Shaka Pressed Juice

Fresh cold-pressed juices and elixirs made from locally sourced ingredients is what's shaking inside the new, brightly colored Shaka Juice on Monsarrat Avenue in the 96815! The menu offers a variety of nutrient rich concoctions, from roots to greens and fruits to nuts. No matter what flavor you choose, each Shaka Juice packs a powerful punch of amino acids, phytonutrients, minerals and enzymes, which remain remarkably intact during the high-pressure extraction process, before hitting your lips a few hours later. Drinking a pressed juice is the fastest and easiest way to wash your system with the good stuff! I like to fancy myself a healthy eater, but with a busy schedule, I'm prone to eating whatever I can get my hands on, which doesn't necessarily do a body good. As part of my summer resolution, I've made a pact to workout more, and to eat, well, in this case, drink better. My two favorites, the subtly sweet Shaka Greens, a blend of kale, pineapple, celery, mizuna, bok choi, watercress, cucumber and lemon, and the Hawaiian Beets, simply beets and pineapple, are perfect for just after those hot South Shore workouts. If you really want to wipe the slate clean, Shaka suggests their one, three, or 5-day juice cleanse. Available with or without food, they will provide everything you need to rest, repair and rejuvenate your digestive system. Moral of the feel and look good story is to start inside and work your way out - heart, mind, body and Shaka Juice!

The 96815 Tip -  The lovely Lia, photographed above, had me taste the freshly pressed Almond Milk (almonds, alkaline water & dates) over their crisp, crunchy granola. Heavenly!

Shaka Pressed Juice, Monday to Friday 7am - 6:30pm, Saturday & Sunday 7:30am - 6:30pm, phone 808-200-0921, 3118 Monsarrat Avenue, the 96815.

Diamond Head Days

It has been about 3 years since I have been living back on Oahu and in the 96815 full time. As some of you reading this may know, transitioning to Hawaii is not the easiest process. Finding an affordable place to live, a decent job and just getting used to island life again can prove to be a bit challenging. It was those picturesque days spent at Diamond Head Beach that put my mind at ease and left me feeling that I was exactly where I was meant to be. Winding down the path from the lookout above to the sacred shores below, I am captivated by the beauty of Oahu's south shore. I can't help but to feel delighted by the pleasant scene of beach goers, surfers and dogs frolicking with ear to ear grins on the wide open coastline. Days like these have been the main source of inspiration for the creation of The 96815 and continually motivate me to share this unique piece of paradise with you. On this day, I packed a book and my camera, picked up a delicious breakfast bagel (add turkey bacon) from Bogart's on Monsarrat Ave and was on my way to the diamond flecked sand somewhere between the lookout and Cromwell's. I prefer to go it alone; spend some quality me time counting my blessings. An afternoon here and you will find a lot to be thankful for. 

Diamond Head Days - good for the soul.       

Banán

You may have already heard about Banán, the brightly painted food truck, setting up shop on Monsarrat Ave. and serving up some deliciously cool treats. Like everyone else in the 96815, I heard the buzz and had to try it! I was delighted to find Matt, Zak and Luke, the smart and lovable guys behind the craze, working the window when I popped by. Galen, the fourth founder, was on Moloka'i harvesting some of Banán's ingredients at his family's farm, Pu'u O Hoku Ranch. 

What exactly is Banán? Banán, as it is served from the truck on Monsarrat Ave., is a dairy-free dessert made from 100% blended frozen local bananas. Similar to the consistency of frozen yogurt, or an acai bowl, it is creamy, sweet and smooth. If you aren't one for bananas, don't worry, they have other flavors on the menu. Fruits and herbs are added to the blended banana base to create options such as Acai, Pineapple Coconut, Basil and Ginger Mint. I chose the seasonal flavor, Lilikoi - refreshing tropical heaven - served in my choice, a papaya boat, topped with fresh cut pineapple and shaved coconut. It hit the spot and was the perfect kick start for my Saturday. 

Before I was on my way, I had the chance to sit down with the founders of Banán to learn more about their business. Almost all of the fruit and ingredients used at Banán are sourced locally and some are even grown on Galen's family farm on Moloka'i. It is freshness you can taste. Have you ever had a banana that spent thousands of miles and days at sea on a container before making its way to your taste buds? Followed by a local banana that was just picked from the islands? The taste difference is incredible! Bananas that are grown in Hawaii are so sweet, creamy and a whole different ball game! And the good news doesn't stop here. As Zak and Matt explained, it's not just about serving a delicious, healthy dessert made from ingredients grown in Hawaii. It is also about giving back to the community. Their philosophy is farm-to-table, table-to-farm. Near the picnic tables and brightly colored chairs in the parking lot, you will find a compost bucket and recycling bin. The guys use Bokashi composting, which is a fast way to breakdown the banana peels and organic material into a nutrient rich soil which helps farmers grow more ingredients for establishments like Banán and our community. A full life cycle of buying local, eating local and giving back to your community. Sweet, isn't it? Just as sweet as this wonderfully refreshing treat served at Banán.

The 96815 Tip: Wondering what I am drinking in the glass bottle? It's the 'Awa Nice Day - a tea made of organic 'Awa root from the Pu'u O Hoku Farm on Moloka'i, combined with coconut milk and chai. The sacred 'Awa plant, introduced by early Polynesians, is a natural sedative that works to clear your mind and relax your body. Feeling stressed? Have one of these and it will be all good!

Banán, Monday to Friday 11am to 6pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am to 6pm, 3212 Monsarrat Ave, Honolulu, HI the 96815.

Photography by Jessica Tronoski and 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.