MAUI VOICES
Rici Guild Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.
“My whole life is a woven tapestry of Outrigger memories.“
I was born and raised on O‘ahu, grad- uating from Punahou School. I have an MFA in Art and a Master’s in In- terior Design. I have owned my own business, RCI Interiors, and have been working in the design field for 50 years. I served as President of the American Society of Interior Design- ers Hawai‘i Chapter and also served on many non-profit boards, including Friends of ‘Iolani Palace, the Hawai‘i Nature Center, and the Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center. I also paint and do printmaking and have been juried into many exhibitions. I am also a member of the hula hālau Wehiwe- hi O Leilehua and have danced hula professionally for 30 years.
What sports or activities have you participated in — either currently or during your time with OCC? I learned to surf in front of the Out- rigger. I’ve played volleyball during the summers, and I still love to swim out in front. How has your experience with OCC shaped you — as an athlete, teammate, or person? I have always considered being a member of the Outrigger a privilege. It has been a place where I can go and just chill, or meet up with friends who have known me my whole life. It’s a place where I can work out, have a business meeting, enjoy a delicious meal, or hear a wonderful presenta- tion. The Outrigger is my home away from home.
How long have you been a mem- ber of Outrigger Canoe Club, and what brought you to the Club? I joined the club when I was 12, so I’ve been a member for 58 years—yikes! I don’t think I really had a choice but to join, as my whole family were mem- bers! I served as a Committee Chair for Building and Grounds in the ear- ly ‘80s and have participated many times as part of the lū‘au entertain- ment.
What’s been your favorite OCC memory so far?
What’s your connection to Maui?
My whole life is a woven tapestry of Outrigger memories. Growing up in the Club has given me lifelong friends—and if I’m wearing an OCC shirt anywhere in the world, some- one will comment on it. The Club is also a part of the fabric of our family. The Fourth of July “Walter J. Mac- farlane Canoe Regatta” is named af- ter my grandmother’s brother. My fa- ther, Robert W. Guild, was president of the Club twice. My brother, Walter Guild, and my aunt, Mary Philpotts McGrath, also served as presidents. The Outrigger is where we celebrate birthdays and anniversaries of fami- ly and friends, as well as the celebra- tions of life for our loved ones that have passed.
My great-great-grandmother, Abigail Kuaihelani Maipinepine Campbell, was from Lahaina, so I have always felt a special connection to Maui. I came to work on a hotel project in 1991. While working on the project, I met many other people and friends from O‘ahu who had moved here. They began to hire me for their proj- ects, and I ended up staying. Maui has a large art community and perform- ing arts culture which I enjoy being a part of, and there is always some wonderful event to attend.
What’s your perfect day on Maui?
Every day is perfect on Maui. From our home in Kula, I can look across to the West Maui Mountains and, in the distance, see Lāna‘i on the left and Moloka‘i on the right. It always amazes me how beautiful it is here and how good Maui has been to me.
September/october 2025 | AMA 17
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