May 2008

Friends don’t let friends shop retail. Money doesn’t grow on trees. Three’s a crowd.

All cliché’s aside—seriously, don’t believe everything you hear. Rafael boutique’s Chinatown spot didn’t close its doors already. No, they just locked up – temporarily -- to handle an avalanche of online orders that poured in after they posted a wild, website-only 50-percent-off holiday sale.

But the dark windows sparked rumors of the boutique’s demise – a déjà vu of a few years back when Rafael’s Ala Moana Center location closed and left... Read more »

This year, help your friends and family surprise you—with a present that actually delights you—by registering your very own gift wish list at the stores below.

Lululemon
Just hand over your list of fit-flattering Lululemon Athletica wants—a flat seamed hot yoga bra or maybe a wrap tank in your favorite European-inspired color—to a sales associate, and later you can accept your sustainably wrapped package with a knowing smile.
250 Ward Ave., Suite #206, upstairs from First Hawaiian Bank; 808. 591.8653

Betsey Johnson
Give yourself a... Read more »

You get an A for effort. You’ve tried to make the hottest mainland fashions work, like that oversized wool boyfriend sweater that looks fierce but has you sweating so much you seem like a “before” ad for deodorant. But as you canvas every bride magazine for your perfect dress, you know that formal satin poof will never complement sand in your toes at the perfect beachside ceremony.

That’s why Maui girls have been stoked on Argentine-born designer Tamara Catz’s timeless bridal designs created expressly for an island lifestyle. They flock to her elegant Paia boutique for modern, feminine dresses... Read more »

As if it isn’t hard enough to find cute clothes when you’re pregnant. And then came recent news that Hot Mama Maternity, the hip little boutique in Kaimuki, was closing.

But breathe easy. A new owner has adopted the boutique. And she’s already looking ahead to bringing in new merchandise, lining up fun and informative in-store events, and making Hot Mama more kid-friendly and experienced-mom approved.

The shop has long been a place for expectant mothers to find clothes just like the ones they wore before baby, tailored to fit their growing bumps, like Earl Jeans with inconspicuous panels... Read more »

There are two kinds of shopping: in the mall and at boutiques.

In the mall, you go to the same handful of stores and buy the same old stand-bys -- black, white and navy work clothes. At a boutique, after trying on a few too-small/too-tight/too-trendy dresses, it seems like you never leave with anything more than a pair of earrings.

It would be nice to find a happy medium: a boutique in a mall that stocks reliably classic items and a few creative, artsy pieces too.

Bonheur, tucked away on the mauka side of Ala Moana Center, is just such a place. The boutique, which takes its name from the... Read more »

When you were a young lass you couldn’t wait to grow up, see your chest finally fill out, and if you were lucky, become Tom Cruise’s wife (dodged a bullet there). But now that you’ve got the grown-up bod, the sane and loyal hubby, and the newborn, you can’t wait to see what your little one will become.

Whether President, teacher, or yoga instructor, one thing’s certain—your keiki will need to speak well, and Little Ambassadors can provide them a head start. They aim to create a brood of language lovers by teaching Chinese, Japanese and Spanish to kids from birth to 9... Read more »

Staying home with the kids has a distinct soundtrack: crying, toys banging, dog barking, phone ringing – a cringeworthy symphony that makes you want to sing out Calgon, take me away! Except it’s 2008, and who uses Calgon anymore?

Instead, you need Keiki Crescendo, a family music school where your children can beat sticks and drums, sing and shout, and let’s face it, spaz out to their hearts’ content. Owned by music teacher Claudia McDowell, this community learning space cultivates your child’s natural musical ability, whether a baby, toddler, or independent... Read more »

There’s a reason your dog always begs at the table. Whatever you’re eating tastes like Fancy Feast compared to his Purina Chow.

Instead of feeding him your leftovers, offer one of the treats made just for dogs with all natural, vet-approved ingredients from Pet Power Hawai‘i.

Homebaked in Kailua by founder Taryn Matsuda, the crunchy, cookie-like treats come in flavors any poi dog will love. There are Okinawan Sweet Potato Treats, Azuki and Peanut Butter Cookies, and Wheat-Free Kabocha Pumpkin Treats, among others.

Matsuda uses simple human food to make the special snacks – just... Read more »

There are some special occasions that merit a big backyard bash. And then there are those times when anything less than a blow out just won’t do.

You could get a private dining room at the W, or spring for bottle service at Pearl. Or you could splash out and book a private boat cruise.

Pacific Yacht Management has both sailing and motor yachts that come fully staffed with a captain and crew, plus all kinds of ways to tailor the celebration to the occasion.

He finally popped the question? Book the romantic sunset sailing with a private chef. Honoring a friend for an upcoming... Read more »

Heads up locals-only police. We’re going to utter the big bad T word. You know, the one that makes you avoid classic landmarks like Diamond Head Crater and Hanauma Bay, and steer clear of the once-marshy-now-concrete jungle that is Waikiki .

So here goes: TOURIST

Phew. Now that’s out of the way, we can admit that sometimes tourists know a thing or two about these islands, and often see things we miss while going about the resident routine. And what they’re seeing now is over two miles of previously inaccessible West Maui forest canopy while riding the Islands ’ newest... Read more »