I don’t stop in Wahiawa often.
I’ve been through it hundreds of times; growing up on the North Shore, I passed through town on my way to, well, anywhere. Now that I live in Honolulu, I pass through Wahiawa on my way to surf in the country, but I rarely stop. But the area has changed over the years. While the town’s low-key charm and unapologetic local vibe haven’t changed, new shops, boutiques and places to eat have emerged over the years. So I recently decided to make a stop in Wahiawa and enjoy everything the place has to offer.
One of the biggest changes here is the addition of a colorful array of shops along Kamehameha Highway, the city’s main thoroughfare. Being a surfer who loves coffee, Surfers Coffee (63 Kamehameha Highway) speaks to me on an almost spiritual level. At this modern cafe, vintage single-fin surfboards hang on the walls next to flat-screen TVs showing endless streams of surf videos. Just keep in mind: Beating the hot weather, like I did, with an iced coffee and a freshly baked pastry from The Pâtisserie, a local bakery near Pearl City, may not be the best idea if you have other options. things to do. I felt so at home in this cozy cafe that I didn’t want to leave. But to avoid ending my day prematurely, I stayed to watch one more surf video and reluctantly left.
The harvest in Wahiawa.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
A few steps away, I found myself at The Vintage (43 Kamehameha Highway), a vintage clothing and accessories store that, unlike some of its competitors, has not forgotten that used clothing should be affordable. As an avid thrifter, I was happy to see the store well stocked with vintage aloha shirts, a good selection of jackets that fit my petite frame surprisingly well, and other clothing and accessories, including kimonos, a variety of rings and necklaces, as well as shoes that could easily sneak into today’s fashion and outfits. Vinyl records, vintage artwork, and countless knick-knacks fill the rest of the store, perfect for visitors looking for something to take home or for 28-year-olds like me with bad spending habits.
Back on the street, I look at the shops on the strip that I have yet to explore: surf and skate clothing boutique SantaLoco (35 Kamehameha Highway) catches my eye, especially since the store also sells surfboards made by shapers locals like J. Slee. I consider taking a closer look, but my wallet, getting lighter by the hour, screams: Don’t do it!
Wahiawā Botanical Garden.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
I hop back in the car and make a quick trip to the Wahiawa Botanical Gardens (1396 California Ave.), where admission is free. It is ironic that the name Wahiawā in ‘ōlelo Hawai’i translates as “place of noise”; Even though the ocean is about 10 miles away, it was said that the noise of the sea could be heard here. But that’s not what I heard in this botanical garden. Here everything is serene. Aside from the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirping of birds, the space has a certain aural tranquility uncommon in Wahiawā. The garden began as land leased to the Hawaii Sugar Planters Association for “experimental tree planting” and was transferred back to Honolulu County in 1950. Seven years later, it opened as a botanical garden; today it spans 27 acres.
I wander through the garden, enjoying the free nature of the place. There are a handful of well-maintained trails to follow, but there are no grand views or jaw-dropping vistas like you might find at other botanical gardens on the island. But the deeper you go into the gardens, the greener the surroundings become, and the huge camphor trees and rainbow eucalyptus trees provide excellent shade, creating comfortable and cool walking conditions even on a hot day like today.
A delicious variety at Mānoa Honey & Mead.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
Finally, I end my day in Wahiawa at Mānoa Honey & Mead (930 Palm Place), one of the state’s only meads. Finding a comfortable seat in their outdoor garden, I drink six varieties of mead, marveling at the smooth, sweet taste of the honey wine. The mead was founded by Yuki Uzuhashi, a beekeeper from Japan, who took over Mānoa Honey in 2014. He wanted to make a fresh, fruity drink that matched the tropical climates of Hawaii, and after purchasing a bottle of durian from the store mead and trying it after getting home, I can honestly say it has done just that.
Wahiawā is a living reminder that familiar sights and places should not be taken for granted. There will always be something you’ve never seen before, even here, a place that to many people seems like a city frozen in time. So if you have time, make a stop in Wahiawā – the north coast will still be waiting for you when you’re done.
This story was originally published in our Winter 2024 issue. Buy a copy here.
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