Trash from the Past Collectors Cottage

Stepping into Trash from the Past Collectors Cottage was such a treat.

(I found out about them thanks to @imjessburner's post).

It was a walk down memory lane that got me reminiscing about different people, places, and moments in my life.

We talked story with one of the owners (a fellow PC grad), and learned how they converted a house to become a home to an impressive collection of memorabilia, antiques, vintage clothing, old books, and more.

Every time I went into a room, I walked out with more stuff to buy.

Just perusing the items was a lot of fun too — it was like being in a museum.

Go check them out and see what kinds of treasures you'll find!

Trash from the Past Collectors Cottage
43A South Kamehameha Hwy
Wahiawa, HI 96786

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Solight Design's MEGAPUFF™ Solar Lantern & Phone Charger - Power Bank Sale & Discount Code

Many lessons were learned from Hurricane Lala, and one of the many was that solar and alternative power sources are critical in emergencies.

Solight Design, co-founded by Alice Min Soo Chun, creates solar lights and other products, offering consumers sustainable solutions when it comes to power. 

Solight Design's MEGAPUFF™ Solar Lantern & Phone Charger - Power Bank is one such product.  

It is currently on sale for $47.60 (retail is $68) through Sunday, August 23, 2026, and you can use discount code LIGHTAFTERLALA2026 for an additional 20% off (discounted price is $38.08). The discount code expires September 21, 2026.

You can also get free US shipping with orders of $100+, so order multiple for family & relatives, or join in with friends to make the free shipping minimum.

Details about the MEGAPUFF from the website:

• Origami Design: Pull the handles and twist to expand it open into a beautiful cube. Twist and push together the top and bottom to fold flat.
• Up to 150 Hours of light on low setting: Continuous lightning with 8-10 hours of charging in bright sunlight.
• Power Bank/Phone Charger: 4000mAh rechargeable battery gives up to 150 hours of light on low setting; 48 hours on high setting. Charges your phone from 2% to 80% in 1.5 hours.
• Water Resistant: Water Resistant cube when open, protection IP67. Can be left outdoors. If unit gets wet, dry out in the sun.
• Up to 300 Lumens: Continuous lightning with 8-10 hours of charging with sunlight OR Rapid charge in 2 hours with the USB-C cable included.
• Environmentally Friendly: Non-toxic and recyclable, no PVC.

Mahalo to Solight Design for the discount code!

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Visit Anchorage: Summit Spice & Tea Co.

On our last day in Alaska, we went to Summit Spice & Tea Company to get some omiyage.

Not only do they have an amazing selections of spices and teas, but their selection of Alaskan-made goods is quite impressive. 

Not only did I buy teas, but I also bought cookies, chocolates, smoked salmon, tin fish, baking mixes, and more - all made in Alaska.

They also have a curated selection of non-Alaskan made goods.

Summit Spice & Tea Co. was the best spot to shop for omiyage!

Summit Spice & Tea Co.

3030 Denali St #2

Anchorage, AK 99503

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One2buy

After dinner in Pearl Kai, we went over to One2buy to check out what they had. 

I didn't expect to buy as much as I did, but I got all sorts of snacks - different flavors of Cheetos, coriander Doritos (I love cilantro), bamboo Lay's, and more. 

I also bought some of the Strawberry Milkshake Pepsi for the kids to try. 

I do wish they had ice cream! 

The prices are very reasonable, so it won't break the bank to try all kinds of interesting flavors of snacks.


One2buy
98-159 Kamehameha Hwy 

Aiea HI 96701

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Big Island Candies' Lemon Shortbread Dipped Combo Box

Mahalo to Big Island Candies for the complimentary box!

Big Island Candies' Lemon Shortbread Dipped Combo Box is the perfect treat to celebrate the flavors of summer.  

The lemony shortbread is so bright and tasty on its own, the blueberry and raspberry white chocolate takes them to another level.  

Both flavors are delightful, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would be the blueberry.

The Lemon Shortbread Dipped Combo Box includes 8 each of the popular Raspberry White Dipped Lemon Shortbread, and the new Blueberry White Dipped Lemon Shortbread ($23 at the Ala Moana Center location and $21 online, via mail order, and at the Hilo Flagship Store & Factory).  

These cookies are an ideal summer treat!

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Diamond Head Chocolate

A couple of decades ago, someone gave me chocolate-covered graham crackers from Honolulu Chocolate Company, which later re-branded to Diamond Head Chocolate, and I was a fan ever since. 

I had no idea they opened up a location in Waikele a few years ago, so I recently visited. 

It's a chocolate-lover's dream - OREOs, fortune cookies, bark, berries, wafo rolls, and more are covered in chocolate to satisfy your chocolate cravings. 

They have pre-packed treats as well as a display of chocolates and other goodies you can buy by the piece (like the chocolate-covered graham crackers). 

Stop in for omiyage or for the perfect chocolaty treat!

Diamond Head Chocolate
94-798 Lumiaina St #416
Waipahu HI 96797

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Wholesale Unlimited

Wholesale Unlimited is one of my favorite spots to pick up omiyage.  

With several locations around the island, you're not far from being able to pick up some goodies for a trip, graduation, a birthday, or just because.  

I usually go to the Waipahu location, and my go-tos are li hing gummy bears, chocolate gummy bears, Betty's Best cookies, rice crackers, and whatever is on the "What's New" section.

On my most recent visit, in addition to my standard picks, I also got the Wasabi Shirayuki and the Strawberry Shortcake Crunch.

With such a huge selection, I always leave with something new-to-me each time.  

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Visit Anchorage: Alaska Wild Berry Products

Alaska Wild Berry Products is known for their jams and jellies, but they also make chocolates!  Since we are carry-on only, we didn't pick up any jars of jams or jellies, so we got a lot of chocolate!

As soon as you walk in, you'll be greeted with the World's Largest Chocolate Falls. 

You can watch chocolates being made (not much was happening when we went towards the end of the day).

There were so many chocolates to choose from, but after asking an employee, she said the jelly center chocolates were popular, since they are filled with their homemade jams and jellies, so we got a variety.

They were luscious!

They also have packaged goods, and we bought a lot for omiyage.

They also have a huge selection of souvenirs and gifts.

Alaska Wild Berry Products
5225 Juneau St

Anchorage, AK 99518

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Big Island Candies x 88 Tees Collaboration

Big Island Candies is my absolute fave omiyage to give whenever I travel, and I love that they once again teamed up with the iconic 88 Tees for a new collaboration, with a message to share aloha — not only with others, but also with the natural world around us.

With that sentiment in mind, the new collaboration features 88 Tees’ characters Yaya and Kuku having fun out on the ocean, while, a portion of proceeds from the sales of the collaboration box through June 30 will benefit 808 cleanups.

I was invited to a media event for the launch of the products - they are just the cutest!  These products are available for a limited time. Get your hands on them now and share the aloha!

Details:

• Collaboration box: includes three Milk Chocolate Dipped Macadamia Nut Shortbreads, three Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Shortbreads, three White Dipped Lemon Shortbreads, three Coconut Shortbreads, one Milk Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nut Brownie, one Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamia Brownie, and two Milk Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nut Toffees ($24.25 online and Hilo; $25.50 at Ala Moana Center).
• T-shirt, offered in pink or beige: sizes S-XL ($32.99 Hilo and Ala Moana Center).
• Tote bag ($29.99 Hilo and Ala Moana Center location.
• Stickers exclusively at 88 Tees in Waikiki ($5.00 each).

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