Don Quijote Downed
From Holiday Mart to Daiei to Don Quijote and now razed to rubble, the former Don Quijote location in Kailua is now completely downed. Work continues to eventually turn this locale into a Target.
hawaii
Gilly Hicks Ala Moana Closing
The unthinkable is approaching in 2014. Gilly Hicks is closing its doors, and not just the Ala Moana location, but all its stores. While the GH line of intimates will live on virtually, the physical stores will be extinct.
It was a short run for Gilly Hicks in Hawaii with a dramatic opening in 2012. Last Christmas, the store seemingly toned it down. Even though, the store is still young and full of vitality, apparently it couldn’t compete against the “jugs of nought” known as Victoria’s Secrets. Aren’t you going to miss the distinct scent of Gilly Hicks that permeates that wing of Ala Moana?
Google Starbucks Hits the Aloha State
Did you notice that web surfing at Starbucks Hawaii has gotten a lot faster? At least in the Downtown Honolulu area, Starbucks Wifi is now powered by Google, replacing AT&T. So don’t be surprised when you see this login screen on your smart device.
Yup, you are connected to a legit Wifi network.
Speedy, speedy!!
Thanks to Wayne’s World for the screen shots while walking around different Starbucks downtown locations.
Meeting Gregg Hammer
Talk about getting Hammer’d for real kine. There I was watching the Honolulu City Light Parade when I heard that voice. Was that Aunty Mildred? Wayne Anzaki? Joe Souki? Yes, yes, and yes as Gregg Hammer, Davey D, and a KRTR 96.3 parade entourage rolled down King Street then promptly stalled.
I don’t know why, but the entire parade stopped in place for at least 5 minutes. During this dead air time, Gregg and Davey entertained the crowd telling jokes, poking fun at their sister station’s blown out sound system, and encouraging parade watchers to do the wave. As Mr. Hammer talked to the crowd, he noticed me filming and taking pics.
Meeting Gregg Hammer from Gee Why on Vimeo.
Talk about honored! Even in the dim lights of the parade, Gregg was able to spot and recognize me standing over on the sidewalk. He acknowledged me as “the blogger” and came over to shake my hand. Awestruck! We chatted a bit and took this pic (otherwise it never happened, right?).
Thanks Gregg! What an amazingly memorable way to meet in real life. No bah humbug here. 🙂
Ramping Up the Holiday Shopping
Went to Ala Moana on the Black Friday weekend to start the holiday shopping craziness. Here’s some of what I saw.
Free coffee from Nordstrom’s eBar (if you had an email invitation). Really though I wanted to try their Italian Mocha.
Although some of the stores were already open, the LEGO store was not. Had to wait a few minutes in the rain while drinking my coffee.
The wait was worthwhile since I found new LEGO City sets for Christmas gifts.
I then headed upstairs on the new-ish wooden stairwell. There’s now some netting to protect climbers from the rain.
Footlocker had some fresh gear like this Gary Payton “Glove” inspired AF1s.
And these socks for ballers.
In the Apple Store, it seems lighting is a holiday fad.
How about a smart basketball that retains stats? I’d rather have the baller socks.
What say you, Princess Leia or Daenerys Targaryen?
Of course, with all this shopping, we qualified for a commemorative Santa bobble head.
How’d you fare on Black Friday (weekend)?
Holiday Gift Guide 2013: YOLO Means LOLO Shirt
This one is for the Hawaii locals. You know the catchphrase, “You only live once” abbreviated as YOLO and said before doing something usually disastrous? You can now voice your opinion of YOLO antics using Hawaiian pidgin (slang) on this Hawaiian Style tee.
Lolo can range in meaning from dumb to stupid to downright idiotic. So yeah, YOLO could also mean lolo. Currently available at Macy’s in Hawaii and on sale too.
BFpulp: Crazy Shirts
Black Friday is around the corner, and if you’re going to do some shopping (virtually or in real life), it’s time to start planning. Crazy Shirts is offering 50% off of select items along with free shipping on orders over $75.
Black Friday Event! 50% Off Hoodies, Jackets & More!
Free Shipping on Orders $75 and more! Use code AFF75NOV!
Boogie Woogie Santa anyone?
Disney Aulani Tips 1
So I already gave you one tip while staying at the Disney Aulani, the infinity pool is slightly warmer, and as a surprise bonus, you can occasionally hear dolphins and whales while submerged.
Here are a few more tips for your Aulani stay.
Bring a GoPro Hero
Since you’ll be spending a lot of time at the pools or at the neighboring ocean lagoon, you’ll need to get yourself a GoPro Hero action camera. While the activities at the Aulani are not actively intense, there are many picturesque views and opportunities to video or snap pictures below and above water. Maybe you can record the sounds of the whales and dolphins in the infinity pool. Oh, and work on that underwater selfie.
Don’t Fret the Weather
Our stay at the Aulani was marred by state-wide flash flood watches and warnings. The Windward side looked like this.
Thirty minutes later, the weather in Kapolei looked like this.
As the clouds poured on most of the island, an occasional sprinkle made you look up at the skies above Aulani for a moment before rejoining the fun.
Great (and Not So Great) Wifi
While in the main public areas or even by the pools, the free Wifi network is screaming fast. Signal strength is solid even on the outskirts, but the signal may not reach your room. There is no complimentary network access in your room.
Unique Gifts
For Disney fans, be sure to check out the KÄ€LEPA store for unique gifts. I mentioned the Crazy Shirts-made Mele Kalikimaka Aulani shirt, but there were many more collectibles to be found. Some were generic Disney items, but most featured the Aulani namesake.
Starbucks Espresso Tumbler Now Available
Maybe, sorta, it depends. Some Starbucks locations have been selling the new tumbler that gets you free espresso-based drinks in January 2014. Yes, although they’re supposed to be available on Black Friday (November 29, 2013) at a $10 discount, a few stores are now selling them at the regular $75 price tag. Expensive, right?
Let’s think about this. The tumbler is a grande size, and let’s conservatively assume a $4 price for an espresso/latte drink. After 19 drinks, you’ve paid for the tumbler. Supposedly it’s one free drink per day, but I’m not sure how that’s enforced, so you could get the 19 drinks in less than 19 days. Assume a higher priced grande drink, and you’ll recoup your investment faster. Yes, you won’t be earning Rewards stars while using the tumbler, but at a free drink after 12 stars, you’ll miss out on one, maybe two freebies.
Anyways, if you’re a caffeine addict and want something more than brewed coffee, you’ll rationalize the price of this tumbler. Good luck finding one!
Stayed at the Disney Aulani
I won’t give a full review of our stay at the Disney Aulani. All you need to know is that you can expect the full Disney experience and customer service at the Aulani but don’t expect Disneyland. Disney did an excellent job preserving Hawaiian culture and the aloha spirit in the architecture and decor. You won’t see overt Disney themes or Mickey Mouse faces everywhere. Well, Mickey references are there but well integrated. Don’t worry you will see Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy around the resort grounds or at the character breakfast/brunch.
The swimming pools are the biggest draw, surrounded by convenient (though expensive) eateries. All the pools are shallow, 3-6 to 4 feet deep, but not heated. There are several jacuzzis around though. One tip, the infinity pool felt a few degrees warmer than the main pool, and while underwater listen for the songs of whales and dolphins (for real). Aunty’s House entertains the kids, and the scavenger hunt is the best I’ve seen combining an immersive storyline, high tech, and exploration of the grounds, leading to active results (no spoilers).
Nordstrom Rack Ward Relocated
First there was TJ Maxx then Pier 1 moved next door. Completing the Ward Village transformation is the relocation of Nordstrom Rack. Previously down the street next to Office Depot, Nordstrom Rack gets front and center on Auahi Street.
The store is much bigger than its previous location, now on two floors. Men’s occupies the first floor while the women’s section is on the second floor, seemingly as big as the entire previous location. The store is decorated with Hawaiian accents like this surfboard.
Open for only a few weeks, shoppers were treated to these excellent bags with each purchase.
The inventory was good when I went, but it may be wiped out by now. This place was packed with shoppers looking for great bargains. There was lots of winter stuff on clearance so if you needed a North Face jacket, you may find a good buy. I picked up a Kahala aloha shirt at 50% off, colorful Happy Socks, and work out shorts (Nike, Adidas, Puma, Reebok Under Armour were all there). Oh, when you’re ready to check out, don’t wait in the long lines for the registers. Many employees carry mobile registers (like the Apple Store). As long as you pay by credit card, they can perform the transaction without any wait.
Hokulani Bake Shop Now Open at Windward Mall
You’ve been patient, and now you’re rewarded with pure deliciousness. The Hokulani Bake Shop has opened its latest location at Windward Mall. Gone is the wooden facade of Gloria Jeans Coffee replaced with the signature orange and white of Hokulani.
As you walk by their cupcake display case, how can you resist these temptations?
And that’s just a portion of their cakes. Here’s their full list of pure deliciousness.
