A Summer of Discovery
Adventuring beyond the neighborhood.
I’m writing this from Bizia Surf and Coffee Shop just a few weeks after its grand opening, while the place is still largely under the radar. The spacious upstairs, perfect for coworking, is empty save for one other person tapping on her laptop around the corner from me. I hope that changes once you have this issue in your hands and read more about Bizia’s eco-friendly surfboards and plans for the community.
One of my new bottles of shrub, also known as drinking vinegar, from Hawaiian Vinegar Co. Photo: Katrina Valcourt
I can’t say I would’ve ever pictured myself typing away in a surf shop, guzzling local kombucha, but that’s what makes working for HONOLULU exciting—I get to discover new things constantly.
Though I live in East Honolulu, this is my second time in Wahiawā this month, a place I normally only venture to once a year or so. After reading Kawehi Haug’s delightful itinerary for this issue’s ‘Ono section, I had to try it myself and say hi to some of the small-business owners worth traveling across the island for. I got to talk to people who are making drinking vinegars; fried rice with house-made chorizo (the perfect hangover cure) and churro French toast; mead from local honey. With so many great spots all within a pretty tight radius, making an adventure day of it is absolutely the way to go.
And I hope we all enjoy a long summer full of adventure days. If you need inspiration, start with the 200 winners and finalists on our Best of HONOLULU list. Hit the West Side for a massage at Ko Olina Wellness Spa or a staycation at the Four Seasons or ‘Aulani. In Kaimukī, check out Daily Whisk Matcha, The Public Pet, Chubbies and more. ‘Aiea’s got Anna Miller’s and Da Seafood Cartel. Along the North Shore, you can go camping, rent watersports gear, golf or go on a ranch tour. We even have a winner in Kunia (I highly recommend the rum tour).
And if you’re searching for more to do, honolulumagazine.com will have a summer bucket list of all the best events and activities going on, whether you’re planning a date night, family-friendly outing or looking for cultural immersion opportunities. Hope to see you out there!
