E D I TO R ' S TA K E BY SEARCH PARKER STAFF
W
hen Galen and Lauren Hafla were growing up in Montana, neither one would have ever guessed they would one day own a Hawaiian Shave Ice store in Parker, Colorado. While both were earning engineering degrees (Galen in chemical and Lauren in metallurgical), they probably could not have told you the difference between a snow cone and shave ice. But fast forward to today and the Hafla family has brought the best shave ice to Parker. The Haflas know the difference between snow cones and shave ice now. In fact, it is one of the most asked questions they get at the store. Shave ice resembles fine fluffy snow and is topped with flavored syrups, which are quickly absorbed into the dessert because of the ice’s powdery texture. What you're left with is a dessert, rather than flavored ice chunks. Aside from shave ice, you can also indulge in Farr's ice cream and real fruit smoothies.
10 SEARCHPARKER | JULY 2020
Hokulia has become a local favorite for summertime treats and prides itself on authenticity. The Hawaiian-inspired soft and fluffy shave ice is generously topped with one of 50 flavors imported from Hawaii. Hokulia’s ice is not ground or gritty, but shaved into ultra thin ribbons. Make your treat authentic by adding a scoop of ice cream in the middle, creamy Sno Cap topping, or a local Hawaiian favorite by sprinkling Li Hing Mui Powder or Coconut Flakes on top. Galen and Lauren are excited to be part of the community and know they belong here. Faith plays a large roll in their lives and they want to continue to give back to the community that has been so good to them. The Haflas' dream of a family-owned business came true by building the first Hokulia store inside Walmart. Galen summed it up, "Our family is growing; the business is growing; we are blessed by our employees and their families, and the community..."
