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The late Moriaki (foreground) and Sumiko Nakashima are flanked by sons and Pukalani Superette owners Aric (left) and Myles Nakashima. Photo courtesy Megan Nakashima
Although Pukalani Superette celebrates its 65th anniversary this month, the beloved mom-and-pop grocery store can trace its roots back about a century to a fruit stand in Wailuku.
“Old-timers knew it as Tanizaki Store,” said Megan Nakashima, Pukalani Superette president. “My great-grandparents started it.”
Her family moved the store Upcountry in the 1920s. And in 1955, a new and larger store was completed and the name officially changed to Pukalani Superette.
“Technically we could be celebrating our 100th anniversary,” Nakashima said.