KAPA‘A — The simplest way to find the Hanapa‘a Fishing Co. Kaua‘i is to look for the big ulua in downtown Kapa‘a.
Travis Koga, in partnership with Sterling Kaya, the original owner of Hanapa‘a Dillingham, opened the doors to a fishing-supply company in Kapa‘a.
“We’re basically a fishing-supply company,” Koga said. “We want to take care of both the shoreline anglers as well as those who go out on boats.”
The store is open six days a week, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays. Saturday and Sunday hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Those are half-day hours,” Koga said. “We’re only closed one day — Monday.”
Despite its little size, the Hanapa‘a Fishing Co. Kaua‘i stocks an solid array of goods ranging from the basic fishing line to the contemporary fish bags, and everything in between. A line of supporter wear, including stickers, shirts, and trucker caps punctuate the offering of fishing gear.
“In addition to Sterling, I got a lot of help from Kurt Osaki,” Koga said. “And my parents, Craig and Lori Koga of Tanaka Store.”
A line of friends greeted Koga, who stood outside the shop filled with shoppers and customers anxious to discover the shop’s contents.
“Because of the county’s safety guidelines from the pandemic, they’re not really having the traditional grand opening as they hoped and planned to do,” said Lori Koga. “However, they will be passing out free snacks. As many businesses are closing during this pandemic, it is encouraging to see new businesses opening.”
According to the Hanapa‘a Fishing Co. Honolulu’s website, “hana pa‘a” is a Hawaiian word which means “to make secure, or fasten.” It is used frequently as a slang to mean “hook up” or “fish on,” which means, throughout the 50th state, whenever a fisher has a strike, there is a “hana pa‘a!” yelled out.
