Mom and pop shops have been fading away over the past decade, one of the most saddest things on this island, where hard working business families have to succumb to the so called big boxes. I remember growing up in Lahiana, there were a lot of mom and pops, and some of my classmates were related to the owners of those small businesses we all depended on. One of my friends Karl Yamada, his family owned the only Okazu Ya on Front Street, it was the best place to get teriyaki, cone sushi, and shrimp tempura, it was the place to go. It was a true mom and pop. And there was the Uyehara Store that sold cold brews, chips, and of course the girly mags, ha ha. Sushiya's was a small dig on Prison street that sold Korean style ala carts, the lines were long, surfers, divers, school kids, cops, firemen, everyone went to Sushiya's. Nagasako Supermarket is long gone, it was run by the Nagasako family, their deli is still around in Lahaina Shopping Center, and small variety shop. I can go on and on about mom and pops, but life moves on, and eventually all the mom and pops... will probably be gone forever.
One mom and pop that is still around and a nice quaint place to stop for a cold drink, is in upper Haiku, on Kaupakalua Road, it was opened in 1915 by Taichiro Hanzawa, who moved from Fukushima Japan in 1904 to work in the sugar fields. It still stands today, although the building is not the original, a fire destroyed it back in the 70's, the business is still a vital part of the Haiku community, you can find fresh produce, fish, meats from Maui, organic and natural foods, hot dogs and sandwiches, locally baked goods, wines, beers, clothing, household goods, hardware, camping supplies, livestock feed, and locally made soaps, and lotions. I myself like to stop by for a soda and hot dog, that's what locals do.. I guess, I do. And you can get gas there too.
If you are a visitor and want local, at least for the experience, Hanzawa's Store located at 1833 Kaupakalua Rd. Haiku, Hawaii 96708 808-572-8337 www.hanzawastore.com
One mom and pop that is still around and a nice quaint place to stop for a cold drink, is in upper Haiku, on Kaupakalua Road, it was opened in 1915 by Taichiro Hanzawa, who moved from Fukushima Japan in 1904 to work in the sugar fields. It still stands today, although the building is not the original, a fire destroyed it back in the 70's, the business is still a vital part of the Haiku community, you can find fresh produce, fish, meats from Maui, organic and natural foods, hot dogs and sandwiches, locally baked goods, wines, beers, clothing, household goods, hardware, camping supplies, livestock feed, and locally made soaps, and lotions. I myself like to stop by for a soda and hot dog, that's what locals do.. I guess, I do. And you can get gas there too.
If you are a visitor and want local, at least for the experience, Hanzawa's Store located at 1833 Kaupakalua Rd. Haiku, Hawaii 96708 808-572-8337 www.hanzawastore.com
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