The Porsche Club on Hawaii’s Big Island embodies the spirit of “Aloha,” a Hawaiian greeting that conveys compassion, sympathy, and affection. Led by President Gunner Mench, the club blends a passion for Porsche with the unique culture of the island.
Mench, who founded the Big Island Hawaii Region of the Porsche Club of America (PCA) in 2018, has seen the club grow to 170 members. The club’s monthly drives, like a scenic journey along the narrow Waiki’i Ranch Road, offer a vibrant display of sports cars against the island’s dramatic landscapes.
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The Big Island, larger than all other Hawaiian islands combined, offers a variety of climates and terrains. From the snow-capped peak of Mauna Kea to the desert-like lava fields of Volcanoes National Park, the island’s diverse environments mirror the eclectic mix of Porsche models in the club, including Mench’s own Cayenne S, affectionately known as the “mountain goat,” and Vice President Dr. Mark Senft’s 928.
Members of the club, including system engineer Michelle Fleischer and former Le Mans competitor Rémy Striebig, bring their own stories of Porsche and island life.
For Mench, who moved to Hawaii in 1990, the club is about more than just the cars; it’s about the people and the connections they form in this remote part of the world. The club’s motto, “It’s not just the cars, it’s the people,” resonates deeply in a place where community and resilience are key to navigating the challenges of island life.
Mench’s journey from Würzburg, Germany, to Hawaii is marked by a deep connection to the Porsche brand, inherited from his father, a well-known journalist and photographer. Today, Mench continues to celebrate this legacy through the club, promoting camaraderie and the unique Aloha spirit that defines the Big Island.
Source: Cruising the Pearl Necklace: A Scenic Drive with Porsche Club Big Island
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