For the second year in a row, the population in Hawaii has declined. Black people make up 2.2% of the declining population. With the exception of online boutiques such as Smoothie Skincare, Haute Coiffure Hair Boutique, Blue Pond Ave, Sophisticated Curls, a natural hair product line, where can you buy Black in Hawaii? Here are a few black-owned businesses you should frequent.
99-080 Kauhale Street
Aiea, Hawaii 96701
If you’re looking for the best soul food on the island, enjoy brunch from this family-owned southern cuisine style catering service. Enjoy their shrimp and grits, fresh danishes, fruits, and a full-service continental breakfast. The pork chops come highly recommended along with their juicy chicken, cornbread and candied yams.
Obama Hawaiian Africana Museum
1311 Kapiolani Boulevard
Honolulu, HI 96814
Many of the early Africana settlers who came to Hawaii in 1769 are from Brazil, across Africa, and various Caribbean islands. Honoring our President Barack Obama, whom we all miss, the OBAMA HAWAIIAN AFRICANA MUSEUM was established to preserve, embrace and promote African ancestry, unveiling over 200 years of contributions by Hawaiian Africana settlers with regular awareness seminars, youth enrichment programs, cultural literary baskets, and lecture and film series.
Honolulu, HI
Get it while it’s hot before it sells out. Located in Koloa Town across from Suiokas, D Green’s BBQ is a favorite, according to their daily sold-out menu. Now, I’m not a big brisket eater but I’d give it a try along with their pork ribs, juicy hot links, and macaroni and cheese made from scratch.
Attend a local workshop or performance by The Pōpolo Project
Linguist Dr. Akiemi Glenn wanted to create a community space to learn about black culture and highlight “the vivid, complex diversity of Blackness.” The Pōpolo Project is dedicated to sharing local experiences of what it means to be black in Hawaii through carefully curated events, interactive workshops, and talks. Stay tuned to @popoloproject for updated events and hostings.
Honolulu, HI
End the night with some of your favorite Caribbean cuisines. Jerk Pork, Jerk Chicken Salad, and Vegan Curry are a few of their staple meats. I love any place that sells Ting, Jamaican Kola or other traditional Caribbean drinks. Check on their $12 specials during lunch with rice and peas and sides like fried dumplins.