1. Hula Gal vintage-style baskets are a throwback to a time when dancers carried their hula implements in similar style. “I found the basket in my mom’s closet and I was, like, I could still use this,” said Hula Gal founder and hula dancer Sue Lin Ku‘u ‘Anela Beaulieu of Hauula. “It’s part of the history of hula.”
Made of sturdy rattan and bamboo, with ample space inside, the baskets are ideal for packing your pau skirt, ipu and uliuli without crushing the feathers. Dimensions are about 22 inches high, 19 inches wide and 10 inches deep. Prices start at $75, with free shipping and discounts for halau and kamaaina.
Visit hulagalbaskets.com, call 392-9196 or email hulagalbaskets@yahoo.com.
— Nina Wu, Star-Advertiser
2. Anyone who owns a Hydroflask knows the insulated containers can lose their effectiveness when dinged or dropped. The Hawaii team behind HydroSkins recognized the need for a stylish form of protection and came up with nontoxic silicone sleeves in various sizes and colors.
I’m a fan of the “rasta” sleeve in red, yellow and green and am also partial to the sleeves that swap out the usual perforated circles in favor of a cutout of the Hawaiian island chain.
Prices range from $12 to $18 depending on size. Find HydroSkins at T&C Surf, McCully Bike, Bikefactory Hawaii and similar stores, or purchase online at hydroskins.com.
— Jason Genegabus, Star-Advertiser
3. We had German chefs’ knives for a decade and never sharpened them until Compleat Kitchen at Kahala Mall invited cooks to come in and try the 4-Stage Knife Sharpener from Zwilling J.A.Henckels, priced around $35.
You place the sturdy plastic gizmo on a countertop, hold the ergonomic handle, and draw the knife’s cutting edge a few times, from base to point, between ceramic whetstones. What a difference! Our knives cut like new.
There are separate slots for regular and Asian-style knives, and the slender tool fits easily in a drawer. Contact the store at 737-5827.
— Mindy Pennybacker, Star-Advertiser
4. Eric Carle’s classic storybook “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” was read countless times in our household. We never tired of the colorful creature’s appetite and transformation.
So I was immediately drawn to Celia Andrade Fraser’s “Hungry Caterpillar” quilt at the recent Made in Hawaii Festival. She accepts custom orders of cotton quilts and wall hangings with prices starting at $50 for a 33-by-46-inch design. (A “Hungry Caterpillar” do-it-yourself quilt kit is $85.)
Find sea creatures, shave ice, fortune cookies and other island patterns at quilts2order.com. Email celia@quiltstoorder.com or call 870-8157 for more information.
— Nancy Arcayna, Wahiawa
5. Gone are the days of stepping out of the shower and seeing remnants of eyeliner on what I thought was my squeaky-clean face. Now I massage my face first with a tiny scoop of Bye Bye Makeup, a melting cleansing balm that does just that — melt away all the makeup.
After a quick rinse, my face feels soft and clean. That’s because the product, part of the It Cosmetics skin care line, also hydrates and provides antiaging serum.
A 2-ounce jar ($38) goes a long way. Find it at Sephora, itcosmetics.com and qvc.com.
— Joleen Oshiro, Star-Advertiser
“5 Things We Love” is a shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. Please keep in mind that featured products may be in short supply and may not be available at all store locations; prices may vary. Tell us what you are loving by emailing features@staradvertiser.com.
