Asatos Waikīkī Scoop Shop to Open at Hyatt Waikīkī

Photo: Thomas Obungen

To say we’re fans of Asato Family’s local kine sherbets and sorbets is an understatement. Any mention of their pickled mango, green river and pineapple desserts, and our mouths start watering like ‘Akaka Falls. Starting Sunday, Nov. 23, at 11 a.m., you’ll be able to line up for scoops of these and more at Asatos Waikīkī, a new scoop shop and flavor lab bar inside Kings & Queens at Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Beach.

Previously, you only could queue for pints of the vibrantly hued sherbet at their shop near Downtown Honolulu or select retail stores. Asato Family also has a sherbet truck that pops up around O‘ahu, but Asatos Waikīkī is the first and only shop where they’re slinging scoops daily.

SEE ALSO: Roll With It: Asato Family Sherbet Truck Hits the Road

When I went in to check it out, six flavors were available: three sherbets and three non-dairy sorbets. The location, across from Duke Kahanamoku’s statue on Kalākaua Avenue, is a prime spot for anyone who needs to cool off after a hot day at the beach or strolling Waikīkī. The shop faces the inner courtyard of the Hyatt, so when it gets busy, they can prop open a pickup window to serve people outside.

Photo: Thomas Obungen

In addition to scoops, Asatos will sell its packaged crack seed-flavored candies and li hing mui sauce with branded merch in the works. Because of limited space, pints won’t be available here, so continue going to their Downtown shop for those.

SEE ALSO: All Our Favorite Ice Cream, Gelato, Soft Serve and Sherbet in Honolulu

Owner Neale Asato is also working on a bunch of new things for the four-seat reservations-only bar, which is where it gets super exciting.

Photo: Thomas Obungen

First: Japanese-style kakigori shave ice with elaborate dessert-inspired flavors, which he says should begin as early as December. These icy creations differ from their distant local cousins in that they take flavor, texture and visual appeal to the next level, and I’m eager to try it. (I’ll have to come out of my #kakigoribaka retirement, which I was forced into because of all the sugar.)

Photo: Thomas Obungen

Next, he wants to create a dessert omakase tasting menu built on small bites paired with nonalcoholic beverages and teas. He’s already acquired beautiful ceramic and porcelain plateware and crystal stemware from the Vintage Cave liquidation sale. He even hinted at some savory bites inspired by manapua and other local favorites.

Photo: Thomas Obungen

Asato is also debuting a flavor lab experience to enjoy any day. If you follow @asatofamily on Instagram, you know about the out-of-the-box flavors he features in his Willy Wonka-esque Flavor Lab Friday series. I’ve seen everything from Thanksgiving sweet potato casserole to Chinese almond float and even Japanese zarusoba.

The difference is that this flavor lab will be applied to craft soda. You’ll receive a base-flavored soda, like cola or pickled plum, with a set of apothecary dropper bottles filled with flavors and enhancers to make the soda your own creation. A dash of this and a drop of that. The interactivity sounds incredibly fun.

Photo: Thomas Obungen

With such experiences, Asatos Waikīkī will become another one of those destinations we’ll brave the crowds and parking for. Additionally, kama‘āina and Hyatt Regency hotel guests can take advantage of a 15% discount. The first 100 customers on Sunday, opening day, will receive free scoops of sherbet and the first 25 customers will receive a free Asatos Waikīkī reusable shopping tote.

Who’s ready for a sweet treat?

Open daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Beach, 2424 Kalākaua Ave., Suite 113, Waikīkī, asatofamilyshop.com, @asatoswaikiki

Thomas Obungen is the special projects editor of HONOLULU Magazine.