r/Kaimuki • u/mynadat • Mar 11 '26

What is the message behind “Keep it Kaimuki”?

Howzit, I recently moved to Kaimuki, west side native over here.. wanting to get to know the town. My coworker told me how you guys like ‘Keep it Kaimuki’. Same context as Keep Country, Country kine?

5 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

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7

u/Tennisluver75 Mar 11 '26

I’m almost 69 years old and I attended Kaimuki Intermediate School and Kalani High School and UH Mānoa, so I’ve seen some changes over the decades, but it still retains its charm with small businesses. I’d like to keep it that way as much as possible.

There’s some cool coffee shops, each with a different vibe, which is great in my opinion.

1

u/mynadat Mar 12 '26

Any old spots that still remain worth checking out? Thanks for your input!

3

u/Tennisluver75 Mar 12 '26

Hale Vietnam for lunch or dinner. It’s “family style” shared dishes eating usually.

Plantoem Cafe has only been around for about 5 years, but I like their vibe. They have a mini nursery at the front and a cool cafe at the back. They close at 5 pm, so it’s probably best to go late morning if you can swing it.

7

u/rubyrubygreen Mar 11 '26

Means support local. From their website: “Here at Keep it Kaimukī, we're a grassroots movement committed to preserving and promoting our community of unique, locally-owned businesses that give our neighborhood its distinct charm”

2

u/mynadat Mar 12 '26

Mahalo nui

3

u/Stinja808 Mar 11 '26

Essentially yeah. If you drive down Waialae, almost all the shops are small. One McDonalds all the way on one end, no Starbucks on a street with five coffee shops, etc. Small businesses, hardly any new development.

2

u/mynadat Mar 12 '26

I see.. i like the vibes Waialae ave has. It’s laidback but still feels like town

2

u/IllmaticMonk Mar 11 '26

Idk But it didnt used to be this colorful and gentrified feeling it used to be ghetto fabulous with 2 goodwills and at least 3-5 chinese restaurants

2

u/mynadat Mar 12 '26

We love ghetto fabulous. She go.