The Origin of the Waiāhole Poi Factory Country Store

Waiāhole Poi Factory is one of Oahu’s treasures and a must visit place on the island. It encapsulates Hawaiian culture through the food, as well as the art and items sold in the country store. If you grew up in Hawai’i you know the true value of this place and why it is worth the journey. It brings a sense of community that draws everyone together, and is a great way to spread Hawaiian culture. 

Well the Waiāhole Poi Factory just got better: now open is the Waiāhole Poi Factory Country Store, where you can buy items with a unique touch of Hawai‘i. From poi stickers, palaka shorts, to shell jewelry, it's a treasure trove of gifts for yourself or others.  The best part (in our biased opinion) is among these special products, you’ll find Sudstone. 

We know this place is as remarkable as it is, because it was designed with intention. Shayna Cruz, creator of the store, implemented her vision ensuring small businesses could flourish in this iconic spot. In an interview with Shayna, we discover how it all started, how Sudstone became part of it, and why it’s worth a visit!  

Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to start the country store?

“I grew up on Moloka‘i, where I was surrounded by ʻāina, culture, and ʻohana. We moved to the continent when I was 7, and leaving the only home I knew deeply shaped me. It created a lifelong desire to stay connected to the land and people I came from. Since I was little, I dreamed of becoming a designer and running my own brand. As I got older, I became more aware of how little Pacific Islander representation existed in creative spaces and felt a strong urge to center my culture in my work.

I studied Business and Art in college, and when I returned to Oʻahu, I was given the opportunity to open an official Waiahole Poi Factory merch store. I was beyond excited—it became a space where people like me could reconnect with home. The store celebrates all that Hawai‘i is today: local culture, Hawaiian history, art, and lole. And the best part is that it;s rooted in the deep legacy of my ʻohana in Hakipuʻu.”

Was there a specific moment, experience, or vision that sparked the idea?

“It all comes back to my memories of Moloka‘i. Camping at Hale o Lono, running barefoot around the gym at Moloka’i high school, exploring the forest with my neighbors kids after the rain to find new streams to swim in, picking aunty’s plumeria for my sister and I to match for Kualapu’u’s May Day performance. These memories are full of laughter, community, and connection to ʻāina. That sense of rootedness and togetherness and just good fun continues to guide me—it’s the heartbeat of the Country Store.”

What is your favorite thing about the Waiāhole Poi Factory?

“Definitely the crew. We joke that everyone is either family, neighbors, or ‘almost’ family. What you see is what you get—nothing to perform, just genuine people and a lot of heart. Many of our crew are from right down the road in Waiāhole, and that local, close-knit feeling is what makes the place so special.”

What has been the most rewarding part of making and working at the country store?

“The relationships. I always say that on the other side of every business is a person. Every maker we work with has a story, and they share their love for Hawai‘i in such unique ways. That authenticity and diversity is what makes the store special.”

What are some challenges you’ve faced as a business in Hawai‘i?

“One big challenge is the supply chain. People often ask, “Is this made in Hawaiʻi?”—which I understand, but we live on an island with limited resources. While many of us strive to make things locally, it’s not always feasible. That’s why businesses like Sudstone are so inspiring—they show what’s possible when you build local from the ground up and stay rooted in community and ʻāina.”

Do you remember the very first product you brought into the store? Why did you choose it?

“Yes! Silk ties. Kind of random, I know. But they were hand-dyed with kapala designs and made on Molokaʻi. Each one was one-of-a-kind, and it felt full circle to start with something from home.”

What kinds of products are you most excited about carrying right now?

“As a fashion girlie my first instinct is to say THE LOLE. But more and more, I’m drawn to lifestyle products that allow you to live local. Like washing your face with local ingredients, wearing locally made clothes, and surrounding yourself with local art. That’s the direction we’re moving in.”

Are there any local makers or items that you feel especially connected to or proud to feature?

“The small locally-made businesses are my favorite. Whether it is hand-made shell jewelry from a diver, a hand-crocheted stuffie from an aunty on Big Island, hand-crafted puas, made in Hawai’i ceramics, and so on. These items are so full of story and soul. I want to keep growing that collection of meaningful, made-with-aloha goods.”

How do you decide what belongs in the store? Is there a certain feeling, purpose, or story you look for?

“98% of our products pass those checks. The other 2%? They’re just cute and country—like a pink paniolo boot coozie or a dreamy cotton dress that would look perfect with paniolo boots and a papale. But even then, it still has to be quality and something I’d use again and again.”

What made you want to bring Sudstone into the store?

“Sudstone checked every box. It’s made locally, works with community farms, and is rooted in care for the ʻāina. There’s intention behind every product, and it contributes to the broader goal of building sustainable, local alternatives. Also... I just really wanted to use the gua sha soap bar myself, and now it’s part of my daily routine.”

What kind of products or stories do you hope more people in Hawai‘i and beyond will discover through places like the country store?

“I hope they find pieces of Hawaiʻi that speak to them—whether they’re Kanaka, local, or visiting. When I look around the shop, I don’t just see products—I see stories. I try to make sure there’s a little something for everyone.”

What role do you hope the country store plays in the community?

“I want it to be a safe, welcoming space where people can experience an authentic slice of Hawaiʻi in a casual, grounded way. On any given day, I might meet someone from Maui, Spain, French Polynesia, North Shore —maybe even a cousin I am meeting for the first time. We all get to meet here, surrounded by stories, art, and good food.”

You once said, “You can be nourished by the food, then when you go to the store, you can be nourished by the culture and by the spirit.” Can you share more about what that means to you?

“When you visit us, you get more than food—you experience connection. Every item in the shop carries someone’s story, a piece of their relationship with Hawai‘i and what they love about this place. It’s our way of keeping the spirit of Hawai‘i alive through conversation, community, and care.

Shopping here isn’t just a transaction—it’s a way to invest in our lāhui and help shift more of our economy onto the island. It may seem small, but every choice adds up. And it keeps us rooted.”

What dreams do you have for the country store’s future?

“Logistically? More shelf space—always. Aspirationally? I want to bring in more art and history. My Uncle Calvin and Aunty Charlene first opened Waiāhole Poi Factory in the 70’s as an art gallery. It later became a place for land and water rights advocacy, and eventually, the eatery and space we know today. I want to return to those roots—to tell our story, honor our ancestors, and carry that kuleana forward.”

If there’s one thing you’d want customers to walk away with after visiting, what would it be?

“I hope they walk away with at least a sticker! JUST kidding, but really I hope they feel aloha. That reciprocal, genuine spirit that makes Hawaiʻi so special.

Final Thoughts...

I just want to mahalo everyone who supports not just Waiāhole Poi Factory, but all the small, local businesses that are working hard to carry our stories forward. This little shop is more than retail—it’s a reflection of where we come from, where we’re going, and the people who make Hawai‘i what it is.

We’re constantly growing, so if you want to stay in the loop or support from afar, follow us @wpfcountrystore or come visit in person. We’d love to have you.”

It’s inspiring to work alongside Shayna and be able to share our products through the Waiāhole Poi Factory Country store. Seeing how much love is poured into the businesses while also supporting other local businesses is pure bliss. Supporting local is our collective kuleana. This community is built through the love of Hawai’i--and being able to cherish the way the ʻāina provides--is what unites us. When you get a chance please check out their store and make sure you spot Sudstone on the shelf!