Field Guide: Queen Street
This stretch of street in Kakaako isn’t populated with just auto body shops and government buildings.
(Rollover Map for Locations)
(Rollover Map for Locations)
Photo by David Croxford |
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It’s not the most likely spot for a hip boutique, but since Bamboo Sky opened its new 1,060-square-foot location last year, fashionistas have continued to seek it out. The boutique still offers lines like Alice + Olivia and Scrapbook, but now feels more like a fantasy walk-in closet, with oversize bags hanging on one wall and jewelry perfectly arranged in glass cases. 401 Kamakee St., 591-8003, www.bamboosky.com.
Photo by David Croxford |
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Packrats, technophobes and anyone in need of extra cash can bring their stuff to this eBay trading post, which sells customers’ goods online in exchange for a portion of the sale. Although the company’s warehouse is littered with everything from designer handbags to Tupperware to an ostrich costume worn by Lost’s Dominic Monaghan, it’s a highly organized business, completing more than 20,000 transactions to date. The strangest item it’s ever put up for bid? “Muhammad Ali’s fingernail clippings,” says general manager Jana Park. “[The seller] was asking $90,000. It was too high.” 839 Queen St., 589-1102, www.wesellthings4u.com.
Photo by David Croxford |
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Panya Bakery & Express
You’ve probably been to Panya Bistro in Ala Moana Center, but you may not have known that owner-sisters Annie and Alice Yeung also have an express location on the corner of Queen and Cooke Streets, where they serve 80 kinds of bread as well as decadent pastries and desserts. The Queen Street location is a favorite lunch spot for nearby office workers, with its menu of won ton noodles with house-made shrimp and pork dumplings, chicken curry, oxtail stew and its signature gyoza with shrimp, chives and minced pork. 711 Queen St., 597-8880, www.panyabakery.com.
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Tropical Lamp & Shade Co.
Photo by David Croxford |
Cliff Garcia (in photo at left), who runs this 64-year-old family business, often finds himself working way past closing time. His business card explains that he repairs, rewires and refinishes lamps; turns and carves wood; drills glass; polishes brass; and creates one-of-a-kind lamps from just about anything. In fact, Garcia just finished one made from a Heineken bottle and another out of a clarinet. “Whatever people want, we’ll make,” he says. As if he’s not busy enough, Garcia also owns and runs Tropical Otto Parts next door. 977 Queen St., 593-0408.
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Logos Bookstore of Hawaii
When Logos Bookstore opened on Fort Street Mall 25 years ago, its bestsellers were greeting cards and general-interest books. Twelve years later it relocated to Ward Warehouse, focusing on Christian books and music. Last year, Logos (“the word” in Greek) moved into a 4,500-square-foot space on Queen Street, expanding its selection by 20 percent. “We have the full range theologically, from conservative to liberal,” says store manager Carl Ashizawa. An added bonus: The venue also hosts live entertainment for fans of praise music. 1024 Queen St., 596-8890,www.honolulu.logosbookstores.com.
