A new generation takes the helm at Pukalani Superette | News, Sports, Jobs

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.

The Pukalani resident recounted the store’s history Tuesday, laughing when she gave a rundown of trivia of long gone services and goods, including a post office and fishing supplies.

Megan (clockwise, from top right), Jayson, Matthew and Michelle Nakashima, the next generation of Nakashimas who are running Pukalani Superette store, are shown. Photo courtesy Megan Nakashima

“Oh, and there was this video game machine when I was really little. Do you remember it? I think it was ‘Street Fighter.’ It was arcade-looking,” she recalled.

Pukalani Superette is known for its cozy atmosphere, popular bentos and array of local goods and produce. Located near the corner of Makawao Avenue and Old Haleakala Highway, the grocer is well loved by the community because of the family environment, according to Nakashima.

“It’s like going to aunty’s house or to your grandma’s house and seeing everyone you know,” she said.

Plus, Nakashima added, it’s the only place you can get Thanksgiving food year-round.

“You can find Thanksgiving dinner every day if you look,” she said, noting the turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing bentos.

Pukalani Superette is celebrating its 65th anniversary this month, but the family said the store roots trace back even further. Photo courtesy Megan Nakashima

The 35-year-old was recently named president of the company. She succeeds father Aric Nakashima and uncle Myles Nakashima, who are now co-vice presidents. She is the oldest grandchild of the late Sumiko and Aki Nakashima. Sumiko Nakashima ran the store until 1990.

Megan Nakashima, who attended Pukalani Elementary, Kalama Intermediate and King Kekaulike High School, swears that her generation came up with the store nickname “PukSup.” However, older generations push back, saying they coined the term.

“I have no idea,” she said. “What’s weird is if you go to Wailuku, they will be like, ‘Where’s PukSup?’ “

As a youngster, Nakashima said she ran around the store, “driving the employees crazy.”

Now, the store has about 75 employees, and the new boss gets animated when she talks about them.

Myles Nakashima, co-vice president of Pukalani Superette, kneels on the asphalt of the Upcountry Pool parking lot as he loads up shopping bags with produce for likely the first Maui food distribution of the pandemic in March. “The Superette has always had a history of giving,” he said in explaining the event. “My father said once, if you can give, give. So when people ask for help, we try to give.” The Maui News / TERRIE ELIKER photo

“They’re the best,” she said. “No one better take them. We have excellent employees.”

Since taking the helm as company president Nov. 20, Nakashima said she doesn’t have normal hours but works often, sometimes waking up at 1 a.m. to check her email.

Her days are filled with everything from managerial tasks and social media to doing store decorations or going through donations.

“I help wherever I can, and make sure everyone has what they need,” she said.

At its height, the store had 20 family members working there. Now, there are currently five.

Each family member has different roles and personalities, she said.

“My dad likes to do the deliveries. He likes to talk story with people,” she explained. “My uncle is into the health food section. My brother does whatever you tell him to do. Michelle is my cousin and she’s currently a cashier.”

She added later that the title for her brother, Jayson, is actually “safety and security compliance officer.”

Taking on the family business wasn’t what Nakashima was expecting to do.

After attending Columbia University in New York City, she finished her bachelor’s degree at University of Hawaii at Manoa. She then obtained a master’s degree in molecular biology from UH Manoa.

While on Oahu, she worked for seven years at Pacific Guardian Life, moving from a temporary clerical job to manager of group administration.

In 2019, she returned to Maui and to her family store, this time as director of community outreach and brand manager.

As president of the company, Nakashima said she spends a lot of time with family.

“I’m grateful I get along with my family most of the time,” she said.

There is some pressure of carrying the family name, but the young leader said she has strong backing.

“It’s comforting because you can trust the people handing it off to you, because they trust you and they know you’re going to do what’s right,” she said.

* Kehaulani Cerizo can be reached at kcerizo@mauinews.com.

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