MidWeek East - Feb 15, 2023

FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 15, 2023
WHALE OF A TIME
New perk at Sea Life Park includes whale watching. SEE PAGE 4
A CLEAN COAST
Hundreds of pounds of trash were removed from a local shoreline. SEE PAGE 10
East O‘ahu Café Helps Local Cats
A PUBLICATION OF
AN EDITION OF
SURF’S UP
Kanaloa Kane of Waimānalo enjoys a tube ride at Sandy Beach.
ANTHONY CONSILLIO PHOTO
PBY ELLISE KAKAZU
ōpoki + Tea in Kaimukī is no ordinary café, as it is pouring a lot of aloha and care into the local pōpoki (Hawaiian
for cat) community in addition to serving up delightful refreshments.
The café sells typical items such as teas, cookies and coffee. But unlike other spots, guests can sip on their beverage while watch- ing — and playing and bonding with — adopt- able cats.
Its food offerings, which are all made off- site, are treats in themselves, but Pōpoki + Tea’s furry friends are the main attractions.
According to Pōpoki + Tea owner and founder Liberty Peralta, her business fosters up to 20 cats at a time through a local nonprofit rescue organization.
“Our mission is to provide a safe and com- fortable place for our cats and our guests to find each other, whether it’s for a moment (during a visit) or for a lifetime (through adop- tion),” states Peralta.
Since setting up shop on 3424 Wai‘alae Ave. in 2020, Pōpoki + Tea has helped more than SEE PAGE 8
Seafood Bento
Includes Salmon, Grilled Teriyaki Ahi, Shrimp Tempura, Scallop, Konbu Seaweed, Egg Roll, Rice w/ Furikake and Ume
Japanese Plate Deluxe Includes Mochiko Chicken, Teri Beef, Ahi Sashimi,
2 Shrimp Tempura, Rice & Tossed Salad
Star-Advertiser Seafood Special Includes Grilled Ahi, 2 Scallops, 2 Shrimp Tempura, Ahi Sashimi, Rice & Tossed Salad
Super Japanese
Plate Deluxe
Includes Mochiko Chicken, Teri Beef, 2 Scallops, Ahi Sashimi, 2 Shrimp Tempura, Rice & Tossed Salad
DRIVE IN
Serving Hawaii for 61 years!
(808) 734-3673
3145 Waialae Ave, Honolulu Mon–Sat 5am–10pm Sun 8am–8pm