Iolani Alumni

For those who frequent the Ocean Club, Hokulani Bakeshop may have caught your eye a time or two, but there’s a pretty good chance that if “Ocean’s” was your destination, you weren’t too concerned about sweets. Well next time you head in that direction, make it a point to stop by and visit the dream creation of Iolani alumnus Tushar Dubey ‘94 (right) and his wife Ana (far left). (Photo: Star Bulletin)

Hokulani Bakeshop (formerly Good Kine Cookie Co.) opened in Restaurant Row in 2006 after outgrowing a small kiosk in Ala Moana Center and is known for their island style cookies and cupcakes decorated by hand and baked from scratch. In recent months, Hokulani has been featured on several Japanese media outlets including Travelix, the Japanese Travel Channel, and can be seen on the current edition of Tiny TV on OC16.

Shown (left to right):

Dr. Derek Ching - Derek is currently a pediatrician working out of Kapiolani Hospital. He hopes to move into private practice soon somewhere in town.

Tracey Takamiya - Tracey recently moved back from Japan a few months ago and is currently living in Honolulu.

Dr. Derek Flores - Another Derek from the class of 1996 also became a doctor and funny enough… is a pediatrician as well.

Devin Hashimoto - See past blog »

Brent Kitsu - Brent is currently living and working in Honolulu at The Kahala Hotel & Resort as a Hotel Assistant Manager. He has also held similar positions at well-known hotels throughout the west coast in Las Vegas, Palm Springs and on the outer islands.

Ryan Kusumoto ‘93 (shown w/ business partner Michelle Onomura Kakazu) opened up Planet Fun out in Kunia nearly a year ago to cater to “tweens”, the pre-teen, post-toddlers that seem to have been left out by the fun activity world. Planet Fun offers a wide range of activities to appeal to everyone in the family including Karaoke, Video Games, Food & Treats and much more…

Stop by the Kunia Shopping Center (near Wal-Mart) for a try… and bring the kids!

Read the MidWeek article »

Daren Kimura ‘93 along with longtime friend Jonathan Yee recently opened the Kapahulu Kafe on Kapahulu Ave in the former home of Hale Noa (well known ‘awa bar which recently closed).

Stop in for some grinds, live music and, of course, a nice bowl of ‘awa…

Read Star Bulletin article »

The people of Aiea and the rest of the westside no longer have to make the long trek to town to have their fill of incredible breads and sweets. Anson Shimabukuro ‘94 (shown with fiance Tasha) opened his doors to the public today in a new set of shops at the Waimalu Shopping Center and looks to be a huge success judging by the massive crowd.

Make sure you stop by. I can guarantee Anson will be there. He’s always there. I think he sleeps there. Seriously!

It’s 2am, you’re hungry, where do you go?… Next stop. Zippy’s. The fattier the better. Same ol’ right? Wrong.

Faced with the same dilemma night after night, party promoter (Architechs Hawaii), Blaise Sato ‘96 (shown right), along with a few friends, decided to take matters into their own hands. Early this past summer, the group opened NeoNabe, a healthy late night alternative to the Chili-Chicken mixed plate and have received rave reviews ever since… And not just from the clubbers. From everyone. Young and old. Even the ones who fall asleep before the night even begins.

Stop in for a try… (Note: You should probably make a reservation cause it gets pretty busy. Even early.)

Read Honolulu Advertiser article »
Read MidWeek article »

With the help of family and friends, Brian Ah Yat ‘94 (shown with wife Tehanee) opened the third Great Harvest Bread Company franchise in Enchanted Lake Shopping Center in Kailua. Serving some of the same specialty breads and delicious treats that many have come to know and love at the Kahala bakery, Brian is sure to have similar success.

During his time at Iolani, Brian was a three sport athlete who excelled as a quarterback on the Raider football team where he was named the 1993-94 State Offensive Player of the Year. After high school, Brian continued his career at the University of Montana where he was a perennial All-American and in 1999 was the recipient of the Walter Payton Award which is the Division I-AA equivalent of the Heisman trophy. Following his steller college career, Brian went on to play professionally in the Canadian and Arena Footbal Leagues.

Please make sure to stop by his bakery for a visit. Try the pizza bread. It’s unreal.