www.hawaii-forest.com July 2018 • 7
Keala, Hawaii Forest & Trail retail
manager at the company’s flagship
store on Olowalu Street in Kailua-
Kona. “Moving into this location,
we were really able to expand the
offerings and dive a little deeper
into the brands we carry.”
The new locale is the headquarters
of the operation, where
receptionists book reservations
and cooks prepare lunches for
hikers in the kitchen in the back.
But one wouldn’t know it by walking
in, as top-of-the-line outdoor
gear and merchandise decorate
the storefront.
Almost, dare we say, like a
smaller, quainter version of that
monster brand based in Seattle,
and every bit as elegant.
“They’re blown away and literally
say, ‘This is like a mini REI,’” Keala
said of customers’ first impressions
when walking through the
doors. “The word that comes up is,
‘boutique-style.’”
The retail offerings stick to quality
hiking and camping gear from the
companies that specialize in serious
outdoor wear. Mountainsmith and
Royal Robbins are still there, as is
Congratulations & Mahalo!
Hawaii Forest & Trail
25 years of service
and the launch of the I‘iwi Fund.
808.854.2872 y proservice.com
for
the popular Patagonia, Osprey and
Sunday Afternoons sun protection
headwear, among others.
“Everyone is into sun protection,”
said Keala, who first came
to work for the company as a
17-year-old high school graduate
and considers her employers family.
“This is a really nice line that
does well for us. Everything the
line has is 50+ UPF.”
The Kona store settled in its new
spot just over three years after many
years in its smaller building off
Queen Kaahumanu Highway. Now,
it’s one of Hawaii Forest & Trail’s
three retail centers. Another has
been at its sister company, Kohala
Zipline in North Kohala for over
five years while the store in Hilo
on Bayfront Highway has exploded
after opening two years ago.
At first, it carried mostly souvenir
items with the company logo, but
customer demand quickly changed
that.
“What about the gear you guys
have in Kona,” customers asked
so often, it wasn’t long until the
wayward store’s inventory matched
the flagship’s.
True to its mission, it focuses
on companies that, not only put
out quality products, but donate
revenues into conservation efforts.
One example is t-shirts, postcards
and artworks by Oahu artist
Laurie Sumiye.
And the gear, REI worthy in
its own right, is specific to island
hikes, as well.
That means you’re far more likely
to find high-end rain jackets,
say, over thermal products. And
the super light weight gear meant
for months-long pilgrimages isn’t
in stock, either. Local style is merchandise
more apt for the day hike
or three- to four-day excursions.
“We definitely have Hawaii in the
forefront of our minds,” Keala said.
To order merchandise, email
retail@hawaiiforest or visit www.
hawaii-forest.com/-
Logo wares are stocked at the Hawaii Forest & Trail
retail store in the Kaloko Light Industrial Area. Below,
local vendors are showcased with outdoor equipment.
Hawaii Forest & Trail Celebrates 25 Years
Kona’s newest premier sports
event promoon company on
the Big Island of Hawaii.
Featuring high-end TREK rental road bikes and TREK hybrid/city
rental bikes and indoor cycling & fitness classes.
.
Located at the Honokohau Commercial Center, Bldg 1, Suite 1101
Behind Queen K 76 gas staon ~ and next to L&L Hawaiian BBQ
808.731.6335
Visit our sister stores: Bike Works and Bike Works Beach & Sports
/www.hawaii-forest.com
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