Our History

​We are Brian and Melissa.  We met Cory and Cheryl Castaneda (founders of Kealoha's) in 2003 and quickly became best friends---family.  Every year, our families vacation over New Year's together.  In 2010, Cheryl bought Cory and Cali their first Ice Shaver for Christmas (see Our Roots).  Just a few days later, the Castaneda's brought their new gifts to our vacation and our kids had their first taste of shave ice.  They loved it and we were reminded of the deliciousness that we had experienced with Cory's family in Kauai years earlier.  We spent that weekend talking about the name, the possibilities of the business and just the sheer excitement of the new phase of life for them.  The next couple of years, Brian helped out with the Shave Ice and learned the techniques on how to make the perfect Shave Ice.  Now Cory, Cheryl and Cali are moving on to great things (see The Castaneda's Farewell Letter below).  And we have decided to continue what our "family" has started.  Hence the name change: Kealoha's Ohana Shave Ice meaning Kealoha's family.
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​THe Castaneda's farewell letter

​We would like to share with all of you a couple of changes that will be happening this year.  Most of you know that Cali (aka Kealoha) has been on the Mission Field for the last 2 years.  She has decided to continue her journey of sharing the Gospel abroad and will not be returning to Wisconsin.  Cory and I have also had a career change that will be requiring us to move to Mississippi this summer.  We will be working for a non- profit organization called Homes of Hope for Children.  Our official job title will be House Parents. If you are interested in learning more about this organization, their website is http://hohfc.org.  With all that said we are happy to announce the new owners of Kealoha Shave Ice.  They are our dear friends Brian and Melissa.  We have known them for over 12 years, they are part of our family.  They are very excited to carry on the Hawaiian Ohana (family) love through the business and yes with new ownership there will be changes along the way but I can guarantee you the product and customer relations will only improve!
                Our family has had a great experience serving and getting to know you all, thank you. 
Stop by and see us at Hart Fest June 17/18 2016 lets us say our good-byes and introduce you to the new owners!