PO‘IPU — In an ailing economy, starting a new business at a new resort can have its challenges. Just ask Greg Davis, owner of Hoku Water Sports, who launched his beach activity business in 2009 at the new Ko‘a Kea
PO‘IPU — In an ailing economy, starting a new business at a new resort can have its challenges. Just ask Greg Davis, owner of Hoku Water Sports, who launched his beach activity business in 2009 at the new Ko‘a Kea boutique hotel in Po‘ipu.
“The two main things relating to the economy that were challenging in 2008, 2009 was it was harder to get people to spend,” Davis said, adding that he experienced a notable increase in volume last summer over the year prior.
“I think the harder thing was the start-up of the new hotel, which has only 121 rooms,” he said. It’s a boutique hotel, an upscale resort for honeymooners and people who are well traveled. Like any new property, there are growing pains.”
This year, things are “definitely better than last year in terms of his own business and the hotel’s occupancy, he said.
Now the biggest challenge he faces is exposure. Some of the ways he gains that exposure is through advertising and by giving back to the community.
Hoku Water Sports sponsors local events, donates time and equipment to the annual “Santa by Canoe” event at Kalapaki Beach on Christmas Eve, participates in the Adopt-a-Highway Litter Control program and offers free canoe rides and surf lessons to local fundraisers and charity events.
He also donates a portion of its proceeds to organizations that are directly related to the water-sports industry and activities.
Davis credits his lead instructor, Chris Kauwe, for spearheading “Santa by Canoe” and the annual Outrigger Canoe Surfing Challenge, of which Hoku Water Sports is a sponsor.
The event is held every year at Kalapaki Beach and is heralded as a contest with big fun and small prizes.
“Of course, you have to make a living,” Davis said, “but Kaua‘i is a small and unique place. We all just need to remember to respect other people and learn to work together.
“We have to take care to not be greedy and to help assure that Kaua‘i remains the special place that it is,” he said.
Another way he sets himself apart is by earning a reputation as a safe, experienced and reputable outfit, providing exceptional personal service while having fun.
“I’d been in the water sports business for almost 18 years before deciding to go out on my own,” Davis said.
“I started my own business in order to have more control over the small details, such as more attention to individual customer service, more flexibility on activities offered and smaller overall operations to avoid spreading resources too thin. I was willing to take the risk, because I know and love the work.”
Hoku offers beach retail items, such as snorkel gear, beach chairs, umbrellas, surfboards and boogie board rentals. The surf lessons and outrigger canoe rides are offered by Kauwe, a local boy who was raised on O‘ahu.
“When you’re sending too many people out at one time, there’s going to be safety issues”, Davis said. “The reality is that I would rather give up a $10 or $20 rental than to send someone out where they shouldn’t be or into crowded conditions just to get the business.” His philosophy has paid off so far.
Over the years, he has been involved in numerous water rescues and assists, performed CPR and helped to pull a drowning victim from the water, he said.
Greg credits the resort, his staff and his family for his success, especially his wife, JoAnna.
“She understands the long hours, extra effort and growing pains required to get started,” he said. “The past three and a half years have been good. I’m doing something I love, the business is growing and we continue to welcome repeat guests and customers.”
His goal is to continue what he’s doing, make improvements when necessary and grow wisely.
“I’d like to build a solid reputation on being respectful of the resources that we use to make our living, and to support the culture that thrives from those resources,” he said.
Hoku Water Sports is located at 2251 Po‘ipu Rd. Koloa, at the Ko‘a Kea Hotel and Resort. Drop by, visit its website at www.hokuwatersports.com or call 639-9333 for more information.
• Vanessa Van Voorhis, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or by emailing vvanvoorhis@thegardenisland.com.
