Field Guide: University Ave.
From D.I.Y. yogurt to surfboard repair kits, you’ll be surprised what you can find on University Avenue.
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Aloha Board Shop
The difference between Aloha Board Shop and the surf shops in malls: 280 surfboards. “Other surf shops are more clothing stores,” said salesguy Ram Kashiwamura. “We’re a surfboard shop.” The store opened four years ago and packs in an impressive
collection of new and used longboards, shortboards, twin-fins and
quads designed by 18 local shapers—and the fins, surfboard wax, leash and bike racks to go along with them. 2600 S. King St. #102. 955-6030,
www.alohaboardshop.com
Photo: David Croxford |
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Yogurtland
This summer, Yogurtland, one of the nation’s top self-serve fro-yo franchises, opened its first Hawai‘i location in the 3,300-square-foot space vacated by Volcano Joe’s. Since then, the line to try one of its more than 20 flavors—from green tea to New York cheesecake—hasn’t gone down. At 39 cents an ounce, it’s up to 40 percent less expensive than other frozen yogurt shops—even when topped with azuki beans and crushed Oreos. 1810 University Ave. 941-4444, www.yogurt-land.com
Photo: David Croxford |
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It’s like a Japanese Whole Foods. Nijiya Market, a California-based chain that opened its first Hawai‘i location in Puck’s Alley this year, specializes in gourmet Japanese foods, fresh seafood and meat and organic produce. Throughout the 11,000-square-foot space, customers can find everything from bunches of enoki mushrooms to gluten-free shoyu to Japanese beauty products. One of the biggest draws: the sushi and bentos made on site. 1009 University Ave. in Puck’s Alley. 979-8977, www.nijiya.com
4. Did You Know?
The student-run, non-commercial radio station KTUH 90.3 FM now streams its broadcast live on the Web. (Visit www.ktuh.org). The station, which broadcasts from the University of Hawaii Manoa campus, has been spinning alternative sounds since 1969.
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Photo: David Croxford |
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Siam Imports
For 11 years, Siam Imports has brought Southeast Asia to South King Street. Its two locations boast a diverse inventory of bronze statues, woven baskets and bags, artwork, incense and garments from Thailand, Burma, India and Nepal. “Getting these things here isn’t easy for most people,” said owner Kevin Costello, who’s been importing for 20 years. The appeal, he added, is in the uniqueness of the products, from Nepalese singing bowls pounded from copper to hand-carved Burmese Buddha statues. 2567 S. King St. (showroom at 2570 S. Beretania St.) 951-7426.
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It’s been a pizza joint and a sports bar. But since its opening in 2006, Tsukuneya Robata Grill has turned the dingy corner space into something original with, perhaps, some staying power. The stylish izakaya (pub) is known for its tsukune — part chicken meatball, part kebab. Other popular dishes include tempura-style Kahuku shrimp, grilled tofu topped with a sweet miso sauce, and a chicken-based nabe soup fortified with collagen. 1442 University Ave., at Dole Street, 943-0390, www.tsukuneyarobatagrill.com
