In a nod to its low-key surfing vibe, Golden Hawaii Barbershop in Kaimuki serves a complimentary beer with every haircut. In another nod to its nostalgic vibe, the walls are decked with vintage artwork, album covers and Island memorabilia from the 1950s and '60s. Golden Hawaii is the brainchild of local entrepreneur and style maven Grant Fukuda, who says the concept is "a play of modernity and tradition, the best of both worlds." The original Koken chairs, also from the '50s, are the most coveted in the barbering world, says barber and shop manager Ben Faraon. The men who come in for a coif might also walk out with a midcentury-inspired surfboard shaped by artist Eric Walden.
Faraon, who became interested in the art when he accompanied his grandfather on regular visits to his barber, says that most customers go for the haircut/straight razor/hot towel treatment. (And yes, the proper term for someone specializing in grooming services for men is a "barber," whereas a "stylist" may serve both male and female clients.) Golden's customers range from fathers bringing their sons in for a first haircut to NFL players, surfers, doctors, lawyers and kids right out of high school. Surf legend Gerry Lopez is a regular. Pro surfer Alex Pendleton drops in once a month after sessions on Oahu's North Shore. (Golden Hawaii is one of his sponsors.) Faraon, he says, can deliver whatever look Pendleton wants, from a buzz cut with a drop fade to a mullet. "I wouldn't say I got a mullet, I got a 'modified mohawk,'" Pendleton says. "You can make a mullet look like you're going to a NASCAR race in Tennessee or the most stylish cut out there," says Faraon. Whatever the cut, Pendleton says, Faraon "kills it every time."
Pendleton connected with Golden Hawaii via pro surfer Jun Jo, whom he calls "an ambassador for people with unique lifestyles." Founder of the clothing brand In4mation, Jo visits the shop every couple of weeks. "Golden is about nostalgia and love of surfing," he says. "It's a lifestyle. It's also a place where collaborations happen." He likens Golden's barbers to therapists; they hear everyone's problems and offer their undivided attention once every two weeks. "We talk about life, kids, issues. I feel comfortable there," Jo says. "It's not pretentious. I know all the barbers on a first-name basis."
It's a vibe Faraon embraces. "With a lot of people, their guard comes down. When hard times come up, men are grieving together. I count my blessings and try to uplift these people. Some days, a haircut is all we need."
