Exploring “Happening” Ocean View Boulevard

There’s a new trend happening in town and it’s rather exciting. The north end of Ocean View Boulevard just above Honolulu used to be mostly service oriented businesses and considered “a little off the beaten track.” Well the times, they are a changin’, and Ocean View Boulevard is getting new life. It is now a mix of cute gift shops, boutique salons, specialty women’s apparel and bargain nail salons. This fun filling is sandwiched between our own Faye’s and local favorite Ocean View Bistro.

Now for those of you not “in the know,” there’s a giant, free parking lot right behind this strip of stores on the Montrose Barber Shop side. You can park there for three to nine hours right in the heart of the shopping park. Perfect to check out the stores I’m sharing about here as well as the rest of the park.

The latest buzz on Ocean View is the arrival of beloved, one of a kind, Paper Rabbit. You can’t miss this adorable store as they painted the entire building “Paper Rabbit Pink.” So fun! It’s a beautiful bright spot at 3817½ OVB. They are in Easter mode as we speak offering their famous Easter bucket decorating classes.

Just down the street, between them and Froyo Life Yogurt is the cutest little salon! It’s called Chateau Salon at 3815 OVB. They are chic, trendy and humming with action. All of the stylists there are highly trained through Sassoon and Redkin.

Cross the street and you’ll see Mountain Rose Gifts (3808½) brimming with Easter and French farmhouse décor. From the inside of MRG you have a birds eye view of Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and our beautiful mountains. I love this spot!

Head on up to Ocean View Bistro for lunch on the patio and you’ll pass Garbalino and Marz (3824), two high-end, unique women’s clothing stores. Garbalino is for hip fashionistas and Marz is a consignment store offering designer labels, both new and vintage.

When you’re done having your OVB lunch, treat yourself to a pedicure at Q nails. Twenty bucks buys you a wonderful escape with foot massage and all, and your tootsies will thank you. It’s officially spring and the Montrose Shopping Park is the place to be. Where else can you stroll and shop outdoors in such beautiful and pleasant surroundings? Shop, Eat, Get In Shape, and Pamper yourself. You deserve it!

  Mary Dawson