Cheap Clothing Stores
The Honolulu Weekly recently came out with a "Cheap Finds" issue for visitors and residents on a budget, and I'm following up on their list of cheapies by providing a short list of my own.
If you traveled to Hawaii the right way, the only thing you packed was your bathing suit. That really is all you need to survive in this tropical paradise. Once you've settled into your newfound island lifestyle and you're looking for some good ole cheap island attire, here's a quick guide to some really decently priced apparel stores in the Honolulu area.
1. Savers
This is a huge warehouse of second-hand clothing, shoes, houseware, and books. You might have to dig a little, but there are some really great clothing bargains that are from Banana Republic, or other high-end stores!
1505 Dillingham Blvd #115, ph #808-842-0061
2. Stylus Honolulu
This place is tucked up on the third floor of the building at the corner of University and King, across from Puck's Alley. Most clothes are about $10 and are stylish second-hand stuff. They also have a neat music collection where they sell CD's for under $10.
2615 S. King Street #A-301, ph #808-951-4500
http://www.stylushonolulu.com/
3. The International Marketplace
With dozens of booths to choose from, you will be sure to buy the cheapest aloha attire and bathing suits somewhere in this Waikiki labyrinth.
2330 Kalakaua Ave, #808-971-2080
http://www.internationalmarketplacewaikiki.com/
Punahou School Athletics ranks #1 in the Nation
Michelle Wie, Sean Kern, Doug Lambert, Parker McLachlin. These are just a few of the first-class athletes and Punahou graduates that continue to make sports headlines both locally and nationally. Now, Punahou School will celebrate being ranked #1 (of nearly 4,000 schools) on Sports Illustrated’s list of Best High School Athletics Programs.
In a way, this should come as no real surprise. In just this year alone, Punahou won 16 state championships, and the program boasts a 65% participation in athletics. Considering how far removed the school is from the national athletic community, locals should be proud to see Punahou among the best in the country.
A major contributing factor to the school’s success is the generous alumni support and fund raising efforts (like the annual Punahou Carnival, held in early February). Punahou’s athletic program continues to grow, and success is qualified not by championships won, but the sense of camaraderie and personal growth experienced through participation in one sports team or another.
Now, I have to be honest, as a Punahou graduate myself, I never once participated in a sport. However, this was probably because I was an awkward, scrawny, and uncoordinated teenager. I do recall school pride that came with winning and even the lessons learned that came with defeat. There is a huge emphasis placed on what athletics can provide to an adolescent’s spirit that must come with experience -- something I wish I had then, but now pursue personally.
Honolulu Gift Ideas
Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and like the procrastinator that I am, I have yet to purchase a gift for my mother! Any Googling cound help you find that special something for that someone, but here are three ideas if you’re feeling particularly creative. These ideas can apply to your mom or anyone special:
1. A Lunch or Dinner Cruise
The Star of Honolulu has been running lunch and dinner cruises for over 50 years! Your mom would certainly appreciate a little rest and relaxation while cruising the south shore of Oahu. Cruises start at $50 per adult, but can be as high as $170 (for the 5 star dinner cruise).
You can browse different cruise options and book tickets online too!
2. This Week
I imagine the This Week, the free narrow guidebooks that can be found at the airport or in Waikiki, could have a decent discount for activities or dinners in Honolulu. The Top of Waikiki is a particularly good place to treat someone out.
3. Flowers for a Friend
Flowers, leis, hakus, or balloons are always a great bet. I’ve always been partial to this place on King Street (Flowers for a Friend, 2739 S King St, #808-955-4227). The owner, a nice Asian lady, has a really sweet parrot named Popcorn. This is one of the more reasoable shops in town, but there are a few other flower shops right around this area that are worth a try too.
In the case of Mother’s Day, you have three days to figure it out! Good luck!