Our Team
Meet the crew that keeps us going.
Mike Richardson
Founder of Climb Aloha
Work-at-Height / Fall Protection Lead Trainer
Rope Access Technician
Recreational Climbing Instructor
With a degree in marketing and another in entomology, Mike decided to both become an entomologist and later found Climb Aloha in 1999. An accomplished climber and community access leader, Mike has been taking care of Oahu’s climbing areas since the mid-1990s. His current big project is growing Climb Aloha’s training program, and teaching his 4 sons to climb and love the outdoors.
Joseph Candari
Shop Manager
Rope Access & Fall Protection Lead Trainer
Rope Access Technician
Recreational Climbing Instructor
Originally from Oahu, Joseph joined the team in 2017 and is avowed gear nerd and gadget junkie. In addition to canyoneering and rock climbing, Joseph enjoys spending time in the trees and loves the problem solving aspect of technical rope work.
Fumi Richardson
Climb Aloha Co-owner
Lead Entertainer of Customers
Originally from Nagoya, Japan, Fumi relocated in 2005 to Honolulu where she met Mike, and discovered rock climbing. Fumi ran the shop by herself for many years until we outgrew our original space. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and visiting with friends and family.
Ali Hanusz-Soguk
Rope Access Technician
Shop Team Member
Born and raised on Oahu, Ali developed a passion for climbing, canyoneering, and general “adventure-neering” in the mountains of Hawaii, but also enjoys traveling and exploring new rock climbing destinations with good friends. Off the rocks, Ali enjoys spending time with family and friends, and surfing his favorite breaks.
Storey Welch
Shop Team Member
Born in Waialua and raised in da MilliVilly (Mililani) Oahu. Got into climbing at Mokulēʻia and continued his passion elsewhere around the world. When back home he works with the epic Climb Aloha squad, goes diving, and top rope solos pig tree every day.
Niko Wei
Rope Solo Specialist
Rope Access Technician
An avid climber and gear head, Niko will spend as much time tinkering with gear and systems as he does climbing. He enjoys helping helping people find the right tools for their adventures so they can get out safely and confidently.
Mark Yago
Shop Team Member
Inspired by a documentary on competition climbing, Mark started rock climbing in 2022. Though he still pulls on plastic, he is slowly learning how to try hard on basalt and not yell “Take!”.
Jaymeen Watabayashi
Shop Operations Manager
Recreational Climbing Instructor
Born and raised on Oahu, Hawaii. Started climbing at the end of 2020 after the pandemic.
William Loomis
Certified Arborist
Rope Access Technician
Will brings arborist, forestry, and trad climbing experience to the team. Tests new gear for the shop, sometimes destructively….
Dylan Kresge
Certified Arborist
Rope Access Technician
Shop Team Member
Jane Richardson
Team Climb Aloha Mascot & All-Around Trooper
If you visited us in the early days, you may remember Jane “helping” around the shop. She’s still around, but retired to Mike’s yard.
Emeritus Team
Rob Johnson
Former Shop Manager for Canyoneering and Climbing
Rope Access & Fall Protection Lead Trainer
Rope Access Technician
Recreational Climbing Instructor
Originally from Kailua, Oahu, Rob joined the team in 2015 and brings extensive experience canyoneering in Hawaii and a love of climbing and teaching the sport to adults and children.
Rob enjoys photography and tinkering with cars in his spare time.
Kevin Nesnow
Rope Access & Fall Protection Trainer
Recreational Climbing Instructor
As an original member of the earliest incarnation of Team Climb Aloha, Kevin was instrumental in growing and co-developing the professional training program as well as the rope access support services that we currently offer. Currently located in North Carolina, Kevin is available to train mainland-based clients or partner up on client projects on the mainland or abroad. Contact him directly at (808) 349-3875 / kevin@climbaloha.com.
Jackson Moon
Former Recreational Climbing Manager
Lead Recreational Climbing Instructor
Rope Access & Fall Protection Assistant Trainer
Rope Access Technician
A former fire fighter and Air Force analyst, he joined the team in 2020, and helps keep things fun. Jackson enjoys climbing most of all, but also enjoys cross-fit and traveling with his wife in his spare time.
Josh Candari
Former Military and Government Sales Lead
Rope Access & Fall Protection Assistant Trainer
Rope Access Technician
Recreational Climbing Instructor
Josh Candari, also from Oahu, is Joe’s younger brother. He joined the team in 2018. Josh enjoys climbing and playing guitar in his spare time.