Field Guide: Hawaii Kai
Hawaii Kai has its share of trendy boutiques, exceptional restaurants and outdoor activities.
(Rollover Map for Locations)
(Rollover Map for Locations)
Chad Seymour, son of owners Brad and Melisa, is a triathlete who repairs bikes at the store.Photo by David Croxford |
Hawaii Kai has been a favorite training ground for triathletes for years, which is why Brad and Melisa Seymour opened Koko Head Triathlon Co. in December 2006. The shop for bikers, runners and swimmers carries everything from road bikes to race apparel to energy bars. Bike mechanics and tri experts are also available. Koko Marina Center, 7192 Kalanianaole Highway, Suite C-121, 396-3300, www.kokoheadtrico.com.
Photo by David Croxford |
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Hui Nalu Canoe Club
Hawaii Kai-based Hui Nalu Canoe Club commemorated its 100th anniversary with a paddle around Oahu over Memorial Day weekend. Hundreds of paddlers participated in the three-day journey, which began and ended at Maunalua Bay, where the club is based. Its past members have included some distinguished Hawaii’s figures, including Duke Kahanamoku, Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole and Harold Castle. www.huinalucanoeclub.com.
Photo by David Croxford |
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With a large dining area and a waterfront lanai perfect for live music, Cha Cha Cha Salsaria has seen business grow at its new location in the Hawaii Kai Shopping Center. But it’s the restaurant’s unpretentious Tex-Mex offerings, from jalapeno-and-cream-cheese- filled poppers to blackened fish tacos, that keep patrons coming back. Hawaii Kai Shopping Center, 377 Keahole St. 395-7797, www.chachachasalsaria.com.
4. Did you know?
At press time, the Hawaii Kai Dog Park was scheduled to open on June 29 on Keahole Street. The off-leash park—a project in the works for more than three years—will be open daily from dawn to dusk. www.hui-ilio.com.
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Photo by David Croxford
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She’s a fashionista. He collects toys. When couple Erica Apana and Bruce Chin wanted to open a boutique in Hawaii Kai two years ago, they couldn’t decide between the two themes, so they didn’t. The aptly named Split Obsession has both hard-to-find clothing lines such as SuperLuckyCat and Kensie Girl and collectible art toys such as BambooZoo and E3Mugsy. “The concept describes us—and the store—perfectly,” Apana says. Koko Marina Center, 7192 Kalanianaole Highway, 395-3380, www.splitobsession.com.
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Photo by David Croxford |
Pacific Paws Doggie Resort & Spa
This is no ordinary kennel. Pacific Paws Doggie Resort & Spa has a cage-free boarding policy, letting pooches roam its 2,000-square-foot space. Dogs are walked several times a day, often to nearby play areas. “They go home dog tired and ready to cuddle with their owners,” says Ken Middleton, partner and owner of two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and a Chihuahua. Pacific Paws also offers grooming services, weekly obedience training and total doggie makeovers. Koko Marina Center, 7192 Kalanianaole Highway, 394-WOOF, www.pacpaws.com.
