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Kady Pascual

Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

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Chickenhappyhour 16x9

<title>Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Straight from the coop</title>

Today’s social media find comes from @ChickenHappyHour. Someone’s knocking on the coop door.

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Straight from the coop

Hawai‘i you today?  Make sure you follow @chickenhappyhour on Instagram! For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter!

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

In late April, Marisa Castuera Hayase was tapped to lead The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation’s $150 million in annual grantmaking efforts that support nonprofits in the U.S. and Israel. As vice president of programs, she will ensure the foundation continues to improve housing stability, health, employment and educational opportunities, and aging.

“Our main focus is that we need to address poverty together as a community across sectors and make our communities stronger,” she told Aloha State Daily. “It's a big job, but we're not doing it alone. We have amazing community leaders to follow and … and we also have fabulous partners that have been working on these issues for a really long time, who all bring a lot of expertise to the table.”

 added, “I think that the opportunity and the privilege we have is to help coordinate and plug into those efforts; help convene people, help to celebrate and uplift what's working in [those focus areas]; and also connect people across priority communities that we work in … It's a great landscape view to have, and we're really lucky because we get to be inspired every day by all of the good work we see.”

According to its website, the foundation’s priority communities include Baltimore, Hawaiʻi, Israel, New York City, Northeastern Pennsylvania and San Francisco, which all “represent personal ties to the life and legacy of Harry Weinberg, as well as communities where Weinberg Foundation trustees reside and provide leadership.”

Aloha State Daily caught up with Hayase about her new position, how the foundation is evolving, its impact in Hawaiʻi, and more.

What initially drew you to the foundation?

I’ve been working for the Weinberg Foundation for six years now. Prior to that, I was running my own company, Storyline Consulting, working in areas that spanned public education, community health and health of the natural environment. I worked with philanthropy and government to do joint planning projects to help improve our communities overall. When the job opening for the Weinberg Foundation’s program director for Hawai’i came up, I felt like it was a good extension to commitments I had made to community over the years – to really listen to their stories, priorities and ideas, and find ways to bring policy and resources together. 

Expanding the work that I do within the foundation, my focus is Hawai’i still but also grantmaking across regions, which totals about $150 million per year.

My family is actually from here; my grandpa was born in Hilo, from the area of Pi‘ihonua, and he and my grandmother raised my mom and her brother in Waimānalo. We have a long history there. My mom went to Waimānalo Elementary and Intermediate School and Kailua High School, she met my dad from Mexico in Waimānalo and they lived to California before I was born, so I was raised there. It’s been a really wonderful experience to connect with my family here and move here as an adult full-time 20 years ago.

I moved here for my first job in philanthropy, which was with 

in Waimānalo with Nainoa Thompson and Robert Witt, where I was board chair. It’s still a K-8 school that’s open today and helps connect kids to voyaging to navigate in the open ocean, navigate their future, their leadership journeys.

I started my independent consulting business to uplift community stories across our Islands and in rural and remote communities. It was about how stories and data can be brought together to help inform good, quality decisions.

What grantmaking projects in Hawai’i stand out to you or are you currently working on?

We’ve continued that interest as a foundation that I had at Storyline, which is the opportunity to learn with and support our residents in rural and remote areas of our state. The Weinberg Foundation has been on a changed journey over the past 10 years, and it’s been really exciting to be a part of that shift to reach communities struggling with chronic poverty. …  We made an intentional goal to transition to funding more in Neighbor Islands – we moved from funding about 20% of our grants, to taking 80% of funding there.

This work predated the 2023 Maui wildfires, but we took a similar approach there of taking the time to listen and support community-led efforts needed at the time and in the long-term. It’s been great to collaborate with other foundations and coordinate support around community needs and opportunities. As part of our fire response in Maui, we support 

. Most recently, we did a $1 million capital grant to LCLT with other funders, which is purchasing some of the lots and the homes with a land trust covenant that ensures the properties will remain affordable and that they’ll be accessible to Lahaina residents for generations. They also help coordinate with insurance payments, construction costs, because not everyone has the funds upfront to be able to rebuild.

What other housing initiatives have you funded?

In general, with our housing work, not just in Hawai’i but across all of our giving, we focus on permanent affordable housing and supportive services. Especially in Hawai’i we are focused on supporting nonprofit affordable housing developers by building their capacity and have access to land for housing that remains affordable in perpetuity.

One of the ways we’re helping grow up-and-coming nonprofit developers is through fellowships and cohorts, as well as land grants. Last year, we made an initial land grant to 

, to address housing and food security. We are excited to do more of that in the future and are looking at the possibility of a land grant on Kauaʻi.

How do local nonprofits apply for a grant with the foundation? How do you determine what projects to give to?

We are definitely in a proactive mode right now of reaching out to the nonprofits that we see are partnering already and are a part of collaborative solutions in our areas of giving. So, we don

’t have an open application process, we have a process of connecting with networks of nonprofits and finding the orgs that are doing systems-change work, together.

In 2025, we are on track to provide $18 million in grants to Hawaiʻi – program grants, operating grants to nonprofits and land grants. The money comes from a $3 billion endowment; we steward funds left from Harry and Jeanette Weinberg

We’re always prioritizing ways to leverage other funding and with government funding decreasing, we are prioritizing working with communities again to listen, learn and reassess, and help them to build their capacity to respond. We want to continue high-quality, responsive grantmaking that puts communities and community members at the center of our work.

We have a wonderful team and plan to grow. The program team is about 25 members strong, and we work across grant operations and program. We need to be adaptable right now to make sure that our strategies and grantmaking are as effective and impactful as possible. So we aim to stay laser focused on that goal with the wonderful team and community partners that we have.

Tell me about the needs in Israel and how the foundation is filling the gap.

he Weinberg Foundation has a long history of grantmaking in Israel. It’s consistent with our work overall, in how we do our giving there and what we focus on. We have a special focus there on mental resilience and job training for older adults. 

We support a variety of populations in Israel including Jewish and Arab members of the community.

In terms of the needs, both in the U.S. and in Israel, we’re finding common themes across the need to support community-based organizations with capacity building and leadership support. There’s a common theme of how do we rebuild and how we support resilience over the long-term?

[For more on the foundation’s grantmaking in Israel, please click 

What do you enjoy most about your job? What are you learning now as a leader?

What is most meaningful to me about the work is the chance to be inspired by community member resilience and to invest in people, who haven’t always been invested in. Leadership, it can come from so many places we may overlook and the most meaningful part of my work is to be able to see them and support them.

What I’m learning now as a leader because of the stage of life that I’m in, is how leaders can make sure to pay attention to those who are next in line to lead and to also pay attention to those who paved the ways for us, building on all the experience and wisdom to date to help bring people into that pathway.

I would just add that it’s really complex work. It takes time and patience and a desire to listen and learn. As a foundation, we’ve been really fortunate to have so many people to learn from and work with as we address these challenges together.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Weinberg VP Marisa Hayase 16x9

The Harold K.L. Castle Foundation president and CEO will succeed Micah Kāne, who is moving to Waimea to take the helm of Parker Ranch Inc. in September. HCF also promoted Michelle Kaʻuhane to chief operating officer and executive vice president.

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Terry George to lead Hawaiʻi Community Foundation come August

The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has awarded more than $30 million to Hawaiʻi to date – here’s what its latest grants will fund.

UH Maui medical event

Global philanthropy firm funds UH rural health efforts, policy solutions

<title>Weinberg Foundation VP Marisa Hayase on impact and leadership</title>

Hayase was recently promoted to lead The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation’s $150 million in annual grantmaking nationwide and in Israel. She joined the organization in 2019 as program director for Hawaiʻi. Aloha State Daily spoke with her about how the foundation has evolved since then and its priorities for the future.

Weinberg Foundation VP Marisa Hayase on impact and leadership

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

National Ice Cream Day is officially this Sunday, July 20. Whether you’re in the mood to try some unique flavors or just want a good deal on ice cream, check out the following offers:

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Black Sheep Creamery (various locations) is featuring three special flavor this month; each is available for 10 days. The first featured flavor was ube s’mores, comprising ube cream with homemade graham cracker brittle and marshmallows. Miso cream with caramel swirls is currently available, and the third flavor will be announced soon via social media.

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Dave’s Ice Cream Waipio (94-1040 Waipio Uka St.) is offering a buy one, get one 50% off deal for ice cream scoops. The offer is valid only at this location for ice cream scoops of equal or lesser value.

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i is offering 20% off all ice cream from July 18 to 20. Choose from classic flavors from Ben & Jerry’s and Haagen Dazs to local favorites like Roselani and Dave’s Ice Cream.

On July 20, customers can take advantage of $1.50 single scoops from 2 to 6 p.m. at Hawai

 (7190 Kalanianaole Hwy. Ste. D103). You can also enjoy 75 cent flight cones all day (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.)

The dessert shop is also rolling out a few new flavors, including Rocky Road to Hana (macadamia nut, swirls of marshmallow jam, chocolate swirls and chocolate chip), lime in da coconut (fresh limes swirled with coconut cream and mixed with toasted coconut flakes), pandan cream and black sesame. These flavors will be available on a first-come, first-served basis on until the shop is sold out. 

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ulei Road) is doing a huge “Dipped Drop” and launching an ice cream extravaganza of new treats, including choco tacos ($7), dipped waffle cones ($2.50), a sprinkles bar (50 cents each) and new syrups (75 cents each).

ie vanilla ice cream with Mānoa Chocolate (70% Dark) and Island Harvest Hawai

The shop’s homemade waffle cones are dipped in Mānoa Chocolate (70% Dark) and are available in plain chocolate, or with almonds or sprinkles.

In addition, the shop will offer a sprinkles bar, which will include at least 10 different kinds of sprinkles to choose from. Other topping options will include syrups like Mānoa magic shell and liliko

National Ice Cream Day Please Come Again choco tacos 071725

<title>Here’s the scoop on National Ice Cream Day</title>

Celebrate the food holiday this Sunday, July 20, with some delicious ice cream finds — including brand-new flavors and $1.50 single scoops.

Here’s the scoop on National Ice Cream Day

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

UFC 318 will mostly be about paying homage to Dustin Poirier. The Louisiana native is set to retire following the main event of the night, the 'BMF' championship fight against current champion and Wai‘anae native Max Holloway. Poirier and Holloway have previously faced each other twice, with Poirier holding a 2-0 advantage. 

Poirier, 36, is ready to call it a career after 40 professional mixed martial arts fights. The UFC 318 card, set to take place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, was crafted around him. The main card will begin at 4 p.m. HST Saturday on ESPN+ pay-per-view. 

New Year's Day in 2011, Poirier has been a mainstay with the organization. He's challenged for the official lightweight title three times, but lost via submission all three times. 

When Holloway signed with the UFC as a 20-year-old in 2012, he was a 4-0 star on the rise and the youngest fighter on the roster. Reality hit him quick during his UFC debut on Feb. 4, 2012, submitting to Poirier in the first round via triangle armbar. 

Holloway was 3-3 in his first six UFC fights, including a two-fight losing streak that made executives question his future in the the organization heading into 2014. Remarkably, he went on to win 13 straight bouts over the course of the next five years, winning four consecutive featherweight title fights. With each performance, audiences from Wai‘anae to the world grew captivated by Max "Blessed" Holloway. 

His dominance in the 145-pound division well established, Holloway aimed to earn elusive '

' status by moving up 10 pounds to challenge for the interim lightweight belt. His opponent? Poirier. 

Seven years after defeating Holloway in his debut, Poirier again got the better of him, winning via unanimous decision on April 13, 2019, snatching the interim lightweight championship while putting an end to Holloway's 13-fight win streak. 

With Poirier's standing in the organization as a modern legend, the UFC desired to pit him with a commensurate opponent, landing on Holloway. On Saturday, the pair will fight 13 years after their first bout and six years after their interim title fight in 2019. 

Holloway electrified the MMA world with a last-second knockout for the BMF belt over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 on April 13, 2024, providing 

one of the sports world's most viral moments

 of the year. In an attempt to reclaim the featherweight belt his next time out, Holloway lost to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 in the first knockout defeat of his career. 

Poirier, like Holloway, is coming off a championship loss in his most recent fight, losing to Islam Makachev via submission at UFC 302. 

With 74 combined professional fights between Poirier (30 wins, nine losses and one no contest) and Holloway (26-8), their careers have continued to be intertwined with their common opponents. Holloway has defeated Gaethje, Charles Olivera, and Chan Sung Jung, all of whom have wins over Poirier. Meanwhile, worldwide combat sports star Conor McGregor has not fought since a pair of losses to Poirier in 2021. Holloway's loss to McGregor on Aug. 17, 2013 was his final defeat before his 13-fight winning streak. 

The matchup between Holloway and Gaethje was a result of Gaethje defeating Poirier on July 29, 2023 for the vacant BMF belt, just the second BMF title fight in the organization's history. The BMF belt was introduced by UFC president Dana White in 2019, set to commemorate "the baddest motherf*****" in the organization. 

The BMF belt is the only championship belt currently not tied to a weight class in the UFC, although Poirier hit the scales at 156 pounds on Friday, while Holloway did so at 155. 

Although Poirier is set to ceremoniously retire on Saturday, Holloway has also recently admitted he is much closer to the end of his career rather than the beginning. At 33, Holloway is younger than four of the UFC's eight male champions. But because of how early he began and how active he has been since, he also has taken a career's worth of damage. Holloway is the 

 significant strikes leader with 3,457, although he is also the leader in strikes absorbed. 

In a recent appearance on the Taisei Discovers podcast, Holloway estimated he has about two to three years left in his career, with four to five fights in that span, noting a desire to still be competitive with his counterparts the day he retires. 

Throughout fight week festivities in New Orleans, Poirier and Holloway have continued to be cordial and complimentary towards each other. Holloway earnestly encouraged the Poirier partisan-crowd in Louisiana to continue supporting the hometown hero at his expense. 

"It's gonna be a fun one. This is (Poirier's) last dance. Bring on more of the boos," Holloway said during the pre-fight press conference on Thursday. "Give this man his respect. That's what I like to hear, because it's gonna be a fun one come Saturday night. 

"They don't need no firing up. This is exactly what I expected and I'm thankful for them."

Kahuku alumnus Dan Ige is also on the card, facing Bellator mainstay Patricio "Pitbull" Freire in the second fight of the main card. Freire is fighting in just his second UFC fight, losing a unanimous decision to Yair Rodriguez at UFC 314 in April in his debut with the organization. 

At UFC 308, Holloway and Ige appeared on the same UFC card for the first time but both lost. UFC 318 will serve as another source of motivation for the duo. 

"We get to right our wrongs. All that stuff's in the past. We're here now, we're preparing now, we're gonna put on a great show for all of you guys," Ige said. 

More anticipation was added to the main event of the card after Poirier announced that Grammy-winning rapper and fellow Louisiana native Lil Wayne would walk him out for the fight. 

Following the fight, Poirier is vowing to take off his gloves and lay them down in the center of the octagon, customary when a mixed martial artist announces their retirement. The gloves, as well as the rest of Poirier's fight-worn gear that night, will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to the Good Fight Foundation, Poirier's organization that serves children in need in Louisiana. 

"Helping out with the community, that stuff means more than fighting to me," Poirier said. "I'm content. I'm happy. I was a kid chasing a dream and I turned this into a life for my family and I've had some ups and downs in my career, I've had a lot of high moments and I'm really thankful for the journey. It's given me everything I have. It's told me so much about myself. The question I have to ask is when I look in the mirror, what's more important: What I obtain on the journey or the person I become on the journey? I'm content with the person I see in the mirror. I'm thankful, I'm grateful and I'm in a good spot."

Holloway Getty 2225679158

<title>Wai‘anae's Max Holloway set to defend BMF belt in UFC 318 headliner</title>

Holloway will face the retiring Dustin Poirier in New Orleans, but not before reckoning with the end of his own career leading up to the fight.

Wai‘anae's Max Holloway set to defend BMF belt in UFC 318 headliner

Lopaka and Tanya Kapanui

Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya Kapanui

Columnists

ʻIolani Palace stands as the only royal palace in the U.S. and is a lasting symbol of Hawaiʻi’s proud heritage and sovereign past. Completed in 1882, the grand palace sits in the center of 11 acres in Downtown Honolulu, surrounded by a wall.  

At that time, the wall was eight feet high, made of coral blocks, with large wooden gates on all four sides. The wall was meant to protect, impress and set the royal grounds apart, but after the Wilcox Rebellion of 1889 — an attempt by Hawaiian nationalist Robert Wilcox to restore royal authority — the wall was lowered to just over three feet and topped with a painted iron fence, a visible sign of shifting power in the Hawaiian Kingdom.  

Decorated with gold painted finials and adorned with the Hawaiian Kingdom Coat of Arms, each gate had its own name and a specific purpose.

At the front of the palace on King Street, Kauikeaouli Gate is named for Kamehameha III. This gate was only used for ceremonial occasions, such as when royalty or esteemed foreign dignitaries were expected.

Hakaleleponi Gate is named for Queen Kalama, the wife of Kauikeaouli. This passageway is posted at the back of the palace and was used by palace staff and royal retainers.

Used by tradesmen who came to work or deliver goods to the palace, Kīna‘u Gate sits along Richards Street. The name of this gate honors the mother of Kings Kamehameha IV and Kamehameha V.

The little lane on the Diamond Head side of the Palace is called Likelike Street, which is also the name of the gate that sits on that side, near the Hawaiʻi State Library. Reserved for the royal family’s private use, the name honors Princess Likelike, sister to King Kalākaua and Queen Lili‘uokalani.

Added to the mauka side of the palace upon Queen Lili‘uokalani’s accession to the throne is a fifth gate. This smaller entryway is located behind what is now the Barracks and was built specifically for the Queen’s husband, John Dominis.  

Some say these gates hold more than just royal names and historical memory. Over the years, a number of people have reported strange occurrences near the gates, especially after nightfall. 

In 1925, Mrs. Kahanawale Ka‘awa, the wife of a former Royal Guardsman, visited the Palace for the first time in forty years. Her husband, P.K. Ka‘awa, was said to be one of the best-known guardsmen during the reign of King Kalākaua. Mrs. Ka‘awa described how the wives of the guards often slept near the gates to which their husbands were assigned. They slept on simple mats with a kihei for a covering, she said, and explained that their presence reassured the men during their nightly vigils, because the gates had a reputation for weird and mysterious happenings. Though all the gates were subject to strange events, Kauikeaouli Gate was the most feared by the guards.

The gate, though locked, would sometimes snap open on its own without warning. If a guard tried to close or relock it, he’d be thrown to the ground, knocked senseless by some unseen entity. Mrs. Ka‘awa claimed she saw the gate open suddenly with her own eyes, several times, as her husband stood watch. Many believed that the spirit was King Kamehameha III, and Ka‘awa never dared close the gate until he was sure the spirit of the King had passed through.

Another account describes a thunderous noise shattering the silence of the night. It sounded like a colossal foot striking the lock of the front gate. With a gust of wind, the gate would swing open, revealing the regal form of Kamehameha III following behind his guardian ancestor, the formidable figure of Iwikauikaua, who carried his own head under his arm.

The guards, upon witnessing these ethereal visitors, would immediately fall to their knees, prostrating themselves in reverence before the spectral chiefs as the ghostly pair made their way toward the palace.

The other gates also had mysterious disturbances. The Likelike Gate, in particular, is said to give some visitors an overwhelming sense of being watched. Glen Grant told a story on his ghost walk about being hit over the head after walking through the Likelike Gate. When he turned to see who had accosted him, he only saw the empty guard shack.

A few years later, when I was running my own ghost tours, an enthusiastic follower meant to surprise my guests one night. Without telling me of his intent, he dressed all in black, wore a dark cloak with a hood, and painted his face black, as well. He stood in the guard shack, waiting for my group to pass through the Likelike Gate so he could jump out and scare everyone.

Hours later, this man met me and explained what he intended to do, but said that when he began to step forward to jump out of the guard shack, a large pair of arms wrapped around him and pulled him back in. If anyone remembers those little shacks, they’ll recall that they were only large enough for a single person to stand upright unless one was very slim. The man woke up in the dark, sitting at the bottom of the shack, with no knowledge of who had grabbed him or what had happened afterward. Neither I nor anyone on my tour knew he was there.

Whether the entities in these stories are spirits standing guard, or simply echoes of a kingdom that refuses to be forgotten, one thing is clear — these gates still hold mana. And maybe, just maybe, they still open for those who once walked here in another time.

Kauikeaouli Gate Iolani Palace King Street

<title>These gates can’t keep the ghosts out</title>

The gates of ʻIolani Palace, each with its own name and purpose, are decorated with gold painted finials and adorned with the Hawaiian Kingdom Coat of Arms. While accounts of mysterious disturbances related to the gates have been shared, it is evident they still hold mana.

These gates can’t keep the ghosts out

 is known for its gourmet-style dim sum. Signature dishes include barbecue pork buns ($8.95), steamed shrimp dumplings ($8.95), steamed pork dumplings with shrimp ($8.95) and sticky rice in lotus leaf ($11.95). The menu showcases authentic Cantonese flavors.

The eatery just released a xiao long bao dish ($9.95) that’s currently a chef’s special. The soup dumplings are available at all Tim Ho Wan locations. We’re told this dish is something that’s been in the works for a while, and something the eatery knew they wanted to feature.

The soup dumplings are petite and easy to eat. Served piping hot, the dumplings boast a slightly chewy exterior and are filled with a flavorful soup.

If you’re looking for an excuse to try the xiao long bao, you can take advantage of the eatery’s happy hour discount. Customers can get 20% off their food order from 2 to 6 p.m. Mondays to Fridays.

Other happy hour discounts include select $5 beers (including Sapporo and Maui Brewing Co. Bikini Blonde), $5 hard seltzers and $5 wines by the glass.

Validated parking is available for customers at Royal Hawaiian Center (first hour free, second hour $3).

2201 Kalākaua Ave., building A, level 3, Ste. A307, Honolulu 

Tim Ho Wan food spread 071125

<title>Dim sum eatery Tim Ho Wan Waikīkī now offers xiao long bao</title>

Plus, you can get 20% off during the eatery’s weekday happy hour from 2 to 6 p.m.

Dim sum eatery Tim Ho Wan Waikīkī now offers xiao long bao

Shiso mint chip. Miso salted caramel. Mango sticky rice. These are just several of the unique ice cream flavors you’ll find at Kailua-based 

The ice cream shop opened last November by husband-and-wife duo Kyle and Josephine Wai Lin.

“We came from a corporate world and post-pandemic, we started talking a lot about feeling like we’re on Zoom all the time and it feeling lonely,” Josephine says. “Space became a really important theme — finding a place for people to hang out, pau hana and get together. What brings people together better than ice cream? It was our dream to be this neighborhood scoop shop where people can just come and be together.”

The other story (behind how we started this) is that we have two kids — a five-year-old and a three-year-old,” Kyle adds. “We were going to Baskin-Robbins all the time getting ice cream. We wanted to make ice cream that was locally sourced and high-quality stuff, because our kids are eating it and we’re eating it.”

The business officially opened last November, according to Josephine, who says “Please Come Again” is hers and Kyle’s creative duo name. 

“We always dreamt of having a retail experience that’s kind of revolving,” she says. “We’re seeing ice cream as our first chapter; there’s always a reason for people to come back.”

“Have you ever been to Asian grocery stores where they have that bag that says, ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you; Mahalo Mahalo Mahalo; or Please come again?’” Kyle says. “We like this idea of just welcoming people back to get more ice cream.”

Ice cream flavors are inspired by local flavors and produce, along with people and Hawaiʻi agriculture.

“We consider ice cream to be a canvas for community, so we’re really inspired by the place,” Josephine says. “We’re inspired by the people (here). People will come and say, ‘You should try miso salted caramel,’ so we’ll just make it.”

“A lot of times, people will come in with ideas,” Kyle says. “We ask people all the time to direct message us ideas on Instagram, because we’re open to anything. They’re (the ice cream flavors) certainly Pan Asian-inspired. Jo’s Filipino and I’m half Burmese, so we pull from different palates as well as palates on the island. Everything here is kind of Pan Asian-inspired, really.”

The shop features 16 ice cream flavors in its display case at all times, including eight signature flavors and four rotating/seasonal flavors. During the time of our visit, customers could choose from flavors like guava lava, rose lychee, Vietnamese iced coffee, yuzu sorbet and Mānoa choc chip.

“If you come back week to week, you might find we have a brand-new flavor because we’ve had inspiration — we saw a new fruit that is fresh and looked good, or we got a lot of messages to bring something back,” Kyle says.

[{"text":"“We have a lot of non-dairy and vegan options, too,” Josephine says.","type":"text"}]

The couple’s personal favorites are shiso mint chip — “It’s a classic flavor with a twist; I can eat that all day,” Kyle says — and Kona Snow, which features 100% whole Kona beans from Tradition Coffee Roasters, another Kailua-based business.

“I’m a coffee girlie, so I love Kona Snow,” Josephine says. “It’s an all-white coffee ice cream.” 

Ice cream can be ordered in cups or cones with keiki ($4.75), single ($5.95), split single ($6.50) or double ($9.50) scoop sizes. If you’re with a group, go for the ice cream flights ($16.50) to try multiple flavors. No matter what you order, rest assured that the ice cream is made with high-quality ingredients, including real fruits.

“It’s 14% to 16% butter fat, so it’s super rich and super creamy,” Josephine says. “We say we make it with unreasonable amounts of love.”

You also don’t need to drive to Kailua to get a taste of Please Come Again. The biz currently has an outpost at Potluck — a pop-up shop in Ward Centre — with pre-packaged cups and pints. The pop-up has several exclusive flavors like kakimochi and Amaou strawberry (Amaou strawberries are known as the “king” of Japanese strawberries), in addition to pupsicles, which are pet-friendly treats.

“Our friend runs this incredible store (Potluck) with curated designer goods,” Kyle says. “We’ll be scooping out of there once a month just for fun, just to make it active and invite the community in.

“We’ll also have these ice cream cake pops,” he adds. “They’re brand new; we’re just developing it. It’s like the Starbucks cake pops, but it’s all ice cream.”

Please Come Again encourages customers to keep updated with its news on social media, and stay tuned for more exciting collaborations and projects with other local businesses.

“We do a lot of partnerships with farms and local artisans,” Josephine says. “Right now, we’re doing a watercress ginger lime sorbet flavor with Sumida Farm; (coming up), we’ll do a partnership with Olive & Oliver — they’re a boutique here in Kailua.”

“This is the first iteration of what we’re doing,” Kyle adds. “We’re also going to potentially open up other concepts, outside of ice cream — other food concepts, other community gathering places, maybe an outdoor food hall … nothing specific yet, but there’s a lot cooking.”

The business’s tagline is “scoops and futures,” which keeps the couple moving forward and looking for ways to inspire the community.

“We really stand for hope — looking forward to an ice cream when thinking about how crazy the world can feel, focusing on spending time with people you love and those precious moments,” Josephine says. “Taking your kid to get ice cream after school and looking forward to that — that gives you hope at the end of the day.”

“It’s about celebrating those everyday moments, just because we need them now more than ever,” Kyle adds.

Open 1-7 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 1-8 p.m. Fridays-Sundays 

Parking available in the surrounding municipal lots

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Straight from the coop

Kady Pascual

Social Media Editor

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Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Straight from the coop

Authors

Kady Pascual

Social Media Editor

More in Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Warm welcome

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Mele for the people

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Good times and tan lines

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Dogs are cooler than humans

Most read