While the majority of our days here in the beautiful 96815 are a blissful 80-90 degrees with sunny cloudless skies, we still have the occasional rainy day here in paradise, and for that I am thankful! These less-than-ideal-beach-weather days give me a great excuse to visit one of my favorite rainy day spots here in Honolulu, Hungry Ear Records.

Having opened its doors in 1980, Hungry Ear Records is Hawaii’s oldest record store and was originally located on the east side of Oahu in quaint Kailua town, a rather hefty drive across the Pali for us south side island-dwellers. While it was bittersweet to see Hungry Ear close their doors in Kailua after 35 successful years, I was beyond excited to hear that they were relocating to our side of the island, just a short drive from the 96815 at the corner of S. King Street and University Avenue!

When entering their doors, nostalgia mixes with current trends and I’m like a kid in a candy store. Hungry Ear carries the state’s largest new vinyl collection as well as an extensive used LP section. Their vast range of new and old rock, jazz, blues and reggae is definitely something to boast about, but what really amazes me is their large selection of rare Hawaiian albums, cassettes and CD’s - a specialty Hungry Ear prides itself on and a true goldmine for those looking to take home an authentic piece of Hawaiian culture!

If you’re anything like me, you’ll agree that Hannah Hooper of the band Grouplove says it best,

“Sorting, sifting, admiring the art, eager to buy it, anxious to get home to play it and display it. Going into a record store is an experience and thank God it's not one that can be downloaded...[a Record Store] is a reminder to all of us that music is a thoughtful, curated experience that goes far beyond the download. So let's keep our local record stores alive.”

So whether it be 80 and sunny, or 70 and rainy, take yourself down to Hungry Ear Records in the Mo’ili’ili neighborhood of Honolulu for a real treat. I promise that you won’t be disappointed and your ears will leave full and satisfied!

Hungry Ear Records, 2615 South King Street, Suite A-100, Honolulu, HI. Monday – Saturday, 10am to 6pm and Sunday 12pm to 5pm.

XOX,

Jess in the96815

Guest Post and Photography by: Jessica Tronoski

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.