The Pearl Necklace: Cruising with the Porsche Club Big Island
“Aloha!” This warm Hawaiian greeting reflects the compassion, sympathy, and affection that shape the Porsche Club on the Big Island. President Gunner Mench epitomizes this spirit in extraordinary ways.
“If the Pacific wanted to, it could overrun us,” Mench says, gazing at the vast ocean. From floods and tsunamis to volcanic eruptions and fires, Hawaii endures its share of natural challenges. Mench, who has lived on the Big Island for three decades, has witnessed these forces of nature firsthand, including the devastating bush fires of summer 2023.
A Passion for Porsche
Mench’s deep love for Porsche and the Big Island intersect beautifully. In 2018, he founded the Big Island Hawaii Region of the Porsche Club of America (PCA), merging his two passions. As the 144th PCA chapter, the club now boasts 170 members and continues to grow.
Monthly Club Tours
Monthly tours showcase the island’s diverse landscapes, with sports cars winding along Waiki’i Ranch Road. Mench leads the caravan in his 17-year-old Cayenne S, affectionately called the “mountain goat,” while Vice President Dr. Mark Senft brings up the rear in his 928. Members share their unique stories: Michelle Fleischer from Chicago, Bill Hughes from California, and Rémy Striebig from France, each contributing to the club's rich tapestry.
Island’s Natural Wonders
The Big Island, the largest of the Hawaiian islands, offers contrasting landscapes within a short drive. Mauna Kea’s snow-capped peak and the lush beaches of Pu'uhonua o H?naunau National Historical Park are a testament to Hawaii's geographical diversity. Mench reflects on the island’s unique climate: “We have more climates than Australia, except glaciers and deserts.”
Cultural Melting Pot
Hawaii’s isolation has fostered a unique blend of cultures. The island's rich history includes Polynesian settlers, missionaries, and a vibrant local community. Mench’s home reflects this diversity, with a blend of traditional Hawaiian and modern elements, including a garage filled with cherished Porsche models.
A Legacy of Passion
Gunner Mench’s story intertwines with the history of Porsche. His father, a journalist and photographer, documented the Porsche factory’s grand opening and developed early marketing tools. Mench himself, born in Germany and raised in Connecticut, ultimately settled on the Big Island. He now combines his love for Porsche with a successful career in the art world.
Discover the Big Island with Porsche
From the snow-capped summit of Mauna Kea to the lush landscapes of Volcanoes National Park, the Big Island is a miniature continent of diverse climates and cultures. The Porsche Club Big Island captures this spirit, with every drive becoming a journey through the island’s breathtaking contrasts.
Experience the Thrill of Driving in Dubai
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