Japanese sweet treat celebrated on Oahu

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – One of Hawaii’s favorite treats took the spotlight at the Pearl City Shopping Center Sunday.

Read more Lihue woman dies after being pulled from waters near Kauai lighthouse

About 1,000 people participated in a National Mochi Day celebration on the mall’s upper level, according to organizer 808 Craft and Gift Fairs.

A wide variety of the chewy Japanese rice cakes were available to sample or purchase, with many imported directly from Japan.

Some vendors reported selling out within the first hour.

“We had like 300 containers and it went by real quick,” Sweet Hapa Company owner Blayne Dikito said. “Thanks everybody for all the love and support, this is awesome.”

Read more What’s cooking: Local family business debuts Hawaii’s first-ever ube smash burgers

Mochi Mochi Wagashi owner Jessica Kaneshiro founded the local celebration in 2021 to highlight the rich traditions of mochi as well as the unique local flavors that have evolved in Hawaii.

Due to the event’s popularity, another National Mochi Day celebration will be held at the Windward City Shopping Center Saturday, August 8, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Read more What’s Cooking: Hawaii Restaurant Association prepares for Hall of Fame event