LIHU‘E — When Mindy Hibbett of Sun Cell Kaua‘i decided to start selling kendamas at her cell phone accessories kiosk in Kukui Grove Center, she never expected them to become one of her top sellers. For those not in the
LIHU‘E — When Mindy Hibbett of Sun Cell Kaua‘i decided to start selling kendamas at her cell phone accessories kiosk in Kukui Grove Center, she never expected them to become one of her top sellers.
For those not in the know, a kendama is a Japanese toy often found at bon dances consisting of a wooden stick and a ball tethered to a string.
The toy is simple in the same way a yo-yo is simple. And much like the yo-yo craze years ago, teens have started having a great deal of fun with the kendamas.
“The kids can do tricks with it,” Hibbett said. “It’s become the hottest craze.”
Now, with her kendama sales soaring, Hibbett plans to open a second kiosk in the mall specializing in kendamas and other unique toys not available on the island.
As Hibbett was planning to open her new kiosk this week, she received word from Kendama USA that they would like to sponsor a Kendama for Breast Cancer Awareness contest. Sun Cell Kaua‘i and D&M Satellite Solutions are also sponsors on the event.
The contest will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Kukui Grove Center Stage.
The contest will have three categories for mini, regular and jumbo kendamas. Entry fees are $10 for one category, $15 for two categories and $20 for all three categories and will feature kendamas for prizes.
All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society, said Hibbett. There will be a raffle for an iPad and a case and kendamas.
Perhaps the most rewarding part of carrying kendamas for Hibbett has been watching the teens hanging around her kiosk.
“They are so skilled,” she said, “and it’s free advertisement for the kendamas.”
Hibbett decided to sponsor a team of seven students who are highly skilled in kendamas.
The seven students on the Sun Cell Kaua‘i Kendama Team include Dominik Buster, Kamu Duvashell, Christian Munoz, Christian Lugo, Kevin Ikeda, Shandee Fernandez-Sugimura and Kyler Kiilau, and they will serve as judges for Saturday’s contest.
For more information on the contest Saturday at Kukui Grove Center call 652-5956 or 635-3880.
