Business Monday: Big Island Climbing celebrates 5 years of bolstering bouldering community

For this group of children, 14-foot walls were no match. They each found unique routes to the top during a day of bouldering at Big Island Climbing in Hilo.

Co-owners Bradley Leighton and Donna Nichols founded Big Island Climbing,126 Keawe Street, in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing indoor bouldering to East Hawaiʻi and providing a welcoming space for climbers of all ages and experience levels.

After realizing there wasn’t a rock climbing gym on Hawaiʻi Island, Leighton, who is also a jazz flutist, and Nichols, who also works as a notary public, decided to open the first gym dedicated exclusively to bouldering, a form of climbing on artificial rock walls without ropes or a harness.

“Bouldering was always a hobby for me, and opening a climbing gym was something I desired for the community,” Leighton said. “It was the best way I could use my time.”

Since opening five years ago, at least 8,000 local residents and visitors have climbed at the gym, including children, families, schools, homeschool groups, foster youth and community organizations.

“Our mission was and still is to share the thrill of unroped climbing with our community,” Nichols added. “We have spent this time educating people about climbing, and now we have fostered an amazing community of climbers in Hilo.”

Climbers can explore various routes on 800 square feet of bouldering space, featuring 14-foot high walls. Both beginners and experienced climbers can find challenges to suit their skills.

“Sometimes people come in looking for exercise and end up building confidence, overcoming fears, and even making friends, which is meaningful to see,” Nichols said. “Helping to improve people’s mental health along with physical health is one of the big reasons I wanted to open the gym.”

Part of the mission for Big Island Climbing includes working to uplift youth with free climbing days, camps and programs that teach them how to boulder.

“Rock climbing engages every muscle in the body, including the brain, and bouldering is another way for young people to benefit from a physical and challenging experience,” Nichols said. “We want to give all students the opportunity to discover bouldering and hopefully benefit from the experience and supportive environment.”

Nichols established a nonprofit, Adventure Centers Hawaiʻi, to empower young people to participate in bouldering as a means to improve their mental and physical wellness.

After receiving a grant, Adventure Centers Hawaiʻi was able to provide a free bouldering experience to Project Hawaiʻi, a nonprofit supporting the needs of children experiencing homelessness.

“I contacted Donna to see if this would be possible, and she made it happen quickly while also finding a way to supply lunch,” said Magin Patrick, co-founder of Project Hawaiʻi. “The kids have been really excited and have bonded, which is so important. This is the first time many of them have been able to rock climb, and they seem to love it.”

Adventure Centers Hawaiʻi is currently raising $20,000 for a custom, high-quality floor system, which includes 12 inches of thick, multi-layered cushions specifically designed for indoor bouldering. Visit the GoFundMe page to learn more about the fundraiser.

This summer, Big Island Climbing will host a summer day camp, Kula Piʻina No Nā Keiki, for children ages 7 to 13 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, June 29, to Friday, July 2.

“We are lucky to have incredible instructors who make the camp a lot of fun for the kids every year,” Nichols said. “They learn a lot over the week and it is a great way for them to expend some energy over the summer.”

The camp is $300 for nonmembers, which includes a one-year membership and shoe rental, or $150 for members, which includes another year of membership.

For first-time climbers, Big Island Climbing recommends the public prepare by:

• Signing the online waiver
• Wearing comfortable clothes and socks
• Bringing bottled water
• Preparing to rent climbing shoes (smallest size is a child’s size 8)

“Since 2021, we’ve watched lives change through climbing, and we are grateful for the past five years,” Leighton said. “We hope to continue creating a positive place where people can challenge themselves, support one another, and grow stronger together.”

For nonmembers, Big Island Climbing is $20 for adults and $15 for youth up to age 16. Shoe rentals are $3 a day. There are various membership levels for adults, youth, families, and couples.

For more information on pricing, memberships, and opportunities for classes and parties, visit the Big Island Climbing website or contact Nichols at info@bigislandclimbing.com.