Favorite Places to Study/Work – Weekend Escapade
Back in college, I was always chasing places to work. Home was never it for me — too many distractions, too much noise, too easy to give in to the comfort of my bed. Between my baby sister running around, my mom constantly calling for me, and the gravitational pull of a mid-afternoon nap, studying at home felt impossible.
So I found my escape in cafés. There was something oddly comforting about the background hum of people chatting, the rhythm of keyboards, and the occasional clatter of cups. I know — it seems counterintuitive, trading the quiet of home for a bustling café. But for some reason, that atmosphere helped me focus. It made me feel like I was a part of something, even if I was just sitting in the corner, headphones in, lost in my own world.
I had a rotation of spots I’d bounce between. After my fashion classes, I’d hang out in empty classrooms with my friend Kaycee while she worked on her senior collection. Other days, it was Friends Café — who remembers that spot? I’d always order a lychee tea with boba (50% sweet, of course). But the real thrill was scoring a table first before placing my order. That was half the fun. I'd settle in with my drink, headphones on, and study for hours, sometimes going through two or three drinks in a single sitting. And when I wasn’t studying, I was people-watching, taking in the little moments happening around me.
Fall 2018 (last semester) at the senior sewing lab
Capitol Modern, formerly known as Hawaii Start Art Museum
It felt so good to just be out.
Other spots I’d hit up to study would switch up from time to time. If Friend Café was packed, I’d trek over to EBar at Nordstrom. If EBar was full, I’d head down to the Starbucks at Ward (not the one by the theater — the one near the old Sports Authority, IYKYK). Café and study culture were such a big thing during my undergrad years. There were so many different spots you could post up with your laptop and a drink in hand.
But one place that never failed me — my go-to when everywhere else was packed or when I was just feeling lazy — was Sinclair Library. Sitting out on the balcony, feeling the cool dusk wind roll through, it was bliss. The perfect balance of silence and just enough background noise. It was that sweet spot in between.
Fall 2018 - Outside of Sinclair Library
Manifest 2016 feat. Cereal Magazine
Most of the places I used to go to are either gone, under renovation, or still standing with new vibes. Fast forward to now — I’ve found new favorite spots to work, study, read, or just soak up life. Here’s a little list of my go-tos, past and present:
College Days Favorites:
☕ Friend Café
☕ EBar at Nordstrom
☕ Starbucks at Ward
☕ Honolulu Coffee Company
☕ Brue Bar
Current Go-To’s:
☕ Po‘ai
☕ 9Bar HNL
☕ Drip Studio
☕ Try Coffee
☕ The Curb
☕ Sun Tea Mix
☕ Manifest
The Curb Kaimuki
Manifest 2016
Manifes 2016
9Bar HNL 2016
2017 Friend Cafe
This was Brue Bar back in the day — I was working on another blog called Soul Searching Society. Catchy name, right? haha.
It’s funny how certain places shape your memories. Whether it was pulling all-nighters, pretending to study while people-watching, or simply escaping the chaos of home — these spots will always hold a special place in my heart.
Friend Cafe 2016