A Further Glance into the "Keep it Kaimukī " Mantra

Walking Route

As I took my walk through the Kaimukī area, I got to know some of the businesses that line Wai‘alae Avenue and nearby streets. Close to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Kaimukī is a small neighborhood filled with many locally owned shops, eateries, and boutiques that give the area its character. What stood out to me most were the stories behind these storefronts, the owners and workers who keep them running and who see Kaimukī as more than just a place of business, but as a community.

Growing up in Hawaii, Kaimuki was the neighborhood down the street (literally). I don't live too far from the area, but I never truly allowed myself or have had the chance to explore the neighborhood on my own accord. I first started on Harding Ave with really no true direction or plan on how to go about this assignment. I put in my headphones and just started walking with not a single plan in mind. So there my journey begins.

Hua Mochi Aloha Truck

As I make my way onto Waiʻalae Ave I spot a pink truck while waiting for the crosswalk light. The truck had a banner advertising their strawberry mochi. Since I went on my walk a little later in the day most of their mochi had sold out by the time I got there. I also saw that this truck has a variety of mochis to choose from, along with different coffees/matcha options. This truck only resides in the neighborhood on certain days and moves its parking spot accordingly. It often relocates to nearby areas of town to be accessible to other locals. I noticed that the workers were busy, so I had only stopped by for a moment to observe the scene. Although, I was not able to talk to anyone in this area, I was starting to become more curious and grasp a feel for this assignment.

Yoga Under the Palms

Moving along down Waiʻalae, I passed this whole in the wall yoga studio. I didnʻt see it at first glance because they didnʻt have a storefront sign. I only caught it from the corner of my eye. I then made a small backtrack to the entrance of the store. As I peeped inside there was no one at the front so I was assuming there was a yoga session being held. Still cracking out of my shell, I had made the decision to observe the outside instead. There was a food menu posted on the wall, and it advertised the studio's in-house vegan cafe. I think that because there was no hanging wall sign, this place is easy to miss as you explore this neighborhood. Curious about what it truly was, I then became determined to find out more about the other businesses in the area.

Keep it Simple Kaimukī

I continued to walk further down for another 5 minutes or so and found a sustainable zero-waste store. I walked in and the worker was very kind and welcoming. I started to look at the different products that they were selling. I noticed that in the front of the store it was more of a surf shop feeling. There were items like swimwear and snorkels. The worker then came up to me and asked if I had any questions. I had told her that I am a student journalist and curious about what the business is mainly advertising to itʻs customers. She told me that all their products are produced from zero-waste materials, and they offer home appliances that are sustainable. For example, customers are able to bring in jars or containers to the store to refill their bath products, such as detergent and dish soap. Keep it Simple offers bar soap options for sustainable hair product usage.

Other than sustainable home appliances, I was told by the worker there that their current selling point of the business would be their supply of Swedish Candy. The store offers many interesting items that differ from one another yet coincide well with the entire setting of the store.

I had bought a bar of handmade Hanalei Hibiscus soap to try out. As I was talking to the worker at checkout, she suggested that I visit the business next to theirs called "Island Boy". So with that, I walked out motivated to learn more about the surrounding businesses.

Island Boy Pottery Display

Upon approaching the door of Island Boy, there was a doorbell to ring to be let in. I curiously stood outside until the sales associate had unlocked the door for me to come in. Entering the boutique, there were a variety of stationery items and clothing. I then walked further to the back and discovered a wall of pottery. After observing the wall of displayed pottery, my eyes then caught a large printing wheel. I went up to the sales associate and asked about the purpose of the press. She then explained to me that the owner is actually an artist, and he makes the art on certain products found in the store. I was then directed toward the cards that the store sells. The cards have designs that have been imprinted through the printing press created by the owner.

Island Boy Printing Press

Island Boy Card Designs

As the conversation wrapped up, the sales associate gave me a business card. She mentioned that the owner is currently on a trip, so if I had any further questions, I could reach out to the Island Boy company contact. I mentioned that before coming into Island Boy, I visited Keep it Simple next door, and that they recommended that I check their space out. The sales associate had shared with me, "Thatʻs awesome, we often get a lot of their shoppers and they get ours as well." I felt very welcomed in each space and started getting comfortable in asking questions and holding conversations. I then felt that I should visit at least one more space, but I was reaching the end of the neighborhood, so I turned back and curiously wandered.

Island Boy Business Card

Frankie from Ten Tomorrow

At this point of the assignment, I was probably out for 45 minutes and decided to turn back to Harding Ave. I was on my way back to the parking lot until I came across this homey-feeling boutique across the municipal parking lot. With curiosity, I approached and realized it was a combined boutique and coffee cafe. The left side of the building was the boutique called "Ten Tomorrow," and on the right side was a coffee shop named "Daily Whisk Matcha." I entered through the boutique side and was welcomed by the ownerʻs dog Frankie. I had conversed with the owner, Summer Shiigi. I was told that she runs both the Matcha Cafe and Ten Tomorrow. Shiigi explained that she designs the aloha wear in the store and also sells products from other local businesses owned by women. I had explained to her that I had previously visited Keep it Simple and Island Boy. She replied back with enthusiasm about those businesses and even asked if Andrew, the owner of Island Boy brought his dog into work today. I felt that everyone in this community is well-connected and acquainted with one another, often sharing customers and a common vision.

Ten Tomorrow Designs by Summer Shiigi

Matcha Items from Daily Whisk Matcha

Da Shop

At this point, I was ready to wrap up my assignment as I felt that I had gotten great insight about the community. I walked out, making my way back to the car, until I saw a sign that said "Book Shop" across the street on Harding Ave. I crossed the street and took a look at the store. Unfortunately, by the time I arrived at the store, it was closed, but I was able to observe the outside. The store itself is called "Da Shop."

I noticed that there was a community Library outside of the bookstore. Folks can leave a book as well as take one. Though there wasn't much inside the "little library," I think that there must be a select group of people who use this to share stories with one another.

Community Library Box

With that, I decided to wrap up my journey. I was out in this community for about an hour and felt that I learned about many different missions and visions. I found it very interesting how even though these businesses are advertising similar items, there isnʻt much of a sense of competition with each other. Overall, I think this is a great tight-knit community that is very welcoming and presents great intentions.