1. Typically I no go crazy for macadamia nuts or pineapple or coconut, so I nevah would’ve imagined how combining all three of those in-gre-da-ments in one bar could result in something so utterly ono. If you bringing dessert to one Christmas party, think beyond that flaky dessert or that fried, sugary treat, think Deluscious Dreamz’s Island Sunshine Bars, priced at $4 for a three-pack at Laverne’s in Waikele Center and at Newtown Driving Range in Aiea. For party orders, contact at least two days in advance; email DeLusciousDreamz@gmail.com or text 551-4404.
2. Nowdays seems like almost everybody in our islands owns one vacuum-insulated water bottle, yet that hasn’t deterred sales of Hydro Flask’s Hawaii Collection, available for a limited time. This would make da perfect gift for da one person you know who still maddeningly insists on freezing one plastic bottle of water overnight and using that as their water bottle for da next day. Of course you can also get this for someone who already has one, too, cuz with pretty gradient colors Moana (ocean), Anuenue (rainbow) and Pomaikai (sunset), you can give ‘em some variety so dey can try make their water bottles match their outfits. I think das a thing now. Da 40-ounce, wide-mouth bottle is $47.95 at Down to Earth and a bunch of oddah stores.
3. I know one Mrs. Mel, formerly from Kailua, who used to have two pet geckos. One gecko would drink juice from one tiny cup with her every morning and da oddah one liked to play computer with her at night. Mrs. Mel would giggle as she controlled da mouse while da gecko chased da little cursor all ova da screen. We no can all be gecko whisperers, and if your kid longs for one pet gecko, maybe you gotta give Thames & Kosmos’ Geckobot a shot ($38.99 at Target). Da kit provides instructions for build a gecko that uses air pressure and suction for climb walls, plus six other mechanical models.
4. Kumu Ka‘iulani Kauihou researched eight almost-forgotten legends from da Waianae moku to publish the Ka‘ena Aloha Series of books. Titles include “The Robbers of Makaha,” “The Fish-Attracting Stone of Nanakuli” and “The Eel Man of Kawiwi.” This is one truly amazing effort as hundreds of models, photographers, directors and costumers wen go donate their time and talents to this community project. When I wuz buying my copy ($15 per book) at No‘eau Designers at Ka Makana Ali‘i in Kapolei, I overheard eju-ma-cators in da store raving about da books and how dey use ‘em as part of their curriculum. But you no need be one teacher; anybody with one love for learning will appreciate these stories. Get more info at hiohia.org.
5. Makes sense Stance would wanna make socks with Disney, Star Wars, NFL and even Sanrio characters, but I wuz kinda surprise for find that we rate, brah. Stance makes special Hawaii exclusive designs too. At first I wuz tinking this too flashy for local people, brah. Us, we low-key. But yet, socks is not as showy as something like one obnoxious aloha shirt. So I think fancy socks can. Great gift for your most daring friend. Tell ‘em, “No sked, Stance ‘em!” Buy ‘em for $15 for women’s socks, $14 for men’s at The Ultimate Foot Store; also available at surf shops.
Lee A. Tonouchi is one Pidgin author and playwright who lives in Aiea.
