5 Things We Love

We continue our holiday series of things we love with gifts that are made in the islands.

Unique jewelry collection reflects balance and charm

Cindy Yokoyama has a knack for jewelry. Born in Japan and raised in Aiea, the University of Hawaii graduate formed her jewelry company Ginger13 10 years ago. Using charms, precious gems and stones, Yokoyama’s collection of earrings, necklaces and bracelets is an expression of her love of art, nature and Hawaii. I’m a huge fan of Ginger13’s earrings ($62 and up), which are distinctive for their signature gold-filled teardrop hoops that are mismatched on purpose. I often wear my pair — a black koi on one ear, a dark stone on the other — without anyone realizing they don’t match. That’s because Yokoyama strikes a beautiful balance in size, color and design with all her pieces. Adorning many of her earrings and necklaces is an ammonite fossil. Visit Ginger13 at 22 S. Pauahi St. or online at ginger13.com. — Stefanie Nakasone

Koa pens are artful instruments

I’ve seen many beautiful koa pens at fine stores around town, but none as distinctive as the writing instruments created by Lau Lau Woodworks in Kapa­hulu. Craftsman Aaron Lau offers a variety of gorgeous inlays, including turquoise, marble, malachite and swirly surfboard resin designs, starting at $85. And he solved the problem of a slippery grip by wrapping the bottom of the pen barrel in rich, reclaimed leather. Find Lau’s work at his Simply Wood Studios at 932 Kapa­hulu Ave. (561-8813) and the Royal Hawaiian Center (626-5300). — Christie Wilson

Multitalented turmeric plays variety of roles

Turmeric, which gives Indian curry its flavor and yellow color, can be added to smoothies for an antioxidant boost, combined with honey and milk for a facial mask, or used to make tea. Herbologie Studio, the factory showroom for Hawaii Nutrition Co., sells 1-ounce jars of the versatile spice for $9. The store also sells small $2 packs of locally grown herbs such as spearmint, lemon balm, lemongrass and holy basil that can also be used for tea. Add some cinnamon leaves ($6) and vanilla bean ($15) to make a holiday basket.

Herbologie Studio is at 318 Kamani St.; call 988-1499. — Nancy Arcayna

Honolulu Fish hooks freshest local seafood

Send your holiday love to a special auntie on the mainland with sashimi-grade fish caught in local waters, guaranteed fresh and delivered to her door. Hono­lulu Fish Co., which has provided this service to chefs across the nation since 1995, has begun reaching out to consumers. The company distributes 30 varieties of Hawaii seafood prepared and packed to arrive at the giftee’s door within 24 hours of being hooked. All this doesn’t come cheap — a 3-pound ahi fillet recently cost $146.85, and 3 pounds of mahimahi was $89.85 — but the company is known in the food industry for its top-quality products and service. Check out all the gift possibilities at hono­lulu­­fish.com. — Joleen Oshiro

Patchwork treasures feature vintage fabrics

Look closely at this patchwork quilt from Double Treasures Boutique in Kailua and you may recognize vintage fabric from the 1940s and ’50s — including Alfred Shaheen prints. The shop carries quilts of various designs and sizes, even for baby, and in newer aloha-print patterns as well. Prices start at only $20 (the twin-size quilt pictured here is $120). The boutique is at 326 Kuu­lei Road, Suite 4, in the "antique row" across the parking lot from Cinnamon’s Restaurant. Call 782-2080. — Nina Wu