This week we continue our recurring feature in 5 Things We Love spotlighting stuff you have got to do, see, hear, wear, use or eat in Oahu neighborhoods. Today: Kaimuki and Kapahulu. Coming up: Waipahu, Waikiki, Downtown Honolulu, Mililani, Keeaumoku and Kailua. Send your suggestions to features@staradvertiser.com.
Art Explorium gives kids room, supplies to create away
This stuff passes through everyone’s life: pretty packing material, random buttons, colorful bottle caps, shiny bits of ribbon, boxes of all shapes and sizes. If only I could store it and keep it organized, my kids could have a crafting corner. But who has room for that? And so I head over to Kaimuki for open studio time at the Art Explorium, which is the giant craft room you wish you had at home. The staff there always has a selection of suggested projects to get timid kids started, but then imagination and creativity take over and soon the kids are building pirate ships out of water bottles, corks, colorful tape and mesh. There is a $5 charge per participant. Parents try to sit back and watch their kids at work but soon find themselves drawn into the fun. The Art Explorium is at 1142 Koko Head Ave., with open studio from 2 to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Thursdays, and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Check out artexplorium.org for a schedule of classes and other events or to see what materials you can donate. — Donica Kaneshiro
Chow down on iconic Leonard’s malasadas
No list of things to love about Kapahulu would be complete without mentioning Leonard’s Bakery, 933 Kapahulu Ave., and its malasadas. The venerable institution was opened in 1952 by Leonard Rego and started making malasadas in 1962 for Shrove Tuesday, a tradition in Portugal. Sometimes it seems like the line stretches from here to Portugal, especially mornings during the high tourist season, but it’s always worth it. Over the years, Leonard’s has added fillings and different coatings to its malasadas, so they now come covered in sugar, cinnamon sugar or li hing powder for $1 each, and with fillings of dobash (chocolate), custard, haupia and a flavor of the month — guava for May and June — for $1.35. Visit www.leonardshawaii.com or call 737-5591. — Steven Mark
Fun figurines await at comic-book store
I just gained points with my daughter, who in the throes of her teenage angst has developed an ardor for Lemongrab, a character in the cartoon "Adventure Time." His infamous whine "This is unacceptabllllle!" has become her anthem. He is, I believe, her alter ego, giving voice to her innermost turmoil. Thus she adores this Pop! vinyl figure that I happened upon at Gecko Books & Comics at 1151 12th Ave., where there’s an endless selection of figures based on television and comic-book characters. They run about $10.99 — a small price to pay to get off the "unacceptable" list, at least for a little while. Call 732-1292. — Joleen Oshiro
Cozy Cafe Laufer satisfies all senses
When my friends and I have a girls’ night out, the evening usually ends with dessert. Many times we end up at Cafe Laufer, 3565 Waialae Ave., No. 107, uphill from Kaimuki Community Park. The magnificent array of desserts guarantees every one of us will find something to enjoy — from a simple scoop of ice cream to a decadent chocolate torte to fruits and berries in white-wine gel. Pair the dessert with a Thai mocha or latte and our fabulous night ends on the perfect sweet note. But dessert is not the only reason to visit: We also like the whimsical feel of the cozy restaurant with its man-made lighted trees and artwork hanging on the walls. And the staff is so friendly and inviting. Cafe Laufer also offers lunch and dinner. Call 735-7717. — Michelle Ramos
Relax with a good film at Movie Museum
Watching a movie from the comfort of a leather recliner with a beer in your hand is usually the kind of fun reserved for home viewing in front of your giant flat-screen TV. But you can do all that at the Movie Museum at 3566 Harding Ave., Suite 4, in Kaimuki. The intimate theater screens a range of indie, foreign and contemporary studio films. Not only is it BYOB, but you can eat your dinner in the theater (just avoid noisy or smelly food). Tickets are $5 and reservations are recommended; call 735-8771. Check the Star-Advertiser’s TGIF on Fridays for a movie schedule or visit www.kaimukihawaii.com/d/c/movie-museum.html. Monday’s movies include the Japanese-language film "Chronicle of My Mother" at 12 and 4:15 p.m. and "The Monuments Men" at 2, 6:15 and 8:30 p.m. — Mike Gordon
