Every major tourist destination has those special, off the beaten path places where the local folks shop. Trust me. They’re not spending much time in Waikiki’s shops or the Third Floor at Ala Moana Center (can you say, “Needless Markup? instead of Neiman-Marcus…). They’re shopping in the local neighborhoods because… …that’s where the food is. … Read More »

Shopping might be second only to television as America’s pastime. We shop for food. We shop for things. We shop for fun. Shop till you drop is not considered a bad thing. Here in Hawaii, tourists shop at the foot of an old tower and love the experience. Locals don’t. Some days there’s nobody there. … Read More »

Isn’t shopping for rental cars great fun? I don’t think so, either. I mean, there’s a certain satisfaction that comes from finally getting the deal nailed down on a car that’s the right size and hasn’t been driven by Islamic terrorists escorting Osama Bin Laden from Kabul, Afghanistan to a secret hideout in Tikrit, Iraq—although, … Read More »

There’s no fleas so why bother with that name? First, there’s no fleas. Well, maybe a few here and there. We’re in Hawaii, right? And, there’s no swapping going on. Well, maybe you swapping your money for someone else’s stuff. We have garage sales in Hawaii, too. Today it’s all about fleas and swaps. The … Read More »

Welcome to Waikiki. The 2.5 mile strip of silver sand and resorts known as Waikiki Beach, also has another name. The World’s Longest Shopping Center. Maybe it is, and maybe it ain’t. Here’s why shopping in Waikiki will bring tears to your eyes. It’s FUN. Yes, Virginia, shopping is just fun, period. Shopping in Waikiki … Read More »

Food in Hawaii is usually expensive—except for rice and certain local vegetables, more expensive than most other places in the US. Shopping for food, though, is pretty much the same all over. Until you start shopping for pineapple. Hawaii has some lip smacking pineapple even Colonel Sanders would prefer. Pineapple is grown, one way or … Read More »

While we’re tossing local phrases around like we know what they mean, how about—“I koolua nou I kahi mehemeha.” In other words,  “Wear my love as a lei, and as your companion in lonely places.” In short, how to get a lei in Hawaii. No snickering, please. Stringing flowers together is a centuries old tradition … Read More »

Tourists and locals alike have worn a well trodden path to the major and minor shopping locations on Oahu. Ala Moana Center. Pearlridge Center. Windward Mall. Sam’s Club. Costco. Here’s my list of the best off the beaten path… First stop: North Shore. Haleiwa Town means good shopping for tourists and local folks. Locals? Sure. … Read More »