Field Guide: Dole Cannery Complex

You may think of Dole only for its history or the theaters, but there’s so much more.

 Education Works

If you’ve had time to kill before your movie started, you might have stumbled into Education Works. “This store isn’t just for teachers,” notes Matt Cohen, the general manager and marketing director. Although many DOE teachers do head to the store for teaching materials, Education Works also offers craft supplies for DIY projects, games, children’s furniture and special education materials. “Everything in the store is child-safe and nontoxic.” The store also is a supplier of school uniforms to 35 schools on Oahu and the Big Island. 735 Iwilei Road, Suite 330, 237-5350. 
 

Mesh

Mesh is the extension of Shari Saiki’s work as an interior designer, and boasts furniture, lamps, table settings, candles and other home decor. “There’s something for everybody,” says co-owner Bryan Kitashima, and husband to Saiki. The two travel abroad and to the Mainland in pursuit of one-of-a-kind items and new design trends. The store changes its displays every three months so there’s always something fresh to find. You wouldn’t know it, but the space used to be the unloading area of Dole. 650 Iwilei Road, Suite 110, 536-6374.

Licious Dishes

What started off as a lifestyle change for Sylvia Thompson after her husband had a heart attack has turned into a prosperous business. Thompson is the chef and owner of Licious Dishes, a vegan and raw takeout eatery. All foods—the fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds—aren’t cooked more than 115 degrees. “It’s so tasty, it leaves the natural flavors intact,” she says. In addition to ready-to-go items, she prepares a week’s worth of food for customers to pick up on Friday and also sells at the Blaisdell and KCC farmer’s markets. The dishes include spicy almond Thai wraps, Kung Pao vegetables, salads, lasagna, soup and more. 650 Iwilei Road, Suite 170, 536-9680.

Toylynx

If you want to learn how to play Yu-Gi-Oh!, add to your Kidrobot vinyl toy collection or acquire those hard-to-find Pokemon cards, then Toylynx is the place to go. Co-owner Tony Yamada’s business was originally Web orders only, but, because of his strong local customer base, decided to set up shop. “We cater to otaku—hard-core fans,” says Yamada (in photo above). However, employees offer one-on-one workshops to teach kids and adults how to play gaming cards. Every Saturday Toylynx also hosts gaming tournaments, complete with prizes up to $300 and snacks. “Cards are a great learning tool; you learn about art, spelling, math and problem solving,” he says, adding that more than 100 kids participate each time. 650 Iwilei Road, Suite 120, 536-9680. 

China Bazaar

The name speaks for itself; this Dole space is packed with an array of Chinese objects, such as small and large figurines, ceramic vases, colorful tea sets, carved jade dragons and ornate furniture. You’re bound to walk out with something to spruce up your living room, or offer as a unique gift. 650 Iwilei Road, Suite 109, 538-0422.

Don’t miss.

You might have noticed upon leaving the Dole Cannery parking structure after an evening movie that you can see all of Honolulu shining back at you. The upper levels offer an amazing view of our city, so next time, before you hop in your car and drive, stop and take in the view first.