The Christmas gingerbread man's got a lot of places he needs to visit before the holidays melt away as quickly as Mauna Kea's snow. Starting with some sweet gingerbread replicas of several Hawai‘i landmarks. It's the only time of year we'll want to chomp on a Hawai‘i lighthouse or take a bite out of an old Hawaiian palace. Mmmm, they have never looked more appetizing – a dash of ginger, add the nutmeg, mix in the molasses – and I'd say we're ready for a Hawaiian Christmas!
Hulihe‘e Palace (left) and Moku‘aikaua Church (right) in their most sugary forms.
Big Island culinary students at West Hawai‘i Community College (HawCC) put on their holiday hats and whipped up the gingerbread creations in time for the Dining with the Chefs event this past weekend. For the second year, they auctioned off the edible landmarks for as much as $100 a piece to benefit culinary scholarships and kitchen equipment for the future West Hawai‘i college campus at Palamanui.
The kitchen carpenters went through a multi-step process in order to build the gingerbread structures; measuring the actual landmark then scaling it down to a miniature version involved a lot of patience and precision. Once cardboard templates were made and transferred to plywood, the students rolled out the dough and traced the plywood pieces. They then added the finishing details and let the oven do the rest.
HawCC student Josh Goodwin makes the Capt. Cook Monument and a Hawai‘i lighthouse look scrumptious.
The ring of the oven timer was when the fun really begun. About 100 pounds of flour, 20 pounds of brown sugar and 1 1/2 pounds of ground ginger and cinnamon later? Eight Hawai‘i landmarks – including Hulihe‘e Palace, Moku‘aikaua Church and Captain Cook's Monument – have been brought to life in its tastiest gingerbread form. Each topped off with some pretzels, ice cream cones, noodles and herbs for the grassy areas.
Chef Fernand Guiot of Kailua-Kona's former French Bakery guided the students along. He's been baking gingerbread houses for years, including several displays for the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel. Last year's theme for the culinary endeavor was replicas of hale (houses) from Kona Village Resort.
Gingerbread hale rocked the house as last year's theme for the Christmas event.
As tempting as it may be, the gingerbread landmarks are most likely not eaten. Those who won the items will take advantage of their holiday decor and put them out for display. I'd say the Christmas gingerbread man better hurry up if he wants to visit these places before the Christmas roaches beat him to it!
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
The Aloha spirit is alive. It extends beyond Hawai‘i, across the seas and into people's hearts and minds throughout the world. It's like a chunk of clay that's been stretched and molded into all kinds of shapes and sizes. I set out to find some of these unique pieces of Aloha during a recent trip to San Francisco and discovered that it is, indeed, very much living…in its artistic appeal, flavors and cultural connection.
VIDEO: A few ambassadors of Aloha I found in the Bay area.
The Treasure Island flea market we went to was infested with Aloha. It's where I met several people with ties to the islands, like Melanie Wright. Her plumeria hairpin caught my eye, and I found out it was a vintage piece actually from Hawai‘i. Melanie's father got the plumeria (originally as an earring) for her mother a while back. But she's since refurbished it, turning it into a beautiful adornment for a hair barrette. Even her paintings, she told me, have been heavily inspired by Hawai‘i – from the ruffling coconut fronds to the gentle motions of the ocean. A stretched canvas painting of a palm tree sat next to her as she lightly glided from one side of her display table to the other, sharing with passerby's her passion for art found in each hand-made barrette. The painting made for great conversation starters, too, as people frequently stopped to admire the tropical tree.
(Top) Melanie loves painting tropical trees, especially this one. (Bottom) Visitors trying li hing mui snacks for the first time.
There was no way I could have missed Michelle Francia's booth. Her sign was a dead give away: Plumeria Flours. I strolled over and heard the words: li hing mui. That made me laugh a little. It couldn't have sounded more familiar and foreign at the same time. Familiar to me as a part of my upbringing but uttered in a foreign setting. Michelle and her husband had been giving out free samples of li hing mui covered goodies and different kinds of popcorn, like seaweed (nori) and red hibiscus. But the most popular request had to be the kalua pig and chocolate caramel flavored popcorn. Turns out, Michelle was born on O‘ahu and moved to Cali soon after. She and her husband still frequent the islands, bringing back some of the local flavors to share with those abroad.
Although the last person I met had to be the least talkative of the three, it was what he'd been doing that spoke for itself. He carefully used a carving tool to hack away at a block of wood, chips flying in all directions. I spotted him earlier in the day, when the sun was just level with the Bay Bridge, and observed his deft hands at work, his forehead glistening with a hint of perspiration. I thought I'd talk story with him afterwards, so I continued my trek through the market in search of some cool vintage treasures. By the time I returned, the sun had moved almost well above the bridge, but it was apparent that he hadn't let up. He worked on the same block of wood, but this time, it had a face and some arms. It looked strikingly similar to the Hawaiian ki‘i (more commonly known as tiki) that we see all over Hawai‘i and parts of Polynesia. They're statues that usually represent the gods.
Ki‘i statues stand guard in San Fran as another wooden masterpiece comes to life.
The man went by the name of Tualau Tauheluhelu and spoke very quietly with a subtle Polynesian accent. He rarely took his eyes off of the statue-in-progress that lay on his lap but summed it up nicely: "I carve all hours of the day, every day." He actually knows a few well-known carvers throughout Polynesia, including a man living in Hawai‘i, from whom he's learned his craft. Today, he shares the tradition with younger generations and gives a few private lessons here and there. He even had some koa wood and whale bone jewelry. I watched as Tualau continued to chip away at the block of wood – which, by the end of our conversation, had a nose. We eventually said our goodbyes after he finally got to his feet only to take his grandson to the restroom.
I'm so glad I have crossed paths with Melanie, Michelle and Tualau – each an ambassador of Aloha in his or her own way. As I travel, I'm finding that these kind of people are everywhere. They don't necessarily have to be wearing a t-shirt that blatantly spells out, "HAWAII," nor do they have to be wearing a lei. But rather, it's the Aloha spirt they embrace that never fails to bring people together, exuding an island warmth wherever they may be.
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Being practically bottle-fed on Zeppelin and Hendrix, it's safe to say that I love rock and roll. So when I was invited to attend a media-only event at the Hard Rock Café in Waikīkī to sample a new brand of Maui-made rum created by Sammy Hagar – the legendary front man of Van Halen – I was ecstatic.
As the song goes, "Everybody! Shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots!" and some Mai Tai's, maybe?
When my friend Jason and I walked into the Hard Rock, we were immediately greeted by a table full of shots. The friendly staff encouraged us to sample Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum in its pure, 80 proof state. So we cheers-ed and knocked it back. It was delicious. I’m no rum expert, but I felt as if you could taste the sweetness of the sugarcane, the soil it came from, the sun and rain that nourished it and the loving hands that distilled it.
We had a seat and were immediately approached by a waiter with a tray of Mai Tai's. Then another with daiquiris. Then another with shots. All packed with this sweet, nectar of the rock 'n roll gods. I couldn’t refuse and was “sipping” these concoctions down faster than a lady is proud to admit. My head was swimming, and I was feeling good. Chatty even.
With this douse of liquid courage and all nervousness melted away, I marched up to Sammy Hagar and said, “Hello, nice to meet you. I’m a big fan, and your rum is amazing.” Great entrance, right?
It would have been, but it wasn’t Sammy Hagar. It was Mark Nigbur, the distiller genius behind Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum and Sammy Hagar's long lost twin (not really, but they really do look alike!). After the initial embarrassment, we started talking about the rum. Every step of the process was local, from the sugar cane to the distillation. I was surprised to learn that it was just him and his son that carry out the entire distillation process.
My friend Jason and I about to take shots with Mark Nigbur (left) and Sammy's Beach Bar Rum president, Steve Kauffman (right). Bottom's up!
“We make about 100 cases a day," he said. "Everything is bottled by hand."
After an awesome conversation with Mark, I got up the courage to finally approach Sammy. I grabbed Jason, a few more shots and marched up to the Red Rocker.
“Hi! Would you like to take a shot with us?" I asked him.
The three of us knocked back our glasses and smacked our lips. I then blurted out the first thing that came to my mind, “If Blackbeard were alive, what would he say about this rum?”
Sammy looked at me very seriously for a moment, and then in a big belly laugh yelled, “He’d say it was a girly drink!!”
(Left) This is what Sammy looks like before a few shots. (Right) And after a few shots, everyone's feeling good!
Girly drink or not, this is a rum that would give anyone some hair on their chest. Staggering out of the Hard Rock Café that afternoon, I was in awe of how lucky I was to have this experience. To meet these rock stars – one in the music world, the other in the distilling world – who were really just good-hearted, down-to-earth people doing what they loved.
SAMMY'S BEACH BAR RUM / Produced By Haliimaile Distilling Co, Makawao, Hawai‘i / Enjoy Responsibly / http://www.sammysbeachbarrum.com /
*EDITOR'S NOTE: The Hawai‘i Vacations Blog encourages responsible alcohol consumption for those 21 years and older. We do not condone drinking under the influence. Serena and her friend took a cab home from the media event.
Posted by Serena Kaldi Follow me on Twitter @Serena_Divina
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Who knew a few childhood favorites would become such an integral part in Ali McMahon's life. A favorite food, favorite color and a dream to one day have her own boutique came together when she opened Olive Boutique in her hometown of Kailua a few years ago.
Ali McMahon's childhood dream come true, nestled in the heart of Kailua.
Splashes of olive green give the little store a nice accent that's still subtle enough to fit in with the industrial side street it calls home. Inside, customers vibe off the casual chic atmosphere and clothing that's inspired by a beach lifestyle.
"Most of what we carry is more classic than trendy," 34-year-old Ali explains. "It's a bit more spendy, but something you will wear for years rather than months."
Olive offers a nice blend of local and mainland stuff. Hanky Panky, Rosebud Salve and Dolce Vita Shoes have made a name for themselves across the continental U.S. and now find a home in the islands at this Kailua boutique. But what I admire most is Ali's continued support for local up-and-coming designers, all women who create a feminine atmosphere that's alive with creativity.
(Left) Sunrise shell necklace handmade by Indi Ocean Designs. (Right) Wanko Wanko scarves made out of recycled T-shirts.
"I love being able to carry all the local jewelry I do and watching these designers grow as I do," Ali explains proudly. She admits that she's done a lot growing since opening Olive three years ago, when the economy was at its rockiest.
The Kailua native knew fashion and store/window display; in fact, she went to school in Seattle for it and worked in the fashion biz since 2000 as a visual merchandiser for Banana Republic, Escada, St. John, Gucci, Chanel and North Face. Today, she continues to do some visual merchandising with Gucci and Escada in Hawai‘i. But running a business of her own was an entirely new endeavor for Ali, one which she started with the utmost optimism.
"My motto was that it was a good time for me to open," she said. "As long as I could sustain through the hard times, it could only get better."
And it has. The boutique just celebrated its third birthday, bringing together everyone who's supported Olive along the way. Even her fiance gets involved, making all the reclaimed wood frames and displays in the store. Guy, her pet chihuahua, makes for a good model (or at least one of the many cute aspects in her photos) when it comes to showing off the latest and greatest in stock.
(Left) Guy swooning the ladies at Olive. (Right) Cute vintage cards for all occasions.
Even with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, Olive still manages to give back to the community by feeding the homeless and donating to a pancreatic cancer research center. In 10 years, Ali hopes to expand into a store that offers more lifestyle options for their devout customers with a lot more clothing and home accessories. Best of luck to Ali and the Olive ohana!
OLIVE BOUTIQUE / Open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm / 43 Kihapai Street, Kailua, Hawai‘i 96734 (Map) / 808-263-9919 / www.iheartolive.com / Metered parking available; Near bus stop
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
There's a story hidden in everything around us, and like many other societies, Hawai‘i's mo‘olelo (stories) have become an integral part of the culture today. They define the place and its people and give meaning to everyday occurrences. One such story brings light to a common beach plant that many overlook. Different versions of this story exists, but I'll share one that I learned growing up:
Naupaka, a common Hawai‘i plant that has a not-so-common story to tell.
In ancient times, there was a beautiful princess named Naupaka. Villagers noticed she looked very sad and asked her what was wrong. She told them that she had fallen in love with a man named Kaui, who was a commoner from the village below. Back then, Hawaiian tradition strictly forbade those of royal blood to marry people from common decent. The kupuna (elderly) advised them to take a long journey to a faraway heiau (sacred place), where they should pray and ask the high priest for guidance.
Naupaka and Kaui traveled together for days, over the mountains and through the forests. When they arrived at the temple – exhausted but filled with hope – the young couple told their story. The priest shook his head and explained that he could not help them. The Hawaiian gods must decide. Soon the sky darkened and a storm arrived. This was a sign from the gods disapproving their relationship; the young couple knew what they had to do.
Naupaka took the white flower in her hair and tore it in half. She placed one half in Kaui's hand and told him to return to the seashore. She would live a lonely life in the mountains.
A half of the Naupaka flower tells us hearts have been broken.
Today you may notice the Naupaka flowers bloom in halves. It is said that when the flower from the mountain (Naupaka Kuahiwi) joins the seashore Naupaka (Naupaka Kahakai), both Hawaiian lovers are together once again.
Naupaka typically grow up to 10 feet tall and six to 15 feet wide. The plant has small clusters of small white flowers with light purple streaks. You may see them on almost every island. On O‘ahu, they can be found along the ocean near the Honolulu Zoo, Waikīkī Aquarium and Kailua Beach. Or up in the mountains in Mānoa Valley.
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Coqui frogs are usually the size of a quarter, but females can get twice as big.
Appropriately named after its high-pitched mating call, the coqui frogs have replaced crickets as Hawai‘i’s sunset serenaders. The little guys may be hard to find, some only the size of quarters, but they’re definitely not hard to hear. By nightfall, backyards become symphonies (or acoustic catastrophes, as some people might say) that carry through the early morning hours. Big Island residents get front row seats since the majority of the coqui population resides there. Some have sighted them on O‘ahu and Kaua‘i as well.
The frogs aren't actually native to Hawai‘i and were brought here by accident from Puerto Rico in the late 80’s. Since then, the coqui population took a huge leap, more than tripling its numbers. They’ve made their presence known, but not everyone considers them cute nor do they consider the mating call musical. In fact, most Hawai‘i residents feel this way about the coqui and hope these frogs will, well, croak. But not in an auditory frog noise kind of way; rather in a, “I hope you get a taste of your own medicine” way.
The state supports those anti-froggers' claims. In 2006, Hawai‘i passed a law specifically defining the reptiles as “pests” for (1) being a noise nuisance and (2) threatening Hawai‘i’s ecosystems. They have big appetites and eat native insects and spiders.
Females can lay at least one clutch of eggs per month. Male coqui tend to the eggs until they hatch.
Others say the coqui do no harm and that they’re not poisonous; their insect-eating habits help control the pesty ones, like mosquitoes and termites. They believe the methods of extermination are inhumane – frogs shouldn’t be boiled, frozen nor should they be sprayed with calcium hydroxide.
You be the judge next time you’re in Hawai‘i…or listen to them here. Still not certain? Then you may want to check out the Coqui Sanctuary and Natural Preserve in Puna on the Big Island. A group of environmentalists designated more than half of the 67-acre property to the coqui.
You may even see or hear them at the Lava Tree State Monument or Waipi‘o Valley Lookout, both also located on the Big Island. Those hoping to minimize the frog population warn visitors to be aware when leaving such coqui-infested places. The frogs tend to spread by hitchhiking on vehicles leaving the area.
To learn more about the coqui, visit http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/coqui. For those interested in visiting the coqui refuge, contact the Coqui Hawaiian Integration and Reeducation Project (CHIRP) at 808-935-5563.
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Get over jet lag with a little java and a lot of caffeine – I’m talking coffee. At Coffee Talk in Kaimuki, caffeine can come in the form of a cup or a baked good. You’re sure to get a buzz off of one of the menu items or at least buzz off of the vibe inside. A nice mix of college students, old timers, tourists and everyone in between (like pets) create a laid-back environment for studying or just plain chillin’ before a long day of exploring the island.
Muffin, mocha, mocha…doggy treat. Coffee Talk in Kaimuki welcomes everyone.
A cup of mocha java and a chocolate chip espresso muffin always wake me up. Everything’s made fresh and has a real homey feel to each bite. A display of strawberry scones, fudge brownies, banana bread and carrot cake have customers drooling as soon as they walk through the doors. A Red Eye cup of coffee can be intense. Watch out! With two shots of espresso, it will have you bouncing all over the island.
When traveling to a new place, it’s always fun to explore the coffee shops. I do that wherever I go – most recently in New York and San Fran – and usually stumble upon some pretty great finds. It’s a cool place to meet some of the regular “Townies,” including a few four-legged ones. The pet-friendly café welcomes dogs and gives them pooch-tastic treats upon entering. I brought my Chiweenie, and he fit right in.
Pakala's neck doesn't seem to be long enough. Perhaps his tongue will add an inch or two.
Subtle hints of liberalism fill your peripheral vision. Look on the walls at hand-painted wooden signs that say stuff like, “I want to believe” or “OBAMA.” My favorite is one that says, “Drink Coffee, Sleep Later.” Sit at the coffee bar, outside near the street or inside, where jazzy tunes and the smell of freshly brewed java dance in the air.
Stop here for something other than coffee, too. They’ve got a fresh menu with reasonable prices – pesto bagel sandwiches and veggie burgers with avocado…yum! Plan the next stop of your island tour while enjoying a quick bite with your old friend, Cup-of-Joe.
Coffee Talk’s one of those rare surprises. From the outside, its dark tinted windows and plain-looking sign make it seem pretty ordinary, but the inside speaks for itself. Talk coffee at the Coffee Talk, and fit right in.
COFFEE TALK / Open Mon-Fri 5am-10pm, Sat-Sun 6am-10pm / 3601 Wai‘alae Avenue, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96816 (Map) / 808-737-3444 / Free wi-fi, Metered street parking; Near bus stop
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
The picture below is an all too usual occurrence for Maui, especially during those dry spells when little rain hits our islands. A brush fire gets out of control, and the County shuts down roadways for safety reasons. I've been one of the many stuck on a closed Honoapi'ilani Highway. The highway was a long parking line of vehicles. Because my car had some radio station logos on it, I immediately got flooded with questions, along with complaints by people missing their flights home or to another destination.
Maui's peaceful night skies awaken with a blazing brush fire. Be prepared next time you're on the island.
It may inconvenience your travel plans, but they do this to prevent on-scene personnel and by-standers from getting hurt. There have been times where temperatures get into the triple digits, and with the winds blowing the flames, the fire's prone to jump into the roadway and continue to burn everything in its path.
Even with my air conditioner on, it still gets pretty toasty. As a reminder from the Maui Police Department, please do not flood Emergency 911 with calls about the fire or to ask how long it will take for the roads to reopen. If you are at your hotel and are packed up for your return flight home, then you'll most likely be alerted by guest services.
Here are tips for when a brush fire alert is sounded on Maui:
At the Hotel:
Contact the front desk of your hotel/condo to confirm.
Do not contact the Maui Police Department for updates; your front desk agents will update you.
Contact your airline directly to see if you can reschedule for a later flight or to make alternate arrangements.
Keep a portable radio going for frequent updates.
On the Honoapi'ilani Highway:
Contact your airline directly to see if you can reschedule for a later flight or to make alternate arrangements.
Keep your radios tuned into a local station for the latest updates.
Hope these tips help you in the event of a brush fire on Maui.
Posted by Jake Smookler Follow me on Twitter @DJSmook
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Thanksgiving's over, and you've eaten enough pumpkin pie for the entire year. Ease back into your workout routine with something fun and motivational – join a runners club. It's sure to get you pumped up or at least get your heart racing. The Lanikai Juice Runners Club in Kailua is a popular one on O‘ahu, which allows you to take in the sights, sounds and smells of the island – through the soles of your shoes.
Put your shoes to use while getting a unique tour of this quaint Windward town.
Every Wednesday at 6 p.m., walkers, joggers and runners of all levels meet at the store before trotting off for a three to seven mile run around beautiful Kailua. Personal trainer and running coach Toney Avakova leads the runners. They carry a GPS device with them to check their speed and distance. Toney offers her expertise to runners who want to learn more about technique, how to prevent injuries or about upcoming running events in the community.
And it’s always nice to have some kind of incentive when running – whether it’s a firmer behind or a slimmer physique. Runners participating in this social group get rewarded with free water and refreshments as well as a raffle drawing for Lanikai Juice gift certificates.
This club’s not only great for the turkey trotters but also for you hardcore runners looking to fit in a quick run during a vacation and for those of you looking to explore a new part of the island. You may even want to bring a camera with you in case you find something cool.
It’s often challenging to find the time and motivation to get physically active when on a trip. You’re forced out of the usual exercise regimen you have at home. This club may be the answer to your dilemma. Bring the entire family and enjoy an evening doing something healthy and fun.
You might even want to find out if you really did burn off those calories from the spam musubi or mochi you had earlier. Keep track of your progress through a database or attend one of the club’s workshops demonstrating ways to brush up on running techniques.
LANIKAI JUICE RUNNERS CLUB / Wednesdays, 6pm / 600 Kailua Road, Kailua, Hawai‘i 96734 (Map) / 808-262-2383 / Free / Free parking; Near bus stop
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
You’ve braved the waters and tried the mysterious spam musubi; slurped up some saimin at a small hole-in-the-wall restaurant; and even noticed that sushi shops just may outnumber Starbucks here. Hawai‘i loves its foods and loves sharing it. A variety of goodies from around the world has found its way to the Pacific, converging into a hub of multi-cultural foods that make our bellies happy and can now make our beds happy too.
The biggest and fluffiest shave ice you'll ever see in Hawai‘i. Comes with a straw and a holder.
These island favorites come in the form of pillows and instead of rice, are stuffed with cotton. They look exactly like the real foods…except life-sized and squishier. And although they may not taste very good, the pillows serve as constant reminders of Hawai‘i’s savory flavors. Your bed will look like a giant bento of these fluffy food replicas, making sleep look even more delicious than it already is.
Wabi Sabi in Honolulu specializes in making these pillows with a team ready to take your orders and fulfill your succulent slumber needs. Get a rainbow-flavored shave ice and a side of spam musubi. If you’re still hungry for more, they’ve got rolls of sushi to go! The pillows are about 8” x 12” in size and cost anywhere from $22 to $32.
Wabi Sabi may be hard to find. It's tucked upstairs off of busy Koko Head Avenue. Just follow the "Musubi Heaven" sign that directs customers to the second floor of an old turquoise building, and you'll find a treasure chest of handmade crafts.
Have some tasty dreams when lying on these pillows. A mini bento to fulfill your cravings.
After Black Friday, you're most likely sick of shopping. But consider these pillows a possible Christmas gift for those you haven't yet covered on your list. I usually get one of these pillows for a visiting relative. The pillows’ oversized decadence makes them laugh every time and are a great way to show the world Hawai‘i's eclectic foods. The designers make the dishes very authentic-looking; a sushi pillow has all the pertinent ingredients in the middle, including egg, tuna and cucumber.
You may also find the pillows at craft fairs. But if you really miss Hawai‘i and can’t get to the store, try your hand at sewing these pillows yourself. It’ll be almost as satisfying as eating the real thing!
WABI SABI / Open Tues to Sat, 10am-5pm / 1223 Koko Head Avenue, Suite 5, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96816 (Map) / 808-734-3693 / Street and municipal parking available; Near bus route
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Published by Bruce Fisher
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