When Kamekona’s colorful Waiola Shave Ice shack at the Ewa end of Ala Moana Beach Park isn’t masquerading as the funny Five-0 friend and informant’s HQ, it leads a quieter life as a concession stand.
Last year, beachgoers could order plate lunches and snacks at Concession Surf and Snacks… but ironically no shave ice, although their staff did create close to 200 of the cool treats for the production when scenes with Grace Park and Mackenzie Foy for episode 1.06 were shot there on September 15, 2010.
The site has since changed hands and is still a concession stand, now also serving – you guessed it – shave ice!
Check out the photos below and compare how the site looks today, without the Five-0 window dressing, to how completely different it is as Waiola Shave Ice. It’s amazing what a few umbrellas, colorful signs and a small crowd can do!
Waiola Shave Ice, incidentally, does actually exist… just not at the beachfront location it has on the show. Owner Jerry Lee told Hawaii News Now in February this year that he has seen an increase of 20% in shave ice sales since his business’s name was featured in the pilot in September 2010. I imagine business is still booming, over a year and a season later.
Hawaii Five-0 is excellent for business, even when it’s all make believe.
Read more about the real and the fake Waiola Shave Ice at TastyIslandHawaii: September 15, 2010 | July 14, 2011 .
Mahalo nui loa to Pomai for generously sharing photos and information!
 The concession site at Ala Moana Beach Park as it is today. Photo: Pomai/TastyIslandHawaii.com |
 "Waiola Shave Ice", dressed for episode 1.06 on Sept. 15, 2010. Photo: Pomai/TastyIslandHawaii.com |
 "Waiola Shave Ice", ready for action on July 14, 2011. Photo: Pomai/TastyIslandHawaii.com |
 "Waiola Shave Ice", shooting the Season 2 premiere, July 14, 2011. Photo: Stephen C./Photolulu |
Thanks Mizz for the article and the information. Happy holidays to the cast and crew on Hawaii Five-0. Happy holidays to you Mizz.
