Newt

Tucked away in the Coconut Grove of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel is the prestigious international hatter, Newt.  Inside this famous, hidden gem you will find the most gorgeous Panama Hats this side of the Pacific and perhaps the entire world. Handmade in Ecuador near the town of Montecristi, artisans spend months tightly weaving together the shredded dried toquilla plant stems to produce the silky, linen like finished sombrero. I know what you are thinking: a Panama hat made in Ecuador? Turns out, the famed hat was incorrectly named in a headline describing a photograph of President Teddy Roosevelt: "President Wears Panama Hat at Panama Canal Opening." And so, The owners of Newt, Jim and Lee, make the trip a few times per year to Ecuador, not Panama, to hand select a limited collection of fine headwear. From South America they are shipped off to Chicago, where they are formed by a master blocker into a variety of styles available at the shop in Waikiki.

On our trip to Newt, Ron, the friendly hat connoisseur, perfectly fitted me with each style. I fell in love with the playful French Press and the classic Fedora. I am still not settled on if I prefer to wear my Fedora European or American style. European is placed lower on the brow, rising slightly up towards the back. For American, the brim sits a touch higher, slightly titled to the side. Either way, I have never worn something that not only instantly upgraded my outfit, but completely changed my world and perspective. Life under this hat was divine and glamorous. It is no wonder that the polariods adorning the walls of Newt include famous clientele like Pierce Brosnan and Patty Labelle. While we were visiting the 29 year old shop, a customer from a quarter century ago stopped in to try on the latest styles. She found there weren't any. Seems her hat, still in perfect, wearable condition, stood the fashion test of time. Newt - a true classic.
 

The 96815 Favorite - If I had to pick just one, my favorite is the Fedora with feather hat band. The peacock feathers are sewn by hand on the friendly island of Molokai by an expert, local craftswoman. Newt hat prices range from $200 to $15,000 depending on style and weave.

Newt, 9am to 9pm Daily, ph. 808-922-0062, The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, 2259 Kalakaua Ave, the 96815.

Photography by Ijfke Ridgley

Waikiki Wandering

It's the candid, less planned days wandering around the 96815 that I enjoy the most. I'm never really sure what I'll discover or what beautiful moment I might be lucky enough to capture. On this day back in March, I walked into Waikiki to check out the Honolulu Festival Parade. During the annual three day festival, artisans from Japan, Australia, Tahiti, Philippines, Taiwan, Korea and Hawaii gather in Honolulu to celebrate the rich, diverse cultures of the Pacific Rim through art and dance. On Sunday, the last day, thousands of locals and travelers lined Kalakaua Ave to watch the magnificent parade of performers and colorful floats dance their way through Waikiki. I was taking in the sights near Beach Walk and happened to pop into Henry's Place to try their famous homemade ice cream. This spot doesn't look like much - it resembles a little bodega, the kind found on almost every street corner in New York City. Inside they offer freshly cut tropical fruits, sandwiches and those famous white styrofoam cups with handwritten labels filled with not-too-sweet, and absolutely delicious ice cream. The incognito dessert has become a favorite for sun baked beach goers looking to cool down on those hot, sunny south shore days. While they have a million flavors to choose from, including Avocado and Ube Yam, I enjoyed the Pineapple Coconut flavor. Lump the pup agreed - it was pretty tasty. After our ice cream, we took in a little more of the parade before heading home. I wish we could have stayed longer to see the lanterns and floats light up the night sky. Back at my apartment, I heard the bang of a spectacular fireworks show, marking the end of yet another Honolulu Festival. Next year, I won't be watching with envy from my window.

Henry's Place,  7am to 10pm Daily, 234 Beach Walk, the 96815. 

bills

I have been frequenting bills since they opened just about a year ago and I almost can't believe I haven't shared my love for this place on The 96815 sooner. Bills was brought to the islands from the Aussie culinary celebrity, Bill Granger, who has several international outposts in Japan, London, Seoul and Australia. The Hawaii locale is by far one of my favorite additions to Waikiki in recent years. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of amazing places to eat in the 96815, but not one quite like bills. Stylish, friendly staff effortlessly work the cheerful mid century modern digs, while travelers and locals feast on delectable Australian fare. I have been to bills for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner - all are equally wonderful. So, on this bright, sunny Waikiki Saturday as I made my way to the restaurant on Beach Walk, I already had an idea of what I was in the mood for - ricotta hotcakes. Let's be honest, I am always in the mood for the ricotta stuffed hotcakes, layered with fresh bananas and topped with creamy honeycomb butter. My version of heaven most definitely includes an eternal supply of this magnificent dish. If you aren't in the mood for something perfectly sweet, there are many other gorgeous items to choose from on the menu. Our brunch on the upstairs lanai overlooking a bustling Kalakaua Ave. included the renowned scrambled eggs and the perfectly crisp corn fritters, all topped off with bellinis, mimosas and the Honolulu Blossom. Granger says his restaurants reflect the spirit we like to think of as "Australian" - sunny, easygoing and generous. This not only describes our brunch at bills, but most days living in the 96815. Life here is pretty delicious. 

The 96815 Tip: bills has a fantastic Happy Hour! Beginning at 2pm daily, enjoy $5 libations and pizza and snacks, ranging from $3 to $13, in the delightful sidewalk level dining area.  

bills, Monday to Sunday, 7am to 10pm, ph. 808-922-1500, 280 Beachwalk Ave, the 96815

Photography by Jessica Tronoski

Vivienne Westwood Waikiki

Last week, I was invited to attend the second anniversary party for the Vivienne Westwood boutique in the Moana Surfrider Hotel. I never turn down an invitation to a party, and surely not one where I can feast on fashion in one of my favorite Waikiki hotels. If you are in the 96815, I suggest making a stop at Vivienne Westwood. The clothes and accessories are both thought provoking and beautiful. In Westwood's utopia, politics, history, ethics and nature harmoniously influence the Spring-Summer 2015 collection. My favorites had to be the dramatic botanical print pieces reminiscent of Hawaii's indigenous vibrant flora. I can picture myself sauntering down Kalakaua Ave in one of the bold print skirts paired with my favorite basic on my way to Bill's for their afternoon Happy Hour - which starts at 2pm and is fabulous, by the way. For now, I'll study the look books over coffee and narrow down which statement Vivienne Westwood piece I may have to make mine. My closet is by no means filled with only designer name clothes, so when I make this kind of investment I'll be following the Westwood philosophy - "buy less, choose well, make it last." 

The 96815 Tip - Make a purchase that makes a difference! The Vivienne Westwood limited edition Hawaii exclusive eco totes are made in partnership with the Ethical Fashion Initiative. Through this program, impoverished, mostly female artisans from Haiti and Africa are provided with gainful employment, knowledge and skills to produce high quality fashion products for top designers. Eco Tote-$110 

Vivienne Westwood Waikiki, Mon - Sun 10am - 10pm, 2365 Kalakaua Avenue, the 96815.