HONOLULU (HI Now) - Island Snow began in 1979 when founder Tom “Kawika” Hackbarth opened a small logo shop with shave ice in Kailua, creating a gathering place for friends and family. While the business has since shifted its focus toward clothing and streetwear, shave ice remains an important part of its history and identity.
In 2010, Tom’s son took the reins, expanding the Kailua Beach Center shop and later welcoming his brother, Adam, into the business. Over the years, Island Snow has evolved from selling snowboards and surf wear to becoming a leader in Hawai‘i’s streetwear scene—always keeping a pulse on youth culture to stay relevant after 45+ years.
A cornerstone of this evolution has been Island Snow’s long-standing partnership with Stüssy. After more than 30 years of collaboration, the brand opened its first Stüssy shop in 2017 and now operates Stüssy Honolulu at the Royal Hawaiian Center, a destination that regularly draws hours-long lines.
Looking ahead, Island Snow continues to grow, partnering with global streetwear brands like Carhartt WIP, HUF, and Awake NY, and expanding its creative collaborations. One upcoming project includes a special collaboration beer with Aloha Beer Co., set to release in late 2025.
For more information, visit islandsnow.com and on Instagram @islandsnowhawaii and Facebook @islandsnowhawaii
Copyright 2025 KHNL. All rights reserved.