… how do you like these Hawaiian rains we’ve had the last few days? I hope you do because it looks like we have some more in store headed our way. Personally, I like it when the skies gray over and the rains keep me inside. I’ll stay home and get some work done or head to my local Starbucks on Kapahulu or over at Ward Center by Wahoo’s. The supposed gloominess of days like today actually make me feel at home – we had a lot of that growing up out in the Mid-Atlantic. Nevertheless, a change of weather can do everyone good – even when the normal weather is Hawaii perfect. And I suppose in some odd way, it doesn’t make me feel guilty about staying inside instead of heading out on some local hiking trails for my regular exercise.
What do you do when it rains? Stay home with the family? Watch some TV? Head to the movies? (I caught “Thor” in 3D today at Ward – pretty good). Go outside anyway to catch some raging waterfalls at Manoa, Maunawaili or Ka’au? Or head out to Starbucks with your favorite book? (people don’t read as much today – it’s unfortunate).
It’s on days like this that you get an opportunity to see your own neighborhood with a different set of eyes. When you’re forced to stay inside, you tend to appreciate the stores and other places near your home a bit more than when you’re just driving by on an otherwise sunny day. For me, it’s usually a trip down to the Starbucks on Kapahulu or Coffee Talk in Kaimuki if I want to get some work done or relax with a book (currently re-reading Crush It!). If I want to catch the latest flick, the Kahala Mall is just down Waialae Ave. but the Movie Museum on Harding Ave. is a much more “in the know” destination (and great date spot – even if you’re already married!). For a rainy chilly day’s breakfast, it’s hard to beat some pan-seared wild salmon, poached eggs and fresh hot coffee at Big City Diner to get it all going. At the other end of the day, if I haven’t already shopped for dinner at the super Safeway, it’s some delicious continental Asian cuisine at Himalayan Kitchen, a fat burrito at Zaratez or some ramen at Tenkaippin. Of course, Irifune is always a great choice and the Side Street Inn on Kapahulu and Date is great if you have a few people to share some dishes (even if it is on the loud side).
So don’t get too gloomy when the rains block the sun. Spend some time at home with the family or get to know your neighborhood better. To bring it back to the subject of this site, knowing your Hawaii ‘hood at a deeper level will better equip you to understand your home value when it’s time to sell or if you’re looking to buy. Getting out there talking to your local merchants and spending more time with your neighbors at the local coffee shop might even key you in to a good deal around the corner before it hits the market.