10 ways to keep cool during heat of Hawai'i summer

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

So you want to beat the summer heat?

Here are 10 way-cool ways to stay cool:

1. See a movie. Theaters are always air-conditioned. "Minority Report" has a chilly vibe, and "Lilo & Stitch" goes to the beach, but when the mercury rises, even the fourth viewing of "Spider-Man" would be a chillah.
2. Think "cool" when you go to Blockbuster. Rent "The Ice Storm" or "Ice Station Zebra," not "Lawrence of Arabia" or "The Desert Song." It's subliminal, of course, but a wintery movie at least gets your mind off the temps.
3. Shave ice is the summer snack of choice. It's worth the drive out to Hale'iwa to get the Matsumoto Shave Ice classic, but Waiola Store's is equally satisfying. Slurping is encouraged. If you're not counting calories, load up with the azuki bean or ice cream filling.
4. Haul out the T-shirts and shorts. Cotton and linen, too. You are what you wear; avoid clingy silk and wool. Duh. (Cool tip: Store your undies in the fridge; it's worth the initial chill when you slip 'em on).
5. Don shades. Dark glasses reduce eye strain; a visor cuts down glare. A baseball cap (worn right way or backwards) shields the head. And yes, if you're a baldie, don't chance the summer rays. Cover up.
6. Life's a beach. Go take a swim. Surf. Snorkel. Hey, what are oceans for? Choose a beach with a shady tree. Or, if your neighbor has a pool ...
7. Drink a lot of liquids. Water is best. Always carry bottled water with you to quench the thirst.
8. Acclimate your diet to refreshing salads and fruits. Doesn't a sliver of ice-cold watermelon hit the spot, even if you relish malassadas?
9. Improve home ventilation. Install a screen door at home, if you don't already have one. Or play Mr. Fix-It and finally get that extra window in place to allow the cross-current trades in.
10. Invest in an air-conditioner. When the next humid day arrives, you'll savor your decision and make your sweating neighbors drool.