Matsumoto marks 70 years with $1 shave ice
On Saturday, Matsumoto Shave Ice at Haleiwa Store Lots will celebrate its 70th anniversary with $1 shave ice, discounts, and prizes.
Known worldwide for its signature frozen treat, Matsumoto Shave Ice is one of Hawaii’s most iconic family-owned businesses. The store has been an essential destination for generations of kamaÊ»Äina and visitors who travel to Oahu’s North Shore.
On Feb. 13, the store will offer specially priced $1 shave ice: small size with a choice of up to three flavors (extras and large shave ice will be regular price). Throughout February, clothing will be 20% off (excluding sale items). And 10 lucky individuals will have a chance to win a $50 gift card when they visit Matsumoto Shave Ice on Feb. 13.
The store will hand out scratch off cards, while supplies last, during regular store hours, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The gift card can be used in the store to purchase signature shave ice and merchandise.
Matsumoto Shave Ice is offering a special 70th anniversary T-shirt, designed by Kyle Shimabukuro, owner of HiLife Clothing. Normally $22, the anniversary shirt can be purchased for only $10, on Feb. 13. Customers who purchase $100 or more of T-shirts will get a shave ice neck pillow or makeup pouch.
The store is also giving away Matsumoto Shave Ice branded stickers and snacks, while supplies last. As always, face masks and social distancing safety measures must be honored by those who visit.
“Matsumoto Shave Ice continues to serve as a valuable member of the Hale‘iwa Store Lots ‘ohana through their aloha and years of service to visitors and residents of the North Shore community,” said Gary Evora, senior asset manager at landowner Kamehameha Schools. “A well-deserved congratulations to the Matsumoto family and their employees on achieving this great milestone!”
Matsumoto Shave Ice is a one of the anchor tenants at Hale‘iwa Store Lots, home to dozens of unique stores and restaurants. Many who visit the shopping center can be seen enjoying Matsumoto Shave Ice as they walk around to galleries, stores and boutiques. A shave ice is also the perfect sweet treat after a delicious meal of seafood, island favorites, juicy burgers or Thai food at the center.
Founded originally as a grocery store by Mamoru and Helen Matsumoto in 1951, Matsumoto quickly developed a large following of regulars who flocked to the establishment for refreshing shave ice with a rainbow of colors and flavors topping off perfectly shaved ice.
Son Stanley and his wife, Noriko, continued churning out icy delights, just the way his father did, making more than 1,000 shave ice on a busy day. The Matsumoto name grew to international fame and also spawned the Hawai‘i shave ice tradition. Today, daughter Remy Matsumoto and siblings proudly continue the family tradition, managing the Hale‘iwa Store Lots landmark as it celebrates its seventh decade of serving Hawai‘i’s most famous shave ice.
Matsumoto Shave Ice remains an integral part of the Hale‘iwa landscape. On most days, customers can still easily locate the mom-and-pop store by the line of eager customers snaked outside its front door. The Matsumoto family has persevered to the delight of customers far and wide.
Haleiwa Store Lots follows CDC and state Department of Health protocols and will continue to apply industry best practices to meet health and safety standards, such as regular cleaning and disinfecting, and added safety signage to help with social distancing. Visitors are required to wear face masks when visiting the center and asked to stay home if they are sick, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
About Haleiwa Store Lots
Located in the heart of Haleiwa town, the plantation-inspired Haleiwa Store Lots is an open-air retail center that reinforces the area’s unique and historic charm. Owned by Kamehameha Schools (KS), income generated from Haleiwa Store Lots and KS’ endowment portfolio supports KS’ educational mission. www.haleiwastorelots.com
About Kamehameha Schools
Founded in 1887 by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, Kamehameha Schools (KS) is a private, educational, charitable trust committed to improving the capability and well-being of the Native Hawaiian people through education. In 2015, KS embarked on a bold voyage that envisions, in one generation, a thriving lÄhui where learners, grounded in Christian and Hawaiian values, achieve postsecondary educational success and become leaders who contribute to their communities both locally and globally. www.ksbe.edu