| HeraldNet - Snohomish County's online news source |
 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2010 2:08 pm |
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Special Section Article 
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Hawaiian holiday Marysville store offers a taste of the islands A local store brings the tropical allure of the Hawaiian Islands to Marysville. Liz and Patrick Young opened Aloha Ohana a year ago. They delight shoppers by stocking fresh poi, laulau, Kona coffee and more. Liz Young is a native of Oahu.The weather outside may be cold and wet but when you walk through the doors of the little shop on State Avenue you immediately find yourself enveloped by the spirit of aloha. There’s Hawaiian music playing in the background. The walls and shelves are packed with island-related gifts and merchandise and, during the holiday season, there’s fresh Kona coffee brewing and tasty cookie samples to nibble. “Originally we wanted to open a Hawaiian restaurant,” Liz Young said. “But we decided it was better to go with something smaller that we could afford on our own.” The Youngs still dream of some day opening a bigger place with both a gift shop and a restaurant. But in the meantime, Aloha Ohana carries enough authentic food items and snacks to please even the most homesick of island transplants. “Laulau is probably the most popular,” Young said. “It’s a main dish in the Hawaiian Islands.” For those not familiar with the name, it’s butterfish and pork wrapped in luau leaves. It is most often served at special occasions and family gatherings. Tourists who have visited Hawaii probably enjoyed it if they sampled a traditional Hawaiian meal. The store also carries Portuguese sausage, juices, jams and macadamia nuts. Fresh poi is another treat carried at Aloha Ohana. The refrigerated taro paste is flown in fresh from the islands each week. Also fresh are lovely leis that sell like hotcakes during the graduation season. “This year we also brought in a new cookie,” Young said. “It’s one that we used to have when we were growing up and back in school. They’re called School Kine cookies. Everywhere in Hawaii people are selling it but it’s not over here. I brought it in and everyone is really excited to see it.” School Kine cookies are creamy, crispy shortbread-based cookies. They are made simply of butter, cane sugar, flour and vanilla. Some have additions of macadamia nuts or chocolate chips. There is also an old-fashioned peanut butter flavor. “We also carry 100-percent Royal Kona coffee. That’s something that a lot of businesses come in and order for their offices,” Young said. But Aloha Ohana carries more than just food. Right now the store is geared up for a Mele Kalikimaka with island-themed Christmas cards, tree ornaments, gift-wrap and party supplies. During the holiday season there is free gift-wrapping on any purchase over $25. The Youngs also offer free private shopping after hours. “We close at six,” Young said. “But if people are going to be stuck at work and want to come in at eight, they can call me the day before and arrange for private shopping hours.” Many people come in the door looking for Hawaiian CDs and DVDs. The Youngs have a large selection, including CDs and a songbook by award-winning artist “Iz.” Aloha Ohana also carries the classic art of Kim Taylor Reese. You can buy a ukulele or a small wooden surfboard. Pa’u skirts and pro-grade and non-pro-grade hula implements are available too. Jewelry ranges from hip puka shell necklaces to elegant Koa jewelry. There’s a big selection of island-scented Terra Nova brand lotions, oils and perfumes. “Local brand slippahs and decals are the hottest sellers,” Young said. She also noted how popular island-themed key chains and bottle openers were for stocking stuffers last year. |
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