Chillaxin in Honolulu

Chris Kam, 33-year-old Hawaiian native, sets the pace for the best in island living and shares his secret for the art of chillaxing.

BIO: I am currently art director + store manager for KICKS/HI and creative director + DJ for Architechs Entertainment.

LENGTH OF TIME IN CITY: Born and raised in Hawaii. I have traveled all over the world, and nothing comes close to the people, the “aloha spirit,” the weather, and well, everything. I literally wake up everyday in paradise and appreciate every second of it.

EAT & DRINK

Best Local Food

If you can go to a proper luau (a feast of numerous Hawaiian dishes: kalua pig, poke [seasoned raw fish or octopus], poi, opihi, laulau, chicken long rice, etc.), the pig is actually slow cooked in an imu pit, which is hot rocks placed into a hole dug into the ground and lined by banana leaves. 

Haili’s Hawaiian Foods, Ward Famers Market, 1020 Auahi St.
Yama’s Fish Market, 2232 Young St., Honolulu.
I pick up a Hawaiian plate lunch (Combo A from Haili’s) or poke and two scoops of rice (ahi limu poke and an order of opihi from Yama’s) from either of these spots at least once a week. Two cans of Hawaiian Sun Passion Orange drank and it’s a wrap!

Boot’s and Kimo’s Honestyle Kitchen, 119 Hekili St., Kailua.
You must, must, must wake up early at least one morning, catch a sunrise, and then head out to the Windward side for quite possibly the most amazing breakfast you will ever have in your life. Their signature Banana Macadamia Nut Sauce Pancakes are essential!!

Best Deal Restaurant

Zippys, numerous locations island wide.
A local institution for over 40 years. Open 24 hours a day, it’s one of the best spots to hang out with friends, grab a bite to eat after the club, and where you will fall in love with the plate lunch-usually with 2 scoops of rice, a scoop of macaroni salad, and one (or two, or three!) main entrees. My favorites are: the Zip Pac, Chili + Chicken mix plate, and go-to classic Hamburger Steak.

Best Street Food

Waiola Shave Ice, 2135 Waiola Street, Honolulu.
This is the OG location and the ultimate way to put a stamp of a good day at the beach. Just remember to order the right way: size first, bottom treats (mochi balls, azuki beans, ice cream, etc.), and then the flavor(s). They also opened up another location down the street from the Honolulu Zoo-very close proximity to Waikiki.

Best Party

I’ve been buying records since around 1989 (even before I owned turntables) because I really love music and always wanted to be a DJ. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to spin with some of my friends and throw some great weekly parties. Basically, anywhere myself and/or my friends are spinning will be an unreal time to be had by all.

Best Bar

There is a fun weekend bar scene in downtown Chinatown. Indigo’s, Bar35, Hotel39, and Next Door are all in close proximity and each has its own flavor. It’s a fun area to people watch.

READ

Best Book/Record Store

Jelly’s, 670 Auahi St., Honolulu.
Norm once ran the most progressive radio station in the world based in Hawaii, Radio Free Hawaii, and now has focused his efforts into his two locations which house tons of new and used books, CDs, DVDs, comics, and records. I’ve spent countless hours digging through their exhaustive used soul and jazz records and art book sections.

SHOP

Best Shop

KICKS/HI, 1530 Makaloa St, Honolulu + Ward Center, Honolulu.
All home team bias aside, this is one of the best, original, premier sneaker boutiques in the world since 2001. Firmly rooted in island lifestyle and culture, which is graphically communicated through the KICKS/HI brand and the numerous high profile collaborations with Converse (Product RED), Vans, Nike, Reebok, and Hurley.

Leilow, 1532 Makaloa St., Honolulu.
OG NY transplant, Jules Gayton, has put together an excellent mix of Supreme, Original Fake, Neighborhood, Visvim, and vintage finds.

Aloha Rag, 1221 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu.
Expertly selected high-end labels for men and women: Martin Margiela, Neil Barrett, Lanvin, Henrik Vibskov, etc. in a well-balanced, minimal space.

SIGHTSEE

Favorite Art Space/Gallery/Museum

The Contemporary Museum, Cooke-Spalding House, 2411 Makiki Heights Dr., Honolulu.
Features inspiring rotating contemporary exhibitions. Outside of the gallery space, there is a sprawling garden that has a stunning view of Diamond Head and Honolulu. I sometimes spend the day there with my iPod; taking in the exhibits and then sitting out on the lawn with a drink from the café. (http://www.tcmhi.org)

The Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu.
In operation for over 100 years, there is an overwhelming amount of historic Hawaiian and Pacific Islander artifacts and art, which is really important because it helps to keep the culture and history of Hawaii and its people alive. (http://www.bishopmuseum.org)

Favorite Outdoor Space

Hawaii is a chain of islands with some of the best beaches in the world for surfing, sunbathing, and hanging out. Definitely try your hand at all three of those things-especially hanging out…it’s a lost art.

Best Touristy Thing to Do

Visit the neighbor islands.
I love the Big Island, but Kauai is my favorite get away from the get away I already live in. Beautiful beaches that sometimes will not have another soul other than you the entire day. Rent a car and drive around the island. The neighbor islands are an excellent way to see a lot more of Hawaii’s natural beauty (The Volcano National Park on the Big Isalnd and the aforementioned beaches of Kauai).

TIPS

Only a Local Knows About

“Hawaiian time” or chillaxing (chillin’ + relaxing) is about slowing down to take it all in. It’s all about a laid-back lifestyle with an importance of friends and family and just being happy about who and where you are.

Must See

A sunrise or sunset, depending on where you are on the island, is a sight to behold. It’s never the same and always very calming and spiritual. A great way to start/end your day.

A Day Off in My City

Because I work so much at the shop all the day and DJing most nights, my only real day off has become Saturday, which I like to spend waking up early to catch the sunrise. If I miss that, there’s nothing like a refreshing jog on the beach. The best Saturday morning activity for me is going the Farmer’s Market at Kapiolani Community College, on the backside of Diamond Head. Local farmers bring the fruits of their labor (I know, sorry!) to sell. The freshest fruits, vegetable and plate lunches makes for a great brunch (it closes up around 11AM). If I’m not too full from eating, its back to the beach: Sandy’s (the current is hazardous), Turtle Bay, or any of the North Shore beaches (people watching), and wrapping it up with friends at Duke’s, Outrigger Waikiki, to catch the sunset and have some drinks and pupus (appetizers). Then there’s still time to take a nap and then head out for a night on the town. Just remember to respect the land and the people, and you will have the clichéd, but true, time of your life…many have come for a vacation and never left!