Cherdan

Kaumana rocks. I have lived here my entire life. It may not be exciting, but it’s a great place to live. It’s everything lower Hilo is not- cool, (really) clean, breezy, quiet, tranquil, et al. You have a great view of Mauna Kea every morning as you get up with your cup of coffee. You are only about 15-20 minutes from downtown Hilo (depending on what route you take), and the area is generally devoid of homeless transients, loud party kids, drugs, crime, etc. You have a close (albeit not easy) way to the other side of the island and the Mauna Kea summit with nearby Saddle Road. Hilo Hospital is just a mile or two away. Everything is green. Bountiful mountain streams, guava and wiwi trees everywhere. It’s a great place to maintain a garden and grow your own fruits and vegetables. Yes, it’s a sleepy, peaceful suburban life we lead up in Kaumana.

The first time I tried crepes, and possibly the last, as there are seemingly no places you can get them here in Hawaii. I was hungry from walking all day, nonstop, and I had a mushroom and cheese w/roma tomatoes, as I recall, and a white chocolate for dessert. Mmmm. The thing I will most remember fondly, however, and never forget, is the little thing only I seemed to notice: the way Crepe Master Chef Joe Blow would exalt, “Crepe!” each time he completed a crepe. Love it!

This business rules! They are located in the world only in London and SF. Colorful characters with anything from Pat Benatar to Bikini Kill blasting from the store iPod stereo dock. Really hygienic and great service. Great prices!! I got my tragus(es) and nose done here; the latter was only $20, plus the cost of jewelry. In Hawaii, it was around $50!