The shop, which is located on Kuakini Highway in the Kona-Kohala Chamberof Commerce Center, Suite 103, is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
BY JON CRANE | SPECIAL TO WEST HAWAII TODAY
A place for men to relax, swap stories, debate the world’s hottest issues, and still get a shave — that is what George Aguilera envisioned when he opened Kona Coast Barber Shop.
Owner and third-generation barber Aguilera has been cutting hair and trimming beards for almost three decades. His grandfather, several uncles and his father-in-law were also barbers.
After running his own barber shop in California for several years, he moved his family to Kona, where he was unwilling to give up his pursuit of the American dream. That dream was again realized a couple months ago when he opened the barber shop in Kailua-Kona.
Offering a variety of services from a standard haircut to a shave with a straight razor, Aguilera strives to offer old-fashioned barber services to men in a relaxed environment.
“It should be a place where men can relax, enjoy themselves and solve all the world’s problems in 30 minutes while getting a quality shave or haircut,” he said.
Barber shops are unique in that they are one of the few businesses that cater to the grooming needs of men. Along with offering haircuts and shaves, these milieus have historically been centers for local news and gossip.
Throughout civilization, barbers have applied their skills, and not always with just a haircut. In the Middle Ages, they often served as dentists and surgeons, Aguilera said.
Although Aguilera doesn’t offer root canals or knee replacement surgery, an ambiance of nostalgia does fill his small shop. Old black-and-white shows play on the television and barber shop relics adorn the walls. He brightened the shop with fresh paint and some tile work.
Aguilera said business has been surprisingly good since he opened, but, of course, it can always get better. He said opening a shop in the current economy was scary at first, but he took the chance and is not planning on looking back. Aguilera considers it a testament to a recovering economy that his business is doing well, and people should look at him and feel hopeful. His business has been growing through word of mouth and sign waving. While the sole barber at the shop, Aguilera is considering hiring another.
Along with the standard buzz cut and regular haircuts, he offers scalp massages, facials and shaves. Aguilera has been perfecting the scalp massage for years and said it rejuvenates by relieving tension and helps ease headache pains. The facial starts with a steam towel followed by a gentle massage with a cleansing cream. The shave also starts with a steam towel and is done with a sharp straight razor. Prices range from $8 for a buzz cut to $25 for a shave. Appointments can be made at 938-2335; walk-ins are accepted, but Aguilera recommends scheduling an appointment for a shave.
The shop, which is located on Kuakini Highway in the Kona-Kohala Chamberof Commerce Center, Suite 103, is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.