5 Things We Love is a shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. What are you loving this week? Send a brief description of your latest favorite thing, where to find it and how much it costs, along with your name and contact info to features@staradvertiser.com.
1. Enjoy cool drinks, music thanks to Tommy Bahama
Social scientists know that women are better multitaskers than men, but Tommy Bahama has made it easier for guys to do their man thing — whether grilling, camping or fishing — while enjoying their favorite tunes, beverages and pupu. All they need to do is head out the door with Tommy Bahama’s iPod stereo cooler. It has a built-in pocket for MP3 players and a waterproof, insulated cooler compartment to keep food and drinks separate from the stereo speakers, speaker jack and battery pack that requires four AA batteries. The cooler measures 10 by 25 inches at the base and 10 inches tall, and comes with a removable, padded shoulder strap and two handles for easy lifting. The cooler is $98 at the Tommy Bahama store at Ala Moana Center or tommybahama.com.
—Nadine Kam
2. OluKai leather slippers fit the bill
Looking for a surefire gift for Dad? The OluKai footwear company’s leather slippers are a good place to start. They boast an anatomically contoured footbed with a base inspired by a "wet sand" footprint that cups the heel and supports the arch, and the shoes are extremely durable, standing up to salt water and rocky shoreline hikes with ease. While the company is based in Irvine, Calif., it’s forged a relationship with Hawaii’s watermen, supporting local lifeguards and earning the endorsement of the legendary Rabbit Kekai. Various styles are available at Nordstrom, POP Fishing & Marine, Island Sole at Kahala Mall and other stores for $65 to $175. Find out more at olukai.com or call 877-265-8524.
—Elizabeth Kieszkowski
3. ‘Trick Wallet’ T-shirt is right on the money
If your dad is a T-shirt kind of guy, then he’ll get a kick out of this "Amazing Dad’s Trick Wallet" crew-neck creation by Crazy Shirts. It’s made of 100 percent cotton and dyed with $165 worth of shredded, recycled U.S. Treasury bills. The back of the shirt says, "Money disappears right before your very eyes." The shirts are $31; a matching "Amazing Dad" baseball cap is $25. Available at Crazy Shirts outlets and www.crazyshirts.com.
—Nina Wu
4. Tell Dad thanks with Beer Fest
Skip the frilly eggs Benedict and mimosa brunches and treat Dad to something more manly: the Moana Surfrider’s Father’s Day Beer Fest from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday. The historic Waikiki hotel is offering 20 craft and local beers with food pairings and entertainment under The Beach Bar’s oceanfront banyan tree. (Hey, he can even paddle in after a day of surfing!) At $40 it’s more affordable than most Sunday brunches; tickets are $35 if purchased by Saturday. Email franco.amadori@westin.com for tickets.
—Christie Wilson
5. Broquet gift baskets indulge manly passions
When your parents live off-island, Mother’s Day is easy — just send a bouquet of flowers. Father’s Day is trickier, but now there’s Broquet gift baskets from a new company in San Francisco. Whether your dad’s passion is grilling, sports, snacking or booze, there’s a gift pack for him. "The Smokehouse" set ($49) caught my eye: jerky, chocolate, pancake mix, hot sauce, salt and peanut brittle — all flavored with bacon. Another fun kit is "The MacGyver" ($65) with a Gerber Suspension Multi-tool, Gorilla Glue, duct tape, WD-40 and a Condor Gear pouch. "The Fire Breather" ($58) features five hot sauces, including a bottle of Maui-made Adoboloco Jalapeño. Gift sets start at $39. Shipping to Hawaii is pricey, but if Dad lives on the mainland, shipping starts at just $10.62, which is less than a medium flat-rate box at the post office. Check www.broquet.co for more options.
—Donica Kaneshiro
