For nearly 90 years, Ishihara Market has been a beloved institution in Waimea Town on the west side of Kauai. The small grocery store is known for its local charm, friendly staff, and delicious bentos, plate lunches, fish, and meat counters. Sadly, on March 12th, 2023, the Ishihara Market will close its doors for good, marking the end of an era.
“We were truly honored to have the opportunity to take over this store and continue the Ishihara family’s 80+ year legacy of serving the Waimea community,” Brian Luna, General Manager of Kalama Beach Corporation, said.
“We had high hopes for this store and invested time and resources in hopes of ensuring the store’s success. Unfortunately, supply chain disruptions, staffing shortages and other pandemic-related issues made operating the store to the high standards the community deserves very challenging,” Luna added.
Employees say they were informed about the closure Monday.
“We are truly grateful to our Ishihara Market team who have worked tirelessly to serve our customers well. They were the heart and soul of this store and we appreciate their dedication and care. We also want to thank our customers for their loyalty and support of Ishihara Market over the years.”
The Ishihara Market is LEGENDARY on Kauai
Established in 1934 by Kishio and Shina Ishihara, the grocery store quickly became a staple of the Waimea community. Kishio and Shina worked tirelessly to provide the people of Kauai with fresh, locally sourced food, and their dedication paid off. Over the years, the Ishihara Market became a gathering place for locals, where they could catch up on the latest news, share stories, and enjoy delicious food.
For decades, the Ishihara family owned and operated the store, passing it down from generation to generation. In 2018, the family sold the store to Kalama Beach Corporation, a retail corporation owned by the Sullivan family. However, despite the change in ownership, the Ishihara Market remained a beloved community institution, continuing to provide the people of Waimea with fresh, locally sourced food and friendly service.
The Ishihara Market was especially well-known for its bentos, which were a favorite of both locals and visitors alike. The bentos were made fresh daily and featured a variety of delicious dishes, including teriyaki beef, chicken katsu, and kalua pork. The plate lunches were also a hit, featuring local favorites such as poke bowls, laulau, and shrimp tempura.
In addition to its food, the Ishihara Market was also known for its friendly staff, who always greeted customers with a smile and were happy to chat about the latest happenings in the community. Over the years, many customers became regulars, developing a deep connection with the store and its staff.
The closure of the Ishihara Market has left a void in the Waimea community. Many locals have expressed sadness at the loss of this beloved institution, which was not just a place to buy food but a place to gather, socialize, and connect with the community.
However, the legacy of the Ishihara Market lives on. The store’s dedication to providing fresh, locally sourced food and friendly service has inspired other businesses in the area, and the memories of the store will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of those who loved it.
The Ishihara Market will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who lived in or visited Waimea Town on the west side of Kauai. Its closure marks the end of an era, but the legacy of the store will continue to live on for generations to come. We thank the Ishihara family and the staff of the store for their dedication to the community and for providing us with memories that will last a lifetime.
Scott Sweeney is the creator of Virtual Hawaii 360. Scott is a professional marketer and a lifelong Hawaii enthusiast. Scott splits time between Oahu and Dayton, Ohio. In addition to his marketing endevours, he is also a published Ukulele musician.
