COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHTS Forty Niner Restaurant One of the highlights of this episode is Sue’s visit to Forty Niner Restaurant, a longtime neighborhood institution that has served Hawaiʻi-style family food since 1947. Its casual atmosphere, local comfort food, and old-school drive-in spirit have made it a familiar gathering place for generations of ʻAiea families. 🌐 Learn more about Forty Niner Restaurant: https://www.fortyniner808.com/ ---------- Sumida Farm For nearly a century, Sumida Farm has grown fresh watercress in the spring-fed wetlands of ʻAiea. During this feature story, Sue learns about the farm’s family history, the importance of protecting Hawaiʻi’s freshwater resources, and the dedication required to continue farming in the middle of a growing urban community. 🌐 Explore Sumida Farm: https://sumidafarm.com/ ---------- East2West Acupuncture & Massage Sue visits East2West Acupuncture & Massage to learn about acupuncture and other approaches rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. The practice also offers services such as massage, cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, and other integrative wellness treatments. 🌐 Learn More About East2West Acupuncture & Massage: https://www.east2westam.com/ ---------------------------------------- FEATURED RESTAURANTS Shiro’s Saimin Haven A true Hawaiʻi favorite, Shiro’s Saimin Haven has been serving comforting bowls of saimin and local-style meals since 1969. Its noodles are made fresh daily, helping preserve the familiar taste and tradition that have made Shiro’s an ʻAiea institution. 🌐 Learn More About Shiro’s Saimin Haven: https://shiros-saimin.com/ ---------- Ricado’s Italian Restaurant Ricado’s Italian Restaurant has served local Italian favorites in ʻAiea for more than 30 years. Known for classic dishes and a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere, it remains a popular destination for family dinners and special occasions. 🌐 Learn More About Ricado’s Italian Restaurant: https://www.ricadositalianorestaurant.com/ ---------- Ani’s Bake Shop Ani’s Bake Shop is a longtime neighborhood bakery known for Hawaiian sweet bread, cream rolls, pastries, pies, pound cakes, and other freshly made local favorites. 🌐 Learn More About Ani’s Bake Shop: https://www.anisbakeshophawaii.net/ ---------- Cooking with Chef Kale Chef Kale demonstrates how to prepare a healthier version of traditional hollandaise sauce, showing viewers that a rich and flavorful favorite can be made with more health-conscious ingredients. ---------------------------------------- KŪPUNA-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES Keaīwa Heiau State Recreation Area Sue explores Keaīwa Heiau State Recreation Area, a forested 384-acre park above ʻAiea. The park includes Keaīwa Heiau, picnic and camping areas, and the trailhead for the ʻAiea Loop Trail. 🌐 Explore Keaīwa Heiau State Recreation Area: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/keaiwa-heiau-state-recreation-area/ ---------- ʻAiea Bowl ʻAiea Bowl combines bowling, food, and family-friendly entertainment in one of the community’s best-known gathering places. Visitors can bowl a few frames and enjoy local comfort food at The Alley Restaurant. 🌐 Visit ʻAiea Bowl: https://www.aieabowl.com/ ---------- Pearl Country Club — Now Pearl at Kalauao Sue visits the golf course formerly known as Pearl Country Club, which has since been renovated and renamed Pearl at Kalauao. The public facility includes an 18-hole course, practice areas, lessons, and gathering spaces rooted in the history of the Kalauao ahupuaʻa. 🌐 Explore Pearl at Kalauao: https://www.pearlatkalauao.com/ ---------------------------------------- COMMUNITY SAFETY CrimeStoppers Honolulu CrimeStoppers Honolulu shares practical advice to help women remain alert and safe while shopping. The organization also provides a confidential way for the public to submit information about crimes while remaining anonymous. 🌐 Learn More About CrimeStoppers Honolulu: https://www.honolulucrimestoppers.org/sitemenu.aspx?ID=606& ---------------------------------------- MORE LOCAL BUSINESSES Runner’s HI Runner’s HI is a locally owned running specialty store that helps walkers and runners find footwear suited to their individual needs. Its staff offers walking-gait analysis and carries supportive footwear in a variety of widths. 🌐 Visit Runner’s HI: https://www.runnershi.net/ ---------- Baldwin’s Sweet Shop A longtime neighborhood favorite, Baldwin’s Sweet Shop is known for shave ice, crack seed, candy, and nostalgic local snacks. Because the shop does not appear to maintain a standalone official website, the link below leads to its current listing through Waimalu Shopping Center. 🌐 View Baldwin’s Sweet Shop at Waimalu Shopping Center: https://waimalu.com/stores/baldwins-sweet-shop/ ---------------------------------------- SPONSOR ADVICE HMSA Sue concludes the episode with helpful information from HMSA about prescription medications. HMSA’s current Medicare resources include tools that allow members to review drug costs and benefits, find possible lower-cost alternatives, monitor medication spending, and arrange mail-order prescriptions or refill reminders. 🌐 Explore HMSA Medicare Resources: https://www.hmsa.com/health-plans/medicare/resources/ ---------------------------------------- WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER: - Iconic ʻAiea restaurants and local comfort food - A healthier approach to hollandaise sauce - Hiking, bowling, and golf activities - The history and agricultural legacy of Sumida Farm - Shopping-safety advice from CrimeStoppers Honolulu - Local businesses supporting active and healthy living - Acupuncture and integrative wellness services - Helpful information about prescription medications ---------------------------------------- PLANNING YOUR VISIT Spend a day exploring ʻAiea by enjoying a bowl of saimin or an old-school local meal, picking up fresh baked goods, hiking through the forest above town, bowling with family and friends, or playing a round of golf. You can also discover Hawaiʻi’s agricultural history at Sumida Farm, browse longtime neighborhood businesses, and learn about wellness resources serving the community. Every stop featured in this episode reflects the history, local character, and welcoming spirit that continue to make ʻAiea a special part of Central Oʻahu. ---------------------------------------- ABOUT COOL FOR KŪPUNA Cool for Kūpuna is a Hawaiʻi television series hosted by Sue Jorgenson that celebrates the people, places, businesses, organizations, and traditions that make our islands unique. Rather than simply talking story, Sue immersed herself in every experience—helping prepare meals, learning traditional practices, participating in local activities, and rolling up her sleeves alongside the people she met. This immersive approach gave viewers an authentic look at Hawaiʻi that few local television programs have captured. Although the television series has concluded, Cool for Kūpuna continues as a lasting archive of Hawaiʻi’s communities, businesses, and local stories. More than a television series, it is a collection of authentic Hawaiʻi experiences preserving a snapshot in time while celebrating the people, places, and traditions that continue to shape our islands. ---------------------------------------- Filmed on location in ʻAiea, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. Some featured businesses may have changed locations, ownership, names, services, or operating hours since this episode was originally filmed. Please visit the linked websites for the most current information.