Maui Mom-and-Pop Store, Pukalani Superette Celebrates 60 Years

One of Maui’s oldest mom-and-pop stores, Pukalani Superette, celebrated 60 years in business at its current location on Makawao Avenue.

The original business was launched by first generation Japan immigrants, Takeo and Kome Tanizaki, but was lost to a fire in 1927. The store then, was known as the “Tanizaki Store.”

Several years later, a new, larger store was built on the same property in 1955, and the name was changed to Pukalani Superette — the business that many on Maui today have grown to know and love.

The store is now in its third generation of family ownership (the second generation was Sumiko and Moriaki Nakashima) and is currently owned by Aric and Myles Nakashima.

The store started out with just five employees, and has since grown to employ more than 70 people.

A private anniversary celebration was held on Nov. 1, 2015, at the Cafe O Lei restaurant at the Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course in Kahului.

The celebration was emceed by Kaleo Pilanca of Oʻahu, and included an opening oli and blessing by Kumu Pulama Collier and a prayer by Reverend Tsuyuki.  Guests also enjoyed dinner music by Kalama Intermediate School Ukulele teacher and island entertainer Ben Uyetake.

As part of a Thanksgiving promotion this month, Maui radio station, NATIVE 92.5 FM has been giving away hot Turkey dinner meals with all the fixings prepared by Pukalani Superette.  A total of 10 listeners won the hot meals for the upcoming holiday, that includes: turkey meat, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing, Hawaiian sweet rolls and a free S&J pie.

***Note: Native 92.5 FM is owned and operated by Pacific Media Group, the same company parent company of Maui Now.

Emcee Kaleo Pilanca and soundman Steve Lanse. Pc: James Tanizaki

Myles (left) and Aric (right) Nakashima. Pc: James Tanizaki

Left to right: Emcee Kaleo Pilanca; soundman Steve Lanse; Kumu Pulama Collier; and General Manager Jerry Masaki. Pc: James Tanizaki

Pukalani Superette 60th Anniversary celebration. Owners dancing with Emcee Kaleo Pilanca. Pc: James Tanizaki

Pukalani Superette owner Aric Nakashima speaks at the company’s 60th Anniversary celebration. Pc: James Tanizaki

Pukalani Superette 60th Anniversary celebration. Owners dancing with Emcee Kaleo Pilanca. Pc: James Tanizaki