Island Grills & Outdoor Products

Island Grills & Outdoor Products caters to the popular migration of our kitchens into our backyards. The company's barbecues and outdoor islands offer self-sufficient oases; somewhere to grill sirloin, toss crisp veggies in the wok, chill beverages, store utensils or even blend margaritas.

"This trend is very big on the Mainland," says Maile Robello, vice president of Island Grills. "A lot of people are going outside ... and we live in a place where we can do it every day of the year."

Robello started Island Grills & Outdoor Products with partner Eric Mendivil two years ago. Mendivil brings with him more than 25 years of experience in the construction industry; Robello brings her business acumen.

The company's South King Street showroom highlights some of the industry's largest grills by Viking Range and Bull Outdoor Products Inc. Island Grills is the exclusive dealer for Bull in Hawaii, a bonus because it handles warrantee issues for clients, cutting out the worry of dealing with a Mainland supplier.

Island Grills & Outdoor Products Inc.'s co-owners, Maile Robello and Eric Mendivil.

"We like the Bull line, because it's a quality product at a good price," Robello says.

The studs of the line are the brawny Brahma and Angus barbecues. They are built to endure, with high-quality stainless steel grills and housing and cast-brass burners.

The showroom also features different types of bases, or islands, into which the grills can be dropped.

Robello and Mendivil begin by talking to clients about how they want to use their outdoor islands. Is it just for cooking? Do they want to serve food buffet style? Do they want bar seating?

The centerpiece is, of course, the grill. The company offers five pre-designed island models. "The models are just so people can get an idea of what's possible," Robello says. But, the majority of Island Grills' work is in custom design, which includes designing outdoor islands around other brands.

The islands can range from a small, simple rectangle to an L-shaped or U-shaped raised bar. The islands are faced with veneer that resembles indigenous stones, such as lava, coral or moss rock. Another option is a stuccolike material that is matched to the house or other surroundings. The countertops are slate or tile, although Island Grills will work with other outlets if a client prefers to go more up-market, with granite or marble.

From there, you can add stainless steel storage drawers and doors, side burners, ice chests, beer dispensers, sinks, griddles, umbrellas ... as Robello says, "The limit is your imagination."

The showroom features outdoor kitchen options, with some of Oahu's highest quality grills and custom-designed islands.