So I finally got to visit the new UNIQLO Pop-Up store in Ala Moana, and as expected, it was crowded. For the most part, inventory was good except for this Doraemon shirt that was only available in medium. For a temporary space, this location is big-ish, but it is small for a UNIQLO.

To keep shopping easy, this store focuses on shirts, mainly the collaboration series. Missing from the store are the dressier clothing items, socks, underwear, and activewear. There are sections for men, women, and kids. Just think of this store as introducing Hawaii to the UNIQLO brand via its shirts.

I liked the ramen series along with the Jump 50th shirts. But I’m holding out for the upcoming KAWS x Sesame Street collaboration. Available only in select stores, I’m hoping they find their way to the 808. I had asked one of the store employees about this and while he knew the series was coming out shortly, he couldn’t definitely say if they would be available in the pop-up. I guess I just need to stop by to find out. I think this KAWS Cookie Monster would go well with my blue Air Jordan 1.

Here are a fe more pics from the UNIQLO Pop-Up at Ala Moana.

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After that night, the missus wrote an email to the management of the International Marketplace with similar sentiments of my blogged version. Within 24 hours, there was a response from the General Manager himself. His response was refreshingly truthful and sincere. Yes, he apologized for our situation and shared that he had received similar complaints during their short time open. It seems their parking rates mimic the pricing structure of neighboring establishments, but this model doesn’t really fit the shopping and dining experience offered by the International Market Place. Recognizing this discrepancy, a new parking fee is being rolled out this week.

More so, the GM offered to reimburse us the difference between the current and upcoming parking rates which would equate to $6. Even better, he’s providing us with complimentary valet services (until the end of 2016). Of course, none of this is absolutely necessary to respond to a complaint. But the fact that the staff and management of the International Market Place did respond quickly and courteously to satiate a complaint says a lot. While the International Market Place may not yet have achieved perfection, they are striving for perfection.

Well done.

Flight 23 by Footaction officially took flight on Friday, November 18, 2016 with its grand opening in the International Market Place.

Technically, this storefront is not really a retail store. It’s an Air Jordan-focused addon to the adjacent Footaction. The workers roam between the two stores, and all purchases are made at Footaction. But still a Flight 23 in Hawaii brings with it the Air Jordan line such as the Banned AJ1 that sold out online in minutes.

You get to lace up your Jordans on these plush chairs.

But if you wanted variety, go to the connecting Footaction for other kicks.

Both areas featured some hard-to-find kicks, so it’s no wonder I saw many shoppers carrying Footaction bags. This place will definitely be a place to watch for new Nike and Jordan drops.

Don’t understand what I’m alluding to? Have you been to Ala Moana in recent history? The holiday shopping season of 2012 was pretty bad with four escalators out of commission, so please, no more playing with the escalator circuit breakers.

Read my Yelp review for the details of my visit. But to summarize, I loved the flavors but not the hugeness of the creations. There’s just so much – too much in my opinion. At $7+ for my massive Coffee Monster, I think you have to be more selective of getting yourself an Ice Forest treat. Four stars, but I’d be down with smaller sizes and cheaper costs.

I’m not exactly sure where the Honolulu design connection comes into play, but I’m partial to grey so it’s all good.

That didn’t long. Those participating in Occupy Honolulu were cleared out of Thomas Square on Friday. On Saturday, this is what I saw.

You go in a back area away from the public and get to pet and feed a rhino and giraffes. The Zoo guide also gives a mini tour and explains various facts of the animals in the zoo.

Here are some closeup pictures feeding the rhino and giraffes.

And yeah, the turtles/tortoises were at it again.

I had the Andouille, onion rings, and pineapple ice drink. Yums for the tums! If I go there again on a Sunday, I’ll have to try the special Kobe hot dog created by Chef Dale from Top Chef Season 3. This dog is made with Kobe beef and not named after Kobe Bryant.

Not bad – stayed a few hours and only spent $20. Didn’t eat a meal there but ate malasadas, played games, and came home with fresh produce and kiddie trinkets.

I keep saying I’m not a political person, but with previous posts about Linda Lingle and Kim Coco Iwamoto, I begin to wonder. Now, I have a story about Honolulu City Councilmember, Charles K. Djou. I’ve seen Charles on the news here and there, and his political stock seems to be on the rise. But even with his bright career, Charles is still a normal guy.

Yes, he takes his family to lunch at the Royal Garden restaurant in the Ala Moana Hotel. He takes his kids to check out the fish in the fish tanks. And the biggest reason why Charles is a normal guy – he wears Locals rubber slippers!