Sweet and chewy, Jubes flavored cubes of nata de coco go well in halohalo, almond float, fruit salad or just as an afternoon snack. My family’s favorite is the lychee flavor since the fibrous, fermented coconut water cubes mimic the chewy consistency of the fruit. Also available in strawberry, mango, grape, lime and pandan flavors at select Times Supermarkets locations. I got mine for $1.99 for a 12.7-ounce bag in the produce section at Times Waimalu. — Donica Kaneshiro
Maui baker’s ‘gotta try!’ eats feature POG flavor
Gary Kobayashi has no formal training as a baker or pastry chef, but he says he likes to eat, so that drew him into the kitchen. For the last seven years, he’s been concocting uniquely Maui-style desserts like flaky azuki manju, POG chiffon and POG cream cheese cake. (Everyone on Maui knows POG, but just in case, it’s passion-orange-guava juice that we used to drink with school lunch — it’s delicious.)
Kobayashi got into business when his sister-in-law asked him to join in a Christmas craft fair. He made a bunch of different desserts and sold out in an hour. It’s been like that for seven years now, and in true Maui style his success has largely come from people telling their friends, “Omigod, you gotta try this!” His Desserts by Gary are available at Takamiya and Ah Fooks markets in Central Maui; to place an order, call 385-7290 or email EWeAGL658179@hawaiiantel.net. — Lee Cataluna
Leash keeps baby’s favorites close at hand
As a working mom, I don’t have time to search for lost toys or my son’s favorite sippy cup. The Malama Baby cup and toy leash allows me to keep beloved items attached to the stroller or diaper bag with an adjustable loop. It is money well spent to avoid a toddler breakdown while on the go. Pick one up for $11 at Hopscotch at Ward Centre or visit malamababy.com to select your fabric. — Lacy Matsumoto, Liliha
Minimalist highlighting powder casts subtle glow
It’s one thing when a makeup artist asks, “What’s that on your face?” and quite another when a regular person asks. The first time it happened, I was traipsing about the mall, and my hand flew to my face to figure out if an insect had landed on my cheek or if bits of lunch had somehow migrated there. But no: With an eagle eye for what’s new in makeup, the stranger had simply caught the subtle, luminous flash of pink on my cheek and wanted it for herself.
“Flash Pink. The Face Shop,” I said.
Unlike so many Korean products with flashy packaging, this pretty highlighting powder comes in a plain container. The powder, $13 for 0.24 ounces, looks white when it goes on but contains iridescent minerals that are revealed as you move and light bounces off highlighted areas. The Face Shop is in McCully Shopping Center, Ward Warehouse, Waimalu Plaza and Kahala Mall. — Nadine Kam
Sturdy sandals boost comfort while walking
With my luau feet, sandals are a must — but not just any kind. I need slippers I won’t slip out of as I race across town. After meniscus surgery, when the quad muscle above my repaired knee started cramping, my husband, who walks Diamond Head daily in Abeo sandals, insisted I try a pair.
I chose the just-arrived Abeo B.I.O. system Granadia sandals with stabilizing straps, a padded orthotic bed providing ample arch support and thick, treaded soles. Cloud-comfy in black and silver-gray, they neutralize the pain and inspire my feet to fly. Check them out for $109.95 at The Walking Co. stores at Kahala, Ala Moana and Royal Hawaiian malls. Visit abeofootwear.com. — Mindy Pennybacker