Surf shop to open in Kona

By ERIN MILLER

Stephens Media

A locally owned surf shop is coming to Kona.

Hawaiian Island Creations, founded by brothers Stephan and Jimmy Tsukayama in Kailua, Oahu, in 1972, is planning a soft opening late next week, with a grand opening celebration June 30, at Kona Commons, brand manager Mitch McEwen said.

The Tsukayama brothers still own the company, McEwen said.

This will be the company’s second Big Island store. A Shops at Mauna Lani location opened several months ago, McEwen said.

“What we really found, when we opened our Mauna Lani store, the Big Island surf customers were missing out on the newest selections from surf brands,” McEwen said. “The customers were really eager to have access to that.”

Hawaii Island was an “open market,” so HIC decided to expand to Kona, to a 1,100-square-foot shop, and offer the items it believes customers aren’t finding elsewhere. McEwen said the store offers surf clothing for men, women and children, from all the major surf brands. HIC offers newer products and a better variety than stores catering to just their own brands, he said.

“We really try to have all of the major brands and have a good selection,” McEwen added.

The Kona store, because it has limited space, will not offer surf boards, but McEwen said customers will be able to custom order surfboards.

Dayton DeLuz, store manager for the Mauna Lani and Kona locations, said the newest shop will employ six people.

June 30’s grand opening event runs from 10 a.m-5 p.m., with special offers including buy-one, get-one free T-shirt deals for HIC brand shirts; free, custom-made Volcom trucker hats; and a drawing for two $100 HIC gift cards.

HIC has seven locations on Oahu and two on Maui. The company has international licensees in Europe, Brazil and Japan, according to the company’s website.

Email Erin Miller at emiller@westhawaiitoday.com.