It’s Official – Ross at Windward Mall
It’s now official though it seems Ross employees already knew, but a new Ross location is indeed opening at Windward Mall.
hawaii
All In with the Seaweed Crunch
Who else out there is all in with the Seaweed Crunch snack available at Hawaii Costco locations? Who knew almonds and nori pairs nicely? And 36 pieces in one serving size! That’ll definitely fill you up.
Since you never know if Costco will continue to carry this (or any) product, you might as well stock up while you can!
Starbucks Haupia Nitro, a Hawaii Exclusive
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery location in the Waikiki Trade Center is the only place in all of America where you can order a Haupia Nitro. Yup, that’s a nitro cold brew infused with a coconut blended mixture. The walls of the special Reserve cup are lined with condensed milk (I think), and the finished drink looks like this.
Like any other Nitro cold brew, this drink is amped on caffeine. The taste is kinda strong for my preferences, but the haupia mellows it out overall. This is an expensive libation though, coming in at $6 for a grande, but keep in mind that since there’s no ice added, it’s all unadulterated coffee.
If the Haupia Nitro is not for your palette, be sure to check out the other unique menu items at the only Reserve Roastery in Hawaii.
Or better yet, ask the barista for a recommendation, and let her photobomb her creation for you.
Ross Windward Mall?
Is the Dress for Less Store headed to Windward Mall? If so, the last of the OG malls would have a Ross location. First was Pearlridge then Kahala. The Ala Moana location was a recent addition, and 2018 could welcome the former Sports Authority space in Windward Mall.
Askhole, Know Any?
Saw this shirt at The Refinery in Kahala Mall that defines an “askhole.” Do you know any?
A person who constantly asks for your advice, yet always does the exact opposite.
Where Were You?
Where were you when the (thankfully) false ballistic missile launch sounded?
Me – eating breakfast waffles at home.
Although a mistake, I’m sure awareness of what to do in this situation is definitely heightened and more people will get prepared
Mentioned by The Verge.
Yahoo News also reported on Twitter but with a mismatching image.
iPhone Battery Replacement Update
Update 1/5/2018: Battery changed out after making a return “appointment.” Servicing took about 90 minutes. Store is full of customers wanting to check out their iPhone battery condition. iPhone 6 feels noticeably faster with the battery replacement.
Update 1/4/2018: Battery has arrived in store and need to schedule an appointment when to bring the phone in. I also got an email stating stop by anything (within 7 days), but it’s better to call back and actually set a time for the repair (1 to 2 hours).
After hearing that Apple updated its iPhone battery replacement program to begin immediately rather than late January, I made an appointment for Sunday, December 31, 2017. Unfortunately, the Kahala Apple Store Genius Bar had already exhausted its supply of in-house batteries on Saturday.
The Genius did run through a hardware diagnostic as a formality but didn’t find anything wrong with the iPhone 6 or its battery. He did say that we could change the battery for $30 regardless of the battery condition. We now have to wait about three to five days for a battery shipment then return to the Apple Store when notified.
From that point, it’s a one-hour service to swap out the battery. Not bad for $30.
And while you’re at the Apple Store, don’t look at different bands for the Apple Watch. Otherwise you might give in and get something like this deceiptively multi-colored “black” Sport Loop. Although described as black, the band has iridescent qualities showing off red, blue, green, and even more colors. It’s super nice and actually very comfortable!
The Adidas Outlet at Waikele Is an Outlet
Okay, let’s keep expectations in check. The Adidas store at Waikele Premium Outlets has recently been renovated with its grand re-opening today through November 12, 2017.
But just remember that this is not an Adidas store but rather an Adidias outlet, located in Waikele Premium Outlets. You get where I’m going with this? Don’t expect the high demand merchandise. Don’t expect to see Ultra Boosts (discounted or even at regular price). Don’t go looking for NMDs. A PureBoost may make an appearance, but for now, the AlphaBounce line reigns at this renovated outlet. There are rows of different AlphaBounce colorways. They’re cool, but at $80+, I’m happy with my $45 pair of “worn and refinished” AlphaBounce from Nordstrom Rack.
Other than that, I didn’t see anything worthwhile. In fact, the shoppers wore better shoes than what’s avaiable in-store. There were Harden Vol. 1 in red and white and some EQT. Otherwise, there were CloudForm variations of higher end lines. Probably the most catchy shoe I saw was the Tango indoor soccer shoe in a sky blue to black fade colorway.
Compared to the old layout, the men’s section is flip flopped, now on the right side of the store with the womens and kids on the left. Gone is the section with oddball finds, but I’m hoping this potential trove finds its way back.
Go ahead and check out the grand re-opening deals but just keep your expectations grounded.
Catnip Hotel, I’m Intrigued
I must admit that the advertising for the Catnip hotel has me intrigued.
I don’t know what pheromone therapy is but more importantly, I really want to know what movies are shown on the big screen for the cats.
Champion from Watermelon to Poke
It simply don’t matter. From watermelon to poke, the results are the same – winner.
Let’s set the stage. Ricefest 2017. Third annual poke bowl eating contest sponsored by Paina Cafe. Two bowls. One bottle POG. No palu allowed. Three minutes. Ten contestants. The most poke eaten determines the winner. Utensils optional. From what I understand, the first to sign up is the most intense…
Here’s coverage thanks to Channel808.TV.
Okay, okay, kinda funky editing of the video that jumps past the eating action. Let’s try this one instead. Are you hungry?
Thanks to Linda for the video and pics.
Still hungry? How about some watermelon from 2009 and 2014? Want more poke? Look no further than April at the Hawaiian Ocean Expo.
Comings and Goings at Ala Moana
While at Ala Moana today, I saw some changes happening. There’s a new coffee place, Island Brew, where Gloria Jeans was. Not so sure about this choice since um, Gloria Jeans went out of business seemingly not too long after opening.
While we wish Island Brew good luck, we also need to say farewell to ivivva. Specializing in activewear for girls, the brand is moving to the cloud, closing down its retail locations and focusing on online sales. ivivva Ala Moana closes its doors on August 20, 2017.
One thing that hasn’t changed and is comforting in an odd kind of way is this all-too-familiar scene. It’s for “preventative maintenance.”
