The Salt Water Hawaii Crew

Jessica Gauthier, Principal Broker and Property Manager, RB-18796

Jess@SaltWater-Hawaii.com

Jessica became enamored with Vacation Rental Property Management in 2010 when she oversaw over 40 properties for an independant real estate company, mostly in East Hawaii.  Then, the Kapoho tidepools beckoned visitors from all corners of the world and Jessica greeted them with some Southern Hospitality and Aloha.  It was a winning combination for guests and Jessica alike.  In 2020 Jessica opened Salt Water Hawaii to serve clients, guests, and the community.  Her passion is sharing her island home with guests who share her desire to maintain this beautiful place and to leave it better than we found it. E Komo Mai!

Tara Frazier, Reservations Manager

stay@SaltWater-Hawaii.com

Licensed Real Estate Agent Tara Marcotte Frazier began her involvement with east Hawaii vacation rentals in 1994, through her father Steve’s Kapoho-based management company. A pioneer in vacation rentals, Steve was the first person on the Big Island (and possibly in the state of Hawaii) to offer his clients the convenience of internet bookings. Tara developed a wealth of knowledge and experience through her work as reservationist and operations manager in this innovative setting. Tara remained at the same company through a merger in 2006, as well as several subsequent changes of ownership. She had plans in motion to buy the company in 2019, when it was unexpectedly sold to a multinational vacation rental corporation. Choosing to remain true to a more personalized, locally based client experience, she joined her friend and former coworker Jessica Gauthier at Salt Water Vacations. She is thrilled at the opportunity to be part of this new “dream team,” and to put her skills and expertise to work for someone she so admires.

Kekela Blaisdell, Guest Relations 

Kekela is a born and raised local of Hawai'i island. She is the Salt Water Hawaii Guest Hostess and provides daily contact for guests on-island and staying in our managed vacation rentals.  Kela's easy charm puts guests at ease and as a mother of three she can handle multitasking for many travelers!  She has a wealth of knowldege of the island that she shares with visitors.  Kekela also works alongside her Ohana (family) on our property care team. 

Derek Trapp, Property Manager and Facilities Manager, RS-63771

Salt Water Hawaii is committed to providing our clients with expert advice, guidance, and management of the exterior of their properties as well as the interior.  Derek Trapp, our team Facilities Manager and Property Manager, inspects the properties we manage periodically.  As well as checking inside the houses and condos, he focuses his inspections on landscaping, trees, guest safety in outdoor spaces, and caring for the land.  He has over 15 years experience as a commercial landscaper and arborist.  Derek is also a licensed Realtor Salesperson with many years of experience on Kauai and Hawaii Island.

Maiva Blaisdell and Sparkle Bright, Housekeeping Manager

Salt Water Vacations’ properties are cleaned and maintained by the staff at Sparkle Bright and overseen by Maiva Blaisdell and her competent crew.  Lifelong Hawai'i Island locals, Maiva's team is mostly 'Ohana (family) and they treat our properties with the love and respect they would a cherished family member.  

Paul Ellenberg and Dennis McFerrin, Property Care Managers

Salt Water Vacations’ properties are cleaned and maintained by the staff at Puna PD with their reliable and meticulous service. Paul Ellenburg and Dennis McFerrin started their property maintenance business in 2005 soon after they moved to Hawai’i Island. As owners of their own vacation rental, they have a unique perspective on the business and care for vacation homes. Puna PD employs local housekeepers and maintenance personnel and is proud to pay living wages per the tenets of Responsible Tourism. They and their employees take pleasure in preparing and maintaining the properties in a way that ensures guests and property owners are wowed by the cleanliness and little touches provided, with the goal that everyone has a positive and memorable experience. Paul and Dennis love the raw natural beauty of the Hawaiian landscape and the overwhelming aloha that is shared within our communities and enjoy sharing this place with others!

Hawaii Island Nene Goose

Salt Water Hawaii loves nature and strives to protect the fragile dot on the globe that we know as Hawaii Island.  Please tread lightly as you visit us and ask our team how you can be of benefit to our island economy, residents, and the land.  Mahalo nui loa!