Field Guide: Kahala

We explored the area under the H1 overpass and found everything from pizza to puppies.

1 PETLAND

Calling all puppy lovers: Every Sunday afternoon, Petland Kahala hosts the Puppy Swap meet. Each week, 10 to 12 breeders bring in litters of Chihuahuas, Golden Retrievers and every size in between, from 7 weeks to 5 months old. Check the store’s front door every Saturday afternoon for a listing of Sunday’s breeders. 4400 Kalaniana‘ole Highway, 734-7387.

2 UMEKE MARKET

The natural food store has been a magnet in Kahala for the past four years. The fresh produce, ready-to-eat deli and supplement aisles draw in customers who are “trying to live a better and cleaner life,” says owner Debbie Yamaguchi. Recently Yamaguchi expanded this philosophy even further, opening the lifestyles department, a small boutique attached to the main store. The boutique features skincare imported from Germany, ecofriendly baby diapers and organic clothing—apparently, living a healthy lifestyle not only affects what you put in your body, but what you put on it as well. 4400 Kalaniana‘ole Highway, 739-2990, www.umekemarket.com.

Trendy organic clothing from Umeke Market.

3 PUBLIC STORAGE

It was May 17, 1958, Love Slaves of the Amazon played at the Wai‘alae Drive-In and in the women’s bathroom, a “faceless woman” supposedly frightened moviegoers. This was the first of many sightings of Kahala’s ghost, according to local storyteller Lopaka Kapanui. The drive-in was leveled in 1994. Public Storage now stands in its place. 4100 Wai‘alae Ave.

HAPAI? Find skincare products such as Tummy Honey.

4 MAKANA MOTHER AND BABY

A quick pass through Makana Mother and Baby might leave you confused—with trendy tunic tops and dresses, it doesn’t look like an average maternity boutique. Using owner Cathy Yamamoto’s selection of clothing, from casual wear to evening dresses, moms-to-be can cover their baby bumps with just as much style as anyone else. “I sell things to make moms feel better.” she says. 4819 Kilauea Ave., Suite 5, 734-2323, www.makanamotherandbaby.com.

5 ANTONIO’S NEW YORK PIZZERIA

If you’re looking for “real” pizza, visit cousins Anthony Romano and Joseph Tramontano at Antonio’s. The hand-tossed, paper-thin crust is loaded with fresh produce and cheese that keeps on pulling. “We make food as if we’re serving it to our family,” Romano says. With old family recipes, homemade cannolis and a thick East Coast accent, Romano serves up a bit of his hometown with every slice. 4210 Wai‘alae Ave., 737-3333.

* DON’T MISS
It’s easy to pass by this little gold mine—but we advise against it. The Consignment Corner offers gently used vintage jewelry, designer handbags, clothes from DKNY and Chanel and a selection of designer sunglasses. 4218 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite A-104, 739-0888.