You're stuck on the beach, afraid to go in the water because of sharks — the land kind that feed on the stuff tucked in your vulnerable towel mound (that doesn't fool anyone). Reef, which already makes the best slippers on the planet, has created the Stash Sandal. Pull up the Velcro tab (cleverly concealed as a design element), yank on it (hard) to reveal a puka with enough room to hold your money, key and credit card. Now your valuables are completely out of sight. (We assume land sharks don't read.) Sorry, guys, they only come in women's styles and sizes. It sells for $47.50 at T&C Surf stores and online at www.reef.com.

— Paula Rath

PONO CLOTHES FOR SPRINGTIME PLAY

Kailua-bred David Kim launched 'Oiwi Ocean Gear in 2001 to make clothing for paddlers — shorts that don't rub skin raw, looser rash guards — and opened his store in 2005 in his hometown. He's since expanded his line, but it's all still homegrown — the fabric is even designed and printed in Honolulu. Just out is 'Oiwi's spring line of swimsuits, T-shirts and shorts, which includes the Hanalei at left ($35 top, $30 bottom). "We wanted to do a company that could talk about the values here without being thuggish," Kim says. Looks like he succeeded.

'Oiwi Ocean Gear: Kailua Beach Center, 130 Kailua Road; 263-7770; www.oiwioceangear.com.

— Advertiser staff