Flyspace

Creating a buzz is what these guys do best! The summer of 1997 was a special and significant time for close friends Simon Elbling and Saree Chirayunon. Risking everything, they jumped forward into their future. Ten years later, House of Flys and their female counterparts, the Fly Girls, are still creating a buzz around the island.With Simon's and Saree's passion for surf and skate, they opened a retail/entertainment lounge in Waikiki. Their store was located in an area once known as Waikiki Town. Located on the corner of Kuhio and Lewers, the 2500 square foot establishment for 9 years was more a fun haven for all and any enthusiasts alike - so unique from an ordinary surf and skate shop. The fusion of a retail store with pool tables and entertainment lounges made it a perfect venue for tourists and locals. The only prerequisite was relaxing and enjoying yourselves!With all eyes on them, Simon and Saree started to create history. Simon remarked excitedly, “We were one of the first shops to have turntables exploiting local DJs. We noticed it gained popularity around the island and then we started to see turntables in shops all around town. We like to think that we impacted the island positively. If people are doing what we are doing, then we know we're doing something right. On our anniversary, we planned a three day event with skate ramps and a motor cross jump decked outside in our parking lot.”“Our job then was to keep bringing in more and more new stuff to the table and to create that buzz that everyone seeks for… what's going on at House of Flys…they say. They always wanted to see something new and original,” Simon explained.Being around for 10 years, we raised kids in our store. This is where they hung out everyday with their friends. Now, they still come back to visit when they are in college,” says Simon.Eventually in time, Waikiki Town was torn down and the House of Flys was in search of a new location to continue perpetuating their dream. Located in the heart of Waikiki, International Market Place is where they now call home. “It's special to be here. It's like the last place of Hawaiiana in Waikiki. It feels like we are a part of a special landmark of Hawaii. Every single tourist comes here and every single local has been here. So now, we have an obligation to society to let them know where we are… to tell them to come see us… to tell them we are a stage of local creativity. We sell local music, local jewelry, and local clothes. Our store will always supply them with what they are looking for, for example our famous Black Flys sunglasses and the Volcom line. But, our customers will be more pleased when we turn them on to local creativity. That's what really gets me excited.” Simon said with a smile.With great pride and joy, Simon says, “We are so grateful to the community for supporting our business and other local businesses. House of Flys has been a local business in Hawaii for 10 years...we're amazed! We can't even believe we made it this long. Our success has a lot to do with always being ahead of our competition, by thinking outside the box, and always remembering what our customers would most enjoy. It’s always been about our customer’s happiness!”-as published in the March/April 2008 issue of Kane Magazine , written by Doris BitonioI edited my profile with Thomas Myspace Editor V4.4 (www.strikefile.com/myspace)