The People Of Honokohau: Justin Smith
Written by Hawaiian Adventures Naturalist Amy Aggergaard
Justin Smith and the Pacific Boats and Yachts Team!
Pacific Boats and Yachts has been helping supply boats to Kona, the Hawaiian Island chain, and the greater Pacific rim, for over 25 years. This coming April marks 5 years since the business was passed over to the current owner, Justin Smith, however Justin has been accumulating experience on the water for much longer.
Growing up on the Oregon coast, Justin spent his early years salmon fishing and exploring the ocean with his boat-savvy family. 12 years ago, Justin decided to leave the pacific northwest and venture into warmer waters, traveling and working his way through South Asia, Samoa, Fiji, and other south pacific islands. After he’d gotten his fill working on scuba diving boats throughout the Pacific, he decided he wanted to travel back to the States, but also that he didn’t want to leave behind the many islands he’d grown so fond of. Hawaii turned out to be a perfect compromise that let him have the best of both worlds. After some effort getting into the industry, Justin started his career working in boat sales, working for Pacific Boats and Yachts for two years before the previous owner turned seventy and sold Justin the company.
Today, Justin continues to help those looking to buy or sell recreational and commercial vessels in Honokohau Harbor and beyond. Justin says that the culture of Honokahau is a unique one and that it’s almost an island inside an island because of its tight-knit community and particularly welcoming atmosphere. Kona’s waters, mostly calm year-round, hold a special magic that the entire harbor can enjoy through diving, fishing, whale watching, snorkeling, sailing, and many more aquatic activities.
He claims the most important part of PBY is keeping the momentum going and keeping people connected. As boat brokers, PBY weaves together everyone in the marina and even those hundreds of miles outside the harbor mouth. Looking to where the business has room to grow is another key aspect, and Justin plans to expand PBY to other islands in the future while keeping Kona’s office a flagship. Pacific Boat and Yacht’s expertise, generosity, and experience will help them plow a successful future in the years to come. Many boaters are incredibly grateful for all Justin and his team have done to help them achieve their goals and dreams, and all PBY has done to connect everyone in the harbor with the passion of boats and what lies beyond the harbor mouth.
Photos from Pacific Boats and Yachts