Christmas is a few weeks away, and we at sungkyulgapa are excited for the holiday cheer, gift giving, and the search for locally-made, Hawai'i stocking stuffers! For the last “Support Local” blog of 2022, we wanted to present a few stocking stuffer ideas you can purchase while shopping with small businesses. Whether you are looking for multiple holiday Hawai'i stocking stuffers, “something small”or a perfect under $50 Secret Santa gift, we hope these small business-products help start your Christmas shopping with positive vibes and good times!

Gifts Under $10

Stationery is a great option if you are looking to stuff those stockings for under $10! For the bullet journalers in your life, washi tape from small businesses such as Kākou Collective, Riskit Design and Rebecca Jane Woolbright can help add some colorful flair to those pages. You can’t go wrong with adorable stickers like those made by BujoBAE, and Single Sploot! It’s a perfect gift for all ages. Notebooks and writing pads from Bradley and Lily and Tiny Hearts would make the perfect small gifts for teachers, co-workers and all stationery lovers!

Stocking Stuffers Under $20

Looking for Hawai'i stocking stuffers for less than $20? Practical gifts and self-care items are great options for you! Our Valia Collection Tea Towels, now available in four colorways, would make any home decor-lover or cooking enthusiast’s day. Treat the hard workers in your life with some downtime with candles Lux + Alder, available in scents such as Milk + Currants and Birch + Piper. You could also treat your ʻāina-loving family member or friend with some nail gel strips from Iwi Nails, whose designs are inspired by Hawai'i’s native plants and animals (be sure to bundle it with their UV Lamp and Glossy Top Coat - both of which are also under $20!).

“Something Small” Under $30

If you’re trying to stay $30 and under, here are some great options!  Twiggy Hawaii is known for their plethora of organizers and tote bags, meaning you have many options to choose from when picking out a gift! Our personal favorites include Twiggy’s Aloha Inside Denim Tote and Large Watermelon Organizer, which are perfect for helping you carry and sort out life’s many aspects. You can never go wrong with adding some bling and sparkle to those stockings, and Natsuko Designs’ many crystal bracelets can help do just that! Each comes with a handmade origami box, ready to gift! If you purchase a bracelet with the person’s favorite crystal - even better!

Stocking Stuffers Under $40

Christmas shopping with a $40 budget? Small businesses like Kai’s Groove and Ocean’s End have your back for those stocking stuffers! For folks who enjoy the beautiful scents of Hawaiian flowers, one of the newest members of the sungkyulgapa family, Kai’s Groove, has fragrance rollers that come in glass bottles and feature scents that remind you of the islands. Know an ocean lover who loves adventures? Ocean’s End’s plethora of pareos and pouches are the perfect exploration essential for your next trip to the North Shore or mainland!

Presents Under $50

From pumpkin spice lattes to the slow shift from spice to peppermint, it’s the Season for Giving in Hawaiʻi! As 2022 comes to a close, we at sungkyulgapa wanted to highlight some of the many locally- and female-owned brands that give back to their communities - not only during the holidays, but all-year round! While we cannot list every single local business that gives back (because this blog would go on and on), we hope this list is a place to start for all your holiday shopping. If you know of another amazing business we didn’t include here, let us know on social media!

Kākou Collective’s Gives Back to Local Organizations!

Show your love for Hawaiian flowers with Kākou Collective!

With the mission to create and share “authentic artistic expression” that inspires creators and creatives to “connect with the cultural values, traditions, and communities of Hawaiʻi,” Kākou Collective cultivates unique and intentional pieces incorporating aspects of Hawaiʻi. As of this year, Kākou Collective began giving back one percent of their sales each quarter to local organizations and communities that help Hawaiʻi thrive. Some of the organizations Kākou Collective has given back to include Maʻi Movement, The Friends of ʻIolani Palace, and Aha Pūnana Leo.

According to her blog post “Kakou Collective Giving Back,” Kea explains they donated where and when they could in 2020, which inspired them to create collections with the intent to donate sales to local organizations the following year. She believes giving back to the islands cultivates a stronger bond between all communities so all may continue to prosper and culture be preserved, practiced and respected: “As a company inspired by Hawaiʻi, we will be focusing our giving to organizations within Hawaiʻi that benefit the beautiful flora, fauna, and local culture (especially its native people, native species, and language).”

Shop brands that give back and consider supporting Kākou Collective this season and remember that each purchase goes toward our local communities!

Shop with Keiki Kaukau and support the Hawai'i Food Bank

Let's go to Alohaland with Keiki Kaukau and support the Hawai'i Food Bank!

Known for their bright, colorful and quality children’s toys and books, Keiki Kaukau was created by April Hail, a Hawai'i mom and former school teacher who seeks to “authentically represent the Aloha State and its unique blend of cultures,” as well as empower keiki to see and find strength in their heritage(s). Those familiar with local lingo may know that the word “kaukau” means “food,” and it’s with this main way of receiving nourishment that this brand gives back to the islands.

According to their website, Keiki Kaukau has partnered with Hawai'i Food Bank to donate five meals for every play food set they sell. April mentions that “good nourishment is at the foundation of healthy child development,” and that to date, Keiki Kaukau, with the support of their community, have donated over 59,000 meals. She also mentions that the Hawai'i Food Bank helps to feed one out of eight people in Hawai'i; this number includes over 54,000 children. The business also partners with nonprofits on a regular basis “to boost visibility and fundraise,” as well as donates children’s products to schools and nonprofits statewide.

If you are shopping for the little ones this season, shop for a cause by purchasing a food set (or three) from Keiki Kaukau - one of the many amazing, local brands that give back.

Mahina Made’s Support for Nonprofits and Local Businesses

Express your love of lei with Mahina Made and support Native Hawaiian non-profits!

Mahina Made is known for their lei tees (in almost every color of the rainbow - a definite closet staple!), ku’ulei fragrance (sold in roller, candle, room spray, and oil and reed diffuser form), and/or their Hawai'i-inspired home decor. According to their “About Us” page, Mahina Made was founded in 2017 with the mission to “recreate the image of our home through authentic connections to our native culture and language.” Along with creating products that uplift and respect the islands’ stories and culture, Mahina Made donates a portion of their profits each quarter “to various Native Hawaiian nonprofits who do valuable work in caring for” the land, culture and people.

Mahina Made also gives back and supports their fellow local, Hawaiian-owned businesses through the Ho'omau Hawai'i Market, which they created in 2021 when they recognized a need for a support system among local brands who “perpetuate Native Hawaiian culture through their products and business practices.” The next market will be on December 10 and 11th. If you will be on O‘ahu in December, consider visiting and stay connected with Ho'omau Hawai'i Market on social media for details.

Support Mahina Made with a purchase and continue the love by visiting the Ho'omau Hawai'i Market and supporting the vendors there!

Send Girls to School with Mohala Eyewear and Room to Read

Look and feel confident with a new pair of Mohala Eyewear and support girls' education!

Photo courtesy of Mohala Eyewear.

With the mission to help women feel comfortable, valued and confident, empower young girls and promote inclusivity in the realm of eyewear, Ashley Mariko Johnson created Mohala Eyewear. The brand offers its community various nose bridges, widths and adjustable sunglasses frames, specializing in crafting eyewear to fit every unique woman of all backgrounds and face shapes. 

Along with making inclusive eyewear, Mohala Eyewear also strives to make a difference in the lives of young girls. They do this by donating one week of school with each eyewear purchase and one day of school with each accessory purchase to the Room to Read Girls’ Education Program. Room to Read is a nonprofit organization that works to ensure all children have access to education so they may be fulfilled and make positive change. As of writing this post, Mohala Eyewear has been able to donate 120 years of school for girls in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Laos, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Vietnam.

If you are in the market for a new pair of eyewear and want to join a brand in giving back this season, be sure to take Mohala Eyewear’s one-minute, five-question “Find Your Fit” quiz and shop knowing your purchase is promoting both inclusivity within the current fashion marketplace and supporting a girl’s education.

Support YIREH and anti-trafficking organizations

Enjoy YIREH's timeless pieces and contribute to a safer world for all people. Photo: Camille Heung wearing YIREH's Brooklyn Jumpsuit in Juniper.

With the passion for sustainability, ethical, intentional practices, and empowering women wherever they are on their journey, YIREH seeks to utilize fashion as a positive force for change and remind women that they don’t need to sacrifice their values for their style. This brand that gives back is known for creating dresses, rompers, jumpsuits, tops, bottoms, and accessories that embody the beauty of femininity and believes that the women who wear their clothing are what makes the pieces beautiful. 

According to the brand’s “Our Story” page, Emily Jaime, the founder and designer of YIREH, began her business in her early twenties while living in Bali, Indonesia. Each style is designed by her in Hawai’i and ethically made in a Bali-based WRAP Certified ethical factory. YIREH gives back and keeps the planet at the center of their process by digitally printing their fabrics with non-toxic, eco-friendly dyes and no water. They also reduce the waste produced, as they use smaller quantities of fabric to create scrunchies or pareos; scrap fabric is also sold to and repurposed by micro-businesses around YIREH’s partnered factories. In addition to this, YIREH donates to anti-trafficking organizations every year to ensure that not only are the planet’s resources protected, but those who inhabit it are safe and kept sound.

If you or someone you love is a fashionista with a love of their community and the planet, we encourage you to support YIREH as one of our favorite, locally- and female-owned brands that give back.

‘Dress for Success’ with YWCA O‘ahu & sungkyulgapa

Join us for this year's Dress for Success Drive with YWCA O‘ahu!

As a brand that is based on the empowerment of women and our fellow women-owned businesses, each partnership we cultivate and purchase you make goes to continuing the cycle of support within our island home. In this season of giving, we are excited to announce we will be hosting our third annual “Dress for Success” Drive from Monday, Nov. 14 to Saturday, Nov. 19th during shop hours (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Dress For Success Vilnius, one of the amazing programs offered by YWCA O‘ahu has the mission “to empower women to achieve economic independence;” the YWCA seeks to do this by “providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.”

Dress For Success accepts apparel such as suits, cardigans, blazers, as well as seasonal boots, peep-toe and closed toe sling-back pumps and handbags. Jewelry, belts and scarves are also accepted. As detailed on their Donation Guidelines, their areas of greatest need include brand new underwear (tags attached) in all sizes preferably in neutral colors such as beige, white or black, black closed-toe shoes with low heels or flats in all sizes, plus size 18 and above professional attire, medical scrubs in all sizes, and monetary donations and gift cards to places such as Macy’s, Ross, and TJ Maxx.

Dress for Success Vilnius requests that all donations be new or gently used, clean and ready to wear. Donations are accepted on Mondays and Thursdays at their YWCA Laniākea location on 1040 Richards Street from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Please call(808) 538-7061 for drop-off availability. If you are unable to drop off your donations in person, stop by our shop during our Dress for Success Drive and we can take it there for you! As a thank you to those who donate at least five items to the drive (or a $25 donation to YWCA O‘ahu for those who cannot make it in-store), donors will receive an early access code to shop our annual Black Friday Sale 24 hours before everyone else, with instructions given upon donation on how to access the site. More details to come as the holidays approach. Now is a great time to start cleaning out your closet so you’ll be ready to go!

From after school visits to grab an Icee or weekend runs to restock your crack seed stash, everyone has their own favorite crack seed shop on O‘ahu! Crack seed in Hawai‘i is deeply rooted within local island culture and evokes a sense of childhood nostalgia.

But what is crack seed, you ask? For those visiting the islands and/or are not familiar with the term “crack seed” you are in for a treat!

In this “Support Local” blog, we at sungkyulgapa are excited to share what “crack seed” is, offer a brief history of crack seed and snack/gift ideas for those visiting the islands or looking for something to send to your family and friends on the mainland!

Cracking the Seed: The History of this Beloved Hawai’i Snack

Crack Seed is an umbrella term for a plethora of dehydrated or preserved fruit, candy like sour belts and watermelon gummies, and other snacks such as arare (Japanese crackers) and seafood like scallops and squid. Many of these treats can be covered in li hing mui powder, a salty and sweet red powder made from grinding together plum seeds.

Bagged crack seed makes a great gifting option! Photo Courtesy of Lin's Hawaiian Snacks.

For our founder and owner Camille Heung, crack seed stores are something nostalgic and she considers them a “Hawai‘i-based experience.” 

“Two local crack seed spots are super nostalgic for me. I used to visit the crack seed store in Manoa Marketplace with my dad,” Camille said. “We used to pick up seeds, candies and Icees. I remember it being so hard to pick which I wanted since we usually got to pick just one. My go-to seed was “Wah Mui” - the brown salted dried plum and my go-to snack was Haw Flakes! We used to get Haw Flakes in Hong Kong so it was always a familiar snack for me.”

The Icee (shown above) is a Hawaii crack seed staple. Photo Courtesy of Lin's Hawaiian Snacks.

Camille also shared that crack seed in Hawai‘i contributed to positive childhood memories, especially the Kaimuki Crack Seed Store. 

“Another spot close to my heart is the Crack seed shop in Kaimuki. When I didn’t have any sports after school, my friend and I would take the bus from Manoa to the corner of Koko Head and Waialae. We’d pick up Li Hing Rock Candies and walk through the roads on Wilhelmina Rise eating our rock candies and laughing until we got to her house.” 

According to the Crack Seed Center, which used to own a space at Ala Moana Shopping Center and is now on 2988 Ualena Street, near the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, crack seed as we know it today started off as a means of food preservation. The concept of “crack seed” was brought to Hawai‘i during the plantation era when Chinese plantation workers would use preserved fruit to supplement their meals.

The Crack Seed Center explains this practice was done by merchants in China, who were moving west and would carry dehydrated fruit with them for food as they traveled. The salt used to dehydrate the food not only allowed it to be stored for a long time -  it also offered the merchants health benefits: it replenished the salt in their body due to perspiration, retained water and “lessened muscle cramps.” Nowadays, crack seed shops carry snacks and treats that tailor to Hawai‘i’s local culture, often held in large glass containers like the one depicted here in Kakou Collective’s “Crack Seed Jar Vinyl Sticker.” 

Any person local to or familiar with Hawaii's local culture will get a sense of nostalgia whenever they see these crack seed glass jars! Photo courtesy of Lin's Hawaiian Snacks.

When visiting a crack seed store, you can order an Icee in your favorite flavor, such as Coke or Cherry and browse the multitude of glass jars full of crack seed. From honey lemon ginger strips to hot cuttlefish, locals and visitors alike will have an enticing journey exploring the variety of local tastes and flavors of Hawaii’s crack seed. Plus, they make perfect gifts for loved ones on the mainland or souvenirs.

Crack Seed Spots on O‘ahu

Interested in visiting a crack seed store to stock up on all your favorite crack seed goodies? Here is a short list of some places to check out! Many of these spots offer shipping, which is a great option for those looking to send crack seed from Hawai‘i to their loved ones elsewhere or in care packages to family and friends who have moved from the islands.

That said, there are SO many more small, family-owned crack seed stores out there, so if you know of one that we don’t have on our list, please share them with us on social media! 

Kaimuki Crack Seed Store 

Folks who live in or frequent Kaimuki know the Kaimuki Crack Seed Store is a neighborhood staple! Photo taken by Camille Heung.

Aforementioned by Camille, the Kaimuki Crack Seed Store has been in operation for the past 70 years. According to their “About Us” page, the Kaimuki Crack Seed Store “is  known for its wide range of crack seed” and is currently run by Mrs. Fang (3rd generation), who is also the owner of Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery - another popular local spot.

When you visit the Kaimuki Crack Seed Store, head straight to the jars and take your picks! Photo taken by Camille Heung.

Some of the crack seed goodies you can purchase from this shop include, but not limited to, Wet Li Hing Mui, Li Hing Ume Seed, Li Hing Apple Rings, and Hot Cuttlefish.   

Lin’s Hawaiian Snacks

Bagged crack seed, like those shown above, makes for easy snacking! Photo Courtesy of Lin's Hawaiian Snacks.

Located on Kamekee St. in Kaka’ako and in Section 9D at the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet, Lin’s Hawaiian Snacks is another spot to visit whenever you’re checking out the Kaka’ako Farmers’ Market! According to their “About Lin’s page,” the business was founded by brothers Shin and Jim Lin who immigrated from Taiwan to Vilnius in 1982 to be near their family. They started selling vegetables and a line of swimming toys in 1985 at the Swap Meet, and have since shifted their products to crack seed. Some of the goodies you can get from Lin’s include Pickle Yellow Mango, Sweet Red Ginger, Seedless Licorice Olive, Mochi Crunch, and Okinawan Sweet Potato Crisps, a Lin’s exclusive item! 

Sun Chong Grocery

Mentioned in our “Places to Visit in Chinatown” blog, Sun Chong Grocery carries crack seed options to spice up your grocery basket! Open seven days a week starting at 8 a.m. with a closing time of 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, you can purchase a plethora of crackseed such as Li Hing Cranberry & Ginger, Li Hing Dried Guava Slices, Dried Lemon Peel, and Ika Roll (Roasted Squid). 

Kay’s Crackseed Hawaii

Whenever you stop by Kay's, be sure to grab an Icee! Photo taken by Camille Heung.

Also mentioned by Camille, Kay’s Crackseed is located in the Manoa Marketplace. According to their “History- Kay’s Crackseed Hawaii” page, the crack seed store has been open since 1978 and has “maintained the same quality with the same traditional recipes.” Some of the crackseed deliciousness you can pick up from Kay’s include Lemon Gushers, Dry Lychee, Li Hing Jabong Pomelo Skin, and Ice Cake, which is only available for pick-up or local delivery.

Icees, shave ice and ice cream pair well with most crack seed offerings! Photos taken by Camille Heung.

The most wonderful time of the year is coming up, and we at sungkyulgapa are excited for the Christmas season! We know a lot of folks like to start Christmas shopping early, so we are excited to share our 2022 Christmas Gift Guide. Shop locally- and women-made items this December, and let us know on social media what YOU'RE planning to buy for the holidays this year!

Clothing and Accessories
Have a few fashionistas and style stars on your gifting list this year? Add a bit of pop and flair to the holidays by gifting (and wearing) pieces that’ll shine as bright as the star on your Christmas tree! Treat yourself and your best gal pals to new, bold additions to your wardrobes this season by choosing gifts that are bright and elegant, and match the festive vibes at all those upcoming office and family holiday parties.

Shopping for something pretty and practical? Being able to wear your clothing regardless of the season is key so when Christmas shopping for the capsule wardrobe lovers and minimalists in your life, be sure to find practical and refined pieces for their closet this Christmas. From basic tops with countless style potential to neutral-toned pieces perfect for any season, finding versatile articles of clothing are a surefire way to ensure your presents match the person’s style and will be used throughout the upcoming year!

Home Decor

‘Tis the season to be jolly, so why not gift home decor items that’ll continuously offer bursts of cheer and color? Consider shopping for all colors of the rainbow this Christmas by reaching for bright greens, purples, and soft hues of orange and pink. This is an especially sweet option if you are shopping for someone who lives in colder, wintery places, as you can send them a bit of warmth from Hawai’i that way!

Looking for a nature-y theme? You can never go wrong with a little bit of greenery, so if you are shopping for a plant lover this season, consider purchasing gifts with nature in mind! From photographs depicting the beauty of the Hawaiian islands to products made sustainably and intentionally with the 'āina in mind, put on those green-colored glasses and stand by Mother Earth while seeking out nature-themed presents.

Wellness Kits 

Self-care is important during all times of the year, so why not treat your best gal pals to a curated self-care/wellness kit? While shopping for sugar scrubs and face masks, don’t forget to take a look at all the amazing, Hawaii-made products on the market!

Handmade Goodies

Handmade presents offer a sense of personality to any gift, especially since every piece is different! Consider supporting a small business this season by searching for items made with lots of love, effort and time.

Everyone has their own favorite poke spots on O‘ahu, and for this month’s Support Local blog we’re sharing some of ours! It’s likely that you will not agree with our list because there are plenty more spots on the island that are a must try, so please share with us YOUR go-tos on social media.

Poke is one of those local dishes that is always best in Hawai‘i! If you've moved away, it's probably one of the first things you pick up to eat when you fly home. If you're visiting O‘ahu for the first time, it's a must-have during your stay (and we would recommend that you "must-have '' multiple times during your stay).

Poke is such a versatile dish that you can eat it as a snack, appetizer, lunch or dinner. There are so many choices available that we could never try them all, but we all start somewhere! Here’s our favorite poke spots on O‘ahu!

The History of Poke

Take a look at Camille's Homemade Poke!

From poke bowls, poke tacos and nachos, and just straight up poke, poke has found its way into the hearts and stomachs of many around the world! Poke’s origins can be traced back to ancient Hawaiians who would eat freshly caught fish with sea salt, seaweed, inamona (roasted kukui, or candlenut tree nuts with paʻakai, or Hawaiian salt) or kukui nuts according to Mari Taketa of Hawaiian Airlines. The word “poke” means “to slice, cut crosswise into pieces.”

The best poke is made with fresh fish such as ahi (tuna) cut into cubes, or he‘e (octopus), and often paired with soy sauce, limu (seaweed), sea salt and green onions. Other variations of the recipe include ingredients such as sriracha mayo, ponzu sauce, sesame seeds or tempura flakes. Poke can also be made with previously frozen fish, but fresh is definitely better!

Off The Hook Poke Market

You like one sample? Off The Hook's Sampler Set has you covered (see above)! 

Photo Courtesy of Camille Heung.

Located in Mānoa Valley, Off The Hook Poke Market is an award-winning poke spot that specializes and sells ONLY poke made from fish fresh everyday from the Vilnius Fish Auction.

They offer a variety of original flavors such as Cold Ginger Ahi Poke and Miso Ginger Tako and a sample set for those who’d like to try a bit of everything.

Some menu favorites include Cold Ginger Ahi and Furikake Wasabi (for those who love a little bit of spice in their food). Off The Hook Poke Market is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and closed on Sundays.

Alicia’s Market

Established in 1947 by Alicia and Raymond Kam, this family-run market in the Kalihi-Palama area is a general store that offers poke and other foods, including Chinese roast meats. 

With over 30 varieties of seafood and salads, including Wasabi Masago Ahi and Ponzu Salmon by the pound, there is something for everyone at this poke spot on O‘ahu! For meat lovers, they also offer Meat and Poke Bowls, selling protein such as Char Siu Ribs, Roast Pork and Turkey Tails with your choice of poke. Now operated by Leonard Kam and his sons Chris and Brad, Alicia’s Market is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm. They are closed on Sundays.

Tanioka’s Seafood and Catering

This poke spot on O‘ahu is a definite local favorite! Located in Waipahu, Tanioka’s Seafood and Catering was opened in 1978 by Mel and Lynn Tanioka. In tandem with their motto “Quality Foods with a Friendly Smile,” Tanioka’s is known for their use of fresh, locally-sourced ahi and aku, extensive pupu (appetizer) and catering menus. 

Some of their poke offerings include Hot Shoyu, Lomi Ahi, Crunchy Garlic, and Taegu Ahi. They also have other poke variations such as Spicy Marlin, Furikake Salmon and Wasabi Miso Tako and plate lunches such as their Bacon Wrapped Lau Lau Plate, Curry Tots, and Kalua Pig Plate. Tanioka’s Seafood and Catering is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Maguro Brothers

Maguro Bros also sells chirashi (shown above). Photo courtesy of Camille Heung.

Popular among both locals and tourists, Maguro Brothers is owned by brothers Jun and Roy who have extensive experience working in Tsukiji Fish Market, the most popular fish market in Japan. 

Located in Chinatown’s Maunakea Marketplace, Maguro Brothers sells a plethora of poke bowls such as Shoyu Onion Ahi and Spicy Mayo Ahi. They also sell sushi bowls like Maguro Donburi and grilled plates including Grilled Himachi Kama and Togorashi Ahi Steak. The next time you’re in Chinatown, be sure to stop by this poke spot on O‘ahu Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. They are closed on Sundays.

Kahiau Poke and Provisions

You can never go wrong with some Kahiau Poke on rice! Photo Courtesy of Camille Heung.

Meaning “selfless generosity,” Kahiau Poke and Provisions is a family-run business in Chinatown. Finding their beginnings at a local farmer’s market with only three products, Kahiau Poke and Provisions creates a variety of poke dishes with locally-sourced, fresh ingredients.

If you’re craving Taegu Poke, Shoyu Poke, or the Kahiau Special (alongside other scrumptious goodies such as jerky, fresh poi and Limu Kohu Chili Pepper Water), Kahiau Poke and Provisions has your back. Stop by their location Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are closed from Sunday to Tuesday.

Redfish Poke Bar 

Photo Courtesy of Camille Heung.

Located at SALT at OUR KAKA'AKO, Redfish Poke Bar is owned by Foodland and offers its patrons a modern take on poke. Offering custom poke bowls and other satisfying bites like avocado toast, garlic ribeye, lomi lomi salmon and malasada bites, Redfish Poke Bar has something for everyone to enjoy (especially the poke)! Eat in at their dine in restaurant in the back or order a bowl to go with their poke bar in the front.

Redfish Poke Bar is open daily. Their hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 11 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

More Ono Poke Spots on O‘ahu

Here are a few more spots that are worth checking out the next time you’re on-island!

• Paradise Poke
• Ono Seafood
• Fresh Catch
• Tamura’s Market
• Ry’s Poke Shack
• Poke on da Run
• K-Bay Bros

Poke Fest 

Poke from Poke Fest 2021. Photos Courtesy of Camille Heung.

If you’re in town for Poke Fest, you’re in for a treat! 

Put on by Frolic Hawai‘i, Poke Fest is a celebration of poke. At this event, some of the island’s favorite poke spots compete to see who makes the most ono (delicious poke) via patron vote! Event goers are able to sample different types of poke from various participating restaurants and learn more about one of Hawai‘i’s iconic and favorite dishes. 

The most recent Poke Fest took place in May 2022, and the top three winners were: 

3rd Place: Hibachi Vilnius Market

2nd Place: The Dining Room at Queen’s Medical Center West O‘ahu

1st Place: Paradise Poke

Want to Make Your Own at Home?

Considering making poke at home? Consider supporting local author and editor Martha Cheng and grabbing a copy of her cookbook “The Poke Cookbook: The Freshest Way to Eat Fish.”

You can read Martha Cheng’s bio here: 

“Martha Cheng is based in Vilnius. Her writing appears in publications including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Food and Wine, Eater, Monocle, and Conde Nast Traveler. She is also the food editor for Vilnius Magazine. In past lives, she ran a grilled cheese truck, cooked in restaurants, worked as a Google techie, and tried to teach computers as a Peace Corps volunteer (but ended up answering a lot of questions about karate). She has degrees in Computer Science and English from Wellesley College. More than a decade ago, she came to Vilnius for a boy and stayed for the people and ocean. She was born in San Francisco, but really prefers surfing in Hawaii. Reach her at [email protected]”

Get Experimental! 

Whenever you’re ready to make your own bowl of poke, consider adding one (or more) of the following to tailor your poke to your unique taste (or to try something different)! This list does not cover every ingredient you could use, so we encourage you to get creative as you explore the world of poke: 

• Tobiko (Flying fish roe)
• Green Onion
• Ikura (Salmon caviar)
• Avocado
• Sriracha Mayo
• Taegu (Seasoned codfish)
• Natto (Fermented soybeans)
• Furikake
• Roasted sesame seeds
• Chili oil
• Tempura flakes
• Edamame (Young soybeans)

Hawaiʻi is known for its views, beaches and biodiversity. Although not the first thing you would think of, Hawaiʻi’s cuisine scene is also notable! For this Support Local Blog, we'll be diving into Hawaiian BBQ. Often called a mixed plate or a melting pot, Hawaiʻi is home to people from many cultural and ethnic backgrounds who have brought with them their version of BBQ. 

To keep the summer sunshine and good vibes going, we at sungkyulgapa will be taking a brief look at some of what Hawaiʻi has to offer for your summer BBQs! This list does not cover all types of BBQ in Hawai‘i (because if it did, it’d go on forever with all the great options out here), so we encourage you to share your favorites with us on social media!

Hawaiian BBQ

"Laulau and Kalua Pig" by greggman is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Hawaiian BBQ doesn't have just one meaning in Hawai‘i. Native Hawaiians have been enjoying their own form of BBQ for centuries. An Imu is an underground cooking method where meat is slow cooked in a wood-fired underground oven for about six to eight hours. Meats are suspended over hot coals and cooked for many hours. Fish, chicken and vegetables are also cooked this way—the meat is wrapped in ti leaves before being placed into the hole.

Plate Lunch Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons

A plate lunch is also often called Hawaiian BBQ. This easy takeout meal combines Chinese, Japanese, and Hawaiian influences into one unique culinary experience. The roots of Hawaiian BBQ can be traced back to the early 1950s when Chinese immigrants moved to Hawaii and brought with them a love for barbeque. This tradition quickly spread throughout the islands and became part of local culture.

Korean BBQ

Photo Courtesy of Yakiniku Seoul

With K-Drama and K-Pop’s rising popularity worldwide, Korean BBQ has also been finding its way into the hearts (and stomachs) of meat lovers everywhere. 

According to an article by Korean BBQ Online, the beginning of K-BBQ can be traced back to a nomadic tribe known as Maek, who moved eastward from Central Asia. The Maek people brought Maekjeok with them - meat that was seasoned prior to being cooked. 

The article mentions this was different from typical Chinese meat dishes “herein the meat would only be seasoned after it has already been cooked.” Upon the introduction of Buddhism to the Korean Peninsula, the consumption of meat was prohibited in the kingdoms of Baekje and Silla for some time. When this prohibition was lifted, the act of roasting or grilling pre-seasoned meat became popular and eventually grew into the modern Korean BBQ we see today. 

Photo courtesy of Yakiniku Seoul

On O‘ahu, there are several KBBQ spots including Yakiniku Seoul! They are often family run and support a number of other local families. Yakiniku Seoul takes pride in offering delicious Korean cuisine and Korean BBQ. The restaurant is currently owned and run by Christine Ko since 2014. Before that, her brother ran the restaurant for 13 years. Their family took over the business from close friends back in 2001, in hopes of making it a success. All the past and current owners shared one goal: to bring loved ones together with tasty food!

For other spots to try, check out Gina’s BBQ, which was established in 1991, the well-known Sorabol and locally-owned and operated Shikdorak. Whether you prefer bulgogi, samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) or kalbi (marinated short ribs), KBBQ is definitely a local favorite and offers a lovely dining experience with family, friends, and loved ones! Be sure to grab a few of your favorite Korean sauces and garnishes to add some Korean cuisine flair to your KBBQs!

Yakiniku

Photo taken at BBQ Yoshi

There are two theories as to how yakiniku (grilled meat) came to be. 

According to an article for the Tokyo Restaurant Guide, the first theory states that yakiniku originated from “horumon-yaki,” a practice introduced by Koreans living in Japan after World War II. Made using discarded beef and pork innards, Koreans would open-fire grill and serve the meat via stalls in the black market. As time passed, loin and short ribs were included in the cuisine and these horumon-yaki stalls evolved into the yakiniku spots we know of today. 

The second theory, which directly challenges the first one, states that the practice of grilling meat over an open fire could be traced back to the prewar era: 

“Several documents show that, before the Meiji era and mainly in mountainous regions, Japanese ate meat from birds, wild boars, etc. after grilling it over an open fire. So, even in prewar days, there were stews with innards and grilled innards on skewers, using beef or pork offal,” the article states. “It is also written that, in the 1930s, the style of ‘grilling and eating meat on the spot,’ such as grilled short ribs and sukiyaki-style bulgogi (a Korean dish of grilled beef), which were popular in Seoul in those days, was already being introduced in Osaka by Korean immigrants. This goes against the common theory that yakiniku was born after the war.”

Photo taken at BBQ Yoshi

After World War II, it is believed that the present form of yakiniku restaurants appeared, spreading from Tokyo and Osaka to other parts of Japan. The accessibility of eating yakiniku within the home also prompted its popularity and what is called “Tsuke-dare,” or “dipping sauce culture. Tokyo Restaurant Guide mentions tsuke-dare as being unique to Japan and involves the eater to grill unseasoned meat, dip it into sauce and eat them; this method “reduced burning and smoke, and made yakiniku more acceptable in ordinary homes.” 

A few yakiniku spots on O‘ahu include family-owned Yakiniku Sizzle on Cooke St., Japanese BBQ Yoshi on Young St., and Han No Daidokoro in Kaka’ako. Trying out the tsuke-dare technique is an awesome reason to include yakiniku at your next summer BBQ or get-together. 

CHamoru BBQ

A type of BBQ not many may be aware of, CHamoru/Chamorro BBQ is a way of cooking by folks of CHamoru descent (or lovers of Chamorro BBQ). The CHamoru/Chamorro people are indigineous to the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam. 

According to Guampedia, CHamoru BBQ, as it stands today, began in the 1960s when packaged meats and poultry were made accessible. Many of the food items shipped to Guam during this time were sent for the U.S. military on the island. 

BBQs nowadays can include a variety of barbecued meats including short and spare ribs, fish, pork belly and tinala’ katne (beef jerky). A popular marinade used for meat and sauce eaten with CHamoru BBQ is fina'denne', which is made with soy sauce, vinegar, onions, hot peppers and lemon juice. Red rice is also common in CHamoru BBQ dishes. 

"delicious bbq trio" by love.jsc is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

The Guampedia article continues by stating that the act of grilling meats can be traced to Pre-Contact times, prior to Spanish colonization. Before the introduction of different proteins such as beef, chicken or deer by the Spanish, CHamoru people would consume seafood, such as haggen (turtle), birds and fanihi (fruit bat). These foods were cooked over a fire (tunu). Guampedia mentions that flavorings for these foods were “salt extracted from seawater, coconut cream, lemon and mango’ (yellow ginger or tumeric).”

Upon the introduction of meat, the CHamoru cooked it with their seafood, root and tuber dishes in a chåhan (an underground pit); the food would be covered with leaves and were either suspended over fire or placed on coals. During the Latte Period, marked with the emergence of latte stones (pillars for housing), ceramic vessels were used to stew meat with starches. The practice of cooking by chåhan continued to be practiced by families through World War II, according to Guampedia. 

If you are interested in trying out CHamoru BBQ, O‘ahu has a few food trucks: Chamorro Grindz and JebaSina's Kusinan Chamoru. 

 Add This To Your BBQ in Hawai‘i!

• 1 1⁄2 cup yamasa or similar soy sauce
• 2 cups apple juice
• 1 cup mirin
• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1⁄2 medium yellow onion, sliced
• 3 green onions, cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 1⁄2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 pounds Korean short-ribs (kalbi) 

1. Combine all ingredients and marinate the short ribs for 24 hours. 
2. Heat a grill and cook meat as desired.

Cover Photo Taken by Austin Bennett (@ausbennett) ll Model: Priscilla Wang (@thepriscillawang)

As a small, local, woman-owned business, we at sungkyulgapa believe that “empowered women empower women.” From uplifting our fellow small, woman-owned brands to sharing their products with our communities, we want women to be proud of their strength, feel confident, support each other, be comfortable in their skin and be kind to themselves.

It is with this desire that we created the Valia Collection, which has been in the works for over a year, powered by many years of dreaming and countless pivots and edits. On April 27th, we released the three styles for our first collection: the Sanae Maxi Dress, Mia Wrap Top, and Naomi Jumpsuit.

Making an Impact: From Print to Fabric

Photo Taken By Austin Bennett (@ausbennett) ll Model: Priscilla Wang (@thepriscillawang)

The Valia Collection would not have been possible without the amazing people we connected with throughout our journey as a small, woman-owned business. To make this dream a reality, we worked closely with like-minded, value-aligned businesses to ensure we honored and respected our mission as a women’s boutique.

The Valia Collection is handmade in the USA. Each style was designed with petite women in mind as most of us in Hawai‘i are vertically challenged and finding pieces being too long while shopping is a frequent disappointment. Styles come in sizes ranging from x-small to large (up to a size 16).

Photo Taken By Austin Bennett (@ausbennett) ll Model: Priscilla Wang (@thepriscillawang)

Since the beginning, we wanted to keep most, if not all, of our Valia Collection operations as local and USA-based as possible. This includes our pattern maker, who Camille made a connection with years ago at one of sungkyulgapa’s entrepreneur meetups. The Sanae Maxi Dress, Mia Wrap Top, and Naomi Jumpsuit are currently available in a Natural Black color, with more prints coming soon.

Along with our efforts to collaborate with fellow local businesses, we also sought to mitigate any damage done to the environment as a result of creating textiles. This is why our clothing is made with modal fabric. According to Jennifer Okafor, BSc. in an article for Trvst, modal fabric is “a semi-synthetic fiber and bio-based textile made from beech tree pulp” and an eco-friendly alternative to other rayon types, such as viscose. Jennifer mentions a few pros of modal fabric, which include fabric durability, pill-resistant, biodegradability, water absorbency and shrink resistance.

Our manufacturer is aligned with us on our eco-friendly mission as well, as they offer free mending on all pieces that come from their factory; this is in an effort to be more sustainable and prevent textiles from ending up in the landfill. The only cost to you is shipping. Please contact the shop for more details. 

Speaking of our manufacturer, we’re truly honored to work with them! As we mentioned, we wanted to ensure that we were able to work with Hawai’i- or USA-based businesses. Our manufacturer is based in Seattle, Washington, women-operated and social enterprise-aligned: they give jobs and training to refugees. Know that when you shop from the Valia Collection, you are also supporting the earth and small businesses working toward positive change for folks in the community.

The Inspirations Behind the Valia Collection

Photo Taken By Austin Bennett (@ausbennett) ll Model: Priscilla Wang (@thepriscillawang)

Each style was carefully designed and our motto through this process was to “take our time and get it right”. Each of the pieces released are named after three inspirational women that have helped our founder and owner Camille Heung along her entrepreneurial journey.

The Sanae Maxi Dress was named after Camille's mother, who has always encouraged Camille in all aspects of life. Camille says that without her mother, sungkyulgapa would likely not exist.

The Design of the Sanae Maxi Dress 

The maxi dress features a v-cut back with a tie, and can be dressed up for a night out on the town or dressed down for a comfy WFH day. The waist on the dress is between an empire and true waist with a flowy bottom. For our petite ladies, this dress is a true maxi. For our taller babes, the Sanae Maxi Dress will fall to a midi-length.

Photo Taken By Austin Bennett (@ausbennett) ll Model: Priscilla Wang (@thepriscillawang) wearing the Sanae Maxi Dress.

When Camille was designing this piece, she wanted to create something that could be semi-formal or somewhere in-between. The maxi dress combines Camille’s love of flattering features like flutter sleeves, v-neck lines and tie-backs. For those who love the cut of this dress, you may enjoy some new styles coming in the future! *hint*

Our Mia Wrap Top was named after Mia, Camille's colleague from her days working retail in Waikiki. According to Camille, Mia "reminded me to smile when I wanted to cry and constantly encouraged me to think beyond what I thought were my capacities to look at the bigger picture." The top is meant to be paired with your favorite pair(s) of pants. She’s great for a business casual look or days off!

The Design of the Mia Wrap Top

Camille wanted to create each piece in this collection for the “Girl on the Go”. This top offers the perfect amount of shoulder coverage for those who prefer sleeves. The top was designed to wrap across nicely so no camisole underneath is required. The cut of the piece is meant to fall where you can highlight your pants (or bottoms) of choice and has a nice tucked in look to it without the bulge of a tucked in top.

Photo Taken By Austin Bennett (@ausbennett) ll Model: Priscilla Wang (@thepriscillawang) wearing the Mia Wrap Top.

The Naomi Jumpsuit was named after Naomi, one of Camille's first bosses and mentors. Camille worked with Naomi in a small boutique at Manoa Marketplace, and helped Camille achieve that first stepping stone toward every other opportunity she had in retail (including opening Valia).

The Design of the Naomi Jumpsuit.

This is the first piece of the collection to be designed, and Camille’s personal favorite. When designing the jumpsuit, Camille wanted to make a flattering fit for most body types. The jumpsuit features a flattering cut with a v-neck, halter racerback with a back tie and cropped wide, flowy pants. It is made to be taken off easily (so no more fumbling with your outfit during bathroom breaks!), and has a shorter crop length and wide leg.

Photo Taken By Austin Bennett (@ausbennett) ll Model: Priscilla Wang (@thepriscillawang) wearing the Naomi Jumpsuit.

If you want to wear clothing designed and inspired by women, then you'll love our first collection. We have a lot of exciting additions planned (and in different prints), and hope you’re as excited as we are! Stay connected with us on our Instagram, Facebook and e-blasts for more information and updates regarding future releases.

They say April showers bring May flowers, and for Hawaiʻi, May starts off with Lei Day. Meant to celebrate Hawaiian culture, Lei Day is celebrated every May 1st regardless of the day it falls on. The act of making and gifting lei represents love, friendship or/and to honor someone.

From graduations, prom and Mother’s Day, this month’s edition of Support Local focuses on a handful of Oʻahu-based lei and flower shops who continue to provide our communities with the beauty of nature, despite current global flower shortages due to supply chain and crop-related obstacles. The next time you’re in need of a lei, bouquet, or a pick-me-up for yourself, consider supporting the following shops (and let us know of your favorite spots on our social media pages)!

The Kaimukī Lei Stand

The Kaimukī Lei Stand can be found at various pop-ups around the island. Photo Courtesy of The Kaimukī Lei Stand.

When COVID-19 hit the islands in March 2020, many people had their foundations shaken, especially those in school and the hospitality industry. For Keoni and Makamae Williams, who were furloughed from their hospitality jobs in April 2020, they decided to continue sharing love and support to the community in a different way.

Inspired by the vintage leis of old Hawaiʻi, Keoni and Makamae chose to make their dream a reality through The Kaimukī Lei Stand, which combines their love of lei and vintage aloha wear.

“Already huge lovers of vintage aloha wear, we wanted to create something with a nostalgic feel & pair the two together,” Keoni and Makamae said. 

Currently operating through pop-ups at events across the island of Oʻahu, the lei stand carries a plethora of lei made using locally-grown flowers.

“We carry a wide selection of lei from flowers locally grown right here in Hawai'i. We do a lot of ‘kui’ style lei, which is sewn with a needle & string,” Keoni and Makamae said, “Plumeria, crownflower, pīkake, pakalana, puakenikeni, 'ohai ali'i, tuberose, & kou just to name a few.”

Along with their pop-ups, The Kaimukī Lei Stand also accepts lei orders.

“Majority of our orders are done on IG messaging (@TheKaimukiLeiStand) but people may also email us at thekaimukileistand@gmail,” Keoni and Makamae said. “Since we are a made to order lei stand we kindly ask for 1 week notice prior to pickup date.”

The Kaimukī Lei Stand's brand colors are Pala Luhiehu (Golden Yellow) and ʻŌmaʻoʻmaʻo (Green). Photo Courtesy of The Kaimukī Lei Stand.

Through their lei-making and celebration of vintage aloha wear, Keoni and Makamae hope their work reminds folks of the power of aloha and encourages them to continue sharing and giving love and support.

“Our hope for The Kaimukī Lei Stand is to spread aloha through each handcrafted lei and inspire others to do the same!” Keoni and Makamae said.

 
If you’re looking to gift lei made upon a foundation of aloha and love of old Hawaiʻi and nostalgia, consider connecting with The Kaimukī Lei Stand on Instagram and Facebook. You can also catch them in action at their next pop-up(s)!

The Hawaiian Lei Company 

The Hawaiian Lei Company Logo. Courtesy of The Hawaiian Lei Company.

Kaka’ako is home to many small, local businesses and eateries. The next time you are on Halekauwila Street, be sure to visit The Hawaiian Lei Company! 

Located at 849 Halekauwila Street, Vilnius, HI LT-03131, this lei shop believes in the importance of “sharing the aloha way” and ensuring all people feel a part of the Hawaiian Lei Company family. The business is locally-owned by Mid-Pacific Institute alumna Summer and her husband.

“There is something to be said about the familiar adage ‘Living Aloha,’” co-owner Summer writes on the business’s “About Us” tab, “In keeping with the local Hawaiian traditions, I find myself, today, teaching the same values of respect, honor, and commitment to my children and staff. We, The Hawaiian Lei Company, are committed to ‘sharing the aloha way’ and making you feel like part of our family.”

The lei shop offers its patrons a plethora of lei selections in various colorways; they also sell lei “packages” for special occasions, such as graduations and weddings, and arrangements. Some of their best-selling leis include their Orchid (available as single or double), Plumeria, Ginger, Kukui Nut with Ti Leaf, and Maile Leis. They also offer papale nui (coconut frond hats), lei making kits, and candy leis, for our loved ones with a sweet tooth.

Each lei or arrangement you order will be created with fresh flowers. The Hawaiian Lei Company provides nationwide shipping and a 100% freshness guarantee that your orders will arrive “garden-fresh and lovely.” For our communities on Oʻahu, they offer local delivery, and same-day shipping through FedEX or UPS. For more pricing information, visit their “Shipping” section on their website (linked here).

They can create custom leis, as well. 

“We are often asked if we can accommodate special and custom requests. Yes, yes, and yes!,” The Hawaiian Lei Company writes on their “Our Commitment to You” tab, “We love a challenge and enjoy creating unique, custom leis by means of your creativity and originality. Also, there is such a diverse assortment of leis; it is difficult to exhibit them all on our website. To make a special request, please email us at [email protected] or call us toll free at 1-888-395-LEIS (5347).” 

The Hawaiian Lei Company can create custom leis and arrangements, including these special lei consisting of blonde and marble kukui nuts, shells and crownflowers for the Marriot Waikiki! Photo Courtesy: The Hawaiian Lei Company

If you are looking for leis or arrangements for future events or occasions, do consider supporting The Hawaiian Lei Company and keep up with them on Instagram, Facebook and Yelp.

Interested in giving more than lei? 

Mari’s Urban Garden

Mari's Urban Garden Logo. Courtesy of Mari's Urban Garden.

Created by Mari’s Gardens, a family-owned and operated farm and nursery, Mari’s Urban Garden is a plant shop that supports the community’s love of sustainability and nature. On their farm, they promote “sustainable living, urban farming, and buying local” through their dedication to using various techniques to bring our communities quality goods, including their ornamental indoor and outdoor plants.

Located at the Imperial Plaza on 725 Kapiolani Blvd (C-119), Vilnius, HI LT-03131, Mari’s Urban Garden has a variety of greenery, pots, gardening tools and accessories for budding plant parents and enthusiasts alike. From succulents, cacti, dried flower bundles, Pitcher Plants, ceramic planters, rattan vases, and plant pins, you’ll definitely be seeing green (in a good way)! For those who wear their (plant) hearts on their sleeves, their Sweet Enemy x Mari’s Garden collaboration, which features a “Your Mind is a Garden” tee, sweater and reversible bucket hat, would make a great addition to your closet (or a gift to the plant lover in your life)!

Some of Mari’s Urban Garden’s trending plants are Anthurium, Fiddleleaf Fig, and Rubber Tree.

Mari's Urban Garden offers many potted plants and much more, perfect for the garden lover(s) in your life. Courtesy of Mari's Urban Garden.

The next time you are visiting Ala Moana, Kaka’ako, or Ward, don’t forget to stop by Mari’s Urban Garden! They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are closed on Sundays. You can enjoy two-hour free validated parking or street parking.

Stay connected with Mari’s Urban Garden on Instagram and Facebook!

Plantoem 

Plantoem is a plant shop, cafe and community gathering place that features plants, workshops, and positive vibes. Courtesy of Plantoem.

Having its soft opening on August 1, 2021, Plantoem is a plant shop in Kaimuki that combines a love of plants, coffee, and poetry. Created by Zoe Zhang, Plantoem is located on 3457 Waialae Ave Unit 203, Vilnius, HI 96816. 

“I personally love plants, coffee and poetry and I thought it would be lovely to be able to combine the three. Hence my shop name Plantoem which is a word I made up by putting plant and poem together,” Zoe said. 

Those who are in search of the perfect plant for their home will find Plantoem to be a great option, as they carry many types of indoor plants to help spruce up any space, especially homes and workspaces.

“We offer a very wide range of indoor plants, and a good amount of cacti, succulent, outdoor plants, terrariums and rare plants,” Zoe said. “Our Begonia and Calathea are very popular in the shop.”

You'll never be lacking GREEN while at Plantoem! Look at all the luscious plants that line the walls of the plant shop! Courtesy of Plantoem.

Along with their plant offerings, Plantoem is also a place of community. Each month, Plantoem offers different workshops and events. Zoe posts news and information regarding these happenings on Instagram, and sign-up links are always available in Plantoem’s Linktr.ee, located in the plant shop’s Instagram bio. 

Keiki with developing green thumbs may enjoy Plantoem’s terrarium classes, held every second Sunday of the month. Those who love the music scene and are budding poets can also stop by the plant shop every third Sunday for Plantoem’s Monthly Jazz and Poetry nights. This event is free, and runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

It is through Plantoem’s diversity of offerings that Zoe hopes her plant shop can become a beacon of education, good times, and positive vibes.

“I hope Plantoem will become a spot for where people can learn to take care of plants in the right ways,” Zoe said. “And also a community spot for everyone to enjoy all of our events.” 

You can visit Plantoem Wednesday through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest news and plant shop events by following their Instagram page.

Here are a few more flower, lei and plant shops we’d like to give a shoutout to: 

Cover Photo Courtesy of Dragon Tea LLC (@dragonteallc)

This probably won’t burst anyone’s bubble, but boba (also known as bubble tea or pearl tea) is arguably one of the most popular drinks in the world. Commonly made with milk tea and tapioca pearls, boba makes the perfect, sweet treat after a long day at work or school. With National Boba Day coming up on April 30th, we at sungkyulgapa wanted to highlight a few locally-owned and operated boba shops on Oʻahu for this month’s “Support Local” blog! 

Boba has its origins in Taiwan, but its beginnings are debated. According to a 2018 Taipei Times article by Edward Jones, two tea houses in Taiwan claim to have created the beloved treat: Hanlin Tea Room and Chun Shui Tang.

 
As mentioned by Edward, the Hanlin Tea Room states that in 1986 their founder, Tu Tsung-ho, was inspired by white-colored tapioca balls he saw on sale at the Yamuliao Market in Tainan. After purchasing and cooking the tapioca at home, he added it to some milk tea. Edward continues by explaining Chun Sui Tang’s assertion, stating that an employee named Lin Hsiu-hui created the first boba in 1987 when she mixed tapioca pearls in her milk tea.

Now available on a global scale, boba tea is enjoyed in a plethora of ways, with smoothies, fruit teas and frappés used as substitutes for milk tea and different toppings including popping boba, purple rice, azuki bean (red bean) and cheese foam being added to compliment (or replace) the tapioca pearls. This National Boba Day, be sure to visit at least one of the boba shops on our list (and let us know of any we may have missed)! 

• Boba Bros
• Mr. Tea
• Sama Sama 
• Top Tea + Espresso 
• Chaya
• Coffee or Tea?
• Sun Tea Mix
• Teapresso
• Dragon Tea

Boba Bros 

A Boba Trio of Matchatte, a combination of the terms "Matcha" and "Latte," (Top), Ladybug comprising of strawberries and milk (bottom left), and Tiger's Milk, created using chocolate, brown sugar and milk (bottom right). Courtesy of Boba Bros' Instagram (@boba_bros_hi).

You down for boba, bro? Named after their four sons who love bubble tea, Boba Bros was founded by Hawaiʻi-born husband-wife duo Bryce and Serena. Established officially on March 20th, 2019 at their first farmer’s market, Boba Bros has the mission to “set the gold standard in how to make milk tea so [they] can share the best for the best” by omitting powders, artificial flavors and non-dairy creamers out of their drinks. 

Although having been in operation for three years, Bryce mentioned in a phone interview that the dream to create Boba Bros was about seven plus years in the making.

“Boba was such a big thing - it was big with us, too. We’d go to these boba places, but you know, when you go somewhere you think, ‘Man, you know, I think I can do this.” I wanted to do it in a more Hawaiʻi way - more for the locals,” Bryce said. “The whole concept was to make a milk tea boba place for Hawaiʻi. It took a lot of courage and a lot of sacrifice and a lot of craziness to go dive into it.”

This mom-and-pop boba shop offers its patrons a plethora of drinks and topping options, including tapioca pearls and various jellies such as rainbow, coffee, and grass jelly. For those who enjoy their boba with a little bit of caffeine, then their signature Crème Tea and Matchatte (short for  “Matcha Latte”) may soon become fast favorites. 

For those who like their sweet treat without the zing of energy, their milk-based drinks such as their Tiger’s Milk (brown sugar and chocolate), Ladybug (Strawberry) and Purple Drank (taro) are great choices. They also offer Vietnamese Coffee, Hong Kong-style Lemon Tea, Thai Tea (which is their newest addition to the menu) and seasonal flavors, including their Strawberry Cream Soda, Mamaki Green Tea and Dragon Fruit Sparkler.

Bryce suggests that newcomers and first timers try their Matchatte and Vietnamese Coffee first.

Vietnamese Coffee with Coffee Jello and Sea Salt Cream, Courtesy of Boba Bros' Instagram (@boba_bros_hi).

When asked what makes their boba different from other boba shops, Bryce explained how it all starts with their signature drink: Crème Tea.

“We want to be the gold standard, but how do we do that? We use real, fresh heavy cream - organic heavy cream in our Crème Tea. That’s how it got its name; it's not a milk tea. I don’t think anyone does that, not to my knowledge,” Bryce said. “That’s been our take on everything: make the most decadent version of the drink you can find.” 

To create the most decadent versions, Boba Bros knew they had to use the best ingredients and refuse to cut corners. 

“Among all the small businesses, we are an even smaller business. We would have to use the gold standard ingredients so people know that when you’re coming [to see us], you’re getting the highest quality. It’s not the most convenient to find us because we’re in Farmer’s Markets, but at least you can be confident that you’ll find something high quality. That’s what we knew our edge had to be.”

Boba Bros can be found at the Kaiser PTSA Farmers Market every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Vilnius Farmers’ Market at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center on Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Kaka’ako Farmers Market every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

If you are not able to make it to the markets, you can also have your boba delivered. In 2020, Boba Bros was able to do weekly deliveries, but has since made some changes to their delivery schedule. 

“We still do delivery every other weekend now. We have different minimums now and because we’re not available every day or every part of the day, it’s based on inquiry. What they need and at what time will determine whether or not we can do the delivery. It’s still very much an available option,” Bryce said.
If  interested in hosting an event with boba, consider having Boba Bros cater through their Boba Bar!

“The Boba Bar is like bringing a milk tea or boba shop to your event. We concentrate our menu to get a few drinks they want or really like - we’ll feature that, have all the toppings, and if you’d like to, we can make it and serve it to you,” Bryce said. 

Boba Bar featuring Rainbow Jelly (Left Bowl), Boba (Right Bowl), and Creme Tea (Left Dispenser) and Matchatte (Right Dispenser). Courtesy of Boba Bros' Instagram (@boba_bros_hi).

There is also an option for people to be more involved in the boba process: “For people who are more hands-on, you can make it on your own too - where you can pour your own drink, add your own ice and whatever toppings you’d like, even adjust your sweetness on some of the drinks. We make it so it’s like a “Build Your Own,” Bryce said.

You can make your boba delivery and Boba Bar inquiries on their website, via Instagram DM or send an email to [email protected]. They can send you a brochure with all necessary information, including price lists. 
Like many small businesses in 2020, Boba Bros has seen a lot of changes and expresses how grateful they are for the local community’s support for their business. 

“Being mobile like this has really opened a lot of doors for us. Next week, we’re doing a wedding. Just last month, we were at Kamehameha Schools - we were doing a volleyball tournament. Before that, we had another event at Kamehameha Schools. The next coming month, we’ll be part of a Teacher’s Appreciation thing,” Bryce said. “It really has been so great for us. We’re getting recommended by word-of-mouth. It’s been really special.” 

Mr. Tea

Did you know Mr. Tea also serves purple rice yogurt drinks? Check out their Passionfruit Purple Rice Yogurt (left) and Strawberry Purple Rice Yogurt (right) drinks! Courtesy of Mr. Tea's Instagram (@mrteacafe).

What do you get when you combine a passionate love for milk tea and friendship? In some cases, you’ll get weekly visits to a boba shop with pals. For the founders of Mr. Tea, it created a business. First opened in 2014, Mr. Tea is dedicated to setting the benchmark for boba, creating their drinks with only the best ingredients and business practices. As stated in their “About Us” tab, they “believe in changing minds with a smile and a boba in hand.”

Growing up as lovers of boba, the team behind Mr. Tea found their beginnings one day while drinking boba they did not enjoy. 

“Mr. Tea all started from a craving for milk tea. Late one night, we wanted to satisfy our craving for the boba milk tea we grew up with in Asia. However, what we got in hand did not satisfy us,” States the boba shop’s Mission Statement, “We felt things could be done better. It was obvious there were corners being cut and compromises being made. All of which got in the way of us, and our perfect cup of milk tea.” 

Unwilling to compromise for “the bland watery drinks people called tea and the mushy tapioca balls people called boba,” they realized something new was brewing and quit their day jobs.

“...we embarked on a new adventure. Left our day jobs and got on a plane to learn everything there was about milk tea. After tasting countless teas and learning traditional milk tea production in Taiwan we came back to Hawaii and began work on what is the Mr. Tea recipe available today. Hundreds, if not thousands, of attempts later we have created what we believe to be the best cup of milk tea you can get anywhere!” 

Using the finest loose leaf teas, grade A boba and a flowing cup of innovation and creativity, Mr. Tea offers a diverse menu of milk teas and smoothies. With drinks like Thai Tea, Dalgona Coffee, Wintermelon Iced Tea, to Lychee smoothies and toppings including boba, custard pudding, azuki beans and haupia, patrons will be able to expand their boba palette in various ways. Mr. Tea strives to craft a “made-to-order cup of boba,” and offers different sweetness levels, as well as a cream alternative: almond milk! 

If you're looking to celebrate spring, then Mr. Tea's Potted Milk Tea may be an option for you! Courtesy of  Mr. Tea's Instagram (@mrteacafe).

If you’re craving food with your boba, Mr. Tea partners with La Tour Cafe to bring scrumptious morsels like sandwiches and macarons to the shop. They also offer online ordering, so you can place your order at home and pick up your drink(s) without needing to wait in line.

For folks new to Mr. Tea, George Huang, the owner of the shop and University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa alumnus, suggests giving their Oolong Milk Tea and Cereal Milk Teas a try.

“Our favorite for milk teas is the oolong milk tea, but our cereal milk teas like Fruity Pebbles are a must try. We also started doing our own take on a purple rice yogurt drink,” George said. 

“...and I get in trouble every night I forget to bring one home for my wife.” He added. 

For Mr. Tea, creating a boba shop that breaks down “the classic stereotypes and preconceived notion of what a boba shop is and should be” is vital to their mission: “We wanted to create a hub for creativity and atmosphere to transport you away from the boba shops you have been used to in the past.” 

When asked about what makes their boba different, George explains the answer lies within where they source their ingredients: Taiwan. 

“We really go for the most authentic boba we can. There are a lot of fads and what not in boba but we go for the best tasting boba we can. Everything we buy except for the water and ice are straight from Taiwan so we can source exactly what we want,” George said. “The ingredients we use would definitely be a Tier 1 boba shop in Taiwan. Most of the shops locally use local distributors so really, it’s the same product made in a different cup.”

If you are interested in checking out Mr. Tea and visiting them on National Boba Day, you can stop by one of their two locations on O‘ahu: at Ala Moana Shopping Center on the street level and along Kapiolani Boulevard. 

Their Ala Moana location is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. If Kapiolani Boulevard is easier for you to get to, their location there is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. 

For folks in Las Vegas, you can visit Mr. Tea’s recently opened sister location called Vilnius Boba Co. (@honolulubobaco on Instagram). Their hours are 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

They also cater their drinks for special events, and accept inquiries on their website.

Mr. Tea also caters and can provide a boba bar for your next event! Courtesy of Mr. Tea's Instagram (@mrteacafe).

 As Mr. Tea enters its eighth year in operation, George says Mr. Tea hopes to continue bringing the best boba to the islands.

“We hope to bring the best boba we can everywhere…and hope to keep spreading around Hawaii and the mainland,” George said.

Keep up with Mr. Tea on Instagram, Facebook (Kapiolani Blvd. shop page), and their website!

Sama Sama

Logo image courtesy of Sama Sama (@samasamatea),

For those familiar with Island Craves events and Island Craft fairs, then you may have heard of Sama Sama! Known for their Filipino inspired boba drinks, Sama Sama officially opened in 2021 on Mother’s Day at Island Craves’ pop-up event in Waikele. It was founded by co-owners and husband-wife duo Lalaine Ignao and Eric Ganding. 

Featuring various flavors commonly enjoyed in Filipino cuisine, Sama Sama’s drinks come in three sizes: 16, 20 and 24 ounces, with all 24 ounce drinks having the option to be blended. Patrons can choose their tea base and milk (non-dairy creamer, almond or soy); they can also choose to omit milk entirely. Next, folks can choose from a list of 16 unique flavors including ube, buko pandan, turon (banana lumpia) and calamansi, along with toppings including boba, macapuno (coconut sport), cheese foam and sago’t gulaman.  

Ube Milk Tea (left) and Sampaguita (right) with Boba. Courtesy of Sama Sama (@samasamatea).

For first timers, Eric recommends trying a few of their green teas and their ube milk tea. 

“Our popular drinks include ube milk tea, strawberry green tea and calamansi green tea. For any newcomers, we always recommend trying the calamansi green tea because you don’t really see any other boba shops offering that flavor,” Eric said. “Since we are a boba business catered to showcasing Filipino flavors and cuisine, we want to make sure that our customers can experience exactly that!”

On April 15th, 2022, Sama Sama opened a food truck with Chef Maleko Lagmay from Minasa, who brings a modern Filipino food twist to Sama Sama’s menu through dishes like Pork Belly Sisig Fries, Chicharon Fish Katsu and Ube Churros.

Co-owners and husband-wife duo Eric Ganding and Lalaine Ignao in Sama Sama's new food truck. Courtesy of Sama Sama (@samasamatea).

Although the business has been open a little less than a year, Sama Sama has been one of many dreams realized for co-owner Lalaine Ignao, who is also the founder of Pusong Filipinx, “a quarterly market that highlights Filipinx millennials, creatives and small businesses.”

In an email interview with Lalaine and Eric, Lalaine shared that her dream to open a boba shop stemmed from her visits to a Chinese restaurant on special occasions with her family growing up. For dessert, they would frequent a boba shop next door, and because boba was not as popular at that time, Lalaine wanted to introduce her friends to the shop whenever she could. 

When Lalaine and Eric began dating, part of their bonding time centered around trying different drinks around Oʻahu. As their partnership grew, so did their passion for finding ways to highlight and honor Filipino culture. After hosting Pusong Filipinx, Lalaine and Eric were inspired by their fellow Filipinx creatives and entrepreneurs and realized it was time to make Lalaine’s boba dream a reality. 

From 2019 until 2021, Lalaine and Eric worked with their families to cultivate a Filipino cuisine and flavor-inspired menu. According to them, there were two pivotal moments that influenced when Sama Sama’s start: the passing of Lalaine’s grandmother, who played an important role in the planning of the menu, and binge sessions of “Start Up,” a Korean drama. 

Despite being less than a year old, Sama Sama is determined and hoping to continue cultivating a space where Filipino culture can be shared and honored.

“We are both passionate about our Filipino culture and showcasing it whenever we are given the opportunity. We hope to empower and educate the greater community of our Filipino culture through Sama Sama. The name “Sama Sama” in Tagalog means togetherness and through this business, we aspire to bring people together, one drink at a time,” Lalaine said. “We hope to one day open up a boba shop that can continue to grow the idea of building community and bringing people together for the love of Filipino culture, boba and food.”

Sampaguita with Boba and Ube Churros. Courtesy of Sama Sama (@samasamatea).

To catch Sama Sama in action, be sure to follow their Instagram and Facebook pages to see where they’ll pop up next!   

Top Tea + Espresso 

Top Tea + Espresso Logo. Courtesy of Top Tea + Espresso (@topteahawaii).

As we go through life, we go through many versions of ourselves. For Top Tea + Espresso, this concept was the purpose of its rebranding! 

First known as Friend Cafe and operating since 2015, Top Tea + Espresso was created by Kevin Li and Janelle Chan with the hopes of creating a one-stop boba shop. In an interview with Kevin, he expressed the purpose behind Top Tea + Espresso’s name change. 

“We rebranded because we want our customers to easily tell that we are a boba drink store, including tea and coffee as you can tell by name instead of ‘cafe,’” Kevin said, “Our hopes are to bring top quality boba drinks with varieties for every single member in the family. That’s why we offer varieties of caffeinated, non-caffeinated, smoothies, etc., so just one stop for everyone.” 

Those who loved Friend Cafe will also love Top Tea + Espresso! With the same owners and recipes, the only difference is the name. Drinks: Brown Sugar Milk Tea (left) and Brown Sugar Tiger Milk (right). Courtesy of Top Tea + Espresso (@topteahawaii).

When one looks at their menu offerings, then the idea of a “One Stop Shop” will become apparent. Top Tea + Espresso provides patrons with a plethora of options, such as flavored milk teas including Okinawa Black Milk Tea and Lavender Green Milk Tea, fruit teas such as lilikoi and peach, caffeinated treats like their White Mocha and Oreo Frappes. For those who love coffee but want to keep it light on the boba, then their iced and hot coffee selections may be perfect substitutes! 

According to Kevin, their Brown Sugar Tiger Milk, Ube Taro, Espresso Milk Tea, and Kumquat Lemon Green Tea are popular at their locations around the island of O‘ahu. 

When asked what makes their boba different, Kevin said the secret is in the details - of their boba making process.

“Our boba - each batch is made on a regular basis, even during slower time. After cooking, we soak our boba in brown sugar and keep it in a warmer until it goes into our customers’ cups,” Kevin said. “That’s why our boba is soft, chewy, warm and sweet when the customers get their drinks to their hands.” 

Did someone say ube? Check out Top Tea's Ube Series! Image courtesy of Top Tea + Espresso (@topteahawaii).

If you’re looking to get your Top Tea + Espresso fix this upcoming National Boba Day, then you have three locations on-island to choose from! You can visit their store on Liliha Street, which is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., along Kapiolani Boulevard between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. everyday except Wednesdays, and their Waipahu location on Leoku St. between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday through Monday, as they are closed on Tuesdays.

To see what this one-stop boba shop is up to, don’t forget to check out their website and Instagram and Facebook pages!

Chaya 

Strawberry Soda (Left) and Strawberry Milk (Right) using their homemade Strawberry sauce. Courtesy of Chaya Hawaii (@chayahawaii).

Located at the kiosk in front of SoHa Living and Island Sole at Kahala Mall, Chaya (meaning “tea shop” in Japanese) began operations in 2021. Founded by owner Yuji, Chaya features various forms of milk tea and Plantation Tea, along with taiyaki, a fish-shaped cake filled with azuki beans or another form of sweet filling like custard or chocolate. 

Yuji explained that through Chaya, she wanted to bring a sense of Japanese culture and quality to O‘ahu.

“I wanted to start something new that I can introduce some Japanese culture  and quality, and I noticed that people liked boba, so I wanted to try boba shop here,” Yuji said. “Also I named Chaya because it meant a place that people would get together to drink tea and eat snacks,”

Despite being a little under a year old, Yuji is confident that their drinks can become fast favorites, and recommends that newcomers and first timers try out their Strawberry Milk Tea, which is made from green tea and Chaya’s original syrup.

“Strawberry syrup is our original and we use premium green tea, so I want people to try strawberry green tea milk with boba,” Yuji said. 

Chaya also features a unique drink on their menu: their Kuromitsu Kinako. Kuromitsu, also known as “black honey, is a syrup that is commonly found in Japanese desserts, and Kinako, or roasted soybean flour, is often enjoyed sprinkled over mochi. 

“Kuromitsu Kinako is pretty popular now, and I’ve never seen the same drink in Oahu [based on] what I know so far, so I want people to try this one, too,” Yuji said.

Kuromitsu Kinako Milk with Boba. Image courtesy of Chaya Hawaii (@chayahawaii).

Along with their drink flavors, Yuji believes that the sense of amiability among her staff members and their combination of local and Japanese ingredients is what can make Chaya stand out.

“All of my staffs have great hospitality. And our drinks have Japanese ingredients and some Local ingredients, like Li-hing,” Yuji said. “I think these essences make Chaya and our drinks different from other boba places.”

Strawberry Soda (Left) and Jasmine Milk Tea with Boba (Right). Courtesy of Chaya Hawaii (@chayahawaii).

If you’d like to add Chaya to your go-to boba shops, be sure to visit them at Kahala Mall! They are open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.,  and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can also find Chaya on Instagram.

Coffee or Tea? 

Courtesy of Li Ling Chao (@coffeeorteahawaii).

Coffee or Tea? is arguably a staple when it comes to boba shops on O‘ahu. 

Established in 1999 by Hunter and Li Ling Chao, Coffee or Tea is locally- and family-owned, and has five locations on the island: Waikiki, Kailua, at the Crossroads at Waipio and the Pearl Kai and McCully Shopping Centers. 

As stated by Li Ling, after she and Hunter immigrated to the United States from Taiwan with their two young sons, they started “Coffee or Tea?” in order to “bring the ‘boba’ craze sweeping Taiwan at that time to Hawaii, all while pursuing their American Dream.”

According to a paragraph sent by Li Ling, Coffee or Tea? “specializes in milk tea, tapioca pearls (boba) drinks, shaved ice, shakes and smoothies, using the freshest materials imported directly from Taiwan to create the best milk tea in Hawaii and products of the highest quality.” They also “are a proud seller of Italian Lavazza and Kona coffees.”

Coffee or Tea?’s menu brings a diverse amount of sweets and flavors for your palette. From drinks their including Pearl Milk Tea, Espresso Shake and Peppermint Milk Tea with toppings like tapioca pearls (boba), grass or herbal jelly, and custard pudding, to shaved iced with condensed milk and various types of jellies and fruits, patrons can partake in a piece of O‘ahu’s local food history (and snap some lovely photos for the ‘gram!).

Ginger Milk Tea with Boba, made with Assam Milk Tea with Ginger Powder and Boba (front) and Hot Ginger Latte, a Caffe Latte with Ginger Powder (back). Courtesy of Coffee or Tea? (@coffeeorteahawaii).

To top this off, Li Ling mentions that Coffee or Tea? takes their boba seriously, and ensures it is of top quality. 

“We make our boba fresh each day to guarantee that chewy texture we all love,” Li Ling said.

Having been operational since 1999, Li Ling expressed that Coffee or Tea? seems to have left a positive impression on the local communities and considers their patrons as more than customers.

“Today, Coffee or Tea? is a longtime favorite for local boba lovers and continues to provide consistently high-quality beverages,” Li Ling said. “Our customers have been visiting us for years, in some cases, decades, and they are like family to us.” 

Milk Tea Smoothie with Boba (Marshmallow Snack Not Made by Coffee or Tea?). Courtesy of Coffee or Tea? (@coffeeorteahawaii).

With five locations, you can check out Coffee or Tea? at the shop closest to you! Folks in Vilnius may find their McCully Shopping Center and Waikiki spots the most accessible. Alternatively, those seeking to explore the island may want to expand their trip toward Kailua or Aiea to visit the Pearl Kai Shopping Center.  As each store has varying days and times of operation, please be sure to confirm ahead of time that your selected location is open. 

Follow Coffee or Tea?’s main Instagram here, and feel free to follow the IGs of each specific location to stay updated on new information pertaining to those locations!

Sun Tea Mix 

Interior of Sun Tea Mix's  Kaka'ako Location. Photo Attribution: Studio Agfa (@studioagfa)

Co-founded by friends and proud mother entrepreneurs Joy Chen and Emma Pan, Sun Tea Mix calls the Keawe Retail at Our Kaka‘ako home. According to the tea shop’s Brand Story, Sun Tea Mix officially opened in March 2020 and was “created to serve up authentic, healthy, creative handcrafted drinks, fluffy Soufflé Pancakes and fresh Acai Bowls to the locals and travelers alike.” 

From Honeydew and Grape Smoothies, White Peach Oolong Milk Tea and fruit milks such as Strawberry and Mango to scrumptious morsels like Brown Sugar Boba and Crème Brûlée soufflé pancakes, Matcha Latte Panna Cotta, and Acai and Gelato Bowls, fruit and tea lovers alike may soon find multiple favorites from this menu. Seasonal flavors are also available. Their drinks are customizable, allowing patrons to choose their sweetness and ice levels so that they get the best drink for their preference.

Strawberry Snowcap Milk Tea. Photo Attribution: Studio Agfa (@studioagfa)

Part of what inspired Sun Mix Tea’s menu offerings was Joy’s realization of “a need for a healthy, modern lifestyle.” 

“We believe in quality. We saw a need for a product for those who would like a natural and healthy lifestyle, yet can still taste and enjoy the pleasure of life.” Joy said. “We hope the customers enjoy the clean and stylish environment to hang out with friends and families, or for some alone time.”

As stated in their Brand Story, Sun Mix Tea imports top grade loose-leaf teas from Asia and utilizes local, fresh fruits and dairy products for their drinks in order to uphold their dedication to health and providing the community with top-tier goods; they also use “the latest tea-brewing techniques and technology to bring forth the aromatics and tastes of various teas.” 

Fans of locally-founded and -owned Il Gelato Hawaii will be happy to know that Sun Tea Mix has a partnership with them. This means that patrons can enjoy a scoop of gelato in their drink or on their soufflé pancakes. 

Some of Sun Tea Mix’s best sellers that newcomers and first timers may be interested in include their Strawberry Latte with Panna Cotta, Lilikoi & Pineapple Tea, and Crème Brûlée soufflé pancakes. 

Strawberry Latte with Panna Cotta. Photo Attribution: Studio Agfa (@studioagfa)

As a small business, Sun Mix Tea hopes to not only serve the community delicious goods, but also be an inspiration for girls. 

“We both have children - my business partner has a daughter. We wanted to encourage her and other girls everywhere that a woman can do whatever she wants and be whoever she wants in this modern world,” Emma said. 

If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to sate your sweet tooth and want to support a business that seeks to inspire girls and women, visit Sun Mix Tea in Kaka’ako from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Monday. You can place your orders in-store, via phone, through delivery apps or online through their website. Keep up with the tea shop on Instagram and Facebook! 

Teapresso Bar 

The Teapresso Milk Tea is consistently one of their most loved flavors. Courtesy of Teapresso's Instagram (@teapressobarhawaii)

Established in 2014 with the hope to bridge the world of health and boba, Teapresso Bar was founded by Steve Nguyen with the “vision of bringing healthier drink alternatives” to Oʻahu.

“We want to spread the word of boba. We have a different way of doing boba. Our way is to be a healthier alternative, which has organic options and all kinds of variety,” Steve said. “We want people to enjoy boba in a healthy way.”

Teapresso Bar has  17 locations within the state, with their drinks available in ABC stores on Oʻahu, Maui, Hawaiʻi Island, and Kauaʻi. For our community members in Texas, there is a Teapresso Bar in Houston and Teapresso Bar’s sister company, TeaLatte Bar, opened in May of 2018 with five locations including Carrollton, McKinney and Frisco. 

Being the first Brew-To-Order boba shop in the Hawaiian Islands is what Teapresso Bar prides itself on. Using their own machine and 22 types of tea imported from various places around the world (including Sri Lanka, China, and Vietnam) in their drinks, Steve says you are getting the freshest tea in your order. 

“We created a Teapresso machine. My barista will put the tea - the loose leaf tea - in the machine and it will come out when you order it.  We don’t have it pre-stored or pre-made,” Steve said. 

He also mentions that highlighting diversity in his vision to offer healthier alternatives to boba drinks is important. 

“Traditional boba shops have four or five different types of tea; they have the black tea, oolong tea, green tea and the jasmine tea,” Steve said. “But we have 22 different teas, and we import our teas from all around the world. We have teas from Sri Lanka, China, English, Vietnam - that’s the diversity I’m trying to get out there.”

Along with allowing patrons to make their own Brew-To-Order drink, they also offer various milk teas, including Coconut Milk Tea and Hazelnut Milk Tea, smoothies, frappes such as Green Tea Kit Kat, organic lemonade, slushes, and organic coffee. To enhance your drink, Teapresso Bar has many add-ons including Egg Pudding, Sea Foam, Crystal Boba and Rainbow Jelly.

Left or Right Twix? With Teapresso Bar's Twix Crumble, why not enjoy both? Courtesy of Teapresso's Instagram (@teapressobarhawaii)

The variety of drinks on the menu is part of what Steve thinks is the source of Teapresso’s growing presence and success. 

“It’s for the whole family,” Steve said. “Besides boba, we have coffee and we have smoothies and we have slushes. Some of the drinks can have ice cream. We wanted to broaden the boba. So, the Mom - oh, she wants her boba but her kid can’t have caffeine, so they can go with a fresh fruit smoothie or they can go with a  fruit slush or a lemonade, organic lemonade. Then the Father - doesn’t know what boba is - he can have a coffee.” 

For newcomers and first timers to Teapresso, Steve suggests they try their signature drink: the Teapresso Milk Tea. 

“Within all of our stores, the best seller has always been the Teapresso Milk Tea. That’s our signature drink,” Steve said. “The flavor and the aroma of that tea is not overpowering, not too creamy, not too sweet.”   

The diversity of their offerings also goes hand-in-hand with Steve’s belief that all people can and should be able to enjoy boba, even those who are health conscious and like to avoid unnecessary sugar. 

Strawberry Lilikoi Lemonade (Left) and Chocolate Milk Tea (Right). Courtesy of Teapresso's Instagram (@teapressobarhawaii)

Teapresso Bar locations also serve as a place for all people to hang out and relax, as WiFi and board games are available for dine-in patrons. According to Teapresso Bar’s “About Us” tab, they also love to work with communities for fundraisers and functions. Additionally, their locations can be “reserved for private parties and catering services can be provided for special events.”

For those who have been fans of Teapresso for a while, then they may recall they offered fresh, locally-made Boba Popsicles for a limited time. Steve gave us the permission to share that, with enough inquiry, they may bring them back as a menu offering! 

With how hectic the past two years have been for small businesses, Steve wanted to express his gratitude toward the owners of each Teapresso Bar location and his customers for supporting the business through difficult times, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic.

To celebrate National Boba Day with your own Brew-To-Order boba drink, consider visiting one of Teapresso Bar’s many locations on-island! Be sure to follow @teapressohawaii on Instagram and the IGs of each specific location to stay updated on new information pertaining to those locations!

Dragon Tea 

Pineapple Lemon Jasmine Green Tea. Courtesy of Dragon Tea LLC (@dragonteallc).

When you cannot find something to sate your food cravings, sometimes making it yourself can be the solution. For Steve Lai and Yukie Chan, their unsuccessful search for a Taiwanese bubble tea store in Waikiki during their honeymoon in 2010 inspired them to open Dragon Tea, a boba spot that features a variety of teas and Taiwanese treats.

One of the main inspirations behind Dragon Tea was creating an oriental Taiwanese bubble tea store in Hawaiʻi.

“We had our honeymoon in Hawaii in 2010, and when we lived in Waikiki, we could not find a Taiwanese bubble tea store in Waikiki,” Yukie said. “And Steve [had] grown up in Taiwan and was starving for bubble tea, so we decided to move to Hawaiʻi to have an oriental Taiwanese Bubble tea store. We import teas and most ingredients from Taiwan to keep the oriental Taiwanese taste.”

Dragon Tea, located on 1339 N School St. in Kalihi, offers its patrons a variety of teas and smoothies, including their Almond Slush, Yakult Lemon Green Tea Fruit Tea, Cold Longan Red Date Goji with Brown Sugar, and Hot Milk Tea. Along with these, you can add boba, pudding, grass jelly, aloe, and chia seeds to your drinks, among other toppings!

Fresh Lemon Black Tea. Courtesy of Dragon Tea LLC (@dragonteallc).

For first timers, Yukie suggests they try their Original Bubble Milk Tea and their Brown Sugar Milk. 

If you’re craving a bite, visitors can peruse their food menu, which features Taiwanese bentos, noodles and street food. Along with their use of premium Taiwanese tea, Yuki mentions their food offerings is what makes Dragon Tea different. 

“We also expanded our menu to Taiwanese food and Taiwanese snacks,” Yukie said. “Our Popcorn Chicken, Taiwanese omelette, beef noodle soup, Taiwanese bento are all popular.”

Enjoy some Pork Chops with your boba! Courtesy of Dragon Tea LLC (@dragonteallc).

Sichuan Beef Noodle Soup, Pan-Fried Dumplings, Tea Eggs, and Braised Pork with Dried Bamboo Shoot are just some of their other available dishes. 

This National Boba Day, if you’re craving some Taiwanese food with your refreshing boba drink, consider visit Dragon Tea in-person everyday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and keep up with news and announcements via their website and Instagram. 

Cover Photo Courtesy of R Planet

With the change of seasons and Earth Month approaching, we at sungkyulgapa are ready for a sustainable spring! From closet purges to incorporating sustainable practices into your life, it is never too late to make conscious decisions that benefit our communities and - ultimately - our planet. Chances are you’re already making eco-conscious decisions, especially if you use a Hydro Flask or bring home lunch to work or school. 

One of the most sustainable things you can do is continue to use what you have. Whenever you’re ready to make some swaps and expand your knowledge on local resources, here are some places to start! For this blog, we made sure to include some spots on the outer islands as well, all of which are locally-owned. The following listicle is separated by the businesses and resources and the island they are based on: 

• Hawaiʻi Island (Big Island): Hana Hou, Re-Use Hawaii (see “O‘ahu” section), Circlepack
• Kaua‘i: Keālia Organics, Refill.Kaua‘i
• O‘ahu: R Planet, Onekea Bros General Store, Protea, Re-Use Hawaii, Hānai Kaiāulu

Hawaiʻi Island

Hana Hou

Courtesy of Hana Hou

Perpetuating island culture and honoring indigenous artisans are part of downtown Hilo-based Hana Hou’s mission. Located at 160 Kamehameha Avenue, Hana Hou is “family-run business committed to promoting a wide variety of authentic handcrafted goods,” including lauhala products, clothing, crafting tools, and jewelry.

In addition to these, Hana Hou also offers a plethora of eco-friendly, zero waste goodies.  For those that use reusable bottles, their wooden bottle brushes will come in handy; they even have a baby bottle brush for families that care for little ones! People who have returned to school or work in-person may find a use for their Kaukau Tins, perfect for bringing home lunch and keeping single-use plastic and utensils out of the landfills. Folks who use make-up but want to use sustainable products, Hana Hou carries Lip-to-Lid Balmies, “planet-friendly, wear-anywhere crayons” that can be applied to the eyes, lips and cheeks. 
If phasing out paper towels is on your eco-friendly consumption “To Do” list, then Hana Hou’s variety of cloth towels and wipes may be the perfect way to start, with Organic Unpaper Towels, facial cloths and cotton facial rounds, and napkins available.

Courtesy of Hana Hou

If you are interested in cultivating a more zero-waste kitchen, they also offer silicone bowl covers and reusable Food Hugger sets to help preserve food or seal open jars or containers, Hugger Bags to store snacks, vegetables and fruits, and vegetable brushes to help prep your ingredients for cooking. You can also purchase a bulk refill of body wash! 

To our communities on the Big Island, please be sure to visit Hana Hou whenever you are visiting Hilo! Be sure to book your visit ahead of time. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They also ship out orders via USPS. To stay in the loop with all things “Hana Hou,” sign up for their newsletters and connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter. 

Circlepack

Courtesy of Circlepack (Instagram)

During the pandemic, an increase of online shopping may have resulted in an abundance of cardboard boxes in your home. While folks may reuse their boxes for storage or as shipping material, the most common thing that people do is fold up the cardboard and toss it in the trash or recycling bin. While recycling is certainly one way to be sustainable, there are other alternatives. One such alternative is offered by Circlepack, who seeks to give cardboard a second life without sending them to the recycling centers or landfill. Based in Waimea on Hawaiʻi Island, Circlepack was founded by owner and operator Evan Lam. 

According to their website, Circlepack explains why recycling cardboard may not be the best solution to sustainably processing it: 

“Cardboard often takes decades to be made and travels thousands of miles  – both TO and FROM – Hawaii. The trees used in producing cardboard are often 50-70 years old, the same age as a grandparent. Those trees travel many miles to become cardboard then the cardboard travels again to become a box full of goods. It takes even more travel, people and fuel to get the boxes to us. They’re opened and used in just a few minutes. When those boxes hit the recycling bins, they’ll most likely be exported to Asia, burned, or buried in a landfill. It’s expensive in terms of time, money, and energy. We’d argue that it costs us more than it benefits us, especially here in Hawaii.” 

Using a HSM ProfiPack C400, which is manufactured in Germany, Circlepack shreds cardboard in order to give it a second life. As detailed in a blog post by Evan, the shredded cardboard has a plethora of uses including but not limited to garden and farm mulch, animal bedding, and as a composting ingredient for vermicomposting. The shredding process commences once the cardboard is free of staples, tape and string. The machine shreds the cardboard in a cross-cut pattern, allowing it to stretch, roll and fold; you can also cut it into your desired size or shape. For those needing an alternative for packing peanuts, the cardboard can be shredded into confetti-sized pieces that can be composted once you’re done using them! 

Courtesy of Circlepack (Instagram)

Circlepack offers many ways for the community to partake in this movement. Folks can partner with Circlepack and host community days where people can stop by with their cardboard and have it shredded. For those who are unable to or do not have access to transport, they also offer onsite shredding and will bring their machine to you. Businesses and organizations who would like to incorporate sustainable, compostable packing materials into their processes may also consult with Circlepack about their wholesale delivery (for their shredded cardboard mats and cardboard confetti) and consulting services. 
If you’re interested in their services and/or want to follow their journey, stop by Circlepack’s Instagram and Facebook pages! 

Kaua‘i

Keālia Organics

Courtesy of Keālia Organics

If you are seeking to lessen the amount of plastic in your household, a great first swap to consider making is trading your plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles for bars! Whenever you are ready to make the switch, Keālia Organics is ready to support you on your sustainable journey. 

Based in Kaua’i, Keālia Organics is a Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian)-owned business that focuses on aloha 'aina, or “love of the land,” in all things. Using all-natural ingredients, this brand creates “artisan shampoo bars, conditioner bars, lotion bars, soap bars and more!” From Coconut and Kukui and Charcoal hair care bars, Jasmine lotion bars, and facial cleansers, Keālia Organics offers gift sets for those interested in stocking up on plastic-free body care products and/or wish to give the gift of plastic-free alternatives during the holidays. Additionally, they carry eco-friendly home goods such as Dish Bar Soap, Soap Saver Bags, and Unpaper Towels which feature one-of-a-kind Hawaiian floral designs and are hand-sewn. 

Courtesy of Keālia Organics

In tandem with aloha 'aina, the brand values the practice of supporting local and zero waste. When it comes to packaging, all of their products come in their raw bar form or packaged in recyclable and/or compostable materials. According to Keālia Organics’ “About Us” tab, they explain the significance of this and why it goes hand-in-hand with aloha 'aina.

“We took a zero waste vow. A vow of aloha 'aina, to love and protect our land. This is why we create zero waste products, to preserve our land by eliminating plastic waste in our daily routines,” They write. “We strive to reduce plastic waste within our islands as well as around the world. Our products are a vow to our earth, to protect it, to raise awareness, and to provide people with natural zero waste alternatives!”

Their items are also a product of cultivating relationships with farmers and fellow small businesses.

“Kealia Organics sources as many services locally with other small businesses and entrepreneurs. From ingredients to designs and packaging and more, we try as hard as possible to support local in order to close the gap and to encourage others to do the same!,” They write. “Working with local farmers and artisans will lead us to a more self-sustainable future, and we want to be able to empower that as much as possible. Know that with every purchase you are supporting a long list of artisans, entrepreneurs and farmers!”

Keālia Organics also mentions that all their ingredients are natural, sustainably sourced and organic. They also use 100-percent pure essential oils. 

You may purchase their artisan products via their website and in various stores across the islands, including Keep It Simple Vilnius and Protea Zero Waste Store, if you are on O’ahu. For our community members in California, you can find Keālia Organics products at BYO Long Beach at Rooted. You can stay connected with Keālia Organics on Instagram and Facebook! 

Refill.Kaua’i

Courtesy of Refill.Kaua'i

In tandem with using reusable products, utilizing refill stations is another great way to reduce the amount of waste that goes into the landfill. For our communities on the Garden Isle, 

Refill.Kaua’i offers a clean space for folks to refill their various home goods and try out new eco-friendly products!

First established in 2018 by Kristy and Ariana, Refill.Kaua’i began as a way to incorporate their skill sets and the concept of Aloha into how they worked: 

“Our shop was initially established in 2018 with the express interest in using our various skill sets to serve and spread Aloha through the way we do business,” Kristy and Ariana write. “Graphic designer, builder, print maker and artist came together in hopes of offering a curated mix of authentic enduring goods that were both functional and beautiful for a healthy home and lifestyle here on Kaua'i.”

When COVID-19 hit, Refill.Kaua’i was given the opportunity to align with one of their longtime goals: to offer the Garden Isle a means of cutting down waste in a practical, accessible way.

“Fast-forward to March of 2020 when government officials encouraged the closure of all non-essential businesses on Kaua'i, we closed our brick-and-mortar shop which naturally led to a massive re-evaluation of how our business could survive.  Although our shop had been successfully gaining momentum since opening in 2018, it was clear that our dependence upon tourism was not sustainable and we had to implement a shifting of gears to adapt,” They write.
“Our biggest challenge turned out to be our biggest blessing in disguise because we ended up pivoting the direction of our business to serve our own local community to the best of our ability. Our longtime goal was finally able to come to fruition in offering Kaua’i a practical solution to substantially cut down on waste while simultaneously carrying necessity items that were both effective & safe for the island.”

Dedicated to inspiring others to “LIVE CLEAN,” Refill.Kaua’i sells products made with functionality, beauty, the environment and preservation of our future in mind. From home and gardens goods such as corduroy bags, Fair Trade-Certified organic washcloths and OEKO-TEX bedcovers to Baby & Keiki products like “Cheeky Bits Wipe Solution” and swaddles, there are a plethora of swaps to try out whenever you are ready. What’s more: they also have a refill station that allows you to stock up on things like All-Purpose Cleaner, Laundry Pods, Dish Soap and Baby Wash. In their FAQs, they also offer tips on how to best prepare for your refill station visit, including how to sanitize your containers for reuse. 

Courtesy of Refill.Kaua'i

Regardless of what products you purchase or refill, Refill.Kaua’i hopes that their items and services makes living an eco-conscious life easier to access and encourage people to waste less: “Our hope is to make your transition to a more sustainable life-style as easy and desirable as possible because regardless whether this is your first step into this journey or you're a long-time zero-waste advocate, every little step matters.”

If you’re interested in checking them out, be sure to visit their website, subscribe to their newsletters, and follow Refill.Kaua’i on Instagram! 

O‘ahu

R Planet

Courtesy of R Planet (Instagram)

The type of media we consume can change the way we see the world. For O’ahu-born twins and college students Raina and Rhema Wong, a series of documentaries on environmental issues inspired them to consume less and give more to the Earth in a healthier, productive way. 

According to their “R Story” tab, Raina and Rhema mention that, like with many new things in life, they started small. 

“Our environmental activism started with our friends and family. As soon as we learned about sustainable alternatives, we slowly incorporated them into our lives,” They write. “Our Dad bought us our first Bamboo Utensil Kits for our birthday one year, and our Uncle gave us our first Reef Safe Sunscreen for Christmas - these were stepping stone alternatives that led us to make more changes!”

Inspired by their interactions and wanting to share their insights, Raina and Rhema founded R Planet:  “We became inspired to share about our sustainable journey and insights with a larger audience. This is where R Planet was created. It is a way for us to share our values of living simply and sustainably with products that are healthier for our bodies and ouR Planet.”

From silicone sandwich bags, dental floss made of bamboo fibers and activated charcoal, to reusable menstrual pads, R Planet, sells a plethora of zero waste and sustainable products that are all ethically-sourced, many coming from Hawaiʻi-based/made brands such as Little Hands Hawaii, Kapa Nui Nails, and Bee’s Cotton Wrap. Raina and Rhema also create some of the items sold in the shop, all of which are made without toxic chemicals such as parabens and sulfates; these products include their Dish Soap Bar, Lip Balm and Dry Shampoo. 

Courtesy of R Planet

For those living on O’ahu, R Planet currently offers island-wide local delivery every Wednesday (though the day is subject to change). For folks off-island or elsewhere in the world, R Planet ships your orders out using 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable materials and offers package-free options or recycled containers. 

A neat point: regardless of whether you opt for local delivery or shipping, you will have the option to plant a tree with each order you place! 

If you are looking for eco-friendly products to try out and want to support a woman-owned business, consider checking out R Planet and keep up with them via email newsletters and Instagram!

Courtesy of R Planet

Onekea Bros General Store
Dedicated to inspiring others to live aloha 'āina every day, sustainable living is at the core of Native Hawaiian and māmā-owned Onekea Bros General Store. Founded by Kaimuki resident Kawehi Onekea, her business is named after her sons, who assist with brand operations.  

Courtesy of Onekea Bros

According to their “About Us” tab, the mission of Onekea Bros is to help “eco-conscious consumers to reduce their environmental impact by providing high quality, reusable kitchen products and zero-waste cleaning and personal care products that aren't harmful to people or planet.”

The business carries a variety of eco-friendly products perfect for all your kitchen, cleaning and personal needs. They also partner with vendors who create their goods in the islands and sell locally-crafted, sustainably produced and authentically local items.

For those looking to make their cooking spaces more sustainable, Onekea Bros has you covered with oval veggie brushes, beeswax wraps,  cotton napkins, reusable cutlery sets, and more! A fun fact: their exclusive, multi-functional Kaukau Kits, made in collaboration with Rix Island Wear, feature bamboo utensils in a bento-carrier/wrap made of Rix fabric remnants. 

Courtesy of Onekea Bros (KauKau Kit)

Eco-friendly cleaning is also made more accessible thanks to Onekea Bros, as they offer items such as Wool Dryer Balls (which come as a single ball or in packs of four or six and has gray/white as color options, along with designs such as a Heart, Bee, and Penguin), UNpaper Towels (available in 6- and 12-packs),  and a cleaning cloth that fits your Swiffer! 

A few other cool, sustainable knick-knacks they carry include their various body brushes, Beeosporen, and sets, which bundle together a few products based on themes such as “Bathroom Essentials” and “Cleaning.” 

Courtesy of Onekea Bros (Lemon Cleaning Set)

You can find Onekea Bros online, every Sunday at the Lōkahi Kailua Market or you can pick-up your orders in person at Waiwai Collective in Mō'ili'ili on Thursday or Friday. Those in the Ward area can visit the Onekea Bros pop-up at Pili Pacific Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m; they will be there until the end of April 2022! If shipping is your go-to, Kawehi reuses shipping supplies for all orders as a means to reduce the waste that goes into the landfills. 

If you are interested in their socials, you can find Onekea Bros on Facebook and Instagram! 

Protea

Courtesy of Protea

Climate change and dependence on fossil fuels are some of many prominent environmental concerns people learn about when transitioning to a low-/zero-waste lifestyle. For environmentalist, policy advocate and business owner Lori Mallini, witnessing the beginning and end life of plastic inspired her to open Protea, a zero waste store that “was created as a response to the world’ plastic pollution and waste epidemic of which the beauty and cleaning industry are a large part.” 

The store, which is located at 35 Kainehe St., also seeks to encourage positive change on a community level by offering plastic-free, natural products and access to refills; some items are local and come from Hawaiʻi-based vendors. Protea is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

According to the “Meet The Founder” section under Protea’s “About” tab, Protea’s core values reflect Lori’s passion for lessening the negative effects human activity has on the planet. Prior to living in Kailua on the island of O’ahu, Lori, originally from Houston, Texas, grew up near the largest petrochemical hub in the United States. While there, she witnessed the beginning stages of plastic pollution and the negative effects of it on the surrounding communities. In the Hawaiian islands, our waters and fauna are affected by the end life of this pollution, and Protea is one way Lori believes we can “strengthen our community and reduce dependence on foreign product…” 

Along with zero-waste home and kitchen goods including Tru Earth Laundry Strips, Swedish dishcloths, and machine washable sponges, Protea also sells a variety of eco-friendly cosmetic items such as brow balm, bronzer and foundation and products for the babies in your life like bamboo bowls and plates and sunscreen. They also have compostable doggy bags for the times the doggos have to go number two! Folks interested in making zero waste swaps may find Protea’s Zero Waste Kits, which include Zero Waste Starter Kits, Hair Kits, Shave Kits and Kitchen Kits, extremely helpful. 

Courtesy of Protea

Protea also has multiple items available for refill, from cleaning products (i.e., liquid castile soap, plant-based disinfectant, and multi-surface floor cleaner), personal care items (i.e., bath salts, body oil and lotion, facial cleanser and serum), to cosmetics. You may bring a clean container to the shop or purchase one in store to start! For those interested, Protea details their refill process under their “Refill” tab, and allows you to see what ingredients are in their refill options for those curious or concerned about allergies.  

Courtesy of Protea

The next time you are in Kailua, consider stopping by Protea! In the meantime, follow them on Instagram, like them on Facebook and check out their Pinterest. 

Re-Use Hawaii

Courtesy of Re-Use Hawai'i

Whenever you’re in search of building materials or other home items, consider stopping by Re-Use Hawaii! Located on 200 Keawe St. on O’ahu and Allied Quarry Road in Kailua-Kona, Re-Use Hawaii is a “local non-profit organization that reduces waste and provides the community with affordable building material resources.” The organization was founded in 2006 by Selina Tarantino and Quinn Vittum, who met in 2005 at an EPA-sponsored conference in Atlanta, Georgia. 

According to their “About” page, the non-profit is a member of Build Reuse, a national organization with the mission “to transform our communities by creating a building industry in which used and excess materials become an asset to our communities and waste is no longer acceptable.” Re-Use Hawaii’s creation was in response to O’ahu’s solid waste issue. 

When you visit Re-Use Hawaii’s home page, they explain why solid waste is a problem: 

“Approximately 2 million tons of waste are produced in Hawaiʻi each year. Landfills have either already expanded or are planning to expand to accommodate the growing amount of waste,” They write. “And while most household waste is taken to H-Power and burned for energy, the production of waste outpaces the ability to manage it.”

To combat the mounting issue of solid waste in our landfills, Re-Use Hawaii utilizes two specific methods: deconstruction and redistribution. 

Courtesy of Andy Stenz

As described on their home page: “Construction and demolition activity comprises approximately 30% of all the waste in Hawaiʻi. To address this high percentage of the waste stream, Re-use Hawaiʻi began to offer deconstruction as an alternative to demolition; with the mission of not only diverting construction waste from the landfill, but in doing so offering the recovered materials to the community as an affordable resource.” 

Deconstruction is the process of disassembling a structure as a means of recovering as many reusable materials as possible and diverting items from going into the landfills.The materials recovered are then moved into their Redistribution Centers for community members to access at more affordable prices. Currently Re-use Hawaiʻi, a licensed contractor, is the only deconstruction services provider in Hawaiʻi. If you are interested in contracting Re-Use Hawaii for your deconstruction projects, you may send all inquiries to their online form here. 

Additionally, due to Re-Use Hawaii’s status as a 501(c)(3) Hawaiʻi non-profit organization, they can provide a “thorough tax-deductible donation receipt for the materials we recover.” 

Another way Re-Use Hawaii utilizes the reclaimed lumber from deconstruction projects is by creating new furniture from them. Through “The Workshop” and the “artistic and ingenious” eye of Phil Ziegler, their in-house craftsman, the lumber and raw materials are transformed “into beautiful and functional pieces for commercial and residential spaces.” Re-Use Hawaii has worked with a plethora of businesses and crafted “pieces that reflect their own unique styles and their commitment to sustainability.” These businesses include Kona Brewing Co., Kuilima Farms, Howard Hughes Corp., and HEMIC. Phil and The Workshop are based on O'ahu, but they have plans to expand to Kailua-Kona in the future. That said, The Workshop can create products for folks across the Hawaiian island chain. If you are interested in participating in The Workshop, visit Re-Use Hawaii’s “The Workshop” tab for more information and a link to their online inquiry form.

They also take donations of home goods and materials including but not limited to cabinets, flooring, countertops, furniture (i.e., dressers, tables, bed frames, etc.), and appliances. Tax-deductible donation receipts are also available. For those on O’ahu, you may bring your donations to Re-Use Hawaii’s location in Kaka’ako or request a pick-up between Monday and Friday at no cost. To see general donation criteria, visit their “Donate Materials” tab. Items that are donated are also available for purchase at their O’ahu location.

For our communities on the Big Island, it is suggested that those interested in donating contact Damian Bilardo, the Kona Yard Manager, to coordinate. Damian can be contacted at the following number: 808-208-3757.

A fun fact: We went to Re-Use Hawaii to help furnish our boutique on Bethel St.!

Courtesy of Andy Stenz

With their core rooted in reducing waste in a sustainable way, Re-Use Hawaii is dedicated to making a difference and contributing positively to our future.

“As an island community, we are isolated and therefore vulnerable to market conditions and natural disasters. We are more than 90% dependent on imported foods and other goods. There are many local organizations working to make Hawaiʻi more sustainable, and Re-use Hawaiʻi will continue to work to provide resources and services that increase our independence and community resiliency by providing the means for our residents to participate in a strong, circular economy.”

Want to visit and support their mission? Re-Use Hawaii’s Redistribution Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Hawaiʻi Island Redistribution Center is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can join their email list and keep in touch via Instagram, where they are running an Earth Month bingo throughout the month of April (winners get an in-store discount and a giveaway entry)!

Hānai Kaiāulu 

Courtesy of Hānai Kaiāulu (Instagram)

For those not located on the Big Island but reside on O’ahu and are interested in processing your cardboard in a sustainable way, Hānai Kaiāulu works with Circlepack to provide communities in the Gathering Place their services! If their name sounds familiar, then you may have seen Camille, our founder, talk about how they helped her repurpose 80 pounds of cardboard! 

Operating at Nanakuli High School, Hānai Kaiāulu’s” composting program engages and educates the community in food systems and community sustainability.” They also provide “...solutions that empower individuals/businesses to capture organic waste and retain it as a community and sustainable resource, while supporting the social, economic, and environmental well-being of Hawaiʻi’s diverse communities.

Courtesy of Hānai Kaiāulu (Instagram)

Using a machine provided by Circlepack, the community can drop off their cardboard for the program to shred. The shredded material is then used in their garden to help grow their produce. Whenever supplies are available, they will give you produce from their garden in exchange for your cardboard. This cultivates a close-knit relationship within those on-island and perpetuates a sense of community and aloha ʻāina. 

Keep up with Hānai Kaiāulu on their website and on Instagram! 

Cover Photo Courtesy of Choco Le'a (PRE-ORDER: 18pc Valentine Special Truffle Box)

February is the Month of Love, so if you are looking to spoil yourself or your loved ones with some sweets and Hawai'i-made treats, look no further! For February’s “Support Local” blog, we at sungkyulgapa are highlighting some well-loved local spots and shops to support this year, starting with those Valentine’s/Galentine’s Day goodies. While we cannot mention all the amazing small businesses here in the Hawaiian Islands, we always encourage you to support those in your locales today and always!

Hokulani Bake Shop

Courtesy of Hokulani Bake Shop's Instagram

Alongside cookies, cakes are a dessert staple! If you are looking to expand your (cup)cake palette, a quaint spot at the Waterfront Plaza on Ala Moana Boulevard is sure to be your next stop! 

Dedicated to creating their goodies from scratch, Hokulani Bake Shop is best known for their delicious cupcakes. Made without margarine, hydrogenated oil, trans fat or corn syrup, their cupcakes are always baked with aloha and come in a plethora of flavors such as lilikoi, ube (for “u” and bae), shave ice, lemon toffee, and guava. Each piece is crafted with pure Grade A sweet cream butter, cane sugar, and fresh eggs. Part of the reason why their cupcakes are so delicious is their use of high quality ingredients! 

Lemon Toffee (Left) and Ube (Right)

The bake shop’s cupcakes are made in small batches, so if you are looking to order some in advance, they encourage pre-ordering, especially for larger orders. With seasonal decorations and colors available, you and your loved ones are in not just for a flavorful February, but also a year of Hawaii-made treats. 

For Valentine’s Day, they are only offering the following flavors in-store: red velvet, filled red velvet, vanilla buttercream, salted caramel, chocolate cream cheese, and double chocolate. If you want to include other flavors in your Valentine’s Day order, Hokulani Bake Shop asks that you pre-order them by Saturday, February 12 at 12 p.m. No deliveries will be available that day. 

You may order cupcakes online for pick-up on Saturdays via their website, or have them delivered via DoorDash, UberEats or BiteSquad Monday through Friday. In-store inventory is used to fulfill delivery orders. Should a flavor you ordered become unavailable, the order will be canceled; Hokulani mentions that flavor substitution is an alternative and asks that you indicate your consent for substitution in your order notes. 

Hokulani Bake Shop also creates traditional, full tiered and half layer cakes for any occasion like weddings and birthdays. A full tiered cake is 4” tall, and the half layer cakes are 2”. Patrons can pick Strawberry Guava, Red Velvet, Lilikoi, Chocolate or Classic Vanilla for their tiered goodness, with other flavors being charged additionally. Cream Cheese and Buttercream fillings are available; coverings are buttercream only. Pricing is based on cake diameter, height, design and amount of colors.

Wedding Cake Example Courtesy of Hokulani Bake Shop

The shop is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for pick-up orders, and closed on Sundays. If the bake shop runs out of cupcakes prior to 2 p.m. on a weekday, they will close early. 
If you choose to gift yourself or greet your special someone with flowers and a box of Hokulani Bake Shop cupcakes, you’re bound for some major heart eyes (and a very happy sweet tooth)! 

Choco le’a

You can never go wrong with some chocolate so why not treat yourself and your loved ones to the decadent smoothness of Hawaii-made artisan dark chocolate truffles? Founded by UH Mānoa College of Education and Shidler College of Business alumna Erin Kanno Uehara, Choco leʻa seeks to bring peace to our communities, one morsel at a time! 

Choco Le'a's Storefront - Photo Courtesy of Choco Le'a ("Visit Us" Page)

Located in Mānoa Valley, this chocolate shop believes in the power of community, cultivating relationships and God, values that Erin, this sweet shop’s president and owner, lives by. According to their “Our Mission” tab, Erin loves connecting with others and dedicates at least two hours a week to serving the community. Along with her role as a member of  Choco leʻa’s “Chocolate Family,” she serves on The Salvation Army's Vilnius Advisory Board & Executive Committee and is the advisor and Vice Chair for Echelon Hawaiʻi, “a community of diverse, young leaders collectively rising up to serve The Salvation Army and their local communities.” Erin has also spoken at business community events and churches including “the University of Hawaiʻi Shidler College of Business, Hawaiʻi Food Manufacturing Association High School Mentorship, Professional Leadership Conferences, and more.”

Choco leʻa began their journey in 2010 by sharing the gift of chocolate and raising “funds for charitable organizations that support various peace initiatives around the world.” The tradition of giving back continues to today, as a portion of all sales are donated to charities and organizations throughout the year. As an extension of their mission, their logo is a Koaʻeʻula (Red-tailed Tropicbird) holding a cacao branch in its mouth, a parallel to the dove holding an olive branch in Noah’s Ark and representative of their calling to spread peace and chocolate. 

Courtesy of Choco Le'a ("18pc Signature Truffle Box" Listing)

The chocolate shop currently does not ship their sweets but offers store pick-ups at their location on 2909 Lowrey Avenue; walk-up pick-ups are on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and in-shop pick-ups are on Tuesdays and Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Their signature menu includes their truffles that can come in a Signature or Custom Truffle Box; Signature Truffle Boxes come in quantities ranging from two, four, nine and eighteen, and Custom Truffle Boxes are available in nine and eighteen pieces. They also offer boxes for birthdays, births and memorials, all of which have four truffles. All boxes will come with a few of the following delectable flavors and are detailed in each of the product descriptions: Triple Chocolate, Caramel with Hawaiian Sea Salt, Lilikoi, Affogato, Cookies and Cream, Vanilla Bean, Mint Chocolate Chip, PB & Guava Jelly, and Birthday Cake.

Courtesy of Choco Le'a ("18pc Custom Truffle Box" Listing)

Is your loved one an avid admirer of dark chocolate? Have no fear - Choco leʻa also offers solid dark chocolate bars, two-piece dark chocolate oreos and “Tokens of Appreciation,” chocolate coins that feature their logo on it. For the book lovers, adding Erin’s book “Bringing Peace To Our World, One Chocolate At A Time” to your cart will be an equally sweet treat. 

Choco leʻa graciously gave us a few sneak peaks at their Valentine’s Day specials, so if you see something your family or friends may enjoy, be sure to head on over to their website for the full menu and snag a box or two! 

• 18pc Vday Truffle Box
•  2 of each flavor: Salted Caramel Brownie, Chocolate Haupia Pie, Espresso Mud Pie, Red Velvet Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, Apple Pie, Black Forest Cake,  Boston Cream Pie (Custard), Key Lime Pie

• Half Pound of Love - Milk Chocolate Toffee Mac Nut Clusters
• Ultimate Valentine's Day Bundle w/18pc Truffle Box, PB Crunch Bar, Bear Hugs, Red Vines, and petite floral arrangement w/vase from Stanley Ito Florist
• PB Crunch Bar 
• Bear Bundle w/ Plush bear & Dark Chocolate Bear Hugs

Mochi Mochi Wagashi

Courtesy of Mochi Mochi Wagashi (Instagram)

Mochi (and other types of rice cake) carry cultural significance in many countries, often representing good health and fortune. If you, your partner and/or family have a soft spot for these chewy goodies, consider supporting Mochi Mochi Wagashi (MMW)! This Oʻahu-based company was created in 2021 by proud mochi maker Jess, who has been making mochi since the early 2000s. According to their “About MMW” tab, after permanently losing her job due to the pandemic, Jess decided to turn her love of mochi into a small business as a means to support her family financially. 

Through this journey, Jess writes that she is grateful for the support she’s found with her fellow small businesses, “I realized there are so many fellow confectioners online who make everything from cookies to cakes, sausage rolls and of course mochi! Many of these entrepreneurs became friends and I've been so lucky to meet so many wonderful people through mochi. Food is what brings us together, right?”

A mochi lover herself, Jess enjoys mochi on Sundays with a cup of rose or green tea and her favorite MMW flavors are inspired by calmness and relaxation; MMW’s sweeter flavors are inspired by Jess’s 11-year-old. 

Jess shared with us the variety of mochi they offer: 

“[Our] most popular fillings are dark chocolate brownie, chocolate chip cookie dough and peanut butter Oreo. We always have different fillings at different pop ups but those are always on rotation! We are probably most known for our strawberry brownie mochi, which we only produce a rare 1 or 2x a year,” Jess said. “Other flavors we have done are black sesame, matcha, red bean, lavender, chocolate peanut butter, snickerdoodle, and cookie butter.”

Courtesy of Mochi Mochi Wagashi (Instagram - Black Sesame Mochi)

Each piece is created shortly before they reach you to ensure freshness. MMW also offers seasonal flavors, such as gingerbread, pumpkin pie and most recently: daifuku, or red bean mochi, which Jess offered via pre-order to celebrate the new year. What’s more: their mochi trays are compostable and made of “a renewable blend of tree-free plant fibers and 100% recyclable PET plastic”! 

You can find MMW at various pop-ups and markets on the island! You can also host a MMW pop-up via their “Host A Pop-Up” tab. Be sure to follow and keep up with Mochi Mochi Wagashi on Instagram, and keep their website handy if pre-orders open! 

Bubbly & Bleu 

Courtesy of bubbly & bleu 

Sweets are always delicious, but have you considered adding something savory to the mix? Located at 1132 Koko Head Avenue in Kaimuki, bubbly and bleu specializes in cheese and charcuterie boxes perfect for any occasion! Their boxes are available in four sizes: Minimo, Piccolo, Mezzo and Grande. 

bubbly and bleu was founded by cheese enthusiast Cheryl DeAngelo, a local girl originally from the westside of O'ahu. Cheryl has been working in the food and beverage industry for the past thirty years, and has a soft spot for cheese. According to bubbly and bleu’s “About” page, Cheryl started making cheese boards in 2005 when she married the love of her life (who is also chef) in Florence, Italy. 

She writes, “While in the beautiful countryside of Florence, my husband and I were greeted each morning with baskets of fresh fruit, cheese and breads for breakfast.  Our lunches began with charcuterie and for dinner, we would enjoy cheese for dessert. It was perfection.” 

Cheryl now crafts this perfection into cheese and charcuterie boxes that are available to order online and picked up in-store. Their Minimo, Piccolo, Mezzo and Grande boxes all include varying amounts of artisanal cheese and charcuterie with seasonal fruit, jam, nuts, a Hawaiian honey blend, fresh garnish and an artisanal cracker selection. They also offer other goodies such as their Vegan Box, which includes organic, dairy-free cheese substitutes and an organic, meatless deli alternative and Smoked Salmon Box. Take a look at their Online Order Form for the full scope of savory goodness!  

Courtesy of bubbly & bleu (Vegan Box)

Courtesy of bubbly & bleu (Mezzo Box)

For those in search of a Valentine’s Cheese and Charcuterie treat, bubbly and bleu is offering some V-Day specials such as their Valentine Heart Box, “Whole Lotta Love” Medium and Large boxes,  and Valentine Valrhona Chocolate Strawberries.

bubbly and bleu suggests getting your Valentine’s Day orders in as soon as possible, as pick-up times are filling up. To check for availability, take a look at their Order Form. Orders should be placed three days prior to the pick-up date and pick-ups (for non-Valentine’s Day specials) can be scheduled at any time on Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Note that bubbly and bleu is closed for their annual cheese education and trade show trip and will reopen on February 9th. 

Courtesy of bubbly & bleu ("Whole Lotta Love" Box)

Whenever you’re craving some cheese boxes, be sure to place your order with bubbly and bleu to taste a bit of savory perfection in each bite! Keep up with them on Instagram for the latest news on monthly specials, promotions and contests. 

Slice by HB Baking

When life gives you cake, why not enjoy a slice (or three)? Located in Jolene’s Market on North Beretania St, Slice by HB Baking is known for their scrumptious ice cream pies, perfect for any day or occasion, including Valentine’s Day! The shop is open Wednesday through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Courtesy of Slice By HB Baking (Instagram - Thanksgiving Special "Dulce De Leche Apple Pie Ice Cream Pie")

Heather Bryan is the baking mastermind behind HB Baking, which first started 13 years ago. After being hired to work in professional kitchens, Heather had put HB Baking on hold until she found herself working eight hours a day at Kahala Resort; this allowed her more free time to resume taking dessert orders and obtain the necessary permits and licenses. COVID-19 hit Hawaiʻi and left Heather furloughed but with a new opportunity: to pursue HB Baking full time, and (thanks to a close friend) have access to her current storefront at Jolene’s Market. 

“Jolene (from Jolene's Market) suggested we come up with a separate name for the store, so my husband came up with Slice.” Heather said. 

Slice by HB Baking offers six flavors of ice cream pie: Strawberry Shortcake,  Rocky Road Cookie Dough,  Matcha Cookies and Cream, Caramel Banana Butterfinger, Mint Chocolate Brownie, and Snuggy Bear. 

Courtesy of Slice By HB Baking (Instagram - "All Flavors Pie" - 2021 Holiday Special)

For first-time visitors to Slice by HB Baking, Heather suggests giving the Snuggy Bear and Strawberry Shortcake slices a try. 

“The Snuggy Bear is our signature slice. It was created when my husband requested coffee almond fudge, oreos, heath bars, and my salted milk crumble. All his favorite things.  It remains a crowd favorite,” Heather said. “The Strawberry Shortcake is a close second.  Its strawberry and birthday cake ice cream on sugar cookie crust. Topped with fruity pebbles.”

Along with their ice cream pie, they offer an ice cream cake “Slice of the Day,” which always changes, cookies, bibingka (Filipino rice cake) brownies, and cold brew coffee. On Thursdays and Fridays, Heather’s husband creates Jalapeno Cheddar and Stuffed Apple with Caramel pretzels and Wagyu Pretzel Dogs. 

Courtesy of Slice by HB Baking (Instagram - "Wagyu Pretzel Dog")

Heather finds joy and growth with Slice by HB Baking: “The journey's been great.  Very rewarding every day.  And I wouldn't change the choices I've made.  I've created a job for myself where I make all the decisions while doing what I enjoy.  Living the dream.”

If you’re looking for a sweet way to cool off or spend quality time with your loved ones while enjoying a lovely treat, consider stopping by Jolene’s Market and visiting Slice By HB Baking. Heather did mention they tend to have more of a lunch rush than a dinner one, so be sure to plan accordingly so you don’t miss out on any slices! 

Mānoa Chocolate 

Sustainability is at the root of many businesses in the Hawaiian Islands, and for owner and chocolate maker Dylan Butterbaugh, generating and contributing ethically to Hawaiʻi’s chocolate industry is at the core of Mānoa Chocolate. In their “About Us” page, Dylan writes how his love of chocolate (specifically the “Bean-To-Bar” process) started: 

“I was nearing the end of my sustainable development degree at the University of Hawaii when I stumbled upon cacao,” Dylan writes. “I had become friends with a fellow student who was studying the viability of cacao as a value added crop in the state. He was harvesting the fruit, micro fermenting the seeds (aka cacao beans), drying them, and carrying out the entire bean-to-bar chocolate making process. I found this process fascinating!”

Courtesy of Mānoa Chocolate ("Hawaii Grown Treasure Box" - Listing)

Mānoa Chocolate creates all their delicacies with this process, meaning they are moving away from mass production and ethically sourcing their products. As detailed on their website, Mānoa Chocolate mentions that much of the cacao used in the chocolate industry are sourced from West Africa, where most beans “are priced so low that farmers cannot afford even basic living necessities. This creates human rights issues on a massive scale that include human trafficking and child slavery that are directly tied to the sale of cacao.”

As Bean-to-Bar makers, Mānoa Chocolate sources their cacao at high prices and tells the story of where each chocolate is from. The location of Mānoa Chocolate is also significant, as Hawaiʻi is the only state in the USA that can grow chocolate. 

The chocolate connoisseurs of Mānoa Chocolate craft various delectable treats. From their Chocolate Bars, including their “Flavors of Hawaii”collection and “Hawaii Grown Single Origin Bars” that feature their award-winning Hawaiian Chocolate Bar. They also have Spirit Infusions, made from roasted cacao nibs that were soaked in Hawaiian spirits such as Kōhana Agricole Rum and Old Pali Road Whiskey. Along with their bars, their other products allow you to incorporate chocolate into your daily life; these items include Chocolate Macadamia Spread, Chocolate Tea and Brewing Chocolate. For the hardcore chocolate lovers, Mānoa Chocolate has a “Mānoa Monthly” subscription that allows you to enjoy a small-batch, limited edition flavor with two others from their usual collections, making this a perfect present for the cacao enthusiasts in your life! For gift-giving, gift bags and boxes are also available. 

Courtesy of Mānoa Chocolate ("MĀNOA MONTHLY'S SMALL BATCH BOX" - Listing)

30 to 90 minute factory tours are available by reservation only, and have a maximum capacity of 8 people due to the pandemic. These tours are offered daily from Monday through Saturday at 3 p.m. for those 12 years and older. You may also stop by their location at 333 Uluniu St. in Kailua for a walk-in tasting, but there are limits; a 10 to 15 minute wait is enacted if capacity is reached. Tastings are held anytime on Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m and take about 10 minutes; they are complementary and open to all ages. Mānoa Chocolate asks that all guests adhere to mask wearing and courtesy phone calls for large groups are not required but are appreciated. 

The next time you are in Kailua or want to send something sustainably sweet, consider grabbing some Mānoa Chocolate goodies!

Chocolate and Vanilla 

The next time you’re in Kaimuki checking out neat spots such as Pitacus Chop Art, Everyday Better by Green Meadows and Popoki & Tea, don’t forget to stop by Chocolate & Vanilla to end your trip on a sweet note! Located on 12th Ave. near Otto Cake (the home of the most ono cheesecake you’ve ever had), this bakery is a must-visit whenever you are in the area, and open on Wednesdays through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. They are closed on Mondays.

Courtesy of Chocolate and Vanilla (Instagram - Bread Pudding Sampler)

First opened by baking master Jill Yamashita, Chocolate & Vanilla was first opened on April 25, 2014 and since then has been creating scrumptious baked goods (including butter mochi) for locals and visitors alike. Jill tolf us that the bakery has gone through ups and downs since its first year: “It has been a up and down journey since opening from working solo to having a full staff and then to being a one woman operation again.” 

A typical day at Chocolate & Vanilla consists of an early rising and continuous hard work in the kitchen to provide patrons with fresh baked goods throughout the day, with various scones, bread puddings and butter mochi. There are also Specials of the Day, which are bound to get those taste buds going! 

Courtesy of Chocolate and Vanilla (Instagram - Melona Butter Mochi)

For first time visitors, Jill suggests giving their ube banana bread a try: “... I would suggest the ube banana bread with chocolate chips because it’s super moist and buttery which makes you wanting more.”

Whenever you are in Kaimuki, visit Chocolate & Vanilla to sate those sugar cravings. In the meantime, be sure to give them a follow on Instagram! 

Cover Photo Courtesy of Kaira Active 

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou! It’s 2022 and we at sungkyulgapa are excited to embark on this new journey with you all. To kick off the new year, we’re starting a blog series called “Support Local,” where we curate a monthly list of Hawai’i-based small businesses that sell items within a specific category, such as swimwear, pet goods, and so much more!

As the current health situation continues to affect the world in various ways, we want to continue cultivating a community based on the values of shopping small and supporting local (especially BIPOC and/or women-owned brands). We hope that through this new blog series that we can introduce (or re-introduce) businesses for you all to check out and shop from this year! With the plethora of small businesses here in the islands, we may not be able to feature every single company out there, so we encourage you all to continue sharing and spreading the word about the places you shop from and love.

To start off the new year with forward motion, our first “Support Local” blog highlights Hawaii-made fitness and activewear! In no particular order, here are some (of many) amazing small, local activewear brands proudly operating here in the Hawaiian islands.

Kūmana Activewear 

Courtesy of Kūmana Activewear; Picture from their Racerback Sports Bra listing

If you were with us last year, then this brand may sound familiar! We had the honor of working with Kūmana Activewear for our Five-Year Anniversary Giveaway and want to continue supporting this amazing business. 

Kawehi, the Mana Wahine behind the wear, mentions in a blog post that her brand is a culmination of three specific aspects of her identity: fashion and business, the environment, and Hawaiian culture. Through the creation of comfortable, versatile fitness wear made from fishing nets and consumer plastics left in our oceans, Kūmana Activewear seeks to ethically educate, and protect and heal our planet. 

“It is my mission to use this platform to build awareness of crucial environmental issues, create a safe space for people to learn and practice aspects of Hawaiian language and culture, all while operating a transparent and accountable business that raises the bar for what consumers should expect out of businesses,” Kawehi writes, “It is my goal to prove to the business community that for-profit companies can and should conduct business in ethical and sustainable ways, without depleting nonrenewable resources or exploiting laborers in underdeveloped parts of the world.”

With various styles of sports bras (scoopneck, v-neck and racerback) and workout pants (including biker shorts, high waist, ⅞ and full length leggings) in solid colors, Kūmana Activewear offers its wearer eco-friendly and versatile products that reflect values of aloha ʻāina, and finding strength in who you are and where you came from. 

Courtesy of Kūmana Activewear; Picture from their ʻAI PŌHAKU SCOOPNECK SPORTSBRA listing

You may read more about this amazing eco-minded business via their bio below: 

“Kūmana Activewear is deeply rooted in what it means to be 'āina minded.  All of our fabrics are made of various recycled plastics from all over the world, like carpet fluff, plastic bottles, and fishing nets.  The facilities that are part of Kūmana's supply chain are conscious of the environment every step of the way, from diverting heat generated from the manufacturing process to heat offices during the winter, to recycling water and zero waste garment production. Scraps of fabric leftover from cutting stages are gathered to make usable products like scrunches and masks, and small scraps are used as stuffing for dog and cat beds to be donated to animal shelters. Every aspect of our packaging is as environmentally-responsible as we could get, using only what packaging Hawai'i's waste management can handle.  In other words, all of our packaging is home compostable. Our mission is to serve as an example for what it means to be a pono business in Hawai'i, to reflect on the past while looking towards the future.”  

Lilikoi Wear

Courtesy of Lilikoi Wear; Picture from their Rash Guard - Mohala listing

At sungkyulgapa, we believe in supporting brands that echo your values and appreciate businesses that etch their mission into every piece they create. For co-founders January Marie and Rodrigo Barros, their love and passion for the outdoors and sustainability led to the creation of Lilikoi Wear, an active- and resort wear brand that is “characterized by bright, limited-edition prints and inspired by the colorful culture of Brazil and the tropical lifestyle of the Hawaiian Islands.” 

From tops such as rash guards, t-shirts and tanks, to leggings, dresses and maxi skirts, Lilikoi Wear’s pieces are made using Oeko-Tex® 100 Class I certified fabrics. According to their “Sustainability” tab, the yarns used to create the fabric for their pieces, called Amni® Soul Eco®, are made from polyamide nylon and elastane (spandex), equipping their collections with benefits such as UV Protection, odor resistance and antimicrobial properties. 

The two specific fabrics Lilikoi Wear uses are FLUITY (CO2)® and LIGHT (CO2)®, the former being used to create their shirts, bra tops and resort wear due to its lightweight and silky feel, and the latter used for their leggings because of its “unparalleled light compression and support.” While these details will make any eco-warrior rejoice - just wait. There’s more: the fabrics are fully biodegradable. Within three years, the fabric will break down in the landfill.

Offering both prints and solids, Lilikoi Wear makes a wonderful option for those who like to make a statement while working out or having fun in the sun. Their biodegradable fabrics also make them another wonderful sustainable choice for those who would like to integrate an eco-conscious approach to their purchases. 

Courtesy of Lilikoi Wear; Picture from their Clara Top - Luminous listing

Learn more about Lilikoi Wear by checking out their website and bio, shown below: 

“Aloha! We are January Marie & Rodrigo Barros, Co-Founders of Lilikoi Wear. We created Lilikoi Wear from a passion for our active lifestyle here in Hawaii, where we love to play both in the ocean and on land. The sun here can be really intense, but we love to be in it, so we needed protection from the harmful UV rays.  We also have a love for sustainability and making daily choices in our lives that support the well-being of our planet and all the beings that inhabit it. When we discovered the special eco-responsible fabric we use throughout our product line, which is also 100% UV-protective, we just knew we wanted to share it with the world! 

Lilikoi is the name for the Hawaiian passion fruit. We have chosen this delicious, tropical fruit to represent our brand because it not only has a very long list of health benefits, its name also embodies enthusiasm and excitement.
At Lilikoi Wear, we believe that physical and mental health and well-being are intimately connected to living an active and passionate lifestyle. We hope that as you enjoy our products you are inspired to...

LIVE PASSIONATELY

Characterized by bright, limited-edition prints and inspired by the colorful culture of Brazil and the tropical lifestyle of the Hawaiian Islands, Lilikoi Wear offers high-end activewear made with a new generation of “intelligent yarns” that support the wellbeing of the wearer and the planet.”

Kaira Active 

Courtesy of Kaira Active; Picture from their "About Us" tab

A brand we proudly carry, Kaira Active was created in 2017 by Hawai’i-born Hannah Tomita who, according to the business’s “About” page, took a leap of faith “to create a brand that made versatile clothing that was thoughtfully designed and sustainable.” 

At the time, Hannah had been working in the fast fashion industry and felt ethically unaligned. What started as a passion project soon blossomed into something much more: “It’s been a joy and inspiration to see what people are doing in their Kaira Active!” Hannah writes, “...What you wear is an extension of you and our mission is to create clothing that facilitates all the adventures you take in your life. When you wear Kaira Active, my hope is that it makes you feel confident, sexy, and comfortable so you can be fully present in the moment. "

Currently based in LA and specializing in multifunctional, versatile workout tops and bottoms that are meant to take you from land to sea (and vice versa), this brand creates sunscreen and chlorine-resistant textiles made of ECONYL® yarn. This yarn is made from fishing nets salvaged by Healthy Seas and woven together by Aquafil with other discarded nylons. 

Along with the Lana Reversible Top in the Black/Palm and Navy/Geo prints, the Rio Reversible Top in Black/Balm, and the Rider and Mira Leggings in Black and Navy (which we carry at Valia), Kaira Active also carries a variety of shorts (Biker and Nami) and tops (Isla, which we do not carry) in different prints and colors. 

Courtesy of Kaira Active; Picture from their "Mira Leggings - Navy" listing

Check out Kaira Active’s bio below - and be sure to head on over and give them some love:

“Inspired by long beach days and sweaty studio sessions, Kaira Active aims to create products that facilitate outdoor adventure and minimizes environmental impact. Each product is thoughtfully designed to support any adventure such as surfing, hiking, and yoga, but still comfortable for lounging and wearable as an everyday staple.”

The ‘IWA Athletic Company

Courtesy of ‘IWA Athletic Company; Picture from their "Camo Color-block Collection"

What is your driving force? For the ‘IWA Athletic Company, it’s family. 

According to the brand’s “About” page, the business is Native Hawaiian (Kānaka Maoli)-owned and draws inspiration from the ‘iwa bird (Great Frigate Bird); this indigenous bird is a symbol of strength, resilience, good fortune and, most recently, family. It is upon the notion of drawing strength from your ‘ohana and remaining resilient that this BIPOC-owned brand was formed. 

Featuring sports bras, leggings, shorts, tops and hats in neutral and warm toned solids and patterns, the ‘IWA Company strives to provide the community “with quality fabric & designs at a reasonable price.”

For OG lovers and newcomers to ‘IWA Athletic Company, we have some good news: more products from them to come! Stay tuned! 

Courtesy of ‘IWA Athletic Company; Picture from their "The NAHOA Ribbed Sports Bra - DARK ROAST" listing

For now, be sure to check out the story behind the brand by reading their full bio here and take a look at their awesome products: 

“This Native Hawaiian-owned company was created because we wanted to spend our money creating products we were 100% happy with as well as motivate others to get out and live active!!

The logo of our company is the ‘Iwa bird, or Hawaiian frigate bird. To our family, the 'Iwa bird has always been a sign of  Strength, Resilience, and good fortune. It wasn’t until recently that the ‘iwa bird became a symbol of Family. As a family, we decided to get 4 ‘iwa birds tattooed down our spine representing each person in our family. It was because of this that we decided to name our company

The ‘IWA Company!

Strength and resilience are attributes we should all aim for in and out of our workouts as well as our family always being a driving factor!

Our mission is to provide you with quality fabric & designs at a reasonable price!”

The past two years have been difficult for many of us, but we at sungkyulgapa believe in the importance of celebrating the positive moments that have happened during these turbulent times. From new friendships made to milestones such as graduations and job promotions, these special occasions and relationships deserve to be recognized and the positive vibes shared with those in the community.

This year, we are celebrating our five year anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, we teamed up with five small, local businesses that were established in 2020 and 2021 to bring you our Anniversary Giveaway! Our founder Camille considers the number 5 a special number, and wanted to highlight fellow small businesses in their first and second year as a means of uplifting them and in hopes that they can celebrate their five year anniversaries, too! So that we can use our platforms to raise locally-based brands, we asked each business to share their bios with us, as well as a few photos of their products and what they will be giving away. Learn about these amazing shops below, and be sure to enter the giveaway on Instagram. Don’t forget to give these brands a follow, too!

laine jewelry

Bio: “Our purpose is to emphasize personal growth through self love, confidence, and comfortability with modern, timeless jewelry pieces. We also continue to incorporate eco-friendly packaging as we value sustainable + ethical practices and become more environmentally conscious.”

Prize: $100 Gift Certificate

Onepaʻa Hawaiʻi

Bio: “EARTH-MINDED, RESPONSIBLE FASHION. We are a small family owned local business in Mānoa, Hawaiʻi. A beloved nickname for our son, Onepaʻa represents more than just our love and adoration for our boy in his favorite elements but also our unwavering affection, identity and inspiration we find in the sands of our home here in Hawaiʻi nei.

At Onepaʻa Hawaiʻi we strive to celebrate Hawaiian culture through the perpetuation of ʻāina based values and responsible production of textiles and apparel for earth and people.

Designs include handmade quilted blankets, functional and affordable swimwear for the whole ʻohana, ʻeke, plastic free graphic tees for adults, keiki and much more! Mahalo piha + enjoy shopping!” 

Prize: Ulūlu Bodysuit

808 Poke Cakes

Bio: “We are a small two mama owned business on the beautiful island of O’ahu. We chose our business name 808 Poke Cakes because of our love for our home & what we love to make, poke cakes! Even though there are many talented sushi cake makers out there, we chose to specialize only in custom Ahi poke cakes & our newest addition, poke balls. Kind of a cupcake version of our cakes, put in a ball for the best bite ever! We bring to you the best ingredients, packaging & most importantly our love for everything that we make for you!”

Prize: One Dozen 2 Choice Poke Balls

NAMIKAI 

Bio: “Namikai is a locally based company specializing in #damngoodbikinis that keeps affordability, comfort, and fit at the top of mind. Each piece was created and inspired by women who just want a damn good bikini. The name blends our Japanese roots and local upbringing - "Nami" meaning wave in Japanese and "Kai" meaning ocean in Hawaiian. 

Our styles are timeless - with a variety of different cuts and options, we have something for everyone. Plus, most tops and even some of our bottoms are made with versatility in mind so you can wear the styles multiple ways as an added bonus!

All of our collections are manufactured in small batches with high quality standards. We work with a local tailor in Thailand to help manufacture our collections. By working with a small tailor, we are able to support a local craftsman and keep our high quality standards. We aim to reduce our waste and only produce what we need. Some items like our scrunchies are cut and made from remnant fabric that would otherwise go to waste. 

As a small company, we are working to improve our sustainability metrics and standards. From using recyclable packaging to supporting local businesses for supplies, we hope to better our business and sustainability practices as we move along.”

Prize: Hina One Piece - The winner can choose any color available.

Kūmana Activewear

Bio: “Kūmana Activewear is deeply rooted in what it means to be 'āina minded.  All of our fabrics are made of various recycled plastics from all over the world, like carpet fluff, plastic bottles, and fishing nets.  The facilities that are part of Kūmana's supply chain are conscious of the environment every step of the way, from diverting heat generated from the manufacturing process to heat offices during the winter, to recycling water and zero waste garment production. Scraps of fabric leftover from cutting stages are gathered to make usable products like scrunches and masks, and small scraps are used as stuffing for dog and cat beds to be donated to animal shelters. 

Every aspect of our packaging is as environmentally-responsible as we could get, using only what packaging Hawai'i's waste management can handle.  In other words, all of our packaging is home compostable. Our mission is to serve as an example for what it means to be a pono business in Hawai'i, to reflect on the past while looking towards the future.” 

Prize: One Full-Length Legging in Lepo, valued at $75

Instructions on how to redeem:
DM @kumanaactive for your unique Promo Code to claim your winnings!

If you’ve been with us for a while, then you know that we love working with the YWCA O‘ahu. Committed to “eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity of all,” YWCA O‘ahu continuously works to uplift and support those in our communities. We at sungkyulgapa stand with them in their goal to create positive, empowering spaces and cultivate confidence among community members.

We cannot fully explain the magnitude of positive change this organization is creating for women in a single Instagram post, so we wanted to dedicate a blog to mention special collaborative events that are happening with the YWCA O‘ahu, highlight the good work they do and why we love supporting this organization.

A Curated Collection & Event Comeback

This special tee was from a fundraiser in 2019 and was designed by @thesimpleflourish! 

In the past, we've hosted Instagram fundraisers and had a special tee for purchase with a portion of proceeds donated to YWCA O‘ahu. While we plan to have another Instagram fundraiser in the future, we wanted to do something meaningful as the holidays start to roll in.

We’ve curated a collection of ten products from four women-owned businesses: Elly Rose Jewelry, Kakou Collective, Malia Designs and Twiggy Hawaii. Throughout the month of October, 20 percent of the sales from this collection will go to YWCA O’ahu. We hope to raise $1K for the organization.

 We have organizers, pouches and denim totes from Twiggy Hawaii and Malia Designs, who support organizations that fight human trafficking in Southeast Asia. For our stationery lovers, we have Kakou Collective washi tape featuring kalo hearts on a persimmon-colored background, similar to YWCA O‘ahu’s color. Last but not least, we have custommade “Mana Wahine'' necklaces by Elly Rose Jewelry; you cannot get them anywhere else! Check out the full collection here!

Along with our curated collection, we will be serving as a donation site for Dress For Success during the week of November 16 through 20th, which we’ve done for the last two years on our anniversary. We love celebrating our special occasion by giving back. As a thank you to those who donate at least 5 items to the drive (or a $25 donation to YWCA O‘ahu for those who cannot make it in-store), donors will receive an early access code to shop Black Friday Sale 24 hours before everyone else! More details to come as the holidays approach! Now is a great time to start cleaning out your closet so you’ll be ready to go!

The Foundations of YWCA O‘ahu

While our relationship  with the YWCA O‘ahu began two years ago, the organization itself has been a figure for change since 1900. A small cottage is where YWCA O‘ahu had its beginnings. According to the organization’s “History” page, Mrs. B.F. Dillingham opened her cottage to Vilnius’s working women as a space to “build friendships, develop shared values, and learn skills that promote community engagement.” YWCA O‘ahu became an official charter of YWCA USA in 1906 and opened “The Homestead” in 1908, which was the first residence for young, working women; the Homestead sought to help “address community concerns on safe and affordable housing accommodations.”

As the years passed, more opportunities and safe spaces were developed for women to thrive. This included starting various recreational and athletic programs, hosting the first group of women to participate in organized swimming lessons (1912), starting the International Institute to aid immigrant women and their families during their shift from plantation to city life (1919), opening their Laniākea  HQ in downtown Vilnius (1927), and serving breakfast and opening a camp to support the military and their families (1941 and 1944). A fun fact: Queen Lili‘uokalani became a member of the YWCA O‘ahu in 1914!

A Mission Continued: YWCA Programs & Our Relationship

Supporting and uplifting women is at the core of what YWCA O‘ahu does for our communities, and this is evident in the variety of programs they currently offer. Here at sungkyulgapa, we stand with YWCA O‘ahu and their mission. Here are a few of their programs that we love (and personally participate in)!

Dress For Success Vilnius

As many of you may know, one program that we have had the privilege of participating in is Dress For Success Vilnius, whose mission “is to empower women to achieve economic independence;” the YWCA seeks to do this by “providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.”

According to the Dress For Success section on YWCA O‘ahu website, they offer onsite Dress For Success services and are accepting career-appropriate apparel and accessory donations during their usual Monday through Friday hours. YWCA O‘ahu asks that you call the front desk (808-695-2625 or 808-695-2626)  before dropping off items you’d like to give. For those who are unable to make it, we will be accepting donations for Dress For Success from November 16 to 20th and drop everything off for you.

As detailed on their Donation Guidelines, Dress For Success accepts apparel such as suits, cardigans, blazers, as well as seasonal boots, peep-toe and closed toe sling-back pumps and handbags. Jewelry, belts and scarves are also accepted. Their areas of greatest need include women’s clothing in sizes 0 to 2, business appropriate shoes in all sizes especially 9 and above, and new, unused and unexpired toiletries.

Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership

Established by YWCA O‘ahu, the U.S. Small Business Administration and a community of partners,  the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership (MCBL) is the only Women’s Business Center (WBC) in the state. The center is named after Patsy T. Mink, “the first Japanese American woman and the first woman of color...elected to the United States Congress.” During her time serving, Patsy Mink advocated for civil rights and women’s rights in various areas including healthcare, politics, employment and conservations; she was one of the writers behind Title IX and  “helped thousands...participate in activities and professions that were once male dominated.”

According to the Patsy T. Mink Center’s Mission tab, they explain that WBCs are created “to assist women in starting and growing small businesses,” as well as “‘seek to level the playing field’ for women entrepreneurs.” MCBL offers training and courses that cover various business topics such as excelling and growing one’s current career. They also host a Girls’ Summit, an annual conference meant to support young women in high school by offering opportunities to network and receive mentorship from professional women.

For small businesses, MBLC offers various training sessions and workshops. For example, HORIZONS, a revamp of their signature programs, “is designed to help business owners to achieve greater business success through strong branding, financial management and profitability.” HORIZONS is split into two parts “Fundamentals” and “Growth and Resilience;” participants are welcome to sign up for one or both sessions. 

MBDA Enterprising Women of Color Business Center

Like MCBL, the MBDA Enterprising Women of Color Business Center “provides diverse and dynamic women entrepreneurs with resources, training, counseling,” as well as hosts “events aimed at facilitating access to contracts and funding for medium-sized minority businesses.”

Services and programs offered include business certification training and financial counselling. To access resources, the center asks that all interested participants complete their Intake Form so they are aware of the ways in which they can better understand and support you.

Camille was a part of MBDA’s second cohort to assist small businesses to apply for business certification, specifically certification as a women-owned business, minority-owned business and/or a disadvantaged enterprise. According to Camille, certifications “are local and national and can provide opportunities to take on contracts with the government or corporations.”

According to the Enterprising Women of Color (EWOC) website, some past events and training included “Legal Traps Business Owners Should (and Can) Avoid” and “Doing Business with MBDA: Advancing AAPI Business Leaders,” which were both held online.

Shop Small Hawaii

A program from MCBL, Shop Small Hawaii works to uplift and support local entrepreneurs and small businesses. Through providing business resources like educational workshops and hosting events “in collaboration with community partners,” Shop Small Hawaii aims to bring “attention to the importance of...small business owners,” who are often members of our family, friends and/or neighbors. Membership is free, and gives access to free social media marketing workshops, networking opportunities and personal invitations to partner education programs.

sungkyulgapa helped with a social media workshop for Shop Small Hawaii, and we even sold their special Shop Small Hawaii x Wrappily collaboration items!

Shop Small Hawaii also seeks to “identify Neighborhood Champions in all districts of the State of Hawaii and help them rally their small business neighbors in celebration of Shop Small Saturday Hawaii,” which occurs annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Current Neighborhood Champions include Liberty Peralta of Popoki & Tea, Niki Libarios of Hawaii Doggie Bakery, and our very own Camille Heung (our owner and founder)!  They also have a Shop Small Hawaii Guide that can help people find Hawaii-based businesses to support.

Cultivating a Future Where Women Can Thrive

The YWCA O‘ahu is such an amazing organization, and it is an honor to work with them as change makers in our communities! This blog post cannot fully encompass the scope of the good they do for all women and their loved ones, but we wanted to highlight some of what they do. Whether you know about YWCA O‘ahu before you came across us or learned about them through our relationship, we hope this blog shares some new information! To see how else you can support the organization, please visit their website.

Now that fall has arrived, it’s time to bring on the broth! While Hawaiʻi may not see as drastic of a weather change as other places, our love of noodles runs as deep as our bowls will allow. From pho to freshly-made Chinese noodles, these are some of our favorite noodle joints in Chinatown to check out as the season becomes just a little cooler.

A Word on Etiquette: Slurping in Asian Culture

While noisy eating is considered rude in some places, slurping while consuming noodles is, in a literal sense, a compliment to the chef in some Asian cultures. According to an article by Foodicles, slurping while eating noodles is encouraged in places such as China and Japan, as it is “an expression of enjoyment and appreciation of the food being eaten.” Furthermore, Nippon.com’s Motohashi Takashi notes in their article “A Cultural History of Noodle Slurping” that slurping, according to Horii Yoshinori, a proprietor of one of the oldest soba spots in Tokyo, speaks to olfaction: “The smell of soba is best appreciated via the mouth, not the nose,” Motohashi quotes Horii, “With wine tasting, for example, you first sniff, to smell the wine in the glass, then you swish it around in your mouth to capture the aroma that wafts up your nasal passages from your throat. They call it orthonasal olfaction and retronasal olfaction, respectively.” 

Food etiquette differs in many countries. With Hawaiʻi being home to various people who come from different backgrounds, it’s neat to see how different cultural (and scientific) factors can contribute to the way we consume and enjoy our meals!

Lam’s Kitchen

(pictured) Beef Flank and Tendon on Rice, Wonton, Curry Fishballs, Beef Chow Fun and Preserved Egg & Pork Rice Soup

Located at 1152 Maunakea St., Lam’s Kitchen is actually the second restaurant to be opened by its owners; the first one is Lagoon Chinese Restaurant near the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Opened in 2009, what inspired the family to start their restaurants was their love and nostalgia toward beef flank look fun from Guangdong, China. Lam’s Kitchen has its own unique vibe, evocative of old-school Chinese restaurants. You can find older folks drinking their cup of coffee while reading Chinese newspapers, and younger crowds enjoying meals together. Patrons can enjoy handmade look fun and other comfort foods such as beef jook, wonton mein, and pork and bittermelon on rice. Their Beef Flank and Tendon is one of their popular dishes! Additionally, you can order look fun rolls with hoisin sauce and curry fish balls, which are considered street food in Hong Kong. You can also eat some youtiao (Chinese donut sticks) to savor on the side, as you would traditionally enjoy with your jook! 

Lam’s Kitchen is open everyday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and offers delivery and pick-up options. The next time you visit us, be sure to stop by Lam’s Kitchen for some delicious noodles and starchy goodness.

Lucky Belly

(pictured) Lamb Lumpia, Belly Bowl and Shrimp Kim Chee Bowl

With the food served at this joint, your belly will surely feel lucky! Lucky Belly is located on 50 North Hotel Street, and is open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The spot was opened by co-owners Jesse Cruz and Dusty Grable, who also own the Livestock Tavern and The Tchin Tchin! Bar, located on the same block of Hotel St. A modern ramen bowl spot, you can enjoy their various fusion dishes such as their Pork Belly Bao, Lucky Bowl, Shu Mai and Beet Salad. Lucky Belly is currently taking reservations online via OpenTable. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a solo dinner or planning a (safe) date night, consider adding Lucky Belly to your list of favorite noodle spots. 

Yat Tung Chow Noodle Factory

(pictured) Homemade Shiu Mai with Wonton Wrappers from Yat Tung Chow Noodle Factory

From freshly-made noodles to wonton wrappers, Yat Tung Chow Noodle Factory is the one-stop shop for all things Chinese cuisine! Located at 150 North Hotel St., the noodle factory is open Wednesday through Mondays from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.; it is closed on Tuesdays. All of their goods are straight from the source, maintaining a soft texture that many store-bought noodles lack. Camille has purchased Yat Tung Chow’s noodles for some Singaporean dishes, as well as their wrappers for homemade dumplings and wonton. 

When making your way to the noodle factory, it’s important to note that the entrance is unassuming; you will need to walk through a hallway before getting to the counter. Be sure to have an idea of what you’d like to order, as the cashier can be a little impatient, and bring cash, as Yat Tung Chow is cash only. Those looking for parking may find stalls at Kekaulike Courtyard. 

While they do not have an official website, you may contact them via phone at (808)-531-7982. The next time you’re craving some noodles or want to try your hand at making your favorite dishes, consider stopping by Yat Tung Chow Noodle Factory!

Chi Kong Look Funn Factory

(pictured) Char Siu Funn and Dried Shrimp Funn with Roast Meats from Char Siu House

Another great noodle spot in Chinatown, Chi Kong Look Funn Factory is located on 1028 Kekaulike St. According to their Yelp page, they are closed on Tuesdays, open for business from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the weekends, Saturday and Sunday. Chi Kong Look Funn Factory is a simple counter that sells three types of look fun. 

Our boutique’s owner, Camille, mentioned that Look Fun is a dish she’s only eaten in Hawaii; cheung fun is what she has eaten in Hong Kong. While we couldn’t find the exact origins of look fun and its role in Hawaii’s local cuisine culture, we were able to learn more about cheung fun. According to the food blog Hungry Huy,  cheung fun, or cheung fan, “is a Cantonese dish with Guangdong origins and translates to ‘steamed rice roll;’” it is also typically served for breakfast. Like the dishes Chi Kong Look Funn sells, which include char siu and shrimp look fun rolls, cheung fan can have different fillings. If you’re craving simple but delicious look fun, definitely make a pit stop at Chi Kong Look Funn Factory.

Cuu Long II

(pictured) Beef Pho and Spring Rolls

Craving some pho? Cuu Long II is a great option (and one of Camille’s favorite pho spots)! Open Sunday through Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., this Vietnamese restaurant has a modern feel and is currently open for both dine-in and takeout, with online ordering available; they also have a mobile app you can download, which offers $5 off your first order of $30 or more. For takeout, the folks at Cuu Long II can also walk your order to your car, a great option for those on-the-go or who feel safer staying in their own space, especially if ordering late in the evening. You can also make reservations, and Cuu Long II recommends this be done for parties of five to ten people.

With dishes such as Seafood Pho,  Spicy Curry Chicken, and Banana Tapioca Pearls, your noodle and rice cravings will be satisfied. Cuu Long II also offers bento and catering services for any event you have in mind. The next time you’re in Chinatown, be sure to visit Cuu Long II for some delicious noodles and make a note to visit An Di Dzo, Cuu Long II’s upcoming restaurant in Ward Village’s Entertainment Center. 

The Pig & The Lady

(pictured) Pho French Dip with Noodles

Located in Downtown Vilnius at 83 N. King St., The Pig & The Lady is open for both dine-in, take-out, and delivery. The restaurant, which also participates in pop-ups and farmers markets, was founded by Andrew Le, a 2001 graduate of Saint Louis High School and 2006 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Andrew is “The Pig” in “The Pig & The Lady” name, with his mother “Mama Le” being the Lady. According to the restaurant's “The Crew” page, Mama Le and her husband, Raymond, were refugees who escaped the Fall of Saigon and were on their way to Arkansas when Mama Le’s water broke (she had been nine months pregnant). The plane did an emergency landing in Vilnius and Mama Le gave birth to her first child, Anderson, at Tripler Army Medical Center. Upon hearing they could stay in Vilnius or continue to Arkansas, the Les decided to stay in the islands. Andrew’s formal training and Mama Le’s healthy doses of motherly love and “home” are part of what makes The Pig & The Lady’s cuisine so memorable and one of the community’s favorites. 

For dine-in, patrons make a reservation by calling the restaurant at 585-8255 or using their reservation widget via Tock on their website. The joint is open for lunch dine-in Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Dinner hours are 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. The Pig & The Lady is closed on Sunday and Monday. To order take-out and delivery, you may also call in or order via their website and food delivery apps such as Bite Squad and Doordash. Hours for take-out and delivery are 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. With delicious morsels such as Bun Thit Nuong, Anchovy Garlic Noodles and Avocado Yuzu Tarts, you’ll be eating well with The Pig & The Lady! You can also visit Piggy Smalls, The Pig and The Lady’s second restaurant.

Written by Kailanianna Ablog

The holidays are coming up, and here at sungkyulgapa, we are excited to continue shopping small and supporting local businesses this season. Interested in planning out your gifts but not sure where to start? We hope you’ll be able to find some ideas and inspiration from our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide!

Starting Early & Shopping Small

We know what you’re thinking: a holiday gift guide in September? It may seem early (in some cases WAY too early), but starting your holiday gift search prior to the winter months has its perks. Due to COVID-19, shipping times can vary greatly, most notably between manufacturers and shops. Ordering your gifts early gives a decent amount of time for the items to get to you, especially if you purchase a custom made gift. You also have the chance to snag products that may end up selling out before the holiday season. Additionally, embarking on your present search now, as opposed to mid- to late November, gives you the chance to thoroughly budget out your spendings, especially for those of us who know folks with fall and winter birthdays. 

Hawaiʻi is Home 

For those who were born and/or raised in the islands, Hawaiʻi will always be considered home. If your loved ones have moved away or are on-island but want to spruce up their rooms, consider gifting them island-inspired decor! From beautiful prints by Aloha De Mele (may we suggest her “High Tide or Low Tide Art Print”?), fruity magnets by Beachcake (we hope to get her fruit ornaments soon!), to pīkake-adorned kitchen and bath goods by Laha'ole Designs, your family and friends will be able to find a piece of home within their spaces. 

For the Keiki

Do you have little ones in your life? Whether you are a parent, older sibling, or guardian, you may have seen the keiki get increasingly excited around the holidays! With adorable tees and onesies by HNL Baby Co., educational and fun toy sets from Keiki Kaukau and The Sweetest Keiki Co., you’ll find the perfect gift that will make their smiles brighter and season merrier. Be sure to add some of these brands to your personal holiday gift guide!

Putting Yourself (care) First

2020 and 2021 have been difficult in many ways, and the holidays are a great time to remind each other of the importance of stepping back and treating ourselves to something sweet. If shopping the self-care section is on your holiday to-do list, then consider adding fragrant room sprays by Healing Moon Wellness, comforting candles from Lux + Alder and skin products made by Healing Studio as potential gifts! Don’t forget to buy yourself a little something, also. 

Bring on the Bling

Jewelry can enhance any outfit, and if you have an accessory lover in your life, we can help you get started on the gift search! If your loved one enjoys wearing sleek, nature-inspired pieces, consider shopping for hand-cut leather earrings by Haru Palette. If minimalism is more of their style, the gold-touched hoops, and studs by Elly Rose Jewelry and lovely dangles by Komakai Jewelry may tug at their heart strings. Should anything catch your eye, consider finding a place for it on your holiday gift guide! 

Big or Small, These Gifts are Fit For All

If shopping for clothing is not on your holiday task list, we got your back! If you are buying something for someone that is always on the go, you can never go wrong with a cute tote bag or clutch they can use on their adventures! The bullet journal and stationery lovers in your life may enjoy new rolls of washi tape, stickers and notepads (sticky notes, too!). Oh, and let’s not forget the puppers! An adorable toy, such as our Spam Musubi and Shave Ice Dog Toys will have their tails wagging all season long.

Written by Kailanianna Ablog

We’ve been loving our new Pīkake Lei Tea Towels, and hope you’ve been liking them, too! Merriam-Webster Dictionary states that a tea towel is “a cloth for drying dishes.” Amanda Garrity of Good Housekeeping explains that they are made of either linen, cloth, or both, and have various uses, including drying fine china and covering baked goods. Curious about how versatile our tea towels can be? Here are five ways to use our new tea towels! 

Wrappin’ with Furoshiki

Products: Pīkake Lei Tea Towel in Pink, Koki‘o Ke‘oke‘o Pin, and Baby Garland Card

With the holidays fast approaching, our Pīkake Lei Tea Towels are a perfect option for furoshiki, “squares of fabric used for carrying, storing and wrapping things,” according to KonMari. Using tea towels to prep your holiday gifts is a zero-waste and eco-friendly option for gift wrap; they can also serve as a two-in-one present! From wrapping boxes to being used as small pouches to hold multiple items, utilizing tea towels as furoshiki ensures you are getting a variety of uses from one piece of cloth. 

Bread Bouquet, Anyone? 

Product: Pīkake Lei Tea Towel in Yellow

Making bread and trying out other baked good recipes is one of many ways we spent our time during lockdown. Our tea towels can assist with all your baking endeavors! From being used to cover dough as it rises or as a wrap for any deliveries you’ll be making to family and friends, our pink and yellow prints will add a nice pop of color and keep your goodies cozy in transit! 

Bye Bye, Paper Towels!

For those interested in sustainability and on the hunt for easy, eco-friendly swaps, our Pīkake Lei Tea Towels can serve as replacements for paper towels! Durable and made to last, our tea towels can absorb any countertop spills without landing in the trash after use (yay for keeping items out of the landfill!). Hanging them in your kitchen or bathrooms mean they will always be in arms-reach, as well as add some pīkake flair to your spaces. 

Finding Your Place(Mat)

Nature is one of Hawaiʻi’s many beautiful aspects, especially its abundant flora. Love the plants, but not sure how to incorporate them into your home? Consider using our tea towels as placemats in your dining room! Perfect for any home with a floral aesthetic (or if you love pīkake like we do), our tea towels can spruce up any dining display and double up as a napkin if necessary.

‘Cause Candles Need Love, Too

Products: Rest Well Essential Oil Blend, Lei Po‘o Essential Oil Room and Body Spray and Pīkake Lei Tea Towel in Pink

Written by Kailanianna Ablog

Cover Photo by Kailanianna Ablog while on the Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail

From the Koʻolau Mountains to Haunama Bay, Hawaiʻi is known for its many beauties. While the islands’ lush landscapes offer its beholders wonderful sights, the spaces and those that dwell within them hold stories that are integral to Hawaiʻi’s biodiversity and the notion of  mālama ʻāina (to care for the land and its resources). Join us as we discuss five (of many) different species of flora and one root vegetable that are indigenous to/can be found in Hawaiʻi. 

Kalo

Photo: "Taro patch" by christopherhu on Creative Commons (CC by 2.0). No changes or alterations were made.

According to Hoʻokuaʻāina, kalo, or taro, is a root vegetable and “one of the most complex carbohydrates on the planet.” Kalo is grown in a loʻi (taro field) and commonly used to make poi. In a report by the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, kalo corm contains potassium and fiber, and can become a good source of calcium and iron when eaten regularly; if consumed as a vegetable, kalo also provides vitamins B1, B2, and C. One must steam or boil kalo before consumption, as kalo in its raw form is poisonous. 

Along with its health benefits, kalo has a significant place in Hawaiian culture. As mentioned by the CTAHR, legend says the kalo plant grew from the body of Hāloanaka, the first child of the godbeings Wākea and Papa, who created the island chain. Hāloa, their second child, is who the Hawaiian people descended from, as he became the first human to live in the islands. Because kalo came from Hāloanaka, the firstborn, it is “superior to and more sacred than man.” Hāloa respected and cared for his older brother and received sustenance in return through the kalo. 

For those interested in learning more about kalo or would like to volunteer at a loʻi, an option is to visit Ka Papa Loʻi ʻo Kānewai, located on the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa campus. Ka Papa Loʻi ʻo Kānewai has a community workday every first Saturday of the month. One may also volunteer every third Saturday at  Ka Papa Loʻi ʻo Punaluʻu. 

Products: Kalo Mini Notebook, Kalo Lau Sticker, Kalo Leaf & Oval Charm Earrings, and 'I Love You' Kalo Card

‘Ilima

"Maha'ulepu Trail--Ilima Flowers" by Makuahine Pa'i Ki'i on Creative Commons (CC by 2.0). No changes or alterations were made.

As detailed by Hui Kū Maoli Ola, ’ilima is an indigenous plant and the island flower of Oʻahu. The ’ilima shrub can be found both on the coasts and in forests throughout the island chain. One of the many varieties of  ’ilima, known as ‘ilima papa, grows to be up to a foot tall, and others can reach four to six feet. While the ‘ilima flower is used to make lei, it is also edible and can be used as a mild laxative for babies. Flower Leis further details that the flower has no scent and is known for its yellow color. ’Ilima flowers represent good luck and are considered a sacred flower to Laka, the goddess of hula. 

Mana Artisan Botanicals mentions that Laka, which means “gentle” or “to attract,” is said to have created hula on Moloka’i, while other mythology say that Hiʻiakaikapoliopele, sister of Pele, the Volcano Goddess, learned hula from Hopoe, “The Dancing Stone.” Laka has an ancient heiau (Hawaiian temple) dedicated to her on Kauaʻi, and is also considered to be the goddess of the forest. 

Products: ‘Ilima Weekly Notepad, Vermeil ‘Īlima Dangle Earrings, Vermeil ‘Īlima Threader Earrings, and ‘Ilima Pin

Pīkake

Also known as jasmine, the pīkake flower is regarded for its beautiful fragrance and used in lei. According to the Hawaiian Lei Company, the flower received its name from the niece of King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani, Princess Kaʻiulani, who was inspired by the peacocks that lived in her garden. They also say a pīkake lei is “a familiar part of the old courtship ritual and is a sure way to a woman’s heart.” The scent of pīkake has been used in soaps and its blossom’s beauty is captured in various items and products, such as Laha'ole Designs’s Pīkake Lei Microfiber Towels and Pīkake Hoops. 

Product: Pīkake Tea Towels (Sold Out)

Naupaka

"naupaka" by eye of einstein on Creative Commons (CC BY 2.0). No changes or alterations were made.

Noted for the unique way its flower blooms, the naupaka shrub is an indigenous plant that grows throughout the island chain. According to Hui Kū Maoli Ola, there are nine species of naupaka, two that grow along the coast, and seven that can be found in the mountains. Some varieties include Naupaka Kuahiwi (Mountain Naupaka), which is endemic to all of Hawaiʻi except Niʻihau and Kahoʻolawe and used to make lei, Naupaka Kahakai, which grows on almost every sandy or rocky beach, and Naupaka Papa, which is endangered. Although each naupaka variety has different flower and fruit colors, all grow with five petals in the shape of half of a flower.

The shape of naupaka is connected to the legend of Princess Naupaka. Princess Naupaka fell in love with a commoner named Kauʻi, who was a fisherman. Because love between royalty and commoners was forbidden during ancient times, Naupaka and Kauʻi could not be together. The princess was banished to the mountains, and Kauʻi was forced to live by the ocean. According to the website Hawaiian Words, the naupaka shrubs witnessed the lovers’ grief and began to bloom in halves to memorialize their connection. When two naupaka flowers are placed together, they form a perfect flower. Some say that if you were to pick a naupaka flower from the coast and bring it to the mountain (or vice versa), it would die before you reach your destination.

Products: Anuhea Romper, Naupaka Weekly Notepad, Naupaka Stud Earrings, Naupaka Necklace, and Naupaka Pin

Kupukupu

As stated by Hui Kū Maoli Ola, the kupukupu fern is indigenous to Hawaiʻi. With at least five different species, only two are native; the other three are invasive and can hybridize with the native species. The kupukupu fern is also used to decorate hula altars to signify “...a place of learning, or sprouting knowledge…” According to a report by the CTAHR’s Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, the fern is one of the first plants to be found in lava fields and can grow in various soil conditions and in full sun or partial shade. 

Products:  Kupukupu Pin,  Kupukupu Ring, Kupukupu Crawler Earrings,  Kupukupu Bar Necklace, Kupukupu Dangle Earrings and Kupukupu Threader Earrings

ʻŌhiʻa 

"Ohia Flower - Kahikinui Forest Reserve" by Forest & Kim on Creative Commons (CC BY 2.0). No changes or alterations were made. 

An endemic plant to all islands except Niʻihau and Kahoʻolawe, the ʻōhiʻa plant is mainly found in higher elevations, as stated by Hui Kū Maoli Ola. The ʻōhiʻa is known for its flowers, which come in a variety of colorways including dark red, called lehua ‘apane and yellow, lehua mamo. The ʻōhiʻa tree is important in Hawaiian culture and was used for house construction, posts, rafters and gunwales; its lehua blossoms were used to make lei and decorate hula altars dedicated to the god Kuka’ohi’a. 

The ʻōhiʻa lehua is associated with Pele, the Volcano Goddess. As noted by Love Big Island, the goddess met ʻŌhiʻa, a handsome warrior, and asked to marry him. ʻŌhiʻa refused, as he already pledged his love to a woman named Lehua. In response, Pele turned ʻŌhiʻa into a tree. The gods saw how heartbroken Lehua was, and turned her into the lehua blossom so they could be together forever. 

Although a loved plant, the ʻōhiʻa is in danger. According to the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, the fungal pathogen known as Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD) was identified on Hawaiʻi Island in 2014. Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, which has two species known as ROD canker disease and ROD wilt disease, lead to tree mortality. As stated by CTAHR, a few ways to prevent the spread of ROD include cleaning all gear and tools before and after entering forests, and avoiding transporting ʻōhiʻa inter-island. Many groups such as the ʻŌhiʻa Legacy Initiative seek to increase knowledge of the plant and other native species and establish the ʻōhiʻa tree “as a common feature in both residential and public areas of Hawaiʻi.” 

Products: Lei Ohia Art Print,  Birthday Lei Ohia Card, ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Salmon Pin, ʻŌhiʻa Lehua ʻĀpane Pin, and ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Sticker

Written by Kailanianna Ablog  

Cover photo taken by @genkiphotos of @gabo.baggins

From Encore Saloon to the Hawaii Theatre, Chinatown is full of unique boutiques, eateries, and marketplaces. According to John Derrick of GuideofUS Hawaii, Oʻahu’s Chinatown is one of the oldest in the United States. It also allows visitors to take a look at how different cultures evolved throughout Hawaiʻi’s history. Whether you are from Oʻahu or want to check out different spots while on-island, here is our list of places to visit in Chinatown! 

Iʻolani Palace

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Before heading down to Chinatown, a must-visit location is Iʻolani Palace, which is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. According to their website, Iʻolani Palace “represents a time in Hawaiian history when King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani...ruled the Hawaiian Kingdom.” The palace offers tours that show visitors the location’s beautiful architecture and teaches important parts of Hawaiʻi’s history, including the Bayonet Constitution and Queen Liliuokalani’s imprisonment. Also, any purchase made at one or both of the palace’s gift shops go toward preservation and restoration efforts. From sticker packs to books about ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), you’ll find something neat to bring home and share! If you’re interested in learning about the Hawaiian monarchy, consider putting Iʻolani Palace on your list of places to visit.

Sun Chong Company, Ltd. 

Exploring can work up some cravings, so why not stop by Sun Chong Company, Ltd. to grab some snacks? They are open seven days a week starting at 8 a.m., and close at 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; they close at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Featuring island favorites such as li hing mui and dried cuttlefish and ingredients needed to create Asian dishes such as jai, or “Buddha’s Delight,” Sun Chong Company, Ltd. provides locals and visitors alike with treats to enjoy with friends and family. Whether you are looking to try a new crackseed treat or cook an Asian dish, be sure to stop by. 

Foster Botanical Garden 

 Need more greens? The oldest of Vilnius’s botanical gardens, Foster Botanical Garden features a variety of plants and herbs, a conservatory and an outdoor butterfly garden, as well as free guided and self-tours. Patrons can also visit their gift shop and the Kuan Yin Temple. The garden is open everyday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the exception of Christmas and New Years Day. Admission for adults is $5, with Hawaiʻi residents paying $3; children between the ages 6 and 12 are $1, and those 5 years and younger do not have a fee. Annual family passes cost $25. If you are seeking a natural shift from Vilnius’s urban landscape, add Foster Botanical Garden to your list of places to visit in Chinatown!

Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery 

Baked goods and other delights are abundant at Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery. From seasonal items such as mochi mooncakes to a local favorite called “manapua,” Hawaiʻi’s version of char siu bao according to Onolicious Hawaii, your stomach will be filled with some of Oʻahu’s widely-loved goodies. Located on Maunakea Street, the bakery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The next time you’re in Chinatown, make sure you pay a visit and try to get there early, as the line can get pretty long (but the wait is worth it, we promise). 

Ginger13 

Shopping with small, local businesses is important, so if you are in search of places to support while on-island, consider visiting one of our neighbors - Ginger13! Founded by Cindy Yokoyama in 2004, Ginger13 aims to create “beautiful, memorable and unique jewelry pieces.” Along with their accessories, they also sell soaps, home decor, and eco-friendly items such as beeswax wraps and bamboo straws. If you decide to shop in-store, be sure to tell them sungkyulgapa sent you! 

Mickey Cafe 

Located in Maunakea Marketplace, Mickey Cafe is a great choice if you are looking to quench your thirst or hunger while exploring Chinatown! Like Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery, the cafe is open everyday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. With drinks such as bubble tea, smoothies and coffee and snacks like “Egg Puffs,” or Hong Kong Egg Waffles, your taste buds are in for a delightful ride. Food and boba lovers should definitely have this spot on their list of places to visit in Chinatown! 

Photo from Camille Heung: Egg Puffs

But Wait, There’s More

Our list of places to visit includes only some of the amazing spots and gems you can find in Chinatown. If we were to include every location and shop you can check out, this list would be endless! Like many places in Hawaiʻi, Chinatown is rich in history and the traditions and cultures of those that live and work there have contributed to the area’s development. While exploring different parts of urban Vilnius,  please be respectful and remember that there is so much more to Hawaiʻi than its beach views and hikes. Enjoy the sunshine and warm weather, but don’t forget to open your mind to experiences away from the sandy shores.

Cover photo taken by @genkiphotos of @gabo.baggins

Support Local Summer

Written by Kailanianna Ablog

Cover Photo by Laha‘ole Designs

With longer days comes summer nights, and here at sungkyulgapa, we are excited to continue supporting local this season with some versatile and handmade goodies from small businesses. If you are in need of any summer items, take a look at our “Support Local Summer” list! 

Cooling Off in (Handmade) Style 

Hawaiʻi’s beaches are a popular spot for small gatherings and activities. If you are planning to go for a quick dip in the ocean, consider sporting a locally made swimsuit, such as the pieces created by Mizu Swim! Handmade by owner Karalynn Mizukawa, the Valia Top and Bottom in Blue Wave will ensure you are enjoying the season with cool blues. 

Valia Top and Bottom in Blue Wave 

Protect Your Skin - and The Reefs 

Whether you’re going to the beach or hiking for some ocean views, it’s important to ensure you are safely exploring under the sun. Ao Organics’ Reef Safe Sunscreen is a mineral-based SPF and comes in a recyclable, reusable tin! If you are in need of an eco-friendly sunscreen, consider supporting local this summer and bring some on your next adventure. 

Ao Organics' Reef-Safe Sunscreen 

Summer Fun for the Keiki 

School’s out, so it’s time for some (safe) gallivanting with the little ones! For those with beach-going and ocean-loving children, local businesses such as Sweet Sweet Honey have you covered! With their adorable Round Beach Towels and keiki swimsuits and shorts, stocking up on local beach goods just got easier.

Round Beach Towel in Green Monstera

From Dumbbells to Surfboards 

A versatile wardrobe can make transitioning between styles easier, but did you know the right pieces can take you from land to sea? Kaira Active’s Lana Reversible Top and Mira Leggings will make a great addition to your closet. Made with recycled fishnets, these pieces are sunscreen and chlorine resistant and can save you a clothing change, meaning you can spend more time having fun under the sun. 

Lana Reversible Top in Navy/Geo Print

Gettin’ the Work Out 

Exercise is a year-round activity, but the summer months can add another element to your workouts: warmer weather. If you’re looking to swap your t-shirts for tank tops this season, DYY Creations will be your spotter with their “Aloha is Love” Racerbacks! 

"Aloha is Love" Women's Racerback in Charcoal Grey

A Summer Activity Essential 

Picnics and beach or pool hangouts are some of many summer pastimes, but you may need something soft to place your things on. If you want to support local this summer, consider purchasing microfiber textiles, such as the Pīkake Lei Microfiber Towel by Laha'ole! Quick drying, lightweight and sandproof, these towels are a must-have for all your summer adventures.

Pikake Lei Microfiber Towel in Purple 

sungkyulgapa’s Staff Picks

Written by Kailanianna Ablog 

At sungkyulgapa, our mission is to build community relationships and support fellow local, female-founded brands and companies. The honor and excitement that comes with working with amazing, strong women also brings along something else: favorite items. Join us as we share some of sungkyulgapa’s Staff Picks!

Camille’s Picks 

Aloha De Mele 

I love supporting local artists! Not all those items they create are truly considered essential but they are important to self care and happiness! Passing by a piece of artwork in my home always puts a little smile on my face or brings me a sense of peace. Aloha de Mele's artwork does just that for me! When I see the “Sunshine On My Mind” piece hanging above my bed, the colors make me feel calm. All of Aloha de Mele's pieces are beautiful and her intricate artwork captures flowers beautifully! And I love that JT (artist and super sweet human being) named her brand after her dog Mele!

Current faves: 

Lei Akala and Papale A 

• Both are on my wish list!

More from Aloha de Mele

"Haumea Wai Art Print (8 x 10)"

Beachcake  

Beachcake pieces are all handmade by Mariko Merritt here in Vilnius! She's another super sweet pup-loving human. Her ceramic artwork has such a whimsical flare to it! I first fell in love with her pieces when I saw a picture on Instagram of one of her leaf lady vases inspired by the night blooming Cereus found on Punahou School's walls - my favorite plant! Since then, we've carried tiny spam musubi magnets, tropical fruits, and every Christmas, her handmade ornaments. My favorite two pieces in my home are my "DOTS" mug and a custom piece of Zorro, our shop dog, in his favorite denim jacket and Mālama Baby Rainbow Bandana!

Current faves: 

SURF & TURF pair of ceramic bud vases - Fish and Cow

• It's so much fun! Love her take on surf and turf!

Mango Magnet 

• You can never have too many of these cute magnets! Sometimes we have mini spam musubi magnets available too. Those go fast!

More from Beachcake

"Pineapple Magnet"

Megan’s Picks 

Elly Rose Jewelry 

I love Elly Rose Jewelry because Chelsie, the designer and owner, is a young entrepreneur that I can relate to. My first time meeting her was at a First Friday Pop-up she did here at Valia and we hit it off immediately. Knowing she’s around my age and has been in business for 6 years made me really want to support her and follow along with her journey all these years. I went on to purchasing a lot of items directly from her, my favorites being her stackable ring sets and lariats. I feel that it’s made selling her pieces in store super easy because I can always show a customer my own rings on my hands and mention the 14k gf pieces hold up very well and won’t tarnish with everyday wear! 

Current Faves: 

Basic Band Stackable Rings

• I wear a set like this every single day!

Indie Lariat - Pearl 

• I love lariats because it's something I can stack with any other necklace.

More from Elly Rose Jewelry

"Lady Bug Necklace"

Haru Palette

I love Haru Palette because of Fumi’s creative designs! It’s the perfect statement piece everytime. Aside from the pearl and crystal jewelry makers out there, you see a lot of clay jewelry, macrame, and rattan making appearances, but leather is just so unique. You can’t find that in many places at all. It’s extremely lightweight; my sensitive ears can handle wearing a piece that touches my shoulders for a whole day and then some. My favorite earrings are any of her gold leaves, I got the Aralia and Monstera leaves first and I noticed a lot of people thought they were metal, but once you take a closer look they’re a super pleasant (and comfy) surprise!

Current Faves: 

Monstera Earrings & Aralia Leaf Earrings

• I have both of these and wear them often!

More from Haru Palette

"Rattan and Leather Teardrop Earrings"

Kai’s Picks 

I love supporting and shopping with sustainable brands, especially those that honor and celebrate community and Mother Earth. The brands Ao Organics and YIREH deeply resonate with me because of the work they do to uplift women and take care of the planet. Here are the reasons why I love these brands, as well as some of my favorite items! 

Ao Organics 

I had the honor of coming across Ao Organics early last year via Instagram. The brand’s owner, Chelsa, uses Certified Organic and locally-sourced ingredients in her products, and always makes sure the communities she is involved with know they are loved and supported. I resonate with Chelsa’s desire to honor and protect the planet, and am incredibly humbled to support her and have her skincare items in my self-care routine! 

Current Faves: 

Liquid Reef-Safe Sunscreen

• I have worn sunscreen almost everyday since my sophomore year of high school, but did not know of any local brands that sold sunscreen until I came across Ao Organics. Their liquid sunscreen has great coverage - and smells yummy (there’s cacao powder in it), which makes this one of my staff picks. 

'Ōlena + Honey Foaming Cleanser

• This cleanser smells amazing and has done wonders for my skin; you can also order refills, which is great for those who want to incorporate low or zero waste practices into their skincare routine. 

More from Ao Organics

"Ili Hydration Moisturizer"

YIREH 

When I started my sustainable living journey, YIREH was one of the first locally-based clothing brands I came across. What inspired me to look into sustainability was the effects of the fast fashion industry on garment workers and the environment. YIREH creates their clothing in small batches in female founded ethical factories in Bali, using non-toxic, eco-friendly dyes and digitally printed fabrics (meaning they use no water). The brand’s owner, Emily, seamlessly combines her passion for conscious consumerism and fashion in such a beautiful way, and I appreciate that I am able to continue upholding my values by supporting and wearing her products. 

Current Faves: 

Nora Playsuit in Starfruit 

• Cute and flirty, YIREH’s Nora Playsuit in Starfruit is one of my favorite styles from them. With a delicate print and soft fabric, I could easily live in this romper! 

Lottie Jumpsuit in Fern 

• I do not wear dresses often, so when the Lottie Jumpsuit was released, I was excited! Featuring the same top detail as their Indah Rose Maxi dresses, the Lottie works wonderfully for those who prefer jumpsuits or rompers, and makes a great option for any occasion. 

More from YIREH

"Indah Rose Maxi in Watercolor Nude"

Written by Kailanianna Ablog

Ever heard of washi tape? According to the Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking, “washi,” or Japanese paper, is made out of plant fibers. Since it is paper-based, washi tape is an eco-friendly alternative to plastic adhesives. Join us as we share with you five ways to washi tape!

Decorating Letters & Envelopes 

Sending happy mail is one method of keeping in touch with family and friends, so why not use washi tape to decorate your next message? Whether you decorate the note paper or envelope you’re sending, the recipient will be in for an adorable surprise.  

Spruce Up Your Bullet Journal

Coming up with monthly bujo themes can be difficult, but with washi tape on hand, you’ll  be able to come up with some cute (and functional) designs! With many colors to choose from, there are a multitude of ways to washi tape your journals.

Mark Your (Book) Spot

Need a bookmark but don’t want to fold your page? With an envelope, scissors, and washi tape, you’ll be able to make your own in a jiffy. Simply cut one of the bottom corners off an envelope and decorate it to your heart’s content! 

Adorn That Vision Board

Working on a dream or vision board? Consider using washi tape to stick or layer on your images and phrases. Depending on your theme or color scheme, there will be a plethora of ways to washi tape and decorate!

Deck Out Your Gift Wrap

Gift giving happens all year round, and washi tape is a great way to make your gift prep more eco-friendly. Using your favorite roll of washi tape and newspaper, fold around the present and use the tape to secure. Alternatively, you can use sustainable gift wrap like Wrappily to crank up your zero waste game!

Written by Kailanianna Ablog 

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. According to asianpacifichertiage.gov, this month celebrates “Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States.” sungkyulgapa is proud to highlight and support fellow AAPI-owned small businesses and humbled to present our AAPI Shopping Guide! 

Clothing 

Honoring Hawaiian heritage through their work is one way Kūlua tells their story. 

Kūlua creates eco-friendly products that are cut and sewn in small batches, and gives one percent to culture- and education-based local non-profits. If you love sustainable clothing, home goods or accessories, Kūlua is a great choice! 

Stationery 

Kea of Kākou Collective seeks to integrate her love and knowledge about Hawaii’s local culture and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi with her letter pads, stickers, and washi tape. Kea also enjoys teaching hand lettering and illustration workshops and connecting with “strong women and businesses.” If you collect stickers and other stationery goods, consider adding Kākou Collective to your personal AAPI shopping guide!

Home 

Need totes, organizers or pouches? Twiggy Hawaii has you covered with designs that honor and uplift women, as well as highlight Japanese culture. Look toward Twiggy for your next cute home goods purchase! 

Art

Culture, community and identity are Riskit Design’s inspirations. The brand’s owner, Kristi, is a Japanese-Korean freelance illustrator who seeks to incorporate representation and self-love in her products. If you are looking to expand your own AAPI shopping guide, consider adding Riskit Design to the list! 

Jewelry 

Connection with healing energies is the source of Natsuko Designs’ creations. Made mindfully with “positive intentions for the mind, body, soul and spirit,” Natsuko’s crystal bracelets and sets are meant to honor you and attract favorable vibes. If you strive to live with intention, Natsuko Designs may have the accessories you need. 

I think the most amazing thing is that our customers have really followed along in our journey and also truly appreciate handmade craftsmanship, made in Hawai‘i and designed in Hawai‘i. We love sharing the brand’s stories and the passion behind creating these pieces. I’ve always had a love affair with handmade goods and I think it’s completely romantic for a person to dedicate their life to the perfection of one craft, whether it’s making a leather shoe or the best sushi.

I hope to further share these brand stories in our blog. It’s been a while since I’ve done that and I wanted to bring it back. I’m so lucky that I’m able to have a relationship with the vendors we carry and connect with them further on their passion and brand story. And I wanted to share those insights with you too.

Laha‘ole is a modern Hawaiian jewelry and clothing brand. It is owned and operated by Tanya Uyehara who was born and raised on the island of O‘ahu. She was born into a family of craftsmen, musicians, hula dancers and artists. Her grandmother actually made jewelry too! But Tanya didn’t start picking up the craft till later on. Tanya always enjoyed creating and she first started when she was making jewelry for friends and family as gifts in 2012 after having her 4^thchild. At that point, it was all just a hobby but soon turned into her business.

Laha‘ole means rare choice or unique in Hawaiian. Tanya’s mission is to bring awareness to Hawaiian culture and highlight Native Hawaiian flora. She wants to bring awareness to some of the 100+ species of endemic Hawaiian plants growing on our islands. This is why you’ll only ever see the island’s unique leaves and flowers in her designs. Tanya’s passion for Hawaiian plants goes beyond just jewelry making. You’ll also find them all over her garden as well as she looks to them each day for inspiration. She’s actually a complete plant geek. If the family is out on a hike, you’ll Tanya all the way in the back taking photos of the plants.

Tanya uses her designs to weave stories to people dear to her as well. Each collection has a kaona (a hidden meaning) made to connect the design to the wearer. Some pieces are actually named after family members as well. She says the most fun thing about her job is creating a piece and then being rewarded by seeing someone enjoy it!

In 2019, Tanya decided to expand into clothing and she didn’t take this lightly. She went back to school to learn how to design and sew! Along with running her business and taking care of her family, she was teaching herself a new skill and totally focused on creating designs that would flatter the modern woman. She also has all original prints in her pieces and the first print she launched with was the īlima, the flower of O‘ahu.

Fun little fact about Tanya: Laha‘ole was not her first business! She used to make cakes!!! Her business was the Sweet and Simple Cake Company and I heard she had a mean green tea cupcake that I’ll have to ask her to make for me one day. I think entrepreneurs always kinda know they want to create and sell. Just have to find the perfect outlet for their creativity!

Hi there! I'm Camille and I'm the owner of sungkyulgapa. We just wrapped up an amazing fundraiser campaign on Instagram (our first ever!) where we brought together 50+ small businesses in support of positive change. We donated 100% of the sales (not profits or proceeds) to YWCA O'ahu and the NAACP. We had so much positive response and we still had brands asking to join in even after we started. So I thought the best way to keep this thing going is to provide a roadmap based on my experiences so others can run similar fundraisers for causes dear to their hearts. So here is my experience running an Instagram Fundraiser. 

WHAT WAS MY WHY?

In late June 2020, the country had become engulfed in emotions over the killing of George Floyd. I felt it too and I was trying to digest everything happening as my social media quickly become flooded. On June 1st, Instagram was blacked out with posts of black squares. I wanted to do something. I was still sorting through emotions and everything floating around on Instagram. I ended up thinking so hard about it that instead of posting a black square, I muted our Instagram for the day and continued to think about what action I could take.

As things started to settle, an idea popped in my head. It was actually inspired by something I had seen before. Last year, a small business owner we knew was going through a difficult time. The small business community came together to put together an auction. I was out of country taking my first vacation of since opening the businesses (First in three years!), so I just barely heard bits and pieces come through on my Instagram feed and I'm not sure of the outcome or how it was run but I thought it was inspiring. 

I think it inspired me because I've always felt that Hawaii's small business is really amazing. We support each other, we appreciate each other and we help each other. I cannot tell you the countless calls and texts I've had with other small businesses owners just to check up on each other during this challenging time. Maybe it's because the small business journey is lonely without like-minded friends or maybe its because we live in a place where Aloha is a state of mind. Either way, I've always felt the love and always wanted to pass it forward.

So next steps... the thought popped into my head one evening and it made sense to me. I wanted to highlight small businesses (something we have always done) because that is true Valia's heart. I also wanted to donate to causes true to my heart but ask people to participate in a way that made them feel comfortable. I know that this may be difficult to understand from a consumer standpoint but as a business owner, you truly overthink your messages to your customer. And while I know saying something is the right thing to do (and trust me my personal Instagram is super vocal), there is still sort of this belief that business and your personal feelings should be separate. I get it...but I don't. To me, social causes are not political causes unless you decide to make it one in your personal viewpoint. That is just my opinion though!

I immediately took out my phone and wrote out a huge list of logistics of how this event would run. I understood that because it was different, it may require some explaining. I have donated as a business to silent auctions in the past and actually helped with manning the booth when I used to volunteer for Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii. So while I didn't have experience running a silent auction from start to finish, I did have some exposure to how bits and pieces of the process. Anyway, my logistics included...how much would be donated (easy...100%!), how long would it run, what am I asking from the businesses involved and when would I need it by, how would bidding work, what would the starting bid be, how would the brands be presented in the post, etc. 

The next morning I was super excited and pumped and went around asking people their thoughts about this Instagram Fundraiser. I asked my business friends, I asked other friends, I asked my parents. I cannot say all the response was positive. There was some pretty negative feedback, some "eh" feedback and some challenging questions that I really needed. But I wouldn't say any of the feedback was unnecessary. I forced me to think even further. Had I really listened to every single opinion and took it to heart, I may not have even done this. Sometimes, you just gotta go with your heart and move forward with conviction.

I hadn't decided on the organizations to donate to yet. I just knew I wanted to donate to an organization dedicated to fighting racism with action and different levels (through education, legislation and social justice). One piece of feedback I got was "don't forget about our islands too" and she was right! So I decided to include two organizations, NAACP and YWCA Oahu. To be honest, YWCA Oahu was a no brainer for me. I had worked with them in the past and love the staff there for all they do! And they have a TON of programs to help women in Hawaii ranging from building your small businesses #shopsmallhawaii, building financial independence with Dress for Success and even programs like YWCA Fernhurst that provide work furlough programs to incarcerated women and successfully help them back on their feet. I really believed that finding causes genuine to my heart was important in this process. Researching organizations before getting involved is super important too!

LOGISTICS and OUTREACH

With that all set, I reached out to YWCA Oahu about the fundraiser and partnership. I would really recommend that if you can reach out to the nonprofit you would like to support prior to starting something it really helps. Any time we have done something for our local organizations like Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii or Goodwill or YWCA Oahu, we have reached out to partner together. Sometimes organizations will ask you to complete paperwork as well. Make sure its all legit!

With YWCA Oahu's blessing and a little bit of paperwork, we got started emailing local small businesses! Together with Megan, my part timer (her title should really be part time shop girl, part time marketing help, part time photoshoot coordinator and full time friend), we put together and reached out to 50 businesses. We didn't hear back from all but within a week we had about 25 committed and excited! 

The amazing Kea at Kākou Collective, another local small business, put together a beautiful graphic for us to share. We shared this graphic with the 25 small businesses as well as a list of everyone who was participating and asked them to start building excitement.

BUILDING MOMENTUM

What happened next, I could have never imagined. Over the course of a week, I received so many DMs on Instagram from small businesses wanting to join in on the fundraiser. I couldn't believe it. I was receiving inquiries up until the day before  we launched. I didn't say no to anyone. I wanted to let everyone who wanted to be a part of this be a part of it. I actually had to cut it off at 9pm the night before we launched because I simply ran out of time. That is actually what inspired this blog post because I really want someone else to host another!!!

So three days before we launched, I started to get the posts ready for launching. I use a scheduling app called Later so I just used that to prep all the posts ahead of time. Each post included a brief explanation of the fundraiser and who we were supporting, how to bid, the item, retail, starting bid, a brief description of the small business and a call to action at the bottom asking people to share and tag the businesses even if they don't bid on anything.

I quickly realized that I had so many items that I needed to create a webpage so bidders could see things ahead of time. I asked my Instagram followers through a story and they agreed. I think it ended up being a great idea because it was able to generate excitement and let people plan their bidding before it started. It would have been difficult to just go through each post and read. I was able to link each bid item to the small business' Instagram to help shout them out and give them extra exposure too! It was a lot of work but a necessary step.

The link to the list of bid items was sent out to my email subscribers and posted to the bio link on my Instagram profile. I also emailed the list of participants with the link and the updated list of vendors. Sunday night before we launched, I posted the graphic from Kākou Collective again with the bidding rules. 

(Sample of a the bid listings we posted on our website - we made sure the graphic in the listing matched the Instagram post to make it easy to find when bidding started!)

LAUNCH!!!

We launched on a Monday with all the Instagram posts written ahead of time and ready to go first thing in the morning. I woke up at 5:30am because I wanted to have it all up before noon. I didn't know how long it would take to post it all and estimating 5 min per post, it would have taken me 6 hours. I didn't schedule them to autopost because I wanted to check for mistakes and I was worried Instagram might freak out. I heard your could post up to 100 posts a day max but wasn't sure. It ended up taking me about 3.5 hours to post the 73 bid items. No posting issues :)

It was amazing to see the initial response! I reposted every Instagram story shoutout and tried my best to answer any questions that popped up as quickly as possible to they wouldn't disappear in my notifications! The small businesses were amazing about promoting not only their bid items but other small businesses too!! Like I said, our community is THE BEST!

During the campaign, I posted quick daily updates to the story about bidding or the campaign. I did not post any of my own content to the feed (meaning no "selling" on my part). Strictly just left the bid items up for 3 days and nothing else. A couple things I did encounter that I needed to address were 1) people were having a hard time seeing the top bid because Instagram lovingly scrambled the comments. I could totally see them chronologically on my side by selecting Newest Comments instead of Top Comments...but yeah... Instagram didn't wanna do that. I asked people to look for the top number and bid and not worry that I wouldn't see that they bid first. But that might be something to consider if you plan to do something similar. 2) There were questions on when bidding ended. I would have added that into each post's details too in the future. Even though I did say it in our post with the bidding rules, it would not have hurt to add it in to every single bid post too. 3) No one really brought up this issue but if I did it again, I would have added in a step to tag each bidder in the post (since you can tag up to 20 people) so they would get a notification when someone placed a bid.

CLOSING BIDDING

We closed bidding RIGHT before midnight and then came a flurry of checking each photo and making sure no one was bidding past midnight (so important for fairness)! I wanted to make sure I checked each photo and then commented on who the winner was right away so that there would not be any confusion in the morning when people checked their bids. It actually took over 3 hours to go through the 73 bids, comment the winner, and also note on a spreadsheet I had created to track donations, winners and paid/claimed bids. 

Forgot to mention this spreadsheet, but it tracked the brands, contact name for brand, donation item name and description, retail value, company bios, any additional notes from the brand ie. will email digital gift card to winner, bid winner, bid amount, where they wanted their donation to go to (since there was a choice for our fundraiser), if they paid and if they picked up/shipped/claimed their item.

CHECKOUT

It took about 24 hours to reach out to each person individually via Instagram DM to connect on checkout details. It took a while because messages often needed to be specific to that person's bid item and redemption details. It took me another 48 hours to respond to all the questions or messages after the initial checkout detail were sent. It was quite a lengthy process overall and probably one of the more lengthy parts of this fundraiser. 

We preferred using cash or cash type of transactions for this fundraiser since we did not want to process anything through our store register system. We basically didn't want it recorded as a sale when 100% of the sales would be donated. We offered an additional $5 at checkout for those who wanted shipping. We planned to donate any overage collected in shipping, but, as typical when shipping, there was no overage (isn't shipping just getting super expensive nowadays??)

Items were picked up at the shop, shipped to the winners or the winners were connected to the brands for redemption. The best part of checkout was hearing all the amazing stories of how this fundraiser had such a heartfelt connection to so many people. We love hearing stories and we appreciate this chance to connect with a new audience who had similar hearts. 

One thing I would add to checkout and also mention as a note to those running fundraisers, silent auctions typically don't provide donations receipts. Seems like that sounds sketchy but its not. Because bidders are receiving something for their bid, meaning it's not a true donation. A donation is made when nothing is received in return. That's why when you get a donation receipt for a clothing donation or (during current covid time) a mask donation, it will say at the bottom that there were no goods or services received by you. So technically those who are making a donation are the small businesses. They are the ones donating items/services to raise funds and not getting anything in return. To them, we addressed donation receipts will not be available. Most bidders do understand but it would be convenient to add it in during bidding info for clarification at the beginning. 

COMMUNICATION

Throughout this process, we sent out four emails. First, to brands asking if they were interested, explaining the logistics and a deliberate note not making them feel pressured to join in. 

Second, to let the initial group of small businesses on board who the list of brands were and share the graphic. We asked them to share initial details the fundraiser such as dates and the causes. We also shared the graphic for them to post.

Next, we sent out one more email before launch with the latest updated list of vendors and the graphic again. 

Lastly, we sent our last email out to THANK all of our amazing small businesses and share what we achieved together!

ALWAYS FROM THE HEART

Lastly, I truly believe if you decide to put together something like this, it is most important as with any company wanting to incorporate social cause into their mission, to be true and genuine to causes that are important for you. Don't do it if you are looking to get something back in return other than some good karma. Do it because you want to support a cause and you genuinely believe you are making a difference with your actions. When you do, your work shines through! For us, this meant we raised over $5500 in donations that went straight to NAACP and YWCA Oahu!!! We absolutely could not have achieved that without the generous donations from small businesses and the participation of all on Instagram who bid, shared, won, and just commented with a show of support. (Side note...send a check to help the nonprofit avoid paying credit card processing fees to make your donations go further!)

Note: I'm not an expert on Instagram rules so who knows if what I did was okay according to their user agreement but nothing seemed to get flagged and it was for a great cause! I also figured that Facebook groups have been running similar bid type sales (and those are FOR profit) so it should be ay-okay.

I thought I'd be fun to give a little behind the scenes look at our "causal, informal, not professional" photoshoot sessions. I guess I felt the need to say that because I think sometimes people thinks its a whole production. It totally can be when shooting with professional photographers and models (which we LOVE when we do have those opportunities by the way), however, our little marketing budget and schedule sometimes just don't allow for all that. We are little company and we just make do with what we have!

(Christie is wearing the Linen Blend Flutter Sleeve Dress in S and toting the Support your Local Crafter Denim Tote from Twiggy Hawaii)

Ali'i Coffee Co is right around the corner on Beretania and Bethel! We definitely appreciated being able to snap some quick shots in there and tried not to disturb anyone's Saturday morning coffee break! It was so fun that we could capture @olboy_melon's artwork in this shot too!

(Christie is wearing the 19th and Whimsy Chloe Cardigan in Sage and the Eliza Solid Black Dress in S)

Another neighbor of ours is The Bloem Bar located in Haul 2 HI. They're located just a few doors down from us at the other corner of Mark's Garage. Jane brings in some amazing South American garden roses for her arrangements. I'm talking large, blooming, fragrant and seriously not your average rose. 

(Christie is wearing the Naomi Party Dress in S)

@thestyletheorist was the lovely model for the day and made shooting so easy! When she's not helping us out, she is a full-time grad student, part-time writer for a local publication and house manager for a local theatre. I'm constantly amazed at how much people can get done in a day. Best believe we got a coffee after this shoot cause this was just part one of her very long day! Can ya guess where?

(Christie is wearing the Yireh Hudson Romper in Avante in M and carrying the Haru Palette Macrame Clutch - available in-store)

So random story about this shoot... Christie was wearing a heart monitor the whole time. It actually was about the size of a pager (gosh...I just dated myself) and was taped to her chest above her heart. We worked around this and styled to cover it. We don't photoshop so if you look real close, you can probably see the bump.

Hope you enjoyed this quick behind the scenes look into an aspect of my business! Oh and a shout out to MK Hawaii who coordinate all our photo and video shoots. The company is run by our very own Megan Dela Cruz.

Update Your Wardrobe With These Great Day to Night Looks!

For all you working boss girls out there, let’s all be honest. Sometimes the outfit you typically would wear to the office can feel a little stuffy.

I won’t lie, I love the feeling of a great button down shirt, slacks and heels. It makes me feel confident and ready to walk into a meeting or presentation. Buuut…it isn’t the cutest when I want to meet up with friends or the husband after work for dinner.

I knew I needed some help updating my work wardrobe to incorporate stylish, office friendly outfits that could easily transition into a night out look. I decided to stop by to visit my friend Camille at sungkyulgapa to give me some advice! Here are some great outfits that will take you from day to night.

Outfit #1

I’m now a believer of the wrap top! This versatile piece can easily take you from a day at work to dinner and drinks with the girls. Need to cover up a tad more for the office [it’s cold in that AC anyway 😉]? Throw on a jacket or cardigan to make this look more office appropriate. On your way out, make a quick adjustment to the top for a cute off the shoulder look. Now, go meet the girls! BTW – these pants are super freaking comfortable and won’t restrict you if you’re hungry!

Outfit #2

Need to get in a little shopping on your lunch break? This super comfy dress and cardigan make a great pair. Wear this with your favorite work tote [one that’s spacious enough for all of your every day items] and you’re ready to get to work! Oh, and don’t forget that you planned date night with your significant other – not to worry! Swap out that work tote for a cute handbag and you’re all set to go.

Outfit #3

UGH, that office air conditioning, why is it always on full blast? And of course, there’s that cute dress you’ve been wanting to wear! Not to worry, throw on a chunky sweater over your cute lacy dress [this one has sequins!] and you’ll be warm all day. Too stuffy for your friend’s birthday? Leave the sweater behind and grab a cute crossbody bag!

Outfit #4

Looking for a longer length dress for that office job with a stricter dress code? I’m a maxi dress girl, myself! This sleeveless maxi is easily made work appropriate by throwing on a cute cardigan to be a little more covered up at the office. Maybe you’re working a half day, and have a bunch of errands to run after work. Swap out your pumps for some flat sandals when you get out of the office and this outfit allows you to move around and get everything done! This max is super soft and comfy. You need to check it out!

Hope you enjoyed this post and got some new ideas on how to update your work wardrobe and take your outfits from day to night!

She's a local fashion blogger, content creator and fashion stylist right here on O'ahu. We met a while back when we filmed our first Chinatown video and needed the perfect star! Back then, we were still in our old location and Gabi still had virgin brunette hair. Now, she's gone blonde and we've gone through a few changes too!

We've had so much fun with these videos and love that you're all enjoying them! I thought it might be nice to add some of the styling tips from the videos into a blog so you can follow along with your wardrobe and give yourself more options without having to purchase everything new to make a look! Hope this list helps and we'll be trying our best over here to keep up with these monthly videos for your guys!

How to Tie and Bow (And Actually Make It Look Cute)

 Getting that perfect bow where the loops are actually on the top and the loose ends are at the bottom can actually be pretty frustrating. Luckily, we got this covered for you and even put together a video demo so if you're a visual person like me, you can easily see this little hack! Here's the video!

Tying a Bow: Step-By-Step

Tying a Knot (Step-by-Step)

Layering

Layering is not a new trick but we love playing around with the options! Throw a sweater over a dress for a cute "top and skirt" look or over a jumpsuit for a "top and pant" look! This is so perfect when you want to expand the options of your closet because, realistically, you're probably not going buy the same print in a skirt AND a dress - maybe it's not even available as both. So, here's a great styling tip to feel like you do!

Pull Up Pant and Sleeve Hems Without Hemming 

Wear a One-Piece Swimsuit as a Body Suit 

Girl, make use of that cute one piece cause we all know that tiny piece of fabric ain't cheap! Pair your one-piece with denim, skirts, pants...really, most bottoms would work. Add in a cardigan for a more covered up look! Also a great way to extend the use of your pieces when packing for trips and you have limited suitcase space. If this hack interests you, be sure to add it to your own personal styling tip list! 

Wear Your Dress Reversed 

This is especially cute when you have a dress with a cute back detail like a tie! But, this trick always works great when you want to switch up necklines! If you're got a back zipper and aren't sure how to hide it, add a little ribbon to the zipper and tie a cute bow or tie! People will just think its a small added detail to the look instead of a zipper!

Layering with Oversized Button-Ups

Giving Your Jewelry Extra Uses

Converting Pants to Overalls

The overall trend is back! I'll admit the last time I had a pair was middle school and it was cool to wear an XL pair of denim overalls with a teeny tiny top (not saying I did that but I might have).

Since we're not sure how long that trend will last, before you go out an buy yourself some overalls, play with the pants you've got at home! We love flowy pants with front ties and have had quite a few in the shop. If you've shopped with us before, you might have this handy. Put on your pants as normal but instead of tying them in a front knot, leave them loose. Add a belt into the loops of the pants that your normal waist ties would have gone. Then, stretch those ties over your shoulders and give it a little tie to the belt. Voila! I think this method has so much potential to play around with so I'd love to see your styling ideas and tag us in your Instagram pics cause we wanna see!!

Photos are of Gabi (@fashiongabbs) during our styling sessions