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Pio Marasco, 40, neapolitan, fled Italy in search of the right location: one with sea and wind, infinite spaces, vast expanses of beach, and of the kind of waves the ‘beautiful country’, Italy, can’t offer. He found almost everything on Maui, the second largest island in Hawaii.
"Almost everything,” he says, “because my parents, who have always pushed me to pursue my dreams, aren’t with me. I left Italy almost twenty years ago when there was no internet. It was difficult to talk to them, you had to put a lot of coins in the slot, and half the time you got cut off. Now everything is easier. Italy felt restrictive. I didn’t have ideal conditions for surfing and windsurfing, and I never felt in tune with the lifestyle. I couldn’t stand how you couldn’t just be yourself, I didn’t want to do a job I was tired of the rest of my life. It happened to many of my friends. I wanted to do something that made me feel strong emotions.
For example, working with the sea. I knew that in Italy there were too many limitations around the lifestyle I had in mind. So, I gave up my country, and I started to travel."
Allergic to study and work at home, but a footballer at a professional level for nineteen years, Pio has two activities in Hawaii, he’s a surfer and he is a musician of passion and dedication
”As a surfer I entered many competitions and I’ve toured worldwide. In '96 I threw myself into a new adventure: my company, MFC HAWAII which produces accessories for windsurfing and surfing. We have grown enormously, we have a distribution centre in Europe and operate in forty-two countries. We are world leaders in our field.”
But there’s more to your life than the sea!
”Yes, nine years ago started a musical project, Nitelife Music, part of Event Promotion, which is a company that organizes music events, especially house music with live elements, all over Hawaii. Then I have a studio where I play music with other musicians, including Gretchen Rhodes, who is the lead singer of Mick Fleetwood’s new band (of Fleetwood Mac). We do live performances, I am Dj and she does the live singing. We recently played in several places in Asia, Europe and Hawaii. You can find one of our records on iTunes, Amazon, Traxsource and all the best digital stores.
Let’s get back to life in Hawaii. What’s life like there? Does it get boring?
No, not at all. When I see traffic lights I get stressed. Fortunately there aren’t many here yet.
What strikes you arriving in Hawaii?
The virgin nature, the lifestyle and culture of the people who manage to live and remain themselves. Living on such a pristine island you get back to your origins. Being in touch with nature is incredible, believe me, Maui is a true spectacle.
What’s the city where you live like?
I don’t live in a city, in Maui there is no real town. I live in Haiku, nestled in the jungle, where there is one supermarket, a post office five minutes from my office and ten from the sea. My music studio is at my home. Easy life there.
So, any downside?
Obviously, I miss my family which has always inspired me to pursue my dreams and helped me to achieve them. I believe that without their support it would have been much more difficult. The energy of my parents was and is still a cornerstone of my life. And then I miss my friends, butI do see them a couple of times a year in Italy.
Anything else?
The food. Although there are more and more Italian products here in Maui. And thanks to the Internet I can even watch Italian football!
Are there many Italians there?
Quite a few I have a nice group of friends, all surfers, Naples, Rome, Sicily. Good people.
What are the people like in Hawaii?
It depends. Typically, Hawaiians are very aggressive. The Hawaiians were very famous two or three hundred years ago, they were the strongest warrior tribe throughout Polynesia. But much depends on your attitude. If you're respectful and polite, that’s what you get back. In fact then you can’t get rid of them, they become your best friends.
And are Italian tourists welcomed?
Not particularly. Obviously, it depends on who. There are many rude people that think as tourists they can mistreat locals. The Hawaiians want to be respected, and want their land to be respected. ‘Show aloha to the Hawaiians’ and they will respect you. One of the meanings of the word Aloha is "Love", then "Hello" and "Goodbye." It is used a lot here.
So coming to the passion that led you to leave Italy, what does surfing mean to you? Are you ever scared?
I feel strong emotions, direct contact with nature is a feeling that can not be explained. When I’m in the water I feel at home, I’m at ease. I have the utmost respect for the ocean. The ocean is a great friend, but we must respect her and not do risky things that endanger your life and especially that of others who might come to rescue you!
Have you always wanted to be a surfer?
I played football, and I liked it. I put all the energy I had into it, but it didn’t work out. At twelve I already had a passion for surfing. My father bought me a surfboard that I took to the beach in summer. I was always in the water. I followed the sport on television. I read the papers from the kiosks at the port of Naples. I remember as a kid being open-mouthed at the pictures of American surfers and giant waves. I had no fear. Tahiti was my dream.
What does the sea represent to you?
One of my best friends. I try to be in the water as much as possible. If the conditions for surfing and windsurfing are not ideal, I try to dive or swim. It helps me to disconnect from the world around me.
How do you spend your days?
I wake up early, have a coffee. I reply to emails at home. Then to the office. If conditions are good I go to the beach to surf. Otherwise, I go the gym and workout, and two or three times a week I’m in the studio making music.
One final curiosity: what is the most unusual custom there?
When friends come generally they go and meet them with a beautiful necklace of flowers, called ‘Lei’ in Hawaii. I think it's important to say ‘Aloha spirits’ when a loved one arrives. These bring up strong feelings and emotions that I love to share with friends.