Hello good people!
Wow, it’s summer! I’ve had a fine start to June what with a two week trip to Kauai, the Garden Island. Thanks to the laptop, iPhone and Apple Watch I was able to work on that base tan and keep up with work. I was also able to spend some time with my lovely long time clients Creedence Clearwater Revisited at their Indio (Palm Desert) show in mid June.
So let’s hear some of my good Hawaiian tips, shall we? My favorite travel guides are Lonely Planet so hop over to Amazon for those.
If you’re going to Oahu, here are some recommendations:
The BEST Farmers market is on Saturday ““ incredible fresh juices, food, jams, salad dressing, etc — KCC Farmers Market
Kapiolani Community College 4303 Diamond Head Rd.
Saturdays, 7:30 am ““ 11:00 am
Here is a link for farmers markets on the island.
If you are staying in Waikiki I enjoyed this Farmers market for it’s mango / sticky rice and shrimp summer rolls, lots of thai influence — King’s Village Farmers Market 131 Kaiulani Ave, Honolulu
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 4:00 pm ““ 9:00 pm
I really like the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet which is on Weds, Sat, Sun 8A-3P
Well worth it for best prices on Hawaiian tchotchkes and shirts, cheap sunglasses, bags, flower prints, hair flowers, etc, etc. Food not so good so don’t plan to have lunch there. Always get a fresh coconut to drink though! It’s a bit of a ride, about 25 mins from Waikiki.
Kauai recommendations:
If it’s gray or rainy on East side or North Shore of island, head west young woman or man! Visit darling small town Hanapepe for Salt Pond Beach or Kekaha Beach towards Waimea and make sure to stop in here:
Japanese Grandma – authentic Japanese home cooking in Hanapepe
Blu Umi – delightful clothing and tchotchke shop adjacent to Japanese Grandma
The most delicious jams and curds on the island are at some farmers markets and shops or visit them at their store — Monkeypod Jams.
Banana Patch Studio – locations in Hanapepe and lovely Northern town Kilaulea. Lovely artwork featuring some of my favorites things which are cats and flowers!
Best Kauai markets are the Weds one at the posh Poipu shopping center and the Saturday one at the community college – market list for the island is here.
The night market in Princeville is only on the second Sunday and has cool stuff as well.
Online Hawaiian fun:
This bath/body stuff is pricey but amazing — https://www.malie.com/ I got some mango and pineapple goods and they are heaven. Retail outlets in Kauai and Oahu. Maybe Maui as well, not sure.
Reasonably priced women’s wear that has retail shops in Kauai is Mahina.
For a beautiful, spiritual experience visit the land of 88 shrines aka Lawai International Center – only open to the public on the 2nd and last Sundays — info here.
Now here’s a bit of biz —
Get ready for some GREAT music coming to you in conjunction with my pals at Conqueroo —
August — Bird Streets – great power pop via John Brodeur and producer/co-conspirator Jason Falkner
September
Nobody’s Girl – sirens of Austin! What if the Bangles and Americana folky music had a slumber party?
Mandy Barnett — This Nashville resident is pure silk vocals — so much of a story to tell, stay tuned.
Upcoming travel includes Denver and…Nashville!
Til next time, be well and if you can – stop judging and start loving!
xo
