CU Hawaiʻi has quietly beefed up Kapahulu Avenue this week, opening its third Oʻahu outpost and rolling out a “ramyun library,” a DIY smoothie station and a slushy machine you will not find at its other shops. The new store sits on the strip near Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice, joining CU Hawaiʻi’s Downtown and Kāhala locations and giving the Waikīkī-adjacent corridor another late-night snack stop. Hours run from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
According to Aloha State Daily, the Kapahulu location, in the former Karaoke Hut space, is stocked with grab-and-go bites such as gimbap and musubi, Tucker & Bevvy wraps and frozen treats from Pop Culture Artisan Pops. The outlet also notes that the slushy machine is exclusive to this shop, pouring flavors like Coca-Cola, Jolly Rancher green apple, Sour Patch watermelon and a Jarritos mandarin freeze.
What’s Inside: Ramen, Smoothies and Local Collabs
CU Hawai‘i’s concept mixes Korean convenience-store staples with local partnerships, and its Downtown debut featured a ramyun wall and on-site cooking stations, as described by Honolulu Magazine. The brand’s website highlights fresh, ready-to-eat meals, curated Korean beauty products and a rewards app, all of which have carried over to its island locations, per CU Hawai‘i’s site. The chain has also teamed up with local vendors and designers for limited-run merchandise.
Exclusive Slushies and a BTS Giveaway
The Kapahulu shop’s slushy lineup is a bit of an outlier for Honolulu and one of the big draws bringing people through the door, according to Aloha State Daily. The paper also reports that the in-store giveaway for tickets to BTS’s World Tour Arirang runs through June 4, with entry handled via a QR code posted inside the shop. No purchase is required to throw your name in the hat, and store signage notes that customer parking is available.
A Growing Presence on Oʻahu
CU Hawai‘i made its U.S. debut in downtown Honolulu last fall, then added a Kāhala location in February as part of a broader push to bring the Korean convenience-store experience into Oʻahu neighborhoods. More island locations are already in the pipeline, a sign the brand sees strong demand for its blend of Korean imports and local fare, according to Honolulu Magazine. For nearby Kapahulu and Waikīkī businesses, the new shop is one more magnet for foot traffic.
Where To Go
For menus, store hours and rewards details, visit CU Hawai‘i’s site or follow @nicetocuhawaii on Instagram. Expect the Kapahulu store to see its biggest rush during evening snacking and quick-bite hours as more locals and visitors catch on to the new arrival.
