hekekia’s hawaiian snow
Est 1982
hawaiian Snow’s journey began in Waimanalo, Hawaii, where Jerry Hekekia was born and raised. Waimanalo is a picturesque town where the rugged beauty of Oahu's windward side meets the ocean. Jerry's childhood was immersed in the vibrant culture and outdoor pursuits of his Hawaiian homeland, from skin diving (spear fishing) and body surfing to mountain climbing...And of course, the sweet Shave Ice that he enjoyed in his childhood.
Jerry and Sandy Hekekia met in college in Hawaii at the Church College of Hawaii in 1960 (Now BYU Hawaii), marrying in 1964 and later moving to Arizona in 1967 to teach in Thatcher. While Jerry left his island home behind, he carried the spirit of aloha with him, a legacy he was determined to share with his new community.
The idea for Hawaiian Snow was inspired by their "Hekekia’s Hawaiian Tours," a venture that bridged the worlds of Arizona and Hawaii. Through this business Jerry and Sandy took groups from the Gila Valley to tour Jerry’s homeland of Hawaii. It was on one of these tours that they visited a shave ice shop and thought “we should bring shave ice to the Gila Valley”. While still on their tour, they bought a shave ice machine, and brought it on as luggage on the plane ride back home.
With the help of community members, the couple built Hekekia’s Hawaiian Snow in the summer of 1982. More than just a business, the stand quickly became a gathering place for the community, a symbol of Jerry and Sandy's love for Hawaii and their community.
Today, over 40 years later, Hawaiian Snow stands as a testament to their legacy, serving not only as a purveyor of delicious shave ice but as a reminder of the power of community, kindness, and the enduring bond between Jerry and Sandy. Through their tireless work and unwavering spirit, they have woven the essence of Hawaiian culture into the fabric of the Gila Valley, creating a legacy that will be cherished for generations to come.
Jerry, widely known as "Coach Hekekia," is a local legend whose influence extends far beyond sports or shave ice. With over 50 years dedicated to coaching volleyball and other sports, his passion and mentorship have shaped the lives of countless young athletes in the Gila Valley and beyond.
Sandy, Jerry's partner in both life and business, shares his knack for making lifelong friends and radiates the same supportive and kind-hearted spirit. Together, they have become one of the most admired and influential couples in our community, embodying the very essence of the aloha spirit in the Gila Valley.