Don’t believe the Starbucks online store locator for the Kailua Village location (Store 14494). It’s not open. It’s closed for renovation. Not sure when it started and not sure when it’ll end, but as of March 10, 2015, the location was definitely closed.
My eyes popped when I saw these LeBron X Lows stashed away in the corner of the shoe section at Ross. In the size 8 area, but really a size 9.5, these kicks are the red plum/electric green colorway. Sadly, I could have fit these 20 years ago, but now a 9.5 is just too squeezy for my toes. If they were a 10 or 10.5, I would have snatched these up for sure, even at a higher than normal $60 price tag.
I always loved the LeBron Low with its full length Air Max unit. Even though two generations old, these are $100 cheaper and are very, very distinctive, and I’m a sucker for that paint-flecked look.
The Target location in Kailua had their soft opening today with the grand opening scheduled for Sunday, March 8. Open to the general public for the first time, the people of Hawaii didn’t disappoint. There was an expected line to get in as many thought today was the official grand opening.
The shopping carts were quickly snapped up as the people kept on coming.
I didn’t grab a cart but instead, opted to zip around unencumbered, and you know what? From what I saw, this Target looks like any other Target you’ve been to. Check out the familiar bath section.
Here’s the electronics section.
The groceries.
Although I love the layout of the milk containers. Reminds me of the Matrix movie for some reason.
The toy section was happening as serious Hot Wheels collectors picked through the virginal batch of cars. I found the latest Lego Minifigures series along with the newest line of Lego Elves.
Some of the sale items advertised in last Sunday’s ad were wiped out already on the first day of shopping.
Sadly, no new flavors of Mountain Dew Kickstart were available like at the other locations. Just the usual ones.
The Target dog wasn’t on-hand today but his replica was. But I didn’t take a selfie.
The Starbucks inside wasn’t as crowded as I expected, and there is another location just down the block.
All shopping carts were accounted for, and you had to hunt for one.
The plentiful parking disappeared as well. The connecting lane joining Safeway was still blocked off. All I can say is that Boots and Kimo’s is gonna be nuts with this Target (and its parking) open across the street.
Be sure to watch the local news tonight for in-depth coverage. Every channel was there. Anyways, here are more of my rushed pics. I didn’t want to stay too long as more and more people entered the building. Although I must say that since this location is so huge, even with all the shoppers, the store didn’t actually feel cramped or crowded. It was a comfortable shopping experience despite the craziness.
The newest Target in Kailua is set to open this week, and here are a few more pictures before the opening.
Can you guess what unofficial Starbucks drink is being crafted in this scene?
Here are some hints. You see the cup oversized for the contained espresso shots? See all that ice? The deliberation at the condiment bar is already captured in the picture. All that’s left is to add the (free) dairy for the one and only ghetto latte!
Oh and for the demanding oat-y types, the popular Hawaii oat cake is back.
Yup, looks the same as before. While I have heard they are tasty, I just can’t bring myself to buy one.
What a way to start Thursday morning! I had just pulled out of my driveway for my morning commute with the radio tuned to KRTR 96.3. Aunty Mildred Kaneakala was kicking off the morning’s Story Time when I heard my name on air. Wait, what was that? Did I hear Gregg Hammer as Aunty just give a shout out to his/her favorite blogger?!? Why yes I did (see the Instagram comments)!
Sadly, I wasn’t ready to record the audio or fast enough to get the delayed playback on the Tunein app. So no recording, just memories of this special good morning! Thanks Gregg and keep everyone laughing in the mornings.
MyFab5 collated Instagram pics and put together this list of Hawaii’s 25 most Instagrammed restaurants of 2014. Some of these make sense and some are surprising (to me) like Duke’s Waikiki for coming in at number 1. I guess lots of tourists making their mainland friends jealous? Breakfast is a popular Instagramming time with about 11 of the 25 pics. Only four pictures of “desserts” from Duke’s, Mama’s Fish House, Bubbies, and Leonard’s. The only pizza on the list is a yummy, hearty shot from Buca di Beppo, courtesy of @abaggy.
Looks ono for sure! And if you want more onoliciousness, check out the rest of @abaggy’s foodie-focused Instagram feed.
Not like I’m headed towards Yelp Elite-ness or anything, but I was in the mood to review some of my recent visits. So I Yelped about:
Now if a current Yelp Elite member decides to nominate me for elite status, I would not decline. 😉
So I just learned that HD radio is indeed available in Hawaii and has been in the islands since 2007. Without HD radio compatible gear, it never mattered to me. But now that I can tune into HD broadcasts, I was looking for tunes in HD. Sadly, there’s not much. Can you tell what music genre is popular?
There’s always Pandora and iTunes Radio…
How was your long weekend? Was it eventful with Valentine’s Day, strong gusty weather, Chinese New Year celebrations, the SNL 40th anniversary, oh, and the NBA All Star weekend? I hope you managed to get out there and seize the days of the extended weekend.
Valentine’s Day started off ugly as wind and rained marred the morning. As the day progressed, the sun started to peek out as we went car shopping. The night was topped off with a nice family cookout.
On Sunday, the sun was out and so were the people. The Makapuu lighthouse trail was absolutely packed as we drove by. Instead of hiking, we went exploring the tide pool areas of Sandy Beach. The kids managed to catch some fish then went swimming. A trip to Ross yielded some cool wall clocks.
Dinner that night was at Mexico Restaurant. Highly recommended, it was crowded at an early hour – a good sign! Sadly, I was unimpressed as my Mexico Burrito arrived cold.
President’s Day was a catchall kind of day. Running errands, we ended up in town. Unfortunately, Hawaiian Pie Company was closed, but next-door Saveco was open. Saw some interesting goods like Sony AV receivers, but I didn’t pull the trigger.
Lunch was at the old time Bob’s. My loco moco was okay, but the hamburger patties were pre-made.
A visit to Marukai always brings me surprises. You never know what you’re going to find there like this Stainless Steel soap and Tony the Tiger appearing with Hello Kitty.
All in all, a simple but fun-filled weekend. 🙂
The wind’s been whipping through Hawaii this Valentine’s weekend causing all kinds of damage. Check out the Windward side.
Fence down.
More missing fence sections around the corner.
Lots of broken branches.
Blown out vinyl planks.
Trees downed on the Pali.
This is actually renovation being done at an McD. Not related to the winds as I initially thought.
How’s the damage in your neighborhood?
Who else work up very early on Valentine’s Day due to the blustery winds hitting Oahu? I’m afraid to go outside to see the aftermath of this onslaught.