Morning in Kaimuki

The best, best thing about having a day off is spending it with your dog and a 50mm lens. The dirty house and laundry can be saved until tomorrow. That's what tomorrows are for.

Me and Kona started our walk on 12th Avenue heading mauka. Here's Victoria Inn. I have no idea how it's still in business today. I don't know anyone who still goes there. Sconee's Bakery makes some ono scones. Bea's Pies and Deli used to be here. I used to go to Bea's for some kind of pie, but for the life of me I can't remember what kind . . . maybe banana cream . . . maybe strawberry . . . aaagrrrr I can't remember.
Looks like they sell yoga exercise gear at Lily Lotus.
I liked the pink wall. Kona STAY. Good boy!
Kaimuki Bowl used to be here.
There's ono food here and here.
Here's Tam's Shoe Repair.
Mr. Tam arrived just as I got done taking this shot, and I hate to say it but he gave me the stinkest eye I ever got in my whole life.
Kaimuki AA Kab.
Gecko Books and Comics
Coffee Talk is at the corner of 12th and Waialae.

I found a 1956 Star Bulletin picture of Kaimuki Bakery which once stood at the same corner.

Me and Kona turned left on Waialae. The Brazilian Show Room was across the street next to Queen's Theater. See our reflection in the door?

Queen's Theater closed about 25 years ago. I remember wondering what was gonna replace it. I'm still wondering.

Here we're heading Ewa towards Kaimuki Park. If I had long fingernails, I think I would like the no. 29. Kinda looks like sakura flowers.

Happy Days serves cheap dim sum.

This "kid" was riding the swing at Kaimuki Park.

I didn't catch it quite right, but he did a flip . . .

and nailed the landing! BFF Zsa's and I spent everyday for two summers playing tennis at this tennis court in Kaimuki Park. I think we were about 14 or 15 years old at the time. Once in awhile Richard Gomoto and Byron Chock would join us. I think we used to like them, but I can't remember who liked who.
When we had money we used to go eat saimin across the street from the tennis courts. It was called Tanoue's back then. Me and Zsa's liked the curly noodles. Most of the time we didn't have money, though, so we would just have a soda . . . for the whole day. I got skinny. Not Zsa's . . . she was already skinny.

Kaimuki Dry Goods is on 10th Avenue now. It used to be on Waialae.

Heading Diamond Head now, here's Toys n Joys, where Ben Franklin once stood.This is 3660 On the Rise. Kaimuki Theater used to be there.I think the Salvation Army used to be where the Goodwill Store is now.
Kaimuki Camera and Okata Bento have been in Kaimuki forever. Guess what's good at Okata Bento . . . hamburger!!
About 20 years ago, guess who I saw standing right outside of the Crack Seed Store on Kokohead Avenue . . .
JOHN TRAVOLTA!!!!! He was just standing there like a regular person! I just walked past him. I didn't know what else to do. I'm shy dat's why.
Anyway, now we're heading makai going back to the car.
A few of my coworkers just had dinner at the 12th Avenue Grill. I wonder how it was.
I think I went to Regina's once to have my hair done up for a prom. I also remember going to Jose's once when I was in high school. Whatever I ordered was pretty bad, and I remember thinking that the place wasn't gonna last . . . I guess I was wrong . . . it' still in business today.
So, hope you enjoyed my tour of Kaimuki town. I had fun.