Climb Aloha

First off let me say this, «don’t be fooled.» Climb Aloha appears at first glance to be someone’s home, which it is, but this cute little place so ironically placed on the side of a mountain is a climbing haven in every sense of the word. They’re looking to expand to a bigger location soon for some instruction room and room for the plethora of gear they carry so keep an eye out, in the meantime look for the awesome climbing decorations in the front yard– they’re hard to miss when you’re looking for climbing gear.
I got into climbing years ago but never had my own gear and typically stuck to Bouldering around the western Appalachian Mtns where I spent so much time growing up. I walked into the shop today and Fumi (her and her husband Mike own the business) instantly made me feel right at home and gave me complete confidence she knew what she was doing when fitting me for shoes and a harness. At the end of the day everything fit great and I couldn’t be more happy with the gear I walked away with so thank you for that.
Not many big businesses give back to the community like the small ones do (believe me, this one isn’t small– just a hard to find one if your GPS fails) but these guys give back. Mike and Fumi take money from their businesses profits and put it into the routes around the island, and that’s more than so many can say. Taking from their own pockets to ensure climbers have safe and sturdy gear to make routes safe is tremendous and shows a serious love of community, others well being, and of course the sport. It can’t get any better.
Their prices are low and their selection is top notch, you absolutely won’t be disappointed. Also posting a pic of some Oah’u campsites and climbing locales– enjoy.

Cute little place in St. Louis Heights. We had to look carefully for it though, as it’s run out of a residence and not very obvious from the street — never thought there would be a store up here! We were looking for micro spikes for hiking and found them here. Really helpful owner and his sweet wife. Glad to know there’s a store here that offers a little more specific stuff than Sports Authority. Hawaii really needs an REI!

The Climb Aloha shop is an amazing gem for the climbing community nestled away in the Hawaiian hills. Keep your eyes peeled as you approach for the array of climbing equipment in the front yard or you might drive right by (I definitely did). Behind the guise of what appears to be a residential home is actually a veritable climbing mecca. Almost any piece of climbing equipment a person could want is at your fingertips, and the staff can talk informatively and at length about each and every item.
I came in for some chalk and ended up talking to Mike about getting into sport climbing. He was very enthusiastic and ready to answer any and all of my questions (of which there were many). He took the time to explain the function for every item needed for a basic sport climbing setup interspersed with personal experiences for what works well and what doesn’t. Because I was traveling back to the mainland in the near future and had limited suitcase space, he took time to write down a list of items I would need to get when I returned home. I purchased several items (supporting the local climbing community is always a plus) and left the shop feeling substantially more knowledgeable about climbing than when I entered.
If you’re at all interested in climbing then visiting Climb Aloha is an absolute must. From entry level climbers all the way to the elite, there is something for everyone at Climb Aloha.

Awesome place, they have everything you need for climbing; from gloves to helmets to ropes, and I didn’t feel pushed to buy anything I was trying on but ended up buying a headlamp because the price was right, I’ll also be renting climbing gear from them for the weekend!

Excellent.
This review is of the Climb Aloha shop.
As far as I know, this is THE climbing gear resource in Hawaii, for beginners and professionals.
I went here to find climbing shoes, and that’s what I got. The young woman who helped me was very helpful and personable. I explained that I just needed some climbing shoes for hikes that had parts that required climbing. So she recommended one of their more affordable pairs. She helped me get the proper fit, which is what I was most concerned about. They don’t have a large variety of climbing shoes, but they do have options at different price levels and styles.
I asked a few questions about other gear, which she patiently answered. They have some much cool equipment in their modest space, and it’s so well organized! I love this place.
I was a little confused about where the entrance to the shop was. Just give a knock at the front door. Plenty of parking on the street.

The place to go in the islands for your climbing, repelling and other such gear. The staff is very helpful, knowledgeable, friendly and will take their time to ensure that you are provided for properly.
I visit here whenever I’m looking for advice on knot tying or need outdoor gear. Their pricing is fair and for the most part, comparable to what you may find online. The selection is sufficient but they are sometimes limited on styles of climbing shoes.
Keep in mind that the store is run out of a home so don’t be confused when you arrive upon a home instead of what appears to be an actual business. It is a business/​home combo which is actually kind of cool.

Wonderful people, wonderful store. They were so helpful in getting me and my friend into the right gear. Keep up the good work!

A highlight of our vacation! Our teenage daughter had gotten into rock climbing and wanted to do a trip with the family — which included old, non-​climber parents. Climb Aloha’s wonderful guides were great — able to work with the wide range of skills in our party in a way that made it both safe and fun for all involved. And — they took a ton of photos AND they emailed them pronto — Mahalo!

I did the 101 class and had a great time. This is a great introduction for someone who has no climbing experience, you will learn a ton and be rappelling and climbing before you know it.
A word of caution, there is NO shade at Makapu’u and the sun is quite strong — I strongly suggest long sleeves, pants, a hat, and LOTS of sunblock, even if you don’t burn easily. Gloves are good to have for the rappel portion. You should also bring more water than you think you need; if you don’t drink it all then that’s no problem, but if you run out it will reduce the fun factor. You’ll be out there for up to 8 hours so bring enough food and snacks to last.
I really enjoyed the class but I was a little disappointed that we did not get to climb more. We all got to rappel twice and climb up the rock face once but by then it was after 5pm so class came to an end. I think the classroom portion could be sped up a little to allow more climbing. I also expected to learn more climbing techniques as opposed to being turned loose on the wall to just «go for it.» But at the end of the class you do find out how you can connect with other climbers so you can go out and continue to learn.
Hopefully it doesn’t sound I’m complaining too much, I just wanted to throw out some suggestions for improvements. Overall I thought the class was excellent and I felt 100% safe every step of the way. Our instructor even briefly stopped the class to correct another group of climbers who were engaged in unsafe activity. If you’ve ever considered learning to climb then I highly recommend Climb Aloha.

I was privileged to be chosen along with my «little brother» by Big Brother Big Sister to come to an activity hosted by Climb Aloha. They volunteered their time, talents, and interests and were just as gracious a group of people I’ve met.
They are extremely patient with our «littles» as they ranged in age from 8 – 12. All the kids LOVED every minute of the adventure. You can trust them as they explain every detail with reason and clarity.
We did a session at Makapuu and the hike to the crag was good the get the blood flowing but not bad at all; as the kids made it just fine. Must wear shoes and bring lots of water (in a backpack as you will need your hands).
Mike was our main guide. He was kind and generous with his patience and knowledge. Justin was another guide. He brought his little son and it was a trip to see how comfortable he is with climbing. He was informational and to the point. Telling you exactly what you need to do. Travis was so energetic and kept things light without losing the gravity of the situation we were about to encounter.
Anywho… A must if you wanted to try rock climbing. The gear was solid (I weigh 250 lbs and repelled down as the first activity you do) and Guides were superb!

This is a review for the Climb Aloha Shop, not the class.
If you’re into climbing this is definitely a big kid’s candy store. They have an excellent selection of gear. The staff is friendly and the prices are decent. Though shopping online can save you some money, nothing beats being able to try on the gear (especially shoes) to ensure proper fit. WIll definitely be visiting here again soon!

Being from one of the hubs of climbing, I have to visit this place each time I come to Oahu. Even though they work out of their house, they have everything you will ever need and then some. The Shop is very nicely built within the house and you get the homely feel along with the great Business.
Each time I been to here the Owners has been nothing but helpful, giving me water when I was very thirsty to helping me pick out the best equipment that I needed all for a very reasonable price. I am glad I went there and I hope everyone that wants to climb in hawaii should go to «Climb Aloha»

«This is someone’s house.» My wife said peering through the window of our Honda Fit. Her brow was scrunched and she was sneering. This is usually where I have to protest as fervently as possible or I lose my chance to get my way.
«But there’s a sign! And their website says they’re open.» I replied unconvinced. «I’m going to check it out.»
«Be careful!» She is the worrisome type.
I pensively approach the dwelling. There were slings and carabiners hanging from a tree outside. A sign on the door detailed the hours of operation and another imploring you to leave your shoes outside. I knock. Nobody answers. I knock again. Nothing. Maybe this isn’t a store? I think to myself. I start down the stairs when the door opens and I am greeted by an unassuming Japanese lady. I hear a baby fussing.
«Please come in! But please excuse me for a minute.»
She rushes off to tend to the distressed child.
It WAS someone’s house and the main entrance leads into what would be a living room. But the proprietors of Climb Aloha have turned it into a veritable menagerie of all kinds of wonderful and strange climbing equipment. There is more climbing gear in that room than any REI I have ever entered.
I was there to find climbing equipment. I was a complete rock virgin. I had only been to a rock gym once but was convinced that I wanted to climb. I was surrounded by things that would help me do that but I knew nothing about any of it. The only carabiners I’ve ever used were for my car keys or for camping equipment.
The Japanese lady had returned with a sated RIDICULOUSLY adorable child. She knew I was a rock-​moron but let me know in such a most wonderful way I didn’t mind. She suggested before I even consider purchasing anything that I should take the entry level climbing course they offer. I said, looking at the arcane and terrifying pieces of equipment, you’re right. So I did. Signed up for two weeks later at Makapu’u.
Today was that class. My wife and I attended. It was led by a man named Joseph. Joseph is the type of person that was born to be a guide. He possesses a friendly and disarming demeanor that is required by those types of professions. During this course you are literally trusting your life to a person and Joseph earned mine. I do not think I could have had a more fun, comfortable, and informative time. Joseph did not give me the metaphorical fish he taught me how to hook them, land them, gut them, and grill em’. Like a boss.
Five stars. Five insane super-​novas.
Tomorrow or the next day I’m going to pick up my own personal equipment at Climb Aloha with the 10% off coupon I got for attending the climbing course.
Aloha.

going this weekend, will let you all know how it goes. Can’t wait, been wanting to do this for awhile. I hope I don’t have to come back and change this rating.

My son and I enrolled for a lesson back in September 2009. The session itself was quite enjoyable and we both learned quite a bit. Similar to another individual’s experience, we were assured a copy of photos. After numerous emails sent and assurances that they would locate the photos and also provide a receipt as I requested, nothing came. At this point, I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I will be receiving neither.
The lesson itself was fun. The instructor was attentive and clearly knew what he was doing. Unfortunately, the lack of response left me dissatisfied and I won’t be going back.

Kinda awkward place to have a business. Kinda in a residential area, however. They are great in helping me with climbing and i really need the help. The instructors are very friendly and knowledgeable. Also seems to be the only place on island that actually has climbing equipment.

Climb Aloha is a great organization. I took the 101 class and was immediatly hooked on rock climbing. The pictures took a while but I got them. The reviewer below who lowered the score to 2 stars is rediculous. Climb Aloha is 5 stars
They have the best and only climbing equipment store in Hawaii, with really knowledgable staff.
Also they take all the profits and put it right back into maintaining the bolts and a few climbing areas, keeping it safe and accessable for everyone.

Update: I just came back to downgrade my review from 4* to 2. During the rock climbing, your instructor takes pictures of everyone which is really cool because you don’t have to worry about it. The problem is we never got our pictures from the 1^st climb we did in Aug. I sent a few emails over the past several weeks and while I was assured a cd with the pics would come… they never did. Its not a huge thing. .but just frustrating since we had so much fun and the pics would have added to the good memories. I could have taken pics using my own camera but didn’t since our instructor was. It is also kinda sad since our instructor spent so much time taking these shots all for naught.
We still had a blast and you will too… but not getting the pics was disappointing. I would use 2.5* but that is not an option.
Original Post:
My friend and I did the beginning class last weekend. Both us us had a great time and felt completely safe. Our instructor was very friendly and knew what he was doing. Like some of the other reviewers, the emphasis on safety was very reassuring.
Both of us were able to climb and rappel by the end of the day. Looking forward to going again next week!

I went rock-​climbing this past weekend with Climb Aloha.
It was an amazing experience and my only disappointment is not doing this much earlier. To add to the amazing experience, I seriously feel like I was under-​charged, although I am not complaining.
Our guide for the day was Dan. Dan appeared very knowledgeable in rock-​climbing, rappelling, & belaying. I guess you have to be if youre going to be in the business.
I appreciated Dans attention to safety details. I felt completely comfortable and safe. I felt safe just «letting-​go» when I needed to without worry. This happened when I was about 30 – 40 feet above.
This is definitely worth the cost. I highly recommend going in groups of family and/​or friends.

We had a great time rock climbing with Climb Aloha!
We went on the Beginner 101 course at Makapu’u. We learned Rapelling, Belaying, Climbing, Safety, and by the end of the day, we were all able to climb!
We spent around 8 hours at Makapuu. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen! I’m a lobster right now ;)