The Oldest General Store In Hawaii Has A Fascinating History

There is something incredibly comfortable and nostalgic about visiting an old country general store in a small town, and nowhere is that more true than the Hawaiian Islands. And though we love these charming general stores as much as the next person, there is one store that will always hold a special place in the hearts of all of those who have visited. Located in the tiny, remote Hawaiian community of Hana is Hasegawa General Store in Hawaii, thought to be the oldest general store in the state.

As a run-down general store selling everything from packaged food items, hardware, fishing gear, and souvenirs, the Hasegawa General Store has been a staple of the Hana community since 1910. And somehow, it has stood the test of time, perhaps because there isn’t much supply in the area.

The store’s exterior certainly has seen better days, but don’t let that stop you from taking a look inside this Hana landmark.

The narrow aisles inside the tin-roof shop are packed full of an eclectic mix of merchandise. This includes all of the staples of a traditional general store, with quite a few fun additions, like snacks, souvenirs, postcards, wine and spirits, fishing rods, wall art, books and bags. Oh, and don’t forget to try a taste of the Hasegawa Hana Blend Gourmet Coffee, which comes in several different flavors like chocolate macedemia.You’ll always find the store packed with locals picking up supplies and tourists stopping for snacks and maybe some cash at the ATM.

Founded by two brothers - Shoichi and Saburo Hasegawa - in 1910, the Hasegawa General Store in Hawaii is the oldest family-run business on the island of Maui. And in 2007, this small shop was honored by the Small Business Association as the "Maui Family Business of the Year."

This Hana staple has become one of the best local stores in Hawaii and is now run by the fourth generation of the family.

The general store was closed in 1990 after a fire damaged the gas station and destroyed the general store; in 1991 the store was reopened in the Old Hana Theatre space.

The general store is even the subject of a 1961 song by Paul Weston, aptly titled "Hasegawa General Store" with lyrics describing the little all-purpose shop; "As you walk through the doorway what a great surprise / There's a wonderful variety of merchandise / It's all spread out there before your eyes / At the Hasegawa General Store." Check out a popular rendition of the song below.

The Hasegawa General Store in Hawaii also sells various locally-made items, some of which you can only find at Hasegawa’s. For an extensive list of these exclusive products, check out the Heavenly Hana website as well as the store's official website.  The iconic shop can be found at 5165 Hana Highway just past the turn-off to the Hana Ranch Restaurant on the left side of the road.