Summer thermals provide a soaring experience

At first glance, Mokuleia, the strip of coastline west of Waialua, seems like modest country. But it’s actually a haven for extreme-sports enthusiasts, especially this time of year when summer thermals create strong updrafts that are perfect for soaring in a glider. From Dillingham Airfield you can get a scenic tour from Honolulu Soaring that will take you from Kaena Point all the way to Haleiwa, or try an aerobatic experience. Prices are $79 to $290; check honolulusoaring.com. Even if you don’t ride, it’s fun to watch the gliders float by in silent grace. Or stop by one of the skydiving centers to get the drop on the North Shore without getting wet. Choices include an introductory 15-second tandem free fall from 8,000 to 10,000 feet or drops of more than 100 seconds from heights above 20,000 feet. Cost is $139 to $999; visit pacificskydivinghonolulu.com or skydivehawaii.com.

—Steven Mark

Leftover slivers of soap put to good use

Lightly fragrant, richly moisturizing, long-lasting bars of Honolulu Bath and Body soap ($6.25) have long been my favorites. Now there’s another reason to love them: The manufacturer, North Shore Soap Factory, supports a nonprofit organization that sanitizes and repurposes soap slivers and leftover hotel amenities into personal-care cleaning kits and distributes them to the needy worldwide, including families in Hawaii homeless shelters.

Look for the “Clean the World” label on boxes of mango, kukui nut, pikake and plumeria soap, locally made from all-plant ingredients. Five percent of the proceeds is donated to Clean the World, said manager Debora Driscoll. Save your slivers to drop off during an August soap drive. The factory/store is at the Waialua Sugar Mill, 67-106 Kealohanui St.; call 637-8400 or visit hawaiianbathbody.com/natural/cleantheworld.

—Mindy Pennybacker

Beat the heat with fruity gelatos

I was never a huge shave ice fan. Every time I traveled through Haleiwa with friends or family who wanted Matsumoto Shave Ice, I would at least make sure mine had ice cream at the bottom. Since Il Gelato opened in the North Shore Market Place this year, there’s finally a frozen treat on the North Shore that I crave. The delicious Italian ice creams are freshly made. Enjoy the dragonfruit gelato’s gorgeous purple color and light fruity taste — perfect for hot summer days. A scoop of gelato is $3.75; pints and quarts are $11 and $18, respectively. Il Gelato is at 66-250 Kamehameha Highway, C-104; call 637-7100.

—Michelle Ramos

Handmade specialties fill boutique

Look sharp to spot V Boutique at the Waialua Sugar Mill, next door to the soap factory. It’s a chilled-out hideaway from summer’s North Shore heat, showcasing ocean-themed jewelry made by Vanessa Pack ($22 and up, with most items priced at $89 to $229), along with a tightly curated and charming selection of affordable beachy clothing, swimwear, accessories and sunscreens.

The site was converted from warehouse space for a distribution company run by Pack’s husband. She makes the jewelry on location, in a workshop at the back of the shop. V Boutique opened in November, and Pack says that from the drywall to the display racks, “everything’s pretty much handmade by us.” Visit vboutiquehawaii.com or call 637-1597.

—Elizabeth Kieszkowski

Blankets add color to outdoor adventures

Brighten up your beach picnic or outdoor concert experience with a Mexican blanket from Guava Shop for $55. The hand-woven, machine-washable blankets are 70 percent polyester and 30 percent cotton. Measuring 78 by 39 inches, they’re plenty big enough for a cozy outing. Guava Shop is at 66-111 Kamehameha Highway; call 637-9670.

—Nancy Arcayna

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 this week by emailing features@staradvertiser.com.