KAPUA SAWYER

I started CrossFit in 2009. CrossFit has changed my life and my families life.  It has given me the tools to take control of my health and fitness goals and make it a lifestyle.  CrossFit constantly challenges me to be my best, not only in my health and fitness pursuits but, in all areas of my life. 

Participating in CrossFit has also helped me encouraged my family and friends work on pursuing healthier lifestyles.  I love the relationships that have formed through my involvement in the CrossFit community.  I love my CrossFit family!!!

OWNER | CEO | COACH

BRYSON MANUEL

For me CrossFit started in 2009 after a friend of mine told me about a new gym opening up in town.  After going through my first workout, I realized I was hooked.  Having played sports my entire life, I was drawn to CrossFit.  After the first few months of working out at the local box I started to notice the people in the gym were not just people coming and going, we started connections, friendships and then the feeling of a family started to set in.

After about three years I decided to become a CrossFit Level 1 certified coach.  To me the thrill and excitement of people achieving their goals and raising their own personal bar is one of the most gratifying feelings I could have.  After 10+ years, I still love what I do and am thrilled to have the opportunity to help anyone reach their goals.

OWNER | HEAD COACH

ISRAEL GONZALES

I started CrossFit in 2009 with Kapua Sawyer.  Originally looking to help me to stay in shape for paddling season the sport of fitness has transformed my life.  From nutrition to knowing how to move my body to the best of its ability, it just blows my mind how applying the concepts learned through Crossfit helps every day life tasks.

Now that I have become a CrossFit Gym owner I have now gotten my CrossFit Level 1 certification.  Although I have always been able to help people around the gym, being certified allows me to not only coach but also justify the past 11 years of experience I have gained.  

OWNER | COACH

JAMIE KA'AIHUE

My CrossFit journey started in May 2019 when I decided that maybe I’d like to try paddling. I wasn’t in the best shape and thought CrossFit would help me attain my goal of becoming a paddler. I signed up for my intro, attended my first class and I had fun, but I still had a tiny feeling that maybe I didn’t belong there. But I had signed up for an unlimited membership so the deal was sealed! It didn’t take long for the sport to grow on me.

CrossFit has done so much for me not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. In 2021 I decided it was time to give back to the community that has given me so much. I applied to be an intern and have recently received my Level 1 Coaches Certification. I am so humbled with how far I’ve come, all the progress I’ve made and the amazing friends I have made along the way. Now I’m excited to gain more knowledge as a coach and be there to help others in their CrossFit journey.

COACH | CROSSFIT KIDS

CHRISTINE PECORARO

I started CrossFit in November of 2020. I instantly fell in love with it. Of course, it was the coaches and CrossFit Huaka’i Community that did it for me.

I’ve been in the fitness realm for 7 years.  I studied with the National Association of Sports Medicine (NASM) and started training clients in the group fitness setting in multiple gyms here in Hilo.  In 2022 I participated in the CrossFit Huaka’i Internship Program and attained my CrossFit Level 1 Certification.   

I really enjoy encouraging people to move safely and more efficiently and absolutely love celebrating their wins!  I look forward to training for my Level 2 gaining more education and training in all the realms of health and fitness.

COACH | CROSSFIT KIDS

POHAI KYOTA

I never imagine I’d do something like CrossFit. Most of my life, I was in okay shape. I was active and played a couple high school sports, but I wasn’t into fitness. I was always overweight, even in my fittest days.

After having my two keiki, I was charted as extremely obese and unhealthy.

I came across CrossFit by chance. A friend of mine shared her transformation and invited me to join her. It was tough, but learning to push hard and break through the mental and physical barriers during a workout was exactly what I needed. Three years and 100lbs later, I am in the best shape of my life.

In 2020, I decided to get my CrossFit Level 1 certification. CrossFit has allowed me to show people just like me that anything is possible. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Let me help you take that step and start your huakaʻi towards health and wellness.

COACH | CROSSFIT KIDS

WAI'OLU PETERSON

Sports and physical fitness have played a huge role in my life from childhood all the way to today in my career. 

In 2018, I was introduced to CrossFit. The wide variation of movements and skills with different goals at every WOD was a new experience, unlike any other sport. I decided at the end of the 2019 paddling season, I would start an official membership at CrossFit Huaka’i and since then have dedicated myself to becoming a better athlete.

My passion for CrossFit has evolved into interning, coaching and attaining a CrossFit Level 1 Certification in September 2023.
Through this journey, CrossFit has taught me progress and failure, personal records and humility, mental and physical limitations and capacities. Additionally, CrossFit has positively impacted my health, life and family. All three of my children participate in CrossFit classes for overall physical well-being and as a training and conditioning tool to improve performance in sports.

COACH

ALIXIS GONZALES

I started CrossFit in 2020.  CrossFit has become a staple in my health and fitness goals as well as a tool to show my children that hard work always pays off.

 

I am a very competitive person, so the daily grind of being on top of the leaderboard also draws me to the sport of fitness.

As a coach I want to inspire athletes to do something that they never thought they could do. I want to help them believe in themselves. CrossFit challenges every athlete, mentally & physically. No matter where they are in terms of fitness. It doesn’t get easier. You get stronger.

 

CrossFit has changed the way I think not only about fitness but also the way I live my life.

COACH

KAWAI RONIA

I was born and raised here on the Big Island and always had a fondness for sports.
I started crossfit 3 years ago and fell in love with it. The way crossfit is able to take any workout and make it adaptable for any level of fitness is why I love crossfit.
My goal as a coach is to provide a safe, healthy, and fun experience for all those who walk through that door.

COACH

NATE LETRO

I started CrossFit in 2013 because I was tired of the same old fitness routine.
The one thing that really attracted me to CrossFit was the fact that all I have to do is show up and they take care of the rest.
My goal as a CrossFit coach is to keep our clients coming back daily. Chain a few days together, then a few weeks to months and you’re on your way to healthier and better version of yourself.

COACH

HOLLY HARDING

I Started CrossFit in 2021 initially as a way to improve my surfing and overall strength, endurance and agility in the water.  For many years I’ve been involved in various forms of athletics from Ashtanga yoga to surfing, skateboarding, functional fitness, foundation training and mountain biking. As someone who has always had “progression addiction,” CrossFit really allowed me to channel that energy and become better at something every single day.  I truly believe in the power of exercise and nutrition. My true passion is helping others with health and nutrition and seeing their bodies and lives transform as a result.  I attended the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in 2016 and most recently received my L-1 CrossFit Certificate.  I’ve taught nutrition for the Blue Zones Project, Happiness U on Oahu and work with clients all over the world to better themselves through individualized nutrition programs. 

NUTRITION COACH

KYLE SANTOS

I started CrossFit in 2009, went through basic intro class, did my first workout and was immediately addicted.  For me the number one reason I do CrossFit is, competition.  

Growing up Iʻd spend 3-5 hours in a basketball gym working to get better at the sport.  After high school Iʻd still spend the time but there was no real reason to keep doing so.  When I found CrossFit I was able to transfer that love and work ethic I had for basketball to this new found sport.  

I found that the sport of fitness instills a sense of wanting to be better not only in competition or in the gym but also at work, in school, and in life. 

GRAPHIC DESIGNER | VIDEOGRAPHER