Everyone knows The Shack in Hawai'i Kai as a neighborhood watering hole, so when the bar and grill branched out to Waikïkï, it brought local energy with it. The bar is drawing crowds most nights of the week, but one of the best parties to check is Shack Saturdays, presented by the Vertical Junkies.
Expect to see a young surfer crowd skanking to the live reggae music, a friendly staff and great drink prices. Dress code is relaxed. Doors open at 9 p.m., $10 cover. The Shack Waikiki, 2255 Kühiö Ave.; 921-2255, www.shackwaikiki.com.
— Lacy Matsumoto

SOLJAH IS BACK

After 10 years under the radar, Soljah is back. Originally inspired by reggae music ("sol" means sun and "jah" means creation), the brand was a good fit for our Island lifestyle. Now Soljah has been relaunched by founder Alika Winter, in partnership with Jon Bryan and Jim Foti, who popularized the Hinano Tahiti brand of beer and surfwear. Concept: reggae takes to an outrigger canoe. They brought on graphic artist Jacob Kaempf to tackle new design concepts.
Expect homegrown styles with fresh designs on T-shirts, hats and a hoodie for winter. Designs such as pua and ivy in hues of charcoal, indigo, chocolate and military green are among the first offerings from the reborn brand. Find it at Mauka to Makai, Island Paddler, Blue Hawaii Surf, Aloha Board Shop and Sera's Surf 'n Shore, or www.soljah.com.
— Paula Rath

SHINE ON

Get your shine on this holiday season with Hair Silks — sturdy strands of 100 percent Thai silk that a hair stylist can weave into hair for instant sparkle. They come in gorgeous colors at $4 to $5 per strand, and last until the hair they’re attached to falls out, through daily washings, blow-drying, hair coloring or ironing.
Check www.hairshimmer.com to see how they are applied. You can find Hair Silks at W Salon (Ala Moana Center), Salon Bobbi ’N Guy (Ward Warehouse), HazeLee & Co. Salon (Restaurant Row), For Your Hair Only (Kaimukï), and Alvina at Avance Salon (Kapiçolani Boulevard).
— P.R.

SALES & BARGAINS

• The Honolulu City Lights are up, nights are chilly and candy canes are all over the office. Feeling “in the spirit” but overwhelmed and low on dough? Wal-Mart has got you covered. Boxes of shatterproof ornaments in assorted sizes and sheens are just $17. Or choose from boxes of single-color baubles in various sizes starting at just $5! Combine royal blue and silver, or pumpkin and eggplant, for a surprisingly elegant combination.
• Create less waste this season: Make your own wrapping paper. Use real ribbon that can be re-used. And consider a gift certificate that encourages healthier eating: Think Lanikai Juice (Kailua), Town (Kaimukï) or Menchies (Ward). It’s easy for you, and will be happily received by them.
• Retailers are desperate, with sales echoing the good deals of the “after-Christmas” season. Macy’s is no exception. On a recent visit we spotted racks of designer goods from Nanette Lepore, La Rock and T-bags marked 40 percent off, with an instant additional discount of up to 60 percent. One top, originally $298, was only $45. Get on down; the selection is sparse (not many sizes of each style), but you never know what you’ll find. Macy’s Ala Moana Center; 941-2345, www.macys.com.
• Deal alert: Theory has nearly half the store slashed half off. Go here for wardrobe-building basics and streamlined minimalism; it has fab snuggle-worthy sweaters, tanks, work jackets and dresses, all in the mix and on sale. Theory, Ala Moana Center;
942-4870, www.theory.com.
— Pualana Lemelle

ATTENTION, O‘AHU SHOPPERS

Kathryn Drury Wagner’s motto: “Whoever said money can’t buy happiness just didn’t know where to shop.” Her new book, “The Ultimate Guide to Shopping” (Watermark Publishing), is a sassy look at O'ahu’s retail scene.
The 180-page book features more than 200 stores from Kailua to Kahala Mall, Ala Moana to the North Shore. Wagner has a savvy approach to organizing the book, with chapters like “Hipster Hotspots” and “Special Sizes and Services.” There are also chapters on vintage and consignment shops, as well as maternity clothes (“The Well-Dressed Bump”). You can look up beauty emporiums, shoe stores, boutiques and bargain havens for the “fiscally challenged”; $12.95, in bookstores now.
— P.R.

THE NIGHTLIFE AQUATIC

A nightclub that combines bright lights, danceable music, bubbles and nightly drink specials is worth the wait in line. And unless you’re VIP, most likely you will be waiting: The Restaurant Row site has reopened under new management, now calling itself Oceans808, and it’s regained its popularity as the new party-until-4-a.m. hot spot. Doors open at 6 p.m. for a pau-hana crowd, and the groovin’ goes on until 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Cover varies. Oceans808, Restaurant Row; 587-5838.
— L.M.

WHAT’S ON YOUR IPOD?

Honozooloo Photographer Aaron Yoshino
1. “Fight for the Right,” Zion I (Muse RMX)
2. “It’s no good,” Depeche Mode
3. “Medieval,” Danger Mouse & Jemini feat. the Pharcyde
4. “Aneu-rysm,” Felt, feat. Slug & Murs
5. “In the worst way,” DJ Spinnerty