We have teamed up with the Legends of the North Shore of Oahu, Matsumoto Shave Ice, to serve a collection of beach-ready styles drizzled with Matsumoto multicolor swirls.
Sanuk ambassador and Hawaiian local, Torrey Meister, spent the day with the Matsumoto family and will be taking us along on a deeper dive throughout the history of this iconic North Shore staple.
Torrey Meister: Tell us a little more about yourself and who the Matsumoto Family is?
Stanley Matsumoto: My name is Stanley Matsumoto, I am second generation of Matsumoto shave ice and now run the family owned and operated business with my daughter Remi. Our shave ice shop has been located on the North Shore of Oahu for 72 years now. With this being our only location, we never imagined it would become such a world-renowned business.
(Going on three generations of Matsumoto legends!!)
Torrey Meister: How did the collection with Sanuk come to life?
Remi Matsumoto: I have been wearing Sanuks since I was a little kid! I remember my first pair with the smiley face logo, and I felt like the brand and what they stand for really resonated with us. Our goal at Matsumoto is to serve up smiles, and this collaboration of smiles means a lot to us. We are honored and excited to be a part of this collection.
Torrey Meister: What is your favorite and the most popular flavor?
Stanley Matsumoto: My long-time order has been lilikoi and peach with vanilla ice cream on the bottom.
Remi Matsumoto: I opt for lilikoi and li hing mui for a tart flavor. The tourist favorite has got to be the rainbow which is strawberry, lemon, and blue pineapple. And the local favorite is definitely strawberry and lilikoi!
Torrey Meister: What makes Matsumoto Shave Ice different from other shave ice across in Hawaii and across the world?
Stanley Matsumoto: Keeping it simple. We only have the one location and have been asked many times to sell to larger companies or franchises, however we have always declined. I made a promise to my dad to keep the store in one location and support the family. He is probably watching from heaven making sure we are doing a good job! The store was his first baby, so we continue to run it how he intended.
Shop the Matsumoto Shave Ice X Sanuk Collection HERE.