Tim’s entrepreneurial spirit began to show at an early age. At age 7, he would climb coconut trees to gather coconuts and sell them for a quarter at the gas station by his house. This led to more side hustles throughout the years, and he launched his first official company, Maui Captive Audience, Maui’s first indoor advertising company, in 2005.
During this time, he also worked as a surf instructor and guide for several Maui activity companies. He grew tired of the “cattle call” approach and wanted to take guests on a personalized adventure away from crowds and off the beaten path. It was in 2010 that he launched Hawaiian Paddle Sports (HPS) to offer private ocean activities to Maui’s visitors, with a focus on environmental stewardship, community service, and sense of place.
Through his work with Hawaiian Paddle Sports, Tim has become a leader in sustainable tourism in Hawaii. HPS hosts a “Mālama Maui” give back program each month, benefiting more than 25 local nonprofit and community groups. Under Tim’s leadership, Hawaiian Paddle Sports became Maui’s first certified B-Corporation and a member of 1% For the Planet. The company is also certified by the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii, and was awarded a “Pineapple Award” for Leader in Activities, “Best Workplaces” and “Fastest 50” by Pacific Business News.
Tim has since launched several other ocean activity companies rooted in the same values as HPS. In 2016, he was named to Pacific Business News’ 40 Under 40 for his leadership as a young businessperson in Hawaii.
