Celebrating a Long Time Advertiser: Kona Boys
Two surfing friends who wanted to leave the mainland big-business world and follow their passions are now making their passion their business.
After graduating from Northern Arizona University, Frank Carpenter had worked for a large corporation and several start-ups in California. He had visited family in the Kona area since childhood and traveled here for surf trips. Feeling the call to move here, he approached his fellow surfer and college buddy, Brock Stratton, to join him. It wasnʻt a hard sell.
“We came to an epiphany,” Frank says. “We wanted to do something based on lifestyle rather than money.”
The two took the leap and joined the Kealakekua-based Kona Boys, Inc. water sports business in 1996, completing the acquisition of the company from its previous owner in 2000.
Over the years, the two have expanded the business both physically and in its product offerings. Because this year marks their 20th anniversary, a new website, and enhanced branding is in the works, says Frank.
“We want to emphasize our entire range of offerings under one banner,” he says.
Kona Boys is one of only three companies permitted to conduct guided kayak tours in the protected waters of Kealakekua Bay. In addition to offering half-day guided and catered tours, they offer kayak rentals and sales; surfboard rentals and sales; stand up paddle board and snorkel gear rentals and sales, as well as retail clothing and equipment.
There are now two locations. Kona Boys’ original store, which has expanded, is on the highway in Kealakekua, convenient to customers on their way to go kayaking in Kealakekua Bay.
Kona Boys also operates the Beach Shack on Kamakahonu Bay in front of Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, where you can rent stand-up paddle boards and take lessons or tours; rent kayaks, snorkel, boogie boards and beach gear; or take outrigger canoe rides. They also sell stand-up paddle boards there.
Frank says the company has three guiding principles: Customer Service, Community, and Culture. They honor their mission to protect the ocean and participate in volunteer projects like quarterly clean-ups at Kealakekua Bay.
“Our focus is not only on providing guided tours, but in perpetuating our host culture by building in a narrative of the history and understanding of the culture. We pride ourselves on having extensive local knowledge, superior equipment and customer service, plus a focus on safety.”
“We are passionate about protecting the ocean. It’s important to give our customers a good experience on the ocean to let them see what there is to protect. By appreciating the sea life and beauty of our resources, we hope it will instill in them a desire to participate in its protection.”
Kona Boys Inc.
79-7539 Mamalahoa Hwy., Kealakekua
Kealakekua Shop
808.328.1234
Daily, 7:30am–5pm
Kona Beach Shack
808.329.2345
Daily, 8am–5pm
reservations@konaboys.com
KonaBoys.com
