1. Tea drinkers searching for a locally grown product will be delighted to discover certified organic Mauna Kea Tea, grown by Taka and Kimberly Ino on the cool slopes of Mauna Kea.
The Coconut Green Tea, one of my favorites, is made with real toasted coconut, which complements the mildness of the green tea and leaves a sweet aftertaste. Other selections include Sweet Roast Green Tea, Ginger and Turmeric Green Tea and Premium Green Tea, which is made from young, tender leaf tips processed in small batches.
Prices start at $10 for a box of 10 tea bags. The family-run farm is also open to the public by appointment for seasonal tea tastings and direct purchases. On Oahu the tea is available at Whole Foods Markets. Visit maunakeatea.com or call 775-1171.
— Nina Wu
2. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, consider the Coordinates Collection of jewelry customized with the coordinates of a significant location for a sentimental and romantic gift. Prices for rings, bracelets and necklaces range from $125 for ceramic-coated metal to $3,000 for 22-karat gold.
When my husband ordered my bracelet, he selected coordinates on Kauai because, he explained, that is where he fell in love with me. Two children and five years later, I wear the bracelet daily as a reminder of when we were wild and free.
Orders, crafted in Los Angeles, take 21 days, so don’t delay; visit coordinatescollection.com.
— Lacy Matsumoto, Liliha
3. When I bought my iPad Mini a few years back, one of the first accessories I picked up was a flimsy origami-style cover and stand. It got the job done, but I always thought there had to be a better way to prop up my device and protect it at the same time.
Last month I finally found a sturdier solution: Incase’s Book Jacket Revolution, which wraps my iPad in a semirigid polyurethane case with a faux leather finish and soft suede on the inside. The case allows the device to rotate freely between landscape and portrait modes. A magnetic closure on the cover wakes up my device automatically whenever I open the case, while an elastic band ensures it stays securely closed when not in use.
The iPad Mini case is marked down to $34.95 at goincase.com, but it’s priced as low as $12.99 on Amazon.
— Jason Genegabus
4. It’s clear that Waikiki restaurateur Bill Tobin loves three things: Hawaii (home of his Tiki’s Grill & Bar), food and his mama. His new book, “Food to Write Home About: Hawaii” ($24.95, Cameron + Co.), co-written with Brian Berusch, tours some of the islands’ top food venues and serves up a feast of stories and recipes in the form of letters home.
Gloriously photographed and produced, this collection of tastiness is perfect for any local food lover and would be a special treat for homesick expats.
— Patricia Godfrey, Honolulu
5. It’s easy to mistake the Green Gypsy thrift store in Waialua for a trendy boutique. After walking into the store, I was immediately drawn to a pair of colorful floral earrings that were only $8. The shop also has an array of bags, accessories, clothing and household items.
Zara Thigpen, who’s fascinated with recycling furniture, and Melissa Spectre, who always wanted to run a thrift shop, opened the space at 66-935 Kaukonahua Road with an eclectic collection of new and used items in 2014.
Another of my favorite items: a 5-inch-tall green Mason jar suspended in a 20-inch-long macrame hanger for $12.
Green Gypsy is hosting a class where you can learn to make your own macrame accessories at 6 p.m. Jan. 27 (fee $20, supplies included). Reservations are required; call 366-4000.
— Nancy Arcayna
“5 Things We Love” is a shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. Please keep in mind that featured products may be in short supply and may not be available at all store locations; prices may vary. Tell us what you are loving by emailing features@staradvertiser.com.
