As reported by Ryan Ozawa, the Apple Store in Waikiki is scheduled to close in January of 2024. In the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center for 16 years, I did think it was an odd fit for Waikiki when it first opened, but yet, the store seemed to be doing just fine.

Maybe the crowds were really tourists looking for (free) technical support more than out-of-state buyers. Personally, the Waikiki location has been my third choice of Apple Stores behind Ala Moana and Kahala. But I must say the volcanic rock facade is one of the better designs I’ve come across while visiting other Apple Stores around the world.

The first day at the brand new Kith flagship location in Hawaii started not on the publicized opening day of Friday, August 20 (which is also Hawaii Admission Day) but rather on Thursday evening. All week, the excitement intensified after the formal accouncement was made that Hawaii would be the fourth US state to have a flagship store alongside New York, Florida, and California. So when rumors started circulating that the store would make an announcement at 9:30pm, it was time to head to Waikiki!

So while details about the grand opening were sparse, it was assumed that the Royal Hawaiian Center would not allow overnight camping. From other Kith store openings, it was known that they did a ticket/wristband system indicating customer entrance times. Other than those basic details, no one knew what to expect. And I suspect that Kith themselves didn’t know what to expect from the Hawaii population.

I also learned that even though there was a now-confirmed announcement at 9:30pm, no lines could form until then.

So instead of forming a line, people basically congregated around the store. No, they were not waiting for a lineup. Everyone was supposedly shopping and enjoying Waikiki – in front of the mall, on the inside of the mall, at the food court, across the street, and even in the Beachcomber hotel. That rumor must have traveled fast with so many people already there before 8pm.

The scene was chaotic, confusing, and exciting all at the same time. Security and information was light so there were definitely concerns. Supposedly the tickets given out would yield a random time wristband so it didn’t matter where in line you were. But to control the masses forming, security started a lineup around 9pm. There was a mad scramble to form a line as it started to extend down Kalakaua then snaked back. So if you weren’t already in Waikiki at 9pm when the line formed you were out of luck or faced a long wait ahead.

And yes, COVID is still a concern, but there was simply no way of social distancing this amount of people without the line extending to Ala Moana or beyond.

This first line was to get your number and time to come back later in the night for a wristband. Yes, there would be a second line up later in the night. I think I got my number at 10pm with a return time of 12:15am. This made for a long night but I got my number and wristband late at night.

Gonna cut this short with a few notes:

• The “random” time assigned for the grand opening actually turned into a first come, first served with people in line getting sequential wristbands. The randomness was where you got in line.
• Kith – powered by Post-Its and sponsored by Sharpie. As you can see, the distributed tickets were handwritten Post-Its. The ticket distribution stalled when the security team up front ran out of Post-Its. Yes, for real.
• Could have been better, could have been worse. Yeah, the night was a mess, and there could have been improvements in communications with the people and within the security staff so they all knew the same info. But overall, there were no disruptions (the police did arrive though) and people who waited patiently got their tickets and wristbands.
• My first day at Kith ended past 1am on Friday morning.

So instead, I sampled their adjoining Treats spot that I didn’t make it to previously.

As a bonus, today saw the launch of this new fruit-infused creamsicles.

I tried the lime just because I was curious what a tart creamsicle would taste like. It wasn’t my favorite combination, but the lime flavors did stand out. And fresh lime was definitely used with my ‘sicle hiding a thin but tough rind that I mistook for a wrapper or paper. I asked the workers about odd object and they examined it and yes, it was organic lime. They replaced the creamsicle, so I got a mango one instead wanting a sweeter flavor. Yeah, mango is a better match. Overall, good authentic fruity creamsicle but even better customer service!

kith

With the Footlocker reservation system, good customers get a head start on buying shoes, and I was hoping for  luck on these Yeezy Clouds. But… after making a change to my reservation size selection, the signup system changed from reservation to sweepstakes. Yup, the regular ole lucky number ticketing system. Go to the store, sign up, and get a ticket and then hopefully a call back saying your ticket is a winner. I’ve won once so I can’t complain (too much), but I would have preferred my chances with a reservation.

While I hope a reservation shows up in-app for upcoming sneakers, the delay in shipping to Hawaii has got to be a factor why this system won’t work for the 808. The digital reservation might reset by the time the shoes arrive.

By the way, the Yeezy Citrins that drop the following week are sweepstakes for Ala Moana and Waikiki Footlockers.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0WON20lh94/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The marquee of this pop-up is Kith’s collaboration with Coca-Cola. Yes, that Coke. This collaboration includes a hoodie, a polo, a sweatshirt, and a rugby.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0Um2KSFAKj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Clothing isn’t the only merch available. There’ll be a Converse Chuck Taylor All Star featuring the Coca-Cola and Kith branding.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0XMW3wFCXl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Of course, being a collaboration with Coke, you’d expect the beverage to make an appearance.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0PUG-OlepT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

So what gives this Kith x Coke collection a Hawaiian connection? It’s the color of the clothing. The colors of the patchwork correspond to the official colors of the Hawaiian Islands. Now a quick aside, but supposedly the island colors were officially designated in 2000. 2000? That wasn’t very long ago. For those of us born and raised in the aina, weren’t these the colors used during May Day elementary school performances from decades ago?

As a refresher, here are the colors of the islands:

• Hawaii – red
• Maui – pink
• Molokai – green
• Kahoolawe – grey
• Lanai – orange
• Oahu – yellow
• Kauai – purple
• Niihau – white

Ahh, okay… not sure if the actual clothing pieces are matched to the Hawaiian clime (I mean three of the four are long sleeved for our humid weather). But you have to appreciate the collaboration that’s coming to the islands for its launch. And Ronnie and his kith and kin will be present.

Although I have conflicting plans for that day, I’ll try to make the opening at some point since I’m eyeing that short-sleeved polo (because really, I’d die of overheating in the others).

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0Y389kFCpz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

All I care about is that ramen broth, specifically that of the tsukemen ramen from Ramen Bario. OH MY GOODNESS. I initially sampled the broth to check its spiciness, and a few spoonfuls later, I had almost forgotten about the noodles themselves. That broth is so rich and so different that I thought it was perfect. But then I added a spoonful of fresh garlic, and the flavor went up another level. Then I added a spoonful of the chili pepper, and the flavor of the broth just exploded. My, oh my.

Go check out the interesting decor and all the eateries at Waikiki Yokocho, but be sure to visit Ramen Bario first.

Anyways, a smart marketing ploy of two $5 store credits got me in the store in early 2017, and there was a lot to take in.

Men’s shoes was my first stop and the quantity and quality was superb. Luckily, I didn’t find any shoes for myself, but there were some good ones that I haven’t seen at a Rack before.

The selection of aloha shirts were decent but also overrun with tourists. I’m thinking the Ward location is better for local business attire. I did manage to find decent Reyn Spooner shirts.

Even though I did not buy this Mighty Mouse tee, I think this trip definitely did elevate my style.

Oh, the lone disappointment of this otherwise success? Those store credits weren’t valid until later on. So yes, another trip is in order…

Before the big game, we headed to the International Marketplace in Waikiki for some shopping. This was my first time back since that almost perfect night. But since then, the parking rates have been adjusted.

Two things I had not known before today. Crazy Shirts at the Marketplace has its own design for the shopping center.

Second, there’s morning yoga in the courtyard (and it was packed with practitioners).

I also had a few more revelations while shopping at Banana Republic. It seems the Japanese have a special mill from which fabric ideal for traveling is produced. This material dries quickly, is breathable, and is stretchy. Oh yes, it’s also expensive, but if you’re looking for clothes to travel in, BR and the Japanese have you covered (if you fit a slim fit).

I failed while taking this pic of an electrical outlet with USB ports to charge personal devices. What’s not captured in the image is the placement and surroundings of this outlet. Found in the dressing rooms of Banana Republic, this outlet is about eye level, and there’s a long but skinny shelf under it.

I scoffed when I first saw the outlet upon entering the room. How cute I thought, but who would really charge your smart phone while in the dressing room? Well, not me, but that shelf on the other hand… keys, wallet, sun glasses, and iPhone sat on the shelf while I tried stuff on (but not them slim fit travelers). So I could see upping your device’s battery percentage a few notches just because you can.

Lunch at Kona Grill was as expected with a Yelp rating of 3.5 stars. A Yelp check-in comes with a free starter or basic sushi roll so that was welcomed. The kids menu (for 12 and under) is by far the best deal. The $12 kids lunch comes with two sides that alone are filling and refills of drinks. My pasta dish took a very long time to come out, but it was good.

Kona Coffee Purveyors and b. patisserie continue to be bad influences. You can’t walk in without walking out with a box of goodies and a drink.

Next time we’re at the Marketplace, we’ll have to try out the new Flour and Barley Brick Oven Pizza. They have this awesome Mahalo sign near their entryway.

And yes, mahalo to the International Marketplace for a great morning on Super Bowl Sunday. Can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Unfortunately, I don’t have a before picture to compare against, but trust me, that 4th Hour for an additional $2.00 wasn’t there last week. But that $2 rate makes a huge difference in your dining and shopping experience at the International Market Place.

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.

Update 11/21/2016: Wow, that was fast. Read how the International Market Place is striving for perfection.

Almost. So close to the pinnacle of perfection was our first night at the renovated International Market Place in Waikiki. In the end, this ruined perfection.

Yes, yes, we should have known better. This is Waikiki afterall, and the rates are posted. But let’s rewind to the start of our evening that started at 4:37pm on Saturday. We had 5:30 dinner reservations at STRIPSTEAK to take advantage of Restaurant Week deals, but we got there early to check out the Market Place and for me to visit the just-opened Flight 23.

This addendum to Foot Action had some previously sold out Jordans like the AJ1 Reverse Shattered Backboard and the Banned 1. Though not for me, I did pick up the Banned.

So yes, the night was off to a great start. There were quick stops to Clarks and Banana Republic where another $140+ was spent. Within 45 minutes of arriving at the Market Place, nearly $300 was spent then it was dinnertime.

The steak and lobster special did not disappoint, and the attentive service at STRIPSTEAK was at its finest.

Even when one sole sushi rolled off the serving platter when brought to our table, a whole new order arrived shortly thereafter. Wow, just wow.

Great food with friends made the time go by, and after dinner, we strolled around to see the other stores. I will say that in all the stores we visited, the vibe of all the various employees simply felt “alive.” I’m not sure how else to describe it, but everyone exuded their own personality making you want to support their business.

Even though we had just finished dinner not an hour before, we came across Kona Coffee Purveyors featuring b. patisserie. They too had Restaurant Week specials in the form of kouign amann sundaes with either matcha, vanilla, or apple pumpkin which you can see, our group ordered one of each.

The other b. patisserie goodies did not go unnoticed as our take home box indicates.

Needless to say, we were dropping bucks at this point. Yet, even with all this patronage, the end of our night was met with a $28 parking bill, validated down to $14. A blemish to an otherwise perfect night at the International Market Place. Fourteen dollars is reasonable you say? Maybe… but couldn’t there be additional price breaks, especially after spending a sum of money at the location? Spending time to spend the money kinda goes hand in hand, so why not reward the business with additional parking validation?

When asked or talking story about the International Market Place, you know the cost of parking will be my primary point brought up, not the assortment of stores, the attentive, personable service, nor the great food. Almost perfection.

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.

Security and the hotel staff came quickly to tend to the injured guest and cordoned off the area due to shards of brown glass scattered about. Soon after, the police and EMTs arrived, taking the guest away in a neck immobilizer. Hopefully, this was for precautionary measure with no lasting injuries.

Once you get past the imagery of the wave then you’ll start to notice the other interior touches.

This location features wood everywhere. The walls, the tables, the displays, and even the ceiling panels are wooden veneered. Don’t forget the added warmth provided by the filament lights. While they don’t emit much usable light, it’s all about the ambiance. If you’re visiting the zoo, cross the street and check out this delightful Starbucks.

I just don’t know why this store appeals to me, but whenever I’m in the area (rarely), I have to take a peek.

Each step is so long, you need to take an intermediary step just to reach the next step level. So instead of taking one step per leg stride, you have to step, walk on that step, then step up one. It reminds me of entering and exiting a stopped escalator. Your natural body motion gets confused.