5 Things We Love: Kailua

More than sandwiches on the sand

If you’re on your way to a picnic at Kailua or Lanikai beach, make a quick stop at Kalapawai Market for pizza, salads and sandwiches that are better than the same ol’ tuna and egg salad sandwiches from home. Although, if tuna and egg are what you desire, they have those, too. I usually go for the meat pies ($6.95), which are delicious, hearty and easy to eat at the beach. The market is at 306 S. Kalaheo Ave. Call 262-4359.

—Michelle Ramos

Kids’ love of music reaches crescendo

There’s magic in Claudia McDowell’s guitar. When she strums the opening chords of Keiki Crescendo’s family music classes, gurgling babies go silent, and toddlers settle into their parents’ laps. All eyes are on her, and children barely old enough to communicate sit in rapt attention.

I started classes with my son when he was 6 months old, and it was such fun to watch him learn and grow with his first friends that we continued until he was nearly 5, when it was time to start over with his baby brother. I tried other programs, but most were overwhelming and overstimulating. Keiki Crescendo stood out from the pack with teachers who use a Musikgarten curriculum focused on rhythm.

Classes are held at Windward United Church of Christ across Kaneohe Bay Drive from the Aikahi Park Shopping Center. For newborns through age 5, the cost is $14 per lesson for 15-lesson blocks. Sign up for a free preview class by calling 741-5363 or visit keikicrescendo.com.

—Donica Kaneshiro

Agnes’ is the spot for pastries

Most folks know Agnes’ Portuguese Bake Shop as the go-to place in Kailua for hot malasadas (just call 15 minutes ahead) and bread. But Agnes’ also offers a large assortment of pastry: baklava, Rus­sian tea biscuits, chocolate walnut brownies, scones, turnovers and more. At more than 5 inches across, the home-style cinnamon rolls ($1.85) come supersized, as do the bear claws ($1.95).

The Easter egg ring ($3.95) is a sweet roll with a colored, boiled egg at the center (available by request). The bake shop is at 46 Hoolai St. Call 262-5367 or visit agnesbakeshop.com. Closed Mondays.

—Nina Wu

Kailua Beach puts wind in your sails

Decades ago I took my first windsurfing lessons at Kailua Beach. It would essentially change my life, though it would take a few years for me to become a true wind addict.

Oahu’s second most popular beach has the long, beautiful walk, fine sand, views and warm water every beach lover craves, but the wind makes it special. Now kiteboarders have taken over the place, but with the rolling surf at Castles, the jumping ramps at Jump City and the speed runs in front of Flat Island, there’s still plenty of space for everyone on the water at Kailua Beach. Windsurfing is harder than it looks, but the fun makes it all worthwhile.

—Steven Mark

Boutique offers fair-trade finds

Nandini Bhattacharjee traveled the world and brought back the things she loved. The rest of us can take our pick of her finds at her Kailua boutique Nomads Hawaii, 131 Hekili St. Offered are clothing, jewelry and housewares, including batik sarongs (about $28) from Indonesia and handmade bedding from India.

One shelf is devoted to fair-trade items made by adult workers who are paid fair wages in safe working conditions and provided with education and health care, and using eco-friendly practices.

I found a lot to love, and buy, at this shop, including this Fair Trade baking dish from Vietnam ($25). And, blame it on Doris Duke, but after visiting her Mughal Suite at Shangri La last year, I fell in love with her marble bath inlaid with floral studies comprising semiprecious stones. Well, I can’t afford a room of marble, but I could take home an inlaid box from India, at $117, a 50 percent markdown.

See more at honolulupulse.com/fashiontribe.

—Nadine Kam