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CHEERY SHOP OFFERS COOL TREATS
There’s modern-day charm and the timeless allure of classic shave ice at Lahaina Shave Ice, a quaint, colorful shop on Waikiki’s Beach Walk that opened Aug. 23.
Before even stepping inside, a kawaii (cute) aesthetic greets guests, with bright artwork of smiling shave ice treats at the window, a preview to what’s in store: 26 flavors of old-fashioned, sugary syrups that range from mainstays such as strawberry to Hawaii-inspired offerings such as lilikoi, POG and mango. The shop also includes creamier syrups drawn from the flavors of Melona and Dreamsicle.
In addition, owner Kristen Moetulu said the shop is one of the lucky few to offer coconut-flavored Dole Whip, the nondairy, vegan frozen treat that has long been enjoyed in its original pineapple flavor.
“It’s creamier than the pineapple flavor, and the swirl (of coconut and pineapple) is real nice,” she said.
The shop also makes its own milk, Thai and matcha teas, and has even served a taro-ube milk tea as a special.
Signature treats comprising the various cold items include Here’s the Tea, a shave ice ensemble of green tea, Thai tea, milk tea with boba, homemade mochi and condensed milk; the Wailea, shave ice dressed with coconut, orange cream and Melona syrups, served with mochi and azuki beans; and the Lahaina, a pineapple-coconut Dole Whip swirl served in a waffle cone and topped with a lilikoi-pineapple Manjookie crumble; plus many more.
The Maui-made Manjookie, a take on traditional Japanese manju (sweet beans encased in a baked flaky crust), features a manju crust filled with the likes of the lilikoi-pineapple, ube and more. Add to that breakfast bowls, sandwiches and salads, and the shop caters to all manner of hungry visitors. Those folks can capture Instagram-worthy shots along the shop’s vibrant Aloha Wall.
Moetulu, who was raised on Oahu, said she gave her store a Lahaina, Maui, theme as a nod to the place where her grandfather was born and raised. It’s an isle she came to love after visiting throughout her childhood.
Lahaina Shave Ice, open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, is housed at the Pagoda Waikiki (formerly the Hawaiiana Hotel) at 260 Beach Walk.
ONE GOOD TURN DESERVES ANOTHER
Get free appetizers and other discounts at SKY Waikiki and the revolving Top of Waikiki when you bring donations to both restaurants’ annual School Supply Drive, through Sept. 29.
The drive will benefit needy children through the nonprofit Helping Hands Hawaii.
Those who donate new school supplies will receive a free appetizer with the purchase of an entree at Top of Waikiki, or at SKY Waikiki; a free appetizer ($20 and under) with purchase of entree and signature cocktail during sunset service; or opt for free nightclub entry on Saturday evenings.
Both restaurants are located at 2770 Kalakaua Ave. and offer spectacular views of the sunset and city lights. For details and reservations, visit skywaikiki.com or topofwaikiki.com
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