Fitness & adventure

Fitness & Adventure

Kohanaiki promotes an active lifestyle and utilizes physical fitness, challenge programs, and unique water activities to empower members to enjoy life to the fullest.

Inspired by an optimal climate and the beautiful natural playground that surrounds the community, Kohanaiki is a perfect base camp for adventure; it’s as synonymous with adventure today as it was for generations past. Our A-Team (Adventure Team), led by Ikaika Kanuha, will organize everything to ensure that you enjoy the very best the Big Island has to offer.

From ocean sports to horseback riding and deep-sea fishing, to organized activities and personal tours, our A-Team will customize itineraries for all ages and levels.

Think of A-Team members as your personal guides to all of the island’s attractions, culture and history—everything the island has to offer on land and sea. They have mastered the art of ensuring you’re always prepared with first-rate gear, learning new skills, and gleaning a richer understanding of island culture along the way.

Adventure Team

IKAIKA KANUHA

ADVENTURE TEAM MANAGER

Dominic “Ikaika” Kanuha comes from a long line of Hawaiians with a love of paddling, surfing, diving, and fishing. Born and raised in Kailua-Kona, the ocean and Hualālai Mountain were Ikaika’s playground. It is his obligation and passion to share his knowledge of the ocean, Hawaii’s history, and culture. Ikaika credits his skill as a paddler to his grandfather, who founded the Kai ‘Opua canoe club. An accomplished waterman, he is certified as a county lifeguard, first responder, and PADI master scuba diver. Ikaika’s goal at Kohanaiki is to rekindle the bond of families, challenge athletes, and help create memories that last a lifetime.

PAULO COSTA

A-TEAM ASSISTANT MANAGER

Paulo Costa, a former pro surfer and native of Recife, Brazil, has always had a natural affinity for the ocean. His passion for catching big waves brought him to the North Shore of O‘ahu in 1997, where he started his own surf school. As a certified and licensed marine captain, Paulo has sailed extensively between the Hawaiian Islands and three oceans. Paulo now lives on Hawai‘i’s Big Island, happily raising his family and being a part of the Kohanaiki Adventure Team, where he can share his passion for the outdoors.

MELE MCPHERSON

K-KIDS PROGRAM MANAGER

Born and raised on the island of Moloka‘i, Mele McPherson brings to Kohanaiki an innate respect and affection for her Hawaiian culture, nature, and, chiefly, the ocean. An avid outdoor adventurer, Mele prefers to spend her time in the water—surfing, paddling, fishing, and diving. While on land, her favorite sports are hiking, skateboarding, and snowboarding. Fluent in the Hawaiian Language, Mele’s goal is to impart an appreciation for the best of Hawai‘i’s past and present through education and adventure.