Shoes & Slippers

[ 1 N Hotel St ]

I had been searching high and low for a new pair of shoes. My trusty Birkenstock Arizonas had served me well, but after wearing them down to the point where you could see through the plastic, it was time for an upgrade. That's when I decided to check out OluKai, a footwear brand that's been around since 2006 and is known for creating high-quality, supportive slippers that are perfect for everything from the beach to dinner. What makes these shoes different is their anatomically contoured footbed, which makes a huge difference in terms of comfort and support.

Curious to check out some styles, I grabbed a bike from a nearby Biki stand (Honolulu's bike share program), and was on my way. OluKai has locations across Hawaii and the store most convenient to me is in Chinatown. The store has a nice selection of sandals and sneakers, and a beautiful mural by Native Hawaiian artist Jack Soren. The salesman was knowledgeable and we spent a few minutes chatting about the materials and different options. I ultimately settled on a pair perfect for my needs.

After making my purchase, I was feeling a bit hungry and decided to grab a quick bite. Tempted by all the great restaurants in just a two-block radius, I finally decided to hit up the popular spot The Daley.

Despite the line for their famous smash burgers, I was able to quickly snag a seat with a prime view of the flat-top grill. Watching the magic happen while enjoying my burger, complete with their deliciously mustardy sauce and diced pickle crunch, was the perfect way to refuel.

Feeling full and satisfied, I decided to take a leisurely stroll home, stopping by the Hawaii State Public Library along the way.

The air-conditioned halls were a welcome respite from the blazing sun, and I was able to browse the aisles and select a couple of books to read through. With the sun now beating down even harder, I decided to grab another Biki and bike the rest of the way home.

I felt happy that I was able to incorporate exercise and time outside with my errands. I was able to check off everything on my to-do list while also enjoying the beautiful weather and scenery. It was a productive day, but also a fun one, as I discovered new parts of the city and tried out some delicious local eats along the way. And best of all, my new OluKai’s kept me comfortable and stylish every step of the way.