It’s Sunday. I’m going to take advantage of the slow weekend to plug a couple of locally owned businesses which have earned our patronage, and I would encourage you to check them out when shopping for the items they sell.
First, Wong’s Drapery, located at 1330 S Beretania, just town-side of Keeaumoku. It’s a local company, not a mainland chain or franchise. They’ve been in business since 1950, according to state business registration records. And it’s family owned, so you get personal service.
Back in 2010, we relied on Wong’s for a window shade to cut down the sun that shone directly into our living room in Kaaawa during the summer months. It was a difficult installation because of the location and shape of the window. Long story short, the shade failed. So we went back to Wong’s. And they stood behind their product, had a tech drive out to Kaaawa, inspect the installation, then totally replaced it at their expense. It was above and beyond, in my view at least. I posted comments about the company back at that time.
So when we needed window shades for the windows of our new house that face the busy road, we went back to Wong’s. We scheduled to have one of their people come to our house to measure the windows and help us select the proper product.
And we were quite surprised when Mel Wong, the grandson of the founder (if I recall correctly) and current president of the company, came in person to get the job done. After Mel guided us through the options, we made our choice, and then his daughter took the measurements and calculated the installed price, which was very competitive with another custom window shades quote we had received.
And they were delivered on time and professionally installed. We couldn’t be happier.
We were glad to put our trust in this small business that’s being managed by the third generation, soon to be the fourth generation, of the family that founded it.
And now that we’re in Kahala, I wanted to speak up for Petland, which is in that funny little strip mall at 4400 Kalanianaole Highway, mauka of Kahala Mall. There’s a Great Harvest Bread Company and several other businesses back there. Hard to find the first time, but well worth it.
Petland is another local company competing with retail chains like Petco and Petsmart. They’ve got a fantastic selection of pet food, toys, carriers, grooming supplies and, most importantly, staff who are never too busy to answer questions and assist in any way they can. I haven’t pored over the dog section, but I think they’ve got as diverse a selection of cat goodies to choose from as any of the big chains. And knowledgeable, friendly staff to boot.
At other times, I’ve plugged Antique Alley, always a great way to spend an hour browsing Hawaii’s cultural history, and Nohea Gallery, a one-stop source of the best local arts and crafts. Both spots continue to get my highest ratings.
These reviews are unsolicited, and I get nothing in return for them, except perhaps an extra smile the next time I stop to shop.
If you have other good local companies to recommend, please let us know!
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The Great Harvest Bread Company is, well, great! The bread is always top notch, and the owner gives his employees off the week between Christmas and New Year’s.
Petland is another good one, and prices for their fish supplies are much cheaper than Petco.
I have two restaurant recommendations in Kane’ohe. Google for address and phone number.
Deans is owned by local boy Dean Mishima, head chef, and his wife, who are both always present. 20-ish daughter sometimes works there too, although she now attends UH Manoa. Open Sunday through Thursday starting 11 AM. Now located on William Henry Drive about a block makai from Bank of Hawaii and on opposite side of street, in small fenced-in shopping plaza with gates at both ends, LOTS of parking behind the building. Plate lunch is around $15. The focus is on fish. Be sure to look for a small whiteboard near cash register which lists daily specials, such as Opah, Monchon, Mahi, Ahi steak, Teriyaki beef steak (very thick, like pot roast, yummy!); in addition to permanent menu in multicolor chalk on the wall. Surf/turf combo is ahi steak with teri steak, rice, green salad or mac salad, and cup of homemade soup.
Pho My Vi is family owned and operated Vietnamese restaurant. It’s near Safeway, in the small building that also contains Panda and L&L. Open 7 days. The pho broth is so wonderful you’ll want to inhale the fragrance and sip it for a couple minutes before adding the veggies. Other specialties include clay pot fish or chicken, cold noodles with spring rolls; menu in window and at tables, daily specials on whiteboard near cash register. This restaurant is a little more pricy than other hole-in-the-wall Vietnamese restaurants in Kane’ohe, but very clean, friendly, and worth every penny. I think it’s owned by two immigrant refugee sisters, one who is cook and other is waitress; 20-ish son (probably locally born and raised) of one owner sometimes works as waiter, and also the husband of one sister is sometimes there. All very friendly, intelligent, multilingual.
Menehune Mac at 707A Waiakamilo Road. They are unfailingly polite, friendly and helpful. A great place to pick up gifts. They offer a kama‘aina discount and candy-making tours every Saturday.
Industrial Electronics at 1353 Mookaula St. For everything to do with wiring (electric, internet, TV) and all electronic components. In business since 1958. Huge stock. Prices much lower than the Big Boxes and the owners friendly well-informed and helpful. (Check out all the positive reviews on Yelp).
Thanks for those suggestions!
or almost anywhere on the big island!