Aaron Martin is a long-time Kauai resident and guide who has worked in all aspects of the island’s tourism industry. I first met Martin, owner and founder of Activity Kauai, several months ago at a Kapaa First Saturday Art Walk, where
Aaron Martin is a long-time Kauai resident and guide who has worked in all aspects of the island’s tourism industry.
I first met Martin, owner and founder of Activity Kauai, several months ago at a Kapaa First Saturday Art Walk, where we talked about island life while he dished out samples of delicious, locally made products, including honey and hot sauce.
Just few minutes with Aaron and you’ll quickly realize he has a deep love for his island home. And through his business he strives to make sure visitors get the right Kauai experience while here, or once the return home.
This week The Garden Island chats with Martin — a man who knows the island inside and out — about life, his business, goals for the future and his favorite island places and products.
The Garden Island: Tell our readers a little about yourself. Where are you from and what first brought you to Kauai?
Aaron Marin: I grew up between Maine and New Hampshire. Most of my free time as a child was spent building a family camp on an island in a lake. To this day our family camp is still off the grid and is only accessible by boat. As a young adult, I studied geography at the University of New Hampshire. I first discover the Garden Island in a physical geography course. As a born traveler, who had spent time in Oahu previously, I landed on Kauai at 22.
TGI: You’ve traveled a lot. What was your favorite trip?
AM: I have continually sought out paid travel in my adult life. One of my most challenging and rewarding trips was in 2008-2009, when I landed a teaching position with a Canadian university on a Tall Ship sailing around the world. We visited four continents and over 35 countries in one year. I taught courses in weather, marine biology and recreational leadership, while crewing a traditional sailing vessel with over 50 students and professional crew. As a team, we sailed 24,000 nautical miles in the open ocean, an experience that bonded us for life. This experiential education program changed my life. The experiences we shared pushed me to the next level of my own personal growth.
TGI: What do you love most about your island home?
AM: The people and culture. Kauai is truly a unique place with an incredible population of talented people. I see the island as a melting pot. In general, the people have a deep respect for each other and community they support. I also love learning about Hawaiian history and language. After studying different cultures around the world, I feel we all can benefit from traditional Hawaiian practices of farming and sustainability.
TGI: What do you think sets Kauai apart from the other Hawaiian islands?
AM: Kauai was a separate kingdom. As a geographer, I take a deep look at all aspects of culture. I see a big difference in the culture today compared to other Hawaiian islands. The aloha spirit is strong on Kauai. Community is strong here. When something needs to get done the people make it happen. When it comes to landscape, Kauai is also unique within the Hawaiian islands. As the oldest of the eight main Hawaiian islands, Kauai offers incredible diverse landscapes in a relatively small land area. Where else to you get the abundance of beaches, rivers and mountains in 25 by 32 miles? The Garden Isle is a special place. We’ve been given the opportunity to take care.
TGI: Have you always been a dog person?
AM: Yes, I love dogs. I enjoy observing wild animals and sharing space with well-behaved ones. Personally, I have one dog and have owned one other in my life. I feel animals in general have a lot to offer.
TGI: Now to the business. Where did the idea come from?
AM: After exploring 40 countries, I returned to Kauai knowing there was no better place for me. As a long-term island guide sharing countless visitor experiences, I discovered a need to do more for travelers, visitors and the local community. People need a quick place to go for all things Kauai, and ActivityKauai.com connects people with outstanding Kauai products and services.
We launched June 1, 2013 with hundreds of Kauai residents and travelers joining us at Trees Lounge for an amazing launch party. Soulfire Productions came out for the team and performed an amazing five-person fire show to kick off the day our website went live. Good times!
TGI: As an outdoor enthusiast, where do you like to send people?
AM: The best part about life is we are all different. I try to ask the right questions, so the advice we give matches the individual, corporate group, or family. At Activity Kauai we always give advice that is sensitive to the culture and the party. When guests choose tours or activities, its important to us that these activities would also choose them. We advocate state/county maintained areas and always push ocean safety. Kauai offers something for everyone.
TGI: What are some of your favorite local products?
AM: Kauai product-makers have really stepped up their game in the past five years. I personally use and enjoy all the products we stock, plus more we plan to carry in the next year. If I had to choose a few — McPhee’s Bees honey is a favorite. I suggest eating it by the spoonful. I use Hawaiian Gold mustard and Icy Heat Noni Lotion regularly too. Some other big sellers are Kauai Chicken hats, Hawaiian Habanero Heat and our Poipu Sunset framed canvas prints. Please let us know what non-perishable Kauai products you would like to see in our marketplace.
TGI: Rumor is that many Activity Kauai shipments come wrapped in The Garden Island newspaper. Is that true?
AM: That is a fact Chris! Every package we ship is wrapped with The Garden Island newspaper. We’ve had lots of positive feedback about this. While traveling the world people sent me gifts from Kauai wrapped in The Garden Island, and I loved reading what Dennis Fujimoto was up to. Kauai news is distinct to this place, and through reading The Garden Island, others get a sense of place. Where else would you see a surfer dropping into a big wave on the front page the morning after a presidential debate?
TGI: When not running the business, how do you spend your time? Do you have a favorite activity or place on the island?
AM: My partner Angela and I enjoy traveling. We both like to see our families in California and Maine at least once a year. New Zealand is most likely going to be the next big adventure. I really enjoy any activity on the water. I grew up on an island in Maine and have always been drawn to water sports. Sailing and surfing are my favorite Kauai activities. One of my favorite places on earth is Polihale!
You can find find Aaron Martin at the monthly First Saturday Kapaa Art Walk from 5 to 9 p.m.
