Hae Dong Sang Hoe

There’s no good duk available in hawaii, but this is the better brand of the major ones in stores

Noticed this store and it’s iconic Korean language symbols on the windows while out running along 10^th Avenue in Kaimuki going towards the tail end of Palolo Valley on a recent weekday morning. Normally I don’t do this route, but it was time to change it up and I saw this place. I checked out the store hours on Unilocal and I figured I’d stop in and check this place out. I live in Kaimuki all my life and I probably never have been to at least ½ of the business establishments, if it wasn’t for Unilocal.Not sure if it’s just lack of interest or just what the business has to offer, I just don’t feel the need to use it. This place can be considered a hole in the wall business, since its one that you would likely need to know about it before you can find it. Located in the heart of Kaimuki town, there is really not much parking, unless you find parking in the residential areas nearby.
Discovery of new foods and cuisine through Unilocal has brought me to Hae Dong Sang Hoe. I’m a big fan of Japanese mocha, but seeing the Korean version made me skeptical, so I was interested in trying. Korean mochi or rice cake is called «duk» in the Korean language. I bought a couple of them (injulmi) just to try and it wasn’t as what I had expected. Yes, it was pretty good and delicious, but in a different way. Smooth and a bit nutty, they’re a good taste that’s different from the Japanese version. They also make other versions of «duk», so it was interesting to see this side of Korean desserts and the cuisine in general, especially when you are used to fast food junkets like Yummy’s and Pearl’s BBQ outlets. This place is basically what you would call a delicatessen /​Asian market, if that. It’s a nice little knook that evidently provides the most «duk» in Hawaii. They ship to the neighbor islands and has been around since 1977. They’re older than me! Wow. That’s awesome!
There is the regular mocha to choose from, but I wanted to be adventurous and buy a dozen of each, but at the end of the day, I just bought a few of the ones that are available to share with family. Hae Dong Sang Hoe is what you would call a mom and pop business and they do really well for themselves. There are versions of «duk» that are needed to be special ordered, so best to do so, if they become your favorites! They accept checks and cash is always king. I had cash on me at the time, so breaking out the credit card when you’re kinda sweaty during a run can get weird. Overall, this place is a winner. Try the Korean version of Japanese mocha and you may find your very best comfort food here. I’ll probably come back here more regularly, since I would like to try more of their creations and not be hindered by just their signature mochi. Great service and that family atmosphere and you’ve come to know for when you patronize small businesses.
Directly across the Kaimuki municipal park on 10^th Avenue & around the corner from Kaimuki Boston Pizza place, you will know when you get there, since there is the Korean language symbols decked out on their windows. They are open 7 days a week starting at 6am, which can be a great thing, if you are in need of potluck ideas for workplace gatherings or other social events. Everything is freshly made daily, so you know what you get here. Forget Liliha Bakery’s coco buff for a bit and come over here and try a mocha out! Probably the best thing you’ve ever tried. I’ll give them another try. The taste was different, but I can learn to love them!
Support local!
B+

Want freshly made Korean duk noodle and other goodies?! Come here! Cut out the middle man and get it fresh.
They provide most of the noodles to local Korean markets and restaurant. It’s right across the street from Tamura’s fine wine and liquor. They also have all sorts of mixed rice and starch you see in Palama market.

Great place for Rice Cake in Hawaii… One of the oldest and largest in Hawaii. There is only 2 Korean Rice cake store in Hawaii. They deliver to Korean supermarket, i found out if you want to buy individually without ordering in bulk.

So I love Japanese mochi but Korean mochi is a lot different. Not in a bad way but just different. A customer brought us some Korean mochi from here and I hear it’s quite popular among the Korean population. Anyway I digress, the bean mochi, which I have no idea the name, is quite good. It’s not really sweet but the beans (a mix of them) add a lot of texture to it so it’s actually kinda delicious in a texture kinda way. I have no idea how to explain it but yeah. The lady also gave me a rice one to try but I didn’t care for it too much and I don’t really know the name of it. It came to about $ 8ish for both or something… pretty reasonable. I don’t think they take credit card but they do take checks or cash. Try it and maybe then you’ll understand what I mean… =)