Local Vibe: Mee Lee

We love Ventura County Coast, but we’re not the only ones! Find out what makes this area so special from people who live in the “Local Vibe” spotlight. They’ll share their favorite places to eat, shop, and play as well as tips on what to bring when you visit.

Meet: Mee Lee

Do you have a nickname? If so what is it? MeeMee

Did you grow up here or end up here? In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, and with a newfound love for surfing, I threw everything in storage, bought a plane ticket to Hawaii, and long story short, ended up in California where by God’s providence I stumbled upon Ventura and never looked back!

Do you own a business located in Ventura County Coast? Yes

What is the name of your business? I own and operate Makai Health & Fitness, home of CrossFit Makai, soon to be Downtown Ventura’s first and only CrossFit affiliate that offers world class fitness with world class ocean views! Makai in Hawaiian means “toward the sea” and I wanted to combine all my passions into a one-of-a-kind epic functional fitness location by the beach! I wholeheartedly believe that our physical, mental and spiritual health is dictated by what we eat and how we move, and that a fitness based on whole foods and functional movement is our best hedge against sickness and chronic disease. 

Not only does our nutrition and training methodology offer a lifestyle solution to the root cause of the chronic disease epidemic plaguing our nation, our mission is built on a cornerstone of service. Being fit for fitness’ sake falls short. Our mission at Makai is that we train to be fit, so that we would be fit to serve. It is in this manner that pursuing fitness becomes the most selfless gift we can give our loved ones and cause meaningful and lasting change that is deeply impactful for our community at large. 

Why did you base your business in Ventura County Coast? I couldn’t think of a better place to base my business than the beautiful city I love and now call home. Optimal health & fitness requires light, air, open space and social connection. Lucky us, we in Downtown Ventura are blessed to enjoy all of these while facing “makai” or “toward the sea.”  

Do you work or go to school in Ventura County Coast? I am the Founder/Head Trainer of Makai Health & Fitness! I am a Certified CrossFit Level 3 Trainer and USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coach with well over a decade of experience as an athlete and coach. I am also a Seminar Staff Trainer with CrossFit HQ! Truly thankful to God for the opportunity to do what I love, helping others achieve optimal health and fitness and guide them to accomplish things they never thought were possible, both in and out of the gym! 

What 5 things would you recommend someone do when visiting Ventura County Coast?

  1. Surf and enjoy the beach and always stay for the sunset!
  2. Hike – The Cross, Punchbowls, Two Trees, and Matilija are some of my faves
  3. Explore the Channel Islands
  4. Camp at any of our county beach parks or backpack in the Sespe Wilderness
  5. Drop in for a workout at CrossFit Makai, of course!

I love to play outside, and whether I want to surf, hike, backpack, or camp … Ventura County has it all!-Mee Lee

Mee Lee Approved

If someone is planning a visit to Ventura County Coast, what are five things you recommend they pack for the trip?

  1. Slippers (aka flip flops) and sneakers
  2. Swimsuit
  3. Layers
  4. Camera
  5. Sunglasses

What is your favorite restaurant in Ventura County Coast, and what is the best thing on the menu?

  • Healthy: Moons Thai – Spicy Beef Salad (meat & veggies level 4 spicy if you can handle the heat!)
  • Splurge: Fluid State – Dr. Steve Brule pizzaaa (the perfect combo of salty, sweet, spicy on a sourdough crust!)

Please explain your perfect day in Ventura County Coast. Spend a day at the beach with good company or with a good book, surf all day and enjoy the sunset! 

Contact Information for Makai Health & Fitness

Contact us to start your fitness journey today! Change your life, change the world!
info.makaifit@gmail.com
805-765-1537
https://www.crossfitmakai.com/

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Visit these regions of Ventura County Coast

Visit California
Camarillo
Oxnard
Ventura
Port Hueneme
Channel Islands National Park

Regions

Ventura County Coast

Ventura County Coast is a string of four communities that radiate warmth from welcoming people and California sunshine. The region embodies the casual and active spirit of classic, where the seafood is fresh, the beer is handcrafted and the weather is the kind you dream about. Spend the day exploring miles of beaches, incredible harbors or lush green golf courses. Hop on a boat for a day trip to the Channel Islands National Park, where you can see breathtaking views of the Southern California coastline. With a bustling culture, high end and vintage shopping, a lively culinary spirit and beautiful outdoor experiences, Ventura County Coast calls on every visitor to find their vibe. From hiking and biking to sailing and snorkeling, from shopping and dining to just plain relaxing, Ventura County Coast will fill your days with a lifetime of memories.

Camarillo

Camarillo

An hour north of Los Angeles, Camarillo is nestled at the base of the Conejo foothills surrounded by verdant green fields and cool ocean breezes. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, enjoy Camarillo alfresco. From outdoor shopping and concerts, to delicious dining and fun events, Camarillo has it all. With small town charm and a rich history, it is the place for romantic weddings and corporate venues. Visit the historical sites and museums during the day, and walk along Old Town for dinner and drinks at night. A great getaway for everyone, Camarillo is the ideal place to Come for the Sun, Stay for the Fun.

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Oxnard

Oxnard

Rally your tribe and head for the Central Coast. California cool, panorama-perfect, culturally authentic and vibrant beyond measure. Oxnard is home to miles of pristine white sand beaches, electric nightlife, some of the best taquerias in the state, historic Victorian era architecture, the California Strawberry Festival, and an expansively picturesque harbor that serves as the closest access point to the Channel Islands National Park. Just sixty miles northwest of LAX and in close proximity to Santa Barbara and other major destinations, Oxnard is one of California’s best kept secrets.

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Ventura

Ventura

A place that embodies a casual soul and unexpected allure, Ventura is a vibrant town that checks stress and pretense at the door.  Its artistic culture, enduring history and privileged locale is crazy-inviting, very much alive, and refreshingly human.

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Port Hueneme

Port Hueneme

Just sixty miles northwest of Los Angeles, in the heart of the Central Coast, you’ll find Port Hueneme, the friendly city by the sea. Port Hueneme is the place for travelers looking to dig their toes in the sand, take a long walk, drop a fishing line off the pier or just kick back and relax. With walking and biking trails winding throughout the city and a perfect climate almost year round, you can revive your soul in Hueneme.

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Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park is an American national park that consists of five of the eight Channel Islands off the coast of the U.S. state of California, in the Pacific Ocean.

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