ISLAND LIFE SHORTS
From the HIP
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GET AWAY TO THE HEART OF WAIKIKI
The year is halfway over — do you know where your vacation is? If you're in desperate need of some R&R, we have a solution. Staycations are affordable and smart in this tough economy. Here are some hip ideas for a little Waikiki getaway.
— Lacy Matsumoto
HOTEL
Finding a chic hotel on a budget can be tough, so opting for a boutique hotel might be your best bet. At Hotel Renew, the dark woods, dimly lit ambiance and modern design make for a nice, relaxing stay. With modern features such as flat-screen televisions, complimentary Internet and continental breakfasts, it's a great way to save a little on those added expenses some luxury hotels tack on. Plus you can't beat the Fourth of July rates for kama'aina — $125 a night. Hotel Renew, 129 Paoakalani Ave.; 687-7700, www.hotelrenew.com.
SPA SERVICES
Now that you've saved on the hotel and aren't paying for a flight, spring for a massage or spa treatment. Boutique spas offer quality services without stratospheric price lists. At the Aqua Aloha Surf & Spa, couples massages start at $130 and come with a relaxing Hawaiian-oil foot bath for you and your loved one. The cozy spa might not have flashy amenities, but staffers are attentive to your every need. Aqua Aloha Surf & Spa, 444 Kanekapolei St.; 923-0222, www.aquaresorts.com.
FOOD
After your sail, you might be in the mood for a burger. Wind down at one of Waikiki's newer watering holes — Yard House. With hundreds of beer choices, burgers, salads and desserts to die for, there is a little something for everyone. Flat-screen TVs play sports, and there's a young staff; this hip spot is casual and affordable. We suggest you call ahead and make reservations because this restaurant is popular and often packed with locals and tourists alike. Yard House, 226 Lewers St.; 923-9273, www.yardhouse.com.
AT SEA
How long has it been since you enjoyed a Hawaiian sunset? Now that you're on vacation, take a catamaran cruise, kick back on the ocean and check it out. This just might be one of the highlights of your staycation. On the MaiTa'i Catamaran, the kama'aina rate of $29 is a steal for the sunset cruise. The best part: It includes all the mai tais, beer and beverages you can drink.
The crew promises to make your trip enjoyable by providing you with snorkel gear, a reggae soundtrack and information about Hawai'i's ocean and landmarks you will see aboard the catamaran.
Find the MaiTa'i Catamaran between the Halekulani and Sheraton hotels; 922-5665, www.leahi.com.
FRESH SOUNDS FROM THE GOSSIP, DINOSAUR JR. ... AND A TRUCKER
NEW MUSIC
SOUND ON SCREEN
"BeauSoleil — Live at the Louisiana Music Factory"
Michael Doucet and his mates in BeauSoleil are an American musical treasure, and America got lucky when the group stopped by one of America's finest record stores, the Louisiana Music Factory, back in January to promote the new album "Alligator Purse" — the gig was caught on camera. Check it out on the PopMatters Web site: http://tinyurl.com/PopBeauSoleil.
— Sarah Zupko, www.PopMatters.com
SALES & BARGAINS
• Neiman Marcus’ annual summer sale just got better: Take an additional 25 percent off marked-down items. You’ll find the deals on labels like Milly, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Theory and Diane von Furstenberg even sweeter now. Ala Moana Center, 951-8887.
• J. Crew on the Island just announced its final markdowns on hot spring and summer merch. Some items are better found online, others are better found in the store, so check both out: www.jcrew.com and Ala Moana Center, 949-5252.
• Check out the rad semi-annual sale at the Eyeglass Shoppe. Everything in stock is half off or more. Get ready — the sale ends Tuesday, and the Shoppe’s not open today; 508 Atkinson Drive, 949-7288.
• Don’t let all this heat and sweat get the best of you — keep those breakouts to a minimum. A favorite of many, and also cheap, Neutrogena Oil-Free Face Wash with zit-busting salicyclic acid will keep flare-ups at bay. Find it for even cheaper when you buy a two-pack for $9.99 at Costco. Costco.com for locations nearest you.
• July hits us this week, and with that comes the early arrival of fall fashions. Be savvy and look for affordable pieces that follow fall’s key trends. One trend we’re loving is draped skirts, a little throwback to ancient Greco-Roman garb, but in fun flirty colors. Make sure they’re short and give up a delightful peek of leg. You don’t want to be mistaken for wearing your drapes!
— Pualana Lemelle
WHAT’S ON YOUR IPOD?
Joe Guinto, From the HIP page designer
1. “1901,” Phoenix
2. “As Tall As Cliffs,” Margot & The Nuclear So and So’s
3. “Think Too Much (b),” Paul Simon
4. “White Winter Hymnal,” Fleet Foxes
5. “I’m Down,” The Beatles
READERS
Have a tip for From the Hip? E-mail style detective Lacy Matsumoto at Lacy.FromTheHip@gmail.com, or buzz us on Twitter: @FashionForum. Read From the Hip on the Web at http://Honolulu.Metromix.com.
