Kelley T.
Yelp
So, there I was, a seasoned veteran of the Hawaiian shaved ice scene, having spent three years in the land of Aloha. Nothing, and I mean nothing, can beat the experience of devouring shaved ice under the Hawaiian breeze in Haliewa. It's like trying to beat a dolphin in a swimming race - not happening! But Japan town, it's got a vibe, a certain je ne sais quoi.
Now, my daughter, she's got a thing for shaved ice that's bordering on obsession. She loved it so much that our poor little Jelly Belly hand-held shaver had to wave the white flag and retire. So, I upgraded to an electric one from Cuisinart. She's downing about 4-5 of these icy delights per day, which is great for a kid who drinks less water than a cactus.
Taking her to Pau Hana is like taking a kid to a candy store - a huge treat! We split a big one, and it's a party every time. She's not a fan of the Hawaiian flavors - she's more of a rainbow kind of gal. Even when this place had a monkey-like look, we were there, loyal as ever, for the shaved ice.
Now, don't get me wrong, their hours are as unpredictable as a cat on a hot tin roof, which seems to be everyone's pet peeve. But hey, I live close, so if they're closed, I just head to Cukui or the Japanese grocery store. They tend to extend their hours in the summer, especially when the streets are bustling. It's a family-owned business thing, you know? So, if you're upset about driving all the way only to find them closed, give them a ring beforehand.
I love this place, the vibe of Japan town, everything about it. It's a five-star experience all the way!