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/latingrammys.

SOURCE Maui Jim, Inc.