Talk Story with an Advertiser: Hawaii Cigar & Ukulele
“The World’s Only Cigar & Ukulele Shop” is located in the heart of beautiful downtown Hawi on the northwestern tip of Hawai‘i Island. Featuring Hawaiian cigars, ukulele, vintage aloha shirts, music, and authentic Hawaiiana, this jewel box combines the best of two businesses into one world-class shopping experience.
In 2011, owner Richard Bodien first created Hawi Gallery, and then Hawi Ukulele, both with impressive collections of fine ukulele, authentic Hawaiiana, and authentic vintage aloha shirts. Meanwhile, in the Kohala Trade Center, Jon Adams had built Mother’s Antique’s and Fine Cigars into an outstanding destination for cigar lovers.
Richard says, “Now our guests can enjoy even more of a good thing. From children playing their first ukulele, to cigar aficionados looking for something special, you’ll love it here! My assistant, Katie Adams, and I will help you enjoy your visit with premium service, an outdoor cigar lounge, and free ukulele lessons for the whole family.”
“Doing business in Hawai‘i is not without challenges,” says Richard, “By combining these businesses, it is much easier to weather the factors that affect tourism, plus people love the combination! It is difficult to put into words, but the natural materials—tobacco, wood, silk, shells, and feathers—that are used to make cigars, ukulele, shirts, and Hawaiiana blend together in a uniquely beautiful way. You just have to come visit us!”
Vintage vinyl records, CDs, and even cassettes of your Hawaiian favorites, and those you haven’t discovered yet, are available along with new CDs from local artists.
Before starting a retail business, Richard spent decades in corporate marketing and communications. He says, “I have no regrets that I left my professional career and started over in specialty retail. I opened my business with much love and great faith, worked hard, learned much, and made many friends. The key for me is to help people have fun, to treat everybody with the same courtesy and respect, and share the love that emanates from Hawaiian culture. The reward is five star reviews on social media and the many new friends that return year after year to share their love of cigars, music, and Hawai‘i itself.”
Stay tuned to Hawaii Cigar & Ukulele on Facebook for news of events, specials, and more information.
Hawaii Cigar & Ukulele
55-3419 Akoni Pule Hwy, Hawi, HI 96719
Richard@bodien.com
HawaiiCigarAndUkulele.com
Call/text: 808.889.1282
