A company that’s still ‘Rocking’
Big Rock is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The company specializes in making copies of Hawaiian stones and has been doing so for 30 years. It manufactures and sells all sorts of products that are unavailable anywhere else in the world. There is no other business like it.
You can’t imagine how many rocks, boulders and pieces of stone the owners, Bonnie Cooper and Brian Joy, have accumulated throughout the years, and they are always adding to the collection. Some of the beautiful stone bowls and unusual boulders have also been lent by homeowners who have seen and appreciate the quality of the copies and wanted to contribute to the collection.
Molds are taken from the original pieces of stone acquired, and then reproductions are cast in lightweight concrete. There is unquestionably no way a person can tell the difference between Big Rock and the real thing. And just think of how much of the Islands’ natural stone has been preserved because of Big Rock’s method of casting copies.
Even after 30 years here on Oahu, there are still many people that may have heard about Big Rock, but have never taken the time to visit the showroom. Bonnie and Brian confirm this each time they participate in one of Oahu’s many trade shows. “The people are always excited and impressed with the few things they see at our show displays, but admit they have not been to the store. Once they come, they are happy they did, and always spread the word to friends and neighbors,” said Bonnie.
Why would you use Big Rock? It is much lighter than real rock. For example, the boulders do not have to be dug into the ground as they already have a flat bottom. The moss rock stepping stones are three inches thick and ready to place, but to consumers they look as though you have miraculously found natural rock for a pathway that is flat. The stone items can be used to dress up lanais, too, and can be surrounded with a bit of river rock and perhaps a small fountain.
Big Rock stone veneer is used to cover any and all wall surfaces, giving you a natural stone wall appearance, but it’s only about 1 1/2 inches thick and is easy to install. Actually, all Big Rock stone products are easy to use and Brian and Bonnie always try to encourage homeowners to consider doing the work themselves — whether it’s a rock wall or garden project.
If you’d prefer someone else did the job, landscapers use Big Rock because they know they can find beautiful, interesting boulders and pavers with the assurance that they are not using rock taken from a sacred heiau. The masonry contractors love to install the easy-to-use stone veneer, too.
Big Rock has stone veneer, stone benches and tables, boulders, stone bowls of many sizes, bridges, garden edgers, ponds, waterfall boulders, garden ornaments, Buddhas, tikis and much more. Some garden accent pieces and other goodies are brought in from other places as well, such as a variety of rain chains, Japanese-style lanterns, bamboo fountain kits, pond pumps, liners, filters, underwater lighting, birdbaths, decorative fountains and more than a dozen pre-cast waterfalls.
Visit Big Rock to see how 30 years of being Hawaii’s “Rock Stars” has made the owners famous for the quality and uniqueness of their products.
BIG ROCK
contact // 834-ROCK (7625)
address // 1050 Kikowaena Place
web // www.bigrockhawaii.com