KEAUHOU — The Chamber’s 13th Hawaii Island Living + Design Show filled the Sheraton’s Kaleiopapa Convention Center over the weekend with a bevy of ideas, products and services to create an ideal space to live and play.
And plenty of people were on hand to soak it all in.
Over 40 companies met with attendees with over 50 booths both inside and out of the center.
From general contracting and materials to home design and décor, the expo featured furnishings, blinds and shutters, kitchen countertops, cabinets and flooring, pest control, solar, financing and more.
An estimated 1,900 attendees — both residents and snowbirds — browsed the many booths over the two-day show while discovering the latest in home improvement and construction.
“Our 2018 show was excellent,” KKCC Executive Director Wendy Laros said in a press release announcing the turnout. “Some differences this year included a very strong sponsor line-up with HPM returning to the show and going all-out with a large booth full of quality products, knowledgeable staff, and an engaging word game.”
Besides HPM Building Supply, event sponsors included Honsador Building Products, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union, Hawaii Gas, ProVision Solar, Renewable Energy Services and West Hawaii Today.
With the Chamber marking its 50th anniversary, this year’s edition offered numerous door prizes and a fun, live radio broadcast Saturday with Kapa Radio DJ Darde Gamayo.
Vendor booths vied for the People’s Choice Awards and taking first place was HPM Building Supply, followed by Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union and Mason Termite &Pest Control.
Winning Best in Show was HPM Building Supply for best overall appearance while being informative and offering a friendly, engaging experience. HPM erected a mini pavilion at the show that was circled by six product booths. Guests who visited each booth earned a letter of the alphabet that could be played on a big Scrabble-type board to earn 20 points. Those who earned that score won a five-gallon bucket and the chance to win a $500 HPM shopping spree.
“What was really great was to return to the show after a break of a few years and get such great feedback from the attendees,” shared Diana Ancog, HPM paint supervisor. “We were able to renew relationships with past customers who didn’t know about our new product offerings, such as Carhartt work wear and shoes, our extensive hardware line, an outdoor living area with new furniture and our special order cabinet showroom.”
Best Creative Design was awarded to Mason Termite &Pest Control. The judge’s Chamber’s Choice Award was given to Royal Pools of Hawaii.
Winning the two-night stay at the Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay was attendee Gloria Woodwell, a registered nurse from Kealakekua.
“Wow, I’ve never won anything before,” she said. “This is so exciting! The show was excellent, very informative and had a friendly atmosphere.”
Vendors expressed enthusiasm about the show, including Jocelyn Hirota of Honsador.
“We really like the new exhibitor layout this year and are very happy with the show results,” she said. “We are ready to sign up again for next year!”
Laros thanked the vendors, sponsors and guests.
“This year’s show was a huge success and we’re looking forward to another great show next year,” she said.
