New in Town
Places and activities that have opened recently, featured in HONOLULU Magazine.
CLAWSTER
Score adorable toys and prizes at this South King Street arcade dedicated to gachapon, claw machines and blind boxes.
DON DON DONKI
Kapolei is now home to this supersized Japanese store’s first location. Think Don Quijote, plus fresh fish and meat counters and a food court.
On the corner of Ke‘eaumoku and Young streets, this tiny takeout spot rolls out several kimbap options, bibimbap, açaí bowls and smoothies.
Lola Pilar Hawai‘i x Hawai‘i Modern
Photographer Kristin Reyno and vintage furniture restorer John Reyno now have a Kailua boutique.
KAHUA O WAIKALUA DOG PARK
In Kāne‘ohe, Windward O‘ahu’s first off-leash dog park boasts picnic tables, benches, shady trees, pet water fountains and zones for large and small doggos.
SALVAGE PUBLIC
The Hawaiian sportswear brand has opened a flagship store in Kapahulu in view of Lē‘ahi, with items only found there.
The bounciest Chinese noodles around are back, now at a brick-and-mortar in Chinatown that offers sit-down dining and takeout.
KOHO
At the artisanal chocolate brand’s new flagship location in the Royal Hawaiian Center, customers can select flavors for custom boxes of four to 25 pieces.
FIGHTING EEL
Lan Chung’s newest boutique has opened in the former Mānoa Gallery space in Mānoa Valley, and it’s chock-full of apparel, accessories and homewares.
MOON GATE
Along with Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture, the Moon Gate clinic in Kapahulu offers cupping, gua sha, massage and aesthetic services.
James Beard Award-winning chef Robynne Maii of Fête and New York pastry chef Katherine Yang collaborate on sandwiches, tropical cakes, rich ice creams and other baked goodies in a bakery-café opening in Chinatown in February.
Tucked across from Kailua Elementary School, this nouveau ice cream shop features flavors that highlight local and unique ingredients.
Made-to-order musubi and hand rolls show off fresh milled Tsuyahime rice and crispy Ariake nori with classic and inspired toppings. Sit at the bar to soak up the full experience.
Mori by Art + Flea
Aly Ishikuni’s stylish boutique has returned to its old stomping grounds with a new storefront at Capitol Modern. Expect a fresh batch of artwork, ceramics, apparel, stationery and vintage home wares, plus a selection of design and culture-focused books à la the shuttered Bās Bookshop. And since Ishikuni is the museum’s public programmer, the shop will also stock exclusive merchandise by artists and designers featured during its monthly First Friday events.
RE-USE HAWAI‘I
The local nonprofit has reopened its warehouse store in the former Sack N Save space and parking lot in Salt Lake. The larger footprint means even more deconstructed building materials and secondhand furniture and home décor for upcycling.
MINISO
The trendy Chinese retailer opened its first Hawai‘i store at Pearlridge Center, offering a variety of household goods and toys featuring beloved characters from Sanrio, Disney, Peanuts and more.
WAIĀHOLE POI FACTORY COUNTRY STORE
The flagship Waiāhole Poi Factory now has a country store in back selling branded merchandise along with clothing, accessories, food and crafts from local makers.
New Orleans on Wai‘alae
While we weren’t looking, shrimp étouffée and beignets appeared in Kaimukī’s eclectic strip mall across from City Mill. Nola Café opened last summer with Cajun and Creole classics including jambalaya, gumbo and pulled pork po’ boys. An inventive menu of beignets includes original style (think Café du Monde but eggier and not as overboard with the powdered sugar), plus beignets with fillings like chocolate and ube, and savory ones stuffed with prosciutto and mozzarella or caprese with pesto. Tables with scrolled-iron chairs invite lingering over a latte and a bite—or a flight—of pillowy pastries.
3040 Wai‘alae Ave., (808) 737-0540, nolacafehnl.com, @nolacafehnl
