Henry Kapono Helps Body Glove Celebrate 60

Grammy-award winning entertainer Henry Kapono will help kick off Body Glove International’s 60th anniversary celebration in Kona.

The pioneering surf and dive industry firm was founded in Los Angeles in 1953, and the business is still owned and operated by the family of the original founders, Bob and Bill Meistrell.

Three generations of the family are expected to attend and help kick off the two-day company celebration with a party at The Royal Kona Resort on Thursday, Oct. 24, at 4 p.m., featuring a performance by Kapono at the Don the Beachcomber bar.

The concert is free and open to the public with Body Glove giveaways courtesy of its Hawaiian partners — Body Glove Cruises and Tiki Shark Art Hawaii Inc.

The celebration continues with a Body Glove/Tiki Mug Release party at The Wyland Kona Oceanfront Gallery on Alii Drive, 6-9:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 25, which is open to the public as well. Surf legends and Body Glove Team Riders, along with county and state officials, are expected to be there.

“We are excited to be sharing our history with the folks in Hawaii” said Billy Meistrell, owner and senior vice president of Body Glove. “It is going to be the party of the year and all are welcome to attend and help us cut and eat the celebratory cake.”

The California-based company is celebrating its history this year with similar events at locations where it is established throughout the world.

Meistrell is the nephew of Bob Meistrell, who died June 16 on Catalina Island, California, at the age of 84. His twin brother and company co-founder, Bill Meistell, died in 2006.