Shimmy shimmy ya!
Shimazu Store / Many cultures have their own versions of shave ice, from Taiwanese style to Filipino halo halo. Hawaii takes pride in Japanese-influenced flavors from Melona bars to toppings such as mini mochi balls or flan-style pudding. You’ve gone through what you thought were crazy flavor combos, mixing li hing powder with bubblegum syrup. But you’ve probably never seen a shave ice serving the size of an eggplant. And that’s just the small.
Shimazu Store, the tiny front formerly known as B&S, has been serving up massive shave ice since Kelvin Shimazu took over in 2006. The largest size, called Larry’s Head (only $8.50), is really the size of a human head. “Even when I was a kid, it seemed like wherever I went for shave ice, it was just not enough. I thought, ‘I’m gonna make it some day the way I want to eat it.’ That’s the reason why they’re big,” explains Shimazu. As for Larry’s Head? Shimazu says, “Larry is a customer of mine from [the Shimazu shave ice kiosk in] Mililani a long time ago. I created that size for him because he used to come by and eat three larges…Even now, he could still eat two or three of them.” For the rest of us, the smaller sizes will still make your eyes widen upon receiving your mountain with two hands from the young, friendly staff.
But Shimazu isn’t satisfied with his store’s shave ice on size alone. “I don’t play by the rules,” he says. So instead of only sticking to the typical syrup menu, the store also offers flavors in red velvet, red velvet creme, crème brulée, mojito, buttered popcorn, chocolate peanut butter cup and li hing apple. “I’m always thinking about new flavors,” says Shimazu.
And there’s more! In addition to the condensed milk snow cap option, Shimazu Store offers a creamy haupia topping, which was inspired by a haupia chocolate sundae at a now-defunct Japanese restaurant. The first bite of the topping tastes like a rich coconut frosting.
Two more things that will help you maximize your Shimazu experience: Get the holder for 25 cents. It will save your shoes and clothes some grief. And if you order durian, you’re not allowed to eat it in or around the store. Those familiar with the fruit will understand why.
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