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Routine drives through Moiliili can put you in a trance as one gray building blurs into the next. So when a patch of bamboo two stories high sprouted from the sidewalk a few months ago at 2570 S. Open-market style
at Indo PacificRuby Mata-Viti
Star-BulletinBeretania St., it drew stares. It's part of a zen garden under a staircase that fronts Indo Pacific Traders, an oasis in a concrete jungle. Just what owners Jim and Helga Costello wanted to create.
"We wanted to do our share and take care of the aesthetics of the community and if it draws people in to see our stuff, all the better," says Jim.
The husband and wife team opened shop three months ago. The heart of their "stuff" is "Tropical Earth Tones," a clothing line they design and wholesale to the public and to retailers. "The clothes are loose and light, perfect for Hawaii's weather and lifestyle," says Jim.
The store setup also is loose and light, with an open-market feeling. Rows of bamboo wind chimes clack in the wind at the entrance, in soothing contrast to cars zipping by. The chimes are priced at $16 to $22. Racks line the sidewalk outside, carrying bright batik pareos at $18 to $22; wrap skirts priced from $22 to $29; strappy peasant tops, $23; handkerchief-style tops with waves-and-dolphin embroidery, $16; a pant set edged with tiny circle mirrors, $44.50; men's batik shirts, $22; and straw backpacks, $29.
The shop's decor was a hit with customers who inquired about items initially meant for display only. These are now available for purchase as well. Included in the sidewalk display is a split bamboo cafe table set with two chairs, $325; reed bamboo fencing measuring 6-by-15 feet at $29.95; lauhala mats from $26 to $90 for the finest weave; and thatched umbrellas, $50 to $95. Also available are tapa cloth, wall tikis and bamboo water fountains.
Jim, who started his business in Haleiwa and moved when the rent tripled, says his business is a homegrown effort meant to serve the community with well-made goods at low prices. He offers senior and student discounts, Sunday tent sales with 20 percent off; and Saturday sidewalk sales with 10 percent off.
He envisions Moiliili as a sort of "Night Market someday, like they have in Chiang Mai with tiki torches lining the street," selling not trinkets, but quality items. If neighboring businesses tend to storefront aesthetics, he says, it could upgrade the community.
Indo Pacific Traders: 2570 S. Beretania St. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily.
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