Pillow and blanket combo are perfect travel mates

I’m absolutely in love with my Lug Undercover Bear pillow and blanket! Going to college on the mainland is quite the ordeal, especially having to deal with multiple abhorrent airplane rides several times a year. My new Lug, with inflatable pillow and wonderfully soft blanket, provides me with the comfort I need on those long airplane rides because the pillows and blankets they supply you with just don’t cut it. Lugs are cute and compact, fitting perfectly in my carry-on and are available in a variety of colors. Find them at Thinker Things in Kahala Mall for $32.95.

— Summer Flower, Kailua

Sturdy slippers blend in style of hot Brazil

Brazil is what’s hot when it comes to beach and casual apparel, and this latest import has already gained a toehold in Europe, Asia and South America. Now the iPANEMA brand is stepping onto Hawaii’s slipper-friendly shores. This Trends style sports a geometric pattern that gives it a tribal look. The overlay on each strap shines with gold or silver accents that make them appropriate for day or evening outings. The PVC sole might feel a little heavy to some, but it also makes the slipper impervious to kiawe thorns and other hazards. You can buy iPANEMA slippers for $20 at T&C Surf shops and Global Village (539 Kailua Road, No. 104; 262-8183).

— Christie Wilson

Chocolate-covered arare is a treat

True to my Japanese roots, I adore all kinds of delicious arare. And who can turn down treats enrobed in chocolate? So I was thrilled to discover that local confectioner Island Princess had devised a way to combine two of my favorite snacks into one sweet, salty, crunchy treat: Choco Mochi. It’s available in sizes ranging from 1.5-ounce snack packs ($2.79) to a 42-ounce jar ($19) for sharing (though, honestly, I’d keep the whole thing for myself). The treats are available at Longs, Costco or online at www.islandprincesshawaii.com.

— Celia Kazumi Downes

HIC cracks open a can of yesteryear

For those who grew up in the 1980s and early 1990s, this collaboration between two of the biggest brands from small-kid time will surely make you do a double take. There was a time when all my parents stocked in our fridge was Hawaiian Sun Passion Orange and Pass-O-Guava. And for a long time, locals had just two choices when it came to boardshorts: HIC or T&C Surf.

These limited-edition boardshorts featuring Hawaiian Sun’s different juice and iced tea cans is part of Hawaiian Island Creations’ Hydro Superstretch Series made from a blend of polyester and spandex to give them a stretchy feel.

The shorts, offered in black or green, retail for about $60 online at www.hawaiiansunproducts.com and www.hicshoponline.com.

— Jason Genegabus

Flavored soda is a beautiful work of art

Sometimes you want to sit and admire a flower, and sometimes you want to sip one. Ever since a friend bought me my first hibiscus-flavored Italian soda from Tangö Market at Ward Center, I can’t stop thinking about it. The pretty pink syrup blends into the soda as you drink it, providing the perfect visual complement to the soda’s delicate flavor. It’s like summer in a glass. Tangö Market is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Italian sodas cost $2.75 with or without cream. Call 596-4888 or visit www.tangomarket.com.

— Donica Kaneshiro