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“Bringing a taste of Hawaii to Pasadena” is the motto of the local hangout for PCC students.Maui Wowi serves Kona coffee drinks and fresh fruit smoothies to students who want a cool place to relax or do homework.

“I like their drinks and they have free Wi-Fi,” said Rose Guan a PCC student majoring in business.

“I come here two to three days a week,” added Guan while sipping on her strawberry smoothie.

The scene is relaxing with Hawaiian décor, colorful drink umbrellas and TV’s broadcasting local news.

Students are lounging on couches with laptops propped up on tables.

“We picked this spot because of PCC,” said owner Charlie Lim. “Free Wi-Fi is a free benefit for students so they can come and relax.”

“Free Wi-Fi and they don’t mind if I bring food from other places,” said Grace Lemus, a student in the nursing program when asked why she hangs out at Maui Wowi.

Maui Wowi is right across the street from Starbucks but business is not affected. “We don’t mind getting the overflow of Starbucks,” said Lim.

“Starbucks is always crowded. Maui Wowi is not a hot spot, it’s really laid back,” said Jackie Fernandez an undecided PCC student.

“I’ve made lots of friends here. There are really nice people here,” said Fernandez while resting across a chair.

Mark Aguirre is in the PCC marching band and comes to Maui Wowi between practice and class time.

“I have practice at 8 a.m. and then class at 2 p.m.. This is a good place to hang out in between classes,” added Aguirre.

Kat James-Jolly is a PCC student who works at Maui Wowi.

“It’s handy working here and going to PCC,” said James-Jolly, a psychology major. “If it wasn’t for PCC we wouldn’t be here,” answered James-Jolly about her customer demographic.

Maui Wowi is on the corner of Colorado Boulevard and Bonnie Avenue. It offers frequent customers a buy-six-and-get-one-free promotion for those trying to save some money. –

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