NEWS RELEASE
Iconic Matsumoto Shave Ice Invites Public to Celebrate 70th Anniversary, at Hale‘iwa Store Lots
Posted: February 9, 2021
HALE‘IWA, HI (Feb. 8, 2021) — Known worldwide for its signature frozen treat, Matsumoto Shave Ice is celebrating 70 years of serving the community, on Saturday, Feb. 13, at Hale‘iwa Store Lots. As one of Hawai‘i’s most iconic family-owned businesses, the store has been an essential destination for generations of kama‘āina and visitors who travel to O‘ahu’s North Shore.
To mark the historic occasion, 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.
Also on Feb. 13, step back in time, with a 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).
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 Kamehameha Schools. “A well-deserved congratulations to the Matsumoto family and their employees on achieving this great milestone!”
Matsumoto Shave Ice is a treasured part of the Hale‘iwa Store Lots ‘ohana, among its 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. Many say that a visit to Matsumoto Shave Ice is a must when at Hale‘iwa Store Lots.
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.
Hale‘iwa 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.
For the latest information on Hale‘iwa Store Lots stores, services and dining options, see @HaleiwaStoreLots on Facebook and Instagram and visit www.haleiwastorelots.com.
