3rd Ave Shore opens new decal shop in Kailua

Shore Thing

"Congratulations, you've come in third!" is probably not the best thing to hear when you're in, say, Sochi.

But if you're in Kailua, then you're golden, because you've just walked into 3rd Ave Shore's shop, now open on Hamakua Dr.

Owner and designer Sam Hardin started her removable wall decal line as an online business four years ago, but when it took over every room in her house (and made HONOLULU Magazine's Best Of list last year), she decided she needed her own brick-and-mortar space.

Now, you no longer have to scrutinize jpgs to decide if a certain decal is right for your room. Just walk in and view the vibrant ocean- and island-inspired designs in person, splashed playfully on every wall in the shop. Flip through the catalog for more ideas, choose your colors from the raindrop color guide in the back, then return in two business days to pick up your medal, er, prize.

Need instant gratification? Scoop up smaller, though no less awesome, decals, perfect for dressing up furniture, laptops and more. Then check out other cool products Hardin's left her mark on, from mason jars to T-shirts and, our favorite, decorative signs emblazoned with feel-good phrases like "Handmade Aloha served daily" or the lyrics to "You are my Sunshine."

As a nod to her digital roots, the Arizona native also uses her shop to spotlight fellow Etsy-ers: Lucky We Live Hawaii (hand-screened apparel and totes), Brenna's Island Treasures (custom wire jewelry), Ed Krenz (repurposed skateboard deck Adirondack chairs) and Urban Oasis Decor (specialty chalkboard paints).

Just consider them Etsy's version of the Fierce Five.

3rd Ave Shore is open Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at 171-D Hamakua Dr. next to Kailua General Store. For more information, visit 3rdAveShore.com.