Kai Coffee

I was doing some shopping at Urban Outfitters in the Hyatt Waikiki a few weekends back, when I remembered to check out a new coffee shop located in the hotel. Lured by the scent of freshly brewed beans, I found myself front and center at the delightful Kai Coffee. Greeted by friendly baristas dressed in charming blue bow ties, I ordered the signature Kai Latte. It was love at first sip as the macadamia nut flavored brew met my lips. I had to know more...

Turns out Kai Coffee is not necessarily the new kid on the Waikiki block. The founder, Sam Suiter, has been roasting, brewing, pouring and perfecting the art of fine coffee from a very young age. His family opened the original Honolulu Coffee Company in 1991, where he mastered the craft. Within minutes of meeting Sam, you can tell this guy is plugged into the science behind making the perfect cup of Joe. I suddenly felt ashamed of lazily hitting the "brew" button every morning on my Nespresso.  As Sam explained the precise chemistry and math that goes into every cup brewed at Kai, I realized how little I really know about my so-called favorite thing. Beyond chemistry, every cup at Kai starts with a nicely roasted, quality bean. A few of which you can pick up on site: Ka'u Typica, Kona Peaberry, Kona Extra Fancy, and Maui Yellow Cattura.  Kai's beans are sourced directly from the farmers and roasted locally on Oahu and the Big Island by roasting experts with a combined 30 years of experience. Sam prepared the washed and sun-dried Ka'u Typica beans for us to share at the pour-over bar. Naturally sweet and smooth; no milk, cream, sweetener needed. Perfection in its purest state. 

You can learn a lot about a person over a cup or two of coffee and, in this case, you can also taste it. Sam is a funny, smart guy with a cheerful coffee shop serving up some of the most delicious cappuccinos, lattes, and coffees that I have ever tasted in the 96815. Kai Coffee: quality, passion, expertise, a dash of personality and aloha brewed daily. 

The 96815 Tip: Live in Hawaii? Kai Coffee offers a 25% kama'aina discount on beverages only. With the money you save, treat yourself to one of the gorgeous pastries baked fresh daily by The Baker and The Butcher. 

Kai Coffee, 2424 Kalakaua Ave in the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, 808-923-1700, open daily 5:30am to 11pm.

Island Magic

The holidays are here and in full swing! Parties, festive drinks, tropical Christmas decorations, and friends visiting from out of town have all made for a fun and memorable holiday season thus far. A few weekends ago, we had the chance to join our friends from Koa Beach Service for their holiday party on the Island Magic Catamaran. Koa Beach has the right idea for a party!  There simply is no better way to celebrate than by floating on the Pacific between the setting sun and the glittery, golden lights of Waikiki.

If you find yourself in the 96815, we recommend a sail aboard Island Magic. You will not be disappointed. Located on the beach just outside of the Outrigger Reef Hotel, Island Magic operates daily from morning to sunset and offers a variety of sails including snorkeling tours and private charters. There is something magical about this boat with its pink and white sail gliding effortlessly across the sea. It was definitely a memorable experience. I loved looking back at Waikiki and Diamond Head from the water. In a matter of minutes, Waikiki changes from cool blues to pinks and then to gold as the moon rises over the mountains. On this particular night, the moon was a full, round golden globe. I get goose bumps thinking about it now! We really are so lucky to call this place home. It's a beautiful life sharing a cup of Island Magic cheer with good company against this gorgeous, breathtaking backdrop. It is no wonder that the millions of people who visit each year fall in love and find their paradise here. I seem to find paradise over and over again with each day living in the 96815. This island really is magic.

The 96815 Tip: Our friends at Island Magic let us in on some exciting news during our sunset sail. Waikiki Beach will soon be home to a brand new Morelli & Melvin Catamaran! The state of the art designed MM45 is expected to hit the water in early spring 2015. This beautiful vessel will be sailing daily and available for private charters. Please contact john@sailholokai.com for more information and bookings. 

Island Magic Catamaran, 808-922-2210, all aboard on the beach outside the Outrigger Reef Hotel, The 96815.

Photography by the talented Ijfke Ridgley www.ijfke.com

Rainbow Drive-In

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If you have ever been on Kapahulu Ave in the 96815, you may have passed the legendary Rainbow Drive-In. Well-preserved for over 50 years, it serves up all the local favorites daily. While they are known for their Loco Moco and mix plate lunches, my favorite has to be the cheeseburger, fries and a float. It is my ideal comfort meal. In addition to their good eats, part of the Rainbow charm is the authentic vintage vibe. Enjoying my simplistic meal, I like to think about what the 96815 was like when this restaurant first opened many years ago. The atmosphere, music, people, and style from a different time are all coming together to paint a nostalgic picture in my mind. I find myself on the last sips of my float and it's time to wake up from my 1960's daydream. I awaken happy and full. Reality is still pretty dreamy at this classic neighborhood spot. 

Rainbow Drive-In, Open Daily 7am to 9pm, 3308 Kanaina Ave, the 96815

James After Beach Club

I was doing my usual Saturday afternoon ritual, a walk around the neighborhood, and an acai bowl from Bogart's, when I noticed a new shop opening up in the 96815. James After Beach Club, now open for business on Monsarrat Ave, is a collection of all things surf-related. Custom made surfboards, comfy tees, beautifully constructed clothing, unique accessories and one-of-a-kind vintage items can all be found in their shop. The clothes mostly consist of their two brands, Delicious and Studio Oribe, which are both made in a family operated factory in Japan. James and Co, as the store locations are known in Japan, has spent many years perfecting the fit and feel of their clothing and it shows. Utilitarian and classic, it's my perfect match. Clothes that pair beautifully with a vintage aloha find or one of my favorite pieces of the moment, they stand alone and withstand the test of time. I will never feel out of style throwing on my functional and comfortable striped tee or perfectly made pair of pants. I didn't want to take them off while I spent hours browsing the cubbies that were filled with interesting products and apparel. I feel like I could stop in at anytime and find something totally new and rare. And I'll be stopping by again soon to see my new friends that I made that day. Jun, the store manager, is friendly and kind. He made me a smooth cup of coffee from their very own special brew and fed me dessert while I learned all about the shop and their brand philosophy. I have to agree with the James and Co logo, "Delicious Life."  It most certainly is a delicious life in the 96815 and in this lovely shop.

The 96815 Tip: Stop by to do some holiday shopping! Your loved ones will be sure to love anything and everything from James After Beach Club. 

James After Beach Club, 3045 Monsarrat Ave, the 96815, Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm.