About The Owner
Aloha my name is Michael Whelan and I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with young people. After living in Hawaii 45 years and being self-employed for 42 years, I came to VA to share my knowledge and inspire the next generation. Over those years I learned a lot about being in business and doing what is PONO (Haw’n trans: doing the right thing).
I am so grateful for my family, friends, employees and customers who have worked by my side over the years and taught me valuable lessons to apply in life. For the opportunity to be of service, and for so much more, I send out a big Mahalo (heartfelt thanks).
I hope you will give us all an opportunity to serve you Hawaiian style. Grandpa Hawaii Shave Ice: Serving up Aloha.
About GPHSI
"GrandPa Hawaii Shave Ice" came about as an extension of love. After 45 years of living in Hawaii, owner/operator Michael Whelan relocated to the East Coast to be closer to his daughter’s family.
His grandkids called him “GrandPa Hawaii“ so a new identity for this long time surfer and ocean/environmental advocate was born.
Michael wanted to spend more time with his grandkids and teach them people skills, customer service etiquette and encourage their entrepreneurial tendencies, while giving them an opportunity to earn some money. All centered within a Hawaiian perspective that he had acquired starting seven businesses previously in Hawaii.
After a long surf session, hiking or being out in the Hawaiian environment, as a young man he learned there was nothing like a “shave ice” to quince ones thirst and renew your spirits.
Hence “GrandPa Hawaii Shave Ice“ was created. It allowed him time to spend with mentoring his grandkids as well as being a vehicle for him to practice the “Aloha Spirit“. All of which was instilled in him through his love for Hawaii.
It is our intention to bring this love for Hawaii to the people of the East Coast via reproducing the real Hawaiian Shave Ice experience.
So we are “Serving up Aloha” by offering the real McCoy shave ice inspired by the people of Hawaii. By offering delectable tropical syrups made in Hawaii with real Hawaiian fruits, to our special recipe for coconut cream/sweeten condensed coconut milk, we bring HAWAII to YOU.
Add a scoop of Vanilla Bean ice cream at the bottom of your shave ice and it’s like you were transported to a tropical paradise. Save the airfare and come visit us in Colonial Beach, VA.
Grandpa Hawaii Shave Ice; we bring Hawaii to you.
With Aloha,
Michael Whelan
( AKA GrandPa Hawaii)
