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Aloha Warehouse
Category: Shopping Flowers & Gifts Flowers & Gifts [Edit]
1731 Buchanan St(between Post St & Sutter St)
San Francisco, CA 94115
Neighborhoods: Japantown, Lower Pac Heights, Pacific Heights
(415) 346-7553
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 6 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes
48 reviews for Aloha Warehouse
Review Highlights
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"li hing powder's secret ingredient must be crack." In 10 reviews -
"...and I stumbled upon them during the Cherry Blossom Festival." In 4 reviews -
"They helped me pick out the perfect beginner uke." In 7 reviews
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48 reviews in English
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Review from Maria S.
4/27/2012 3 Check-ins Here
So my daughter has been bugging me for a ukulele for a while now. She has a little one from her uncle, and I have to admit, she sounds pretty good strumming on. I knew my friend's family had this place in Japantown so during the Cherry Blossom Festival last weekend, I decided to take her to Aloha Warehouse. Edgar was helping out another customer with their child and I asked if we could look at one also. Now my daughter asked to try a soprano, but Edgar looked at her and said she might like a concert one instead. So he handed her a soprano to try out first, then had her try a Makai concert one. Well, Edgar was right of course. The concert one felt much better in her hands and she loved the richer sound that it made. Edgar also gave her some tips and a few recommendations to look up on you tube.
I always like dropping in here when I'm in J-Town. Not only do they have a great selection of ukuleles, but if you're looking for some unique orchid leis for graduation, this is the place to go. They are very friendly and ready to answer any question you have here. Mahalo Aloha Warehouse! -
Review from David S.
12/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
I wanted a Uke. Actually, I wanted two. I wanted one for myself (a seasoned guitar player and lover of hand crafted instruments) and I wanted to recommend for my friend who doesn't play an instrument. Plus, I wanted a real one, not a toy and not a crappy starter instrument. After going to a few music shops round town and being upset with the selection and/or the lack of knowledgeable staff, I came here.
Walking in, I wasn't sure what to expect, but around the corner (past the snacks and clothes) was a wall of Ukuleles and Bruddah Edgar standing by them. He was friendly and asked me if I needed help. I told him what I was looking for and told him I didn't know anything about Ukes but I knew a lot about guitars and how they are constructed. Bruddah Edgar took his time, showed me several models, explained the shapes, sizes, woods, bindings, tuning, strings and everything in between. He also showed me some chords so I could play little tunes while I tried out a few instruments.
I got to say, it was quite awesome! I got to play some incredible instruments and I learned a ton about ukuleles; this man clearly loves ukuleles. With Edgar's help, I figured out what I needed for myself and for my friend. It's quite rare to find someone so knowledgeable and so friendly. Hell, I've been in guitar shops and the sales people didn't know this much about what they carried.
Too bad I was in a rush (despite spending a ton of time in there), so I didn't get to check out the food, nuts, & spices...so I'll have to go back and not geek out on the instruments so much. Or at least pick up a few snacks next time I'm strolling through J-Town. -
Review from JP L.
Campbell, CA
4/3/2012
I went there to buy a new ukulele and they are very attentive. Edgar is nō ka oi.
He is very professional and took the time to went through a lot of brand options, details, types of wood, strings, etc. They have a nice selection in stock and are Kanile'a ukulele dealers among other well known brands. -
Review from George R.
San Francisco, CA
5/12/2012
They carry a delicious guava jam, otherwise hard to find in the downtown area. Seems to be a conscientiously run business.
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Review from Shirley P.
San Francisco, CA
Aloha! A warehouse? Not so much. But they do have a little bit of everything... Ukelele's, CD's, lei kits, Lei's for order, shirts and muumuu's, Hawaiian print bags, island beauty products and goodies... lotsa goodies!
Spam from the Garlic, Hot & Spicy, Bacon and then some... Hawaiian Sun drinks, even the powder mix... Hurricane AND Typhoon popcorn... Macadamia Nuts & Chocolates... Li Hing Powder, Li Hing Gummies, Li Hing Fruits...
What I keep coming back for is the Portuguese sausages and Kirstie's Kookies, Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal. These cookies have a nice and familiar crunch to it, it's from Rice Krispies! One of my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipes are with corn flakes for added crunch and a little twist on the flavor... Very, very addicting!
Need a touch of aloha in SF? Get it at the Aloha Warehouse! -
Review from Cherylynn N.
San Francisco, CA
7/27/2011 6 photos
I FOUND THE HAWAIIAN CRACK!!!
As a Li Hing feen, I would like to say mahalo to Yelp for leading me to Aloha Warehouse, the ONLY place that I know in SF that sells Li Hing products. Even though Li Hing products are available online there's nothing like the instant gratification of being able to tear open a bag right then and there to satiate your crack craving. AHHHH...
Located in a strip of restaurants in J-town, Aloha Warehouse sells Hawaiian attire, musical instruments (i.e. ukulele), fresh leis, lotion products, an array of hard to find Spam (i.e. Garlic, Hickory Smoked), Hurricane popcorn, cookies, dried fruits, and candies (e.g. Hawaiian Host) from the islands.
Addicts and junkies alike go for one thing and one thing only at Aloha Warehouse: THE HAWAIIAN CRACK aka Li Hing. Li Hing is a powder made of prunes, salt and sugar. I know it doesn't sound like an appetizing combo, but seriously don't knock it until you've tried it. Adding it to dried fruits and candy, will give your mouth a slight pucker and excite your tastebuds with a *BOOM BOOM POW* salty sweet sourness similar to the effect of Pop Rocks sans the physical pop and crackle. SIMPLY ADDICTING!
Aloha Warehouse's Li Hing products (all $3.50 and varying in sizes) include gummy bears, applemelon gummies, dried mango, papaya, fuji apple, and muis. They also sell the powder which I highly recommend getting so you make your own candy and dried fruits (just sprinkle the powder on all sides) which will save you $$.
When I was at Aloha Warehouse yesterday, I grabbed every single Li Hing product except for the mui and papaya, scurried home, ripped open all the packets, savored a piece from each one, then hid them all away so NO ONE can find them just like any good junkie would do. It's just like crack I tell you, but in my case perhaps even worse...Listed in: SWEET TREATS!, FOODGASMS - It's like SEX in…
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Review from Lin L.
San Francisco, CA
5/26/2011
To Patricia T: Businesses have business hours for a reason. Stick to them. Just because you come early to an establishment, does not mean they have to cater to your timing and open early, whether it be 1, 5, 10, 15 or even half an hour before opening time. No, I am not affiliated with them-- just someone who has worked in customer service/retail for several years and can't stand people like you. Sorry.
Anyway, everyone here are such dolls! They are honest and not pretentious. I had called them on a Monday because I wasn't sure if I had to order the leis in advanced. The guy (so sorry I can't remember his name) told me that I could reserve the basic purple leis and to come by Friday to check out what selection they had left (I needed them for Saturday). I did so... and walked out a happy camper.
purple orchid leis- $18
white carnation w/ roses- $25
beautiful leis + great service (and very helpful) = 5 stars!
by the way, it has been 1 day short of a week... and they are still beautiful!
Thank you Aloha Warehouse... I will be returning to you for leis in the future. -
Review from Allison J.
San Francisco, CA
8/7/2011
I was headed to Guitar Center, but a friend told me if I wanted to buy a ukelele Aloha Warehouse is the place to go. Let me just say I left there VERY happy.
I wanted to buy my boyfriend a ukelele for our 2 year anniversary, but I don't know much about the instrument and wanted to make sure I got the best deal possible for my budget. Edgar, the guy who helped me was super knowledgeable and helped me choose the right size (I had no idea there were sizes!) for my boyfriends height and skill.
Also, he discounted a gig bag with the purchase of the ukelele! I highly recommend Aloha Warehouse, they are family owned and basically awesome.
Mahalo! -
Review from Lauren L.
6/14/2011
I hate to do this, but I have to give Aloha Warehouse only one star.
My mom ordered a haku lei for my sister's graduation last Friday, and she had been talking about how beautiful and gorgeous they were. We live in LA, and she saw it during the Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco when we were up north last month. She called them a week and a half beforehand, and they said it would be delivered to our house on graduation day. She was SO excited and said it was the most beautiful lei she had ever seen.
Well, on graduation day, she was waiting for the delivery all morning (since they promised it would be there in the morning). It became early afternoon, so my mom called Aloha Warehouse........and THEY GOT THE DATE OF THE GRADUATION MIXED UP. They thought it was the next week, even though my mom absolutely, positively told them the correct date. She was absolutely crushed. I've never really seen her this upset and disappointed....I felt so bad for her. The worst part of it all is that graduations are once-in-a-lifetime. You can't re-do or repeat something like this. Without the haku lei, we had to scramble and get other leis, but far less beautiful. Sorry, but a mixup like this is just INEXCUSABLE. -
Review from Patricia T.
Mountain View, CA
Updated - 5/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Dont be mad...just being honest.
Sheesh, I feel like I have to defend my review!
Anyway, if said business was worried about my 2-star review, instead of "attacking" my personal experience they should have sent me a private email with a tone similar to this:
"Dear Patricia, I'm sorry that your visit to AW wasn't what you expected. We try to have the largest selection of Hawaiian items but its impossible to keep all the inventory. If there was something specific you were looking for, maybe we can order it for your or help find something similar. We get new items in every so and so days so we encourage you to come visit again."
My update would then have a new star rating to equal 4.5 stars because I would explain what wonderful customer service they had to follow up with me and that maybe that day was just a fluke.
So I'm with Pretty Woman Julia Roberts in saying, "Big mistake. Big. Huge." Thus, my rating will still remain at 2 stars.
PS-I don't expect people to open or close when I want to. But in this day and age when people can go anywhere they want for a better deal, customer service will always win me over!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/26/2010
In a search for all things Hawaiian, I was led to the Aloha Warehouse. Their website got me all… Read more »
Comment from Edgar D. of Aloha Warehouse 5/17/2011
Unfortunately, people expect us to open early, close late… More » -
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Review from Sally M.
9/1/2011
The jungle boy and I happened upon Aloha Warehouse serendipitously during the Cherry Blossom Festival, and now that he's up in Alaska, he's politely requested that I send his Bariton Ukulele. And yet, he brought it to SF from Kauai sans-case. Luckily, the locals here came to the rescue and solved our hale mainlander/lower-48 dilemma ;) Not only did they hook me up with a snug-fitting soft case, but they kindly provided a box for shipping as well. Mahalo nui loa! A hui hou...
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Review from Edward W.
San Francisco, CA
11/13/2011
I was looking for a retailer of fine ukuleles in SF and boy was I discouraged until I found this placE!!! I walked away months ago with a beautiful Pono Custom that fit my budget and I was very impressed with the knowledgeable and warm staff. I couple of weeks ago I went in again and thanked them and chopped it up about ukes and was not reallly shopping, but they hooked me up with some strings they thought would suite my uke that I had purchased :) I recommend this place to anyone who takes the beauty and serenity of Ukulele seriously. This place for Uke lovers!
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Review from Kim W.
Sacramento, CA
2/20/2011
I've been shopping for a Uke for a few months and finally found the store that really made me want to buy!
The staff was all really helpful and not at all pushy. They wanted me to get a Uke that I liked and new I'd be back to get another soon enough! (Just what I need ... another money sucking pass time! *grin*)
I ended up with what seems to be a nice starter ukulele but there are all levels of models there and they had a number that I could try before purchasing! To me this was the most important part because most of the shops I visited prior to Aloha Warehouse would tell me on the telephone that they had "tons of Ukes in stock" but they wouldn't have more than a couple different models to try.
Since Aloha Warehouse only sells ukuleles, they get to have a wide range of stock, price and selection. I highly recommend them and am sure I'll be back for my 2nd Uke soon ... and then my 3rd ... and probably 4th ... -
Review from Ed U.
Well, it ain't no ABC Store, brudda...
...but it is a cute idea to have a Hawaiiana store in the middle of J-Town since Hawaii is pretty much Japan Jr. It's a small space right in the middle of the Buchanan Street cobblestone mall, but the moment you walk in, you get waylaid (or is it way-lei'd?) by all the aloha merchandise, certainly enough to make Don Ho throw up - the ukeleles, the tropical clothing, the wide variety of macadamia nuts, and a library that includes that indispensable culinary tome, the Hawaii Spam Cookbook.
Yet, for all they offer, what caught my eye was their refrigerator where I noticed they offer single-serving S&S saimin noodles for a dollar and double-serving Sun Noodle saimin noodle packages for $2.50. I immediately asked the owner where I could get the best saimin in the city. She rolled her eyes like there was a magnet at the back of her head and told me there isn't any that's Hawaii-level good. I sighed and bought a package of the Sun Noodle...wish me luck!Listed in: Memoirs of a Geezer, Saimin, Ramen and the Holy…
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Review from Berna T.
5/8/2006
Okay, if you read my reviews, you probably understand that I'm from Hawaii, I'm a big fan of anything from Hawaii, and I get homesick a lot because I miss all the products that I can't find here on the mainland. So when I walked by this store one random day, I was like YAY!!! Then I went inside and my heart sank.
While I have to agree with Miri D. that this place is pretty great, I think that they jack up the prices on their items so much that I'd be better off having mom send me this stuff from Honolulu.
For example. Some of my favorite things in the whole world:
Diamond G Saloon Pilot Crackers. Wal-Mart in Hawaii: $1.49 a box. Aloha Warehouse: $4.99 a box.
Hawaiian Sun canned juice: Wal-Mart in Hawaii: $1.89 a six pack. Aloha Warehouse: $1.00 a can.
Li-Hing Sour Watermelons: Anywhere in Hawaii: $3.00 for a jumbo will-last-at-least-a-month size bag. Aloha Warehouse: $2.50 for a tiny ass bag.
Aloha Shoyu: One gallon jug at Wal-Mart in Hawaii: $4.99 Aloha Warehouse: Tiny 24 oz bottle: $4.99
With the prices they have on everything, I'd be better off finding a cheap airfare to Honolulu and loading my suitcase up with stuff and bringing it back. Which I will do at the end of this month.
And, there are many times I've gone in there that the guy who runs that place has been kinda rude. That's SO not representative of the "Aloha" spirit.Comment from Edgar D. of Aloha Warehouse 6/13/2009
This response is not an attack on the original reviewer but… More » -
Review from Bradley P.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2010 1 photo
I was bumming around Japantown lookin for a friend and I found him. Right there!!! In the window!! I've always wanted to learn how to play ukulele, I screamed!! It was sorta hard to process the fact that I could be a true ukulele owner. The people that work here are amazing! They helped me pick out the perfect beginner uke. They even printed out some of the chords for me! So to return the favor I annoyed them with playing with my new friend outside their store for hours, yes hours, no joke, hours. I kid about annoying them though, um well, I hope I didn't.
Anyway, Thank you Aloha Warehouse!!
$50 out the door with loads of new songs for you in store! -
Review from Nam N.
12/23/2008
I've been coming to Aloha Warehouse for a few years now when the bf and I stumbled upon them during the Cherry Blossom Festival. The store itself is small but packed with tons of island goodies (from music, munchies, apparel, musical items, etc.) After chatting with one of the owners, I ended up placing a large ti-leaf order with them for our upcoming lu'au. Their prices are fair for their greens but their customer service is top notch. We've been ordering our ti-leaves (and I'm talking 100s of them each order) from them ever since.
Recently placed an order for a few leis for the bf's brother's graduation. We were so pleased with the leis! I must say, the maile lei was the most beautiful maile lei I've ever seen! Extremely fresh, full and so fragrant.
Mahalo nui loa Leah and Aloha Warehouse. We'll be giving you a call for the ti leaves soon! :) -
Review from mokirobinson m.
Oakland, CA
3/7/2006
I just love imagining the conversation that started this business.
Por ejemplo:
"Hey!"
"What?"
"I'm going to open a Hawaii store!"
"Get right the eff out."
"No! This is my goddamn dream. I want to make Hawaiian products accessible to everyone."
I'm a sucker for any business that pipes music outside of their establishment. And, as you may have guessed, Aloha Warehouse is just such a place. You can hear traditional Hawaiian music or Hawaiian-ized versions of songs such as "Brown Eyed Girl" (works, surprisingly) or "Girl from Ipanema" (bad meaning bad not bad meaning good). It's amazing what a little ukelele can do. -
Review from Brian B.
San Francisco, CA
11/15/2008
We were having a Hawaiian Luau themed trade show, and I had to decorate our table, so I came to this store to check it out. I wanted the fresh Leis, and when I asked how much, the owner gave them all to me free. She explained they get them once or twice a week and that these ones were on their last day (they looked perfect to me!).
Overall, I found the customer service here to be great. Both the owner and the clerk were trying to help me think of things to decorate the table with.
I found this store charming and a delight to shop in! -
Review from Kev M.
San Francisco, CA
12/3/2010
Fun, friendly place to pick up an ukulele.
You really should have an ukulele in your home.
The fairly inexpensive Makai uke is a good starter.
Mahalo. -
Review from S B.
San Francisco, CA
1/7/2009
Any place that sells Lilikoi Butter, Kings Hawaiian Bread and Li-Hing powder gets five stars from me. To be fair the store isn't spectacular but the fact that the sell some of my favourite things lends me to be more giving.
My best friend lived in Hawaii her whole life until moving to the city and my family spends every summer in Hawaii so it was only a matter of time before I would demand to have these staples in my diet. Needless to say the prices (as mentioned in other reviews) are a little marked up but the owners are nice and I'm willing to pay extra for my bread cause I gotta have my fix.
*And multiple flavours of spam? Does it get much better. Im a classics girl myself but one day I'll try the hickory smoked Spam*
Note: Once I came here during the street fair in Japantown and literally no one was inside... it makes me slightly worried that enough people don't know about this place.....
BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS: Rice, Eggs and SPAM
SNACK OF CHAMPIONS: King's bread & Lilikoi Butter -
Review from Wendy H.
1/20/2008
If you read my manic search for Aloha Mango Pineapple Glaze, I found it here at the Aloha Warehouse. It is a bit pricey ($5 for a small bottle) but until I find the industrial size at some Costco or if someone else can point me to a good place in the City, this will have to do.
Store is a bit chaotic. It's not really well organized and when you first come in, you're met face first w/ a bunch of HI style shoes.
4-stars for stocking Aloha Shoyu products. Deduct 1-star for the prices.Comment from Edgar D. of Aloha Warehouse 6/8/2009
The store has been remodeled and now more spacious. As far… More » -
Review from brian k.
San Francisco, CA
5/18/2006
This store has just about everything you may need/want from the Islands. And I don't mean stuff like Hilo Hattie's. Just good simple stuff.
Seedless Li Hing Mui.
Andy Bumatai DVD
Poki Mix
Zippy's Chili
They just make my day. I'm a City boy, born and raised here. But love the Islands, and love this store. -
Review from Mandy D.
4/11/2010
3.5 Stars
An adorable and unique store.
They sell Li-Hing powder and candies! One of the few places in SF that I know that sells it. A pack of Li-Hing powder is a little over $5. A lot of Li-Hing candies you can make with that.
Beautiful leis and ukeleles. -
Review from Miss S.
Bay Area
Updated - 8/16/2011
[cont. - I had to wait for Yelp to post my first half of the review, but then I went on vacation]
9). "In your review you state...we've never been in your store...But the fact is before the order took place, members of your party were in Aloha Warehouse - they tried on the dresses and made choices on the styles based on this visit."
LIES... LIES... LIES. This order was done over the phone, isn't that the sole reason of this whole yelp review? My friend SHOWED UP THERE and PICKED IT UP, but she is not in the wedding nor she has anything to do with the wedding -- so who said she tried anything on? You're claiming then, that she tried all say, 3-4 dresses and 5-6 shirts? Lies, lies, lies.
10). Dear Edgar/ Business Reviewer -- the whole reason why I made a Yelp was to complain about your invisible phone/online order policy that we NEVER received a copy of. And no, I think I have enough knowledge about ordering from online vendors to not contact "Bangladesh instead of Gap" for exchange. If I ordered from Forever21 and would need to exchange, I'll call them. Which is why we called you, no? Even smaller, third-party businesses that sell other products such as electronics, etc. STILL provide their customers with invoices. It's a good organizational method, don't you think?
DEAR FUTURE CUSTOMERS -- a word of serious advice so you don't have to go through what we had to go through... If you ever choose to order from them over the phone/online/NOT IN THE STORE, make sure you receive some type of final order/invoice slip AND a clear understanding of the exchange/return policy.
**Lastly......................
Please don't judge or belittle me and my review(s), Braddah. I was just a caller, asking about the reviews. I'm not an "unreasonable" customer, just a very disappointed one, and I am MORE disappointed now, that I feel like I had to defend or clarify my review a second time around. I'm all about Aloha Spirit. I'm actually in Hawaii for the wedding as I write this. But, I know what I heard that day. Your employee definitely cussed at me with his "Aloha Spirit" because I can't recall the last time I heard "I DON'T F#$*!IN CARE IF THEY ORDERED THE WRONG SIZES... THEY SHOULD HAVE KNOWN!", in addition to the whole hanging up on me with no "thank you" even in a fake professional manner AND being yelled at since I'm making an "unreasonable call" to inquire about unfair online return policies. It's rude. How would you feel if you were me? I know you have customers who can be difficult, and customers who can be the ones that remind you why you love doing what you do... and most of the time, I'm one of those. Just not with Aloha Warehouse, unfortunately.
I don't make up employees cussing at me for no reason. I don't make up reviews about receiving unprofessional customer service experiences. I don't make up falsified reviews to defame your business. I am hoping your business may learn from this for the future. Do you guys know how to take CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM...?
Let me make this clear, I respect the hard work business owners and workers go through to survive. I DO NOT respect, however, the fact that businesses can not ACCEPT the fact that they even COULD be at fault (which, Braddah Edgar failed to mention) and a simple apology for the unprofessionalism that his employee displayed would have set things all good and we would have been PAU with this conversation.
You guys messed up, too. And if you can not make of the obvious things the employee/business needs to work on; then I'm DEFINITELY PAU with replying to Aloha Warehouse. Oh trust, I'm pretty sure any time we order over the phone/online with a third party vendor, I'll definitely make sure that a written agreement/invoice or ANYTHING of that sort is sent. MAHALO for teaching us that.
Take care of yourself as well, Braddah Edgar.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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8/8/2011
It is hilarious to me when "unscrupulous" customers don't take a stand against businesses that… Read more »
Comment from Edgar D. of Aloha Warehouse 8/7/2011
The Aloha Warehouse strives to provide the "Aloha Spirit"… More » -
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Review from Heidi j.
San Francisco, CA
2/4/2009
This place is like a tiny (tiny!!) Hilo Hatties.
It's the only place I know of in SF that carries Hawaiian Hula Papaya Seed Dressing!! It's actually cheaper to buy it here ($4.99) than it is to have it shipped from Hawaiian Hula. And I (and my family) can go through bottles of this stuff in a week. Too bad it's not a buck fifty like it is in HI.
AND they had Malasada mix but I passed on it because it was $8 and I'm pretty sure I lack the skills to not turn my kitchen into a filled-doughnutty mess. -
Review from W J.
Pacifica, CA
1/3/2009
small and friendly, if you want some ahola go there!
Mahalo, -
Review from Horace A.
9/25/2009
I recently blew out a flip flop and needed a replacement. Aloha Warehouse had Locals in my size and my favorite color.
Also, if you're having a hard time finding sheet music or a new case for your ukulele? Look no further!
Spamtastic!! -
Review from Yan M.
San Francisco, CA
4/8/2007
It's a cute store and amidst the lil commotion between the husband and wife of the store, the ukelele was playing...as I stepped in the store, they were both on the phone trying to figure out who had taken their cart or something.....they were calling several places and had returned callers....well, they ignored me but that's good, so I can browse at my own ease.
They offere selections of music, books, Hula supplies, island custom gift baskets, party favors and of course fresh flower leis! The leis looked nice and fresh and I picked up a postcard that they also offer Haku (head piece lei), money ribbon lei, etc.Comment from Edgar D. of Aloha Warehouse 6/8/2009
There is no husband and wife working here. More » -
Review from Jay S.
San Francisco, CA
6/25/2011
Recently purchased a Ukulele for about $200. Started looking at the $69 ones and worked my way up. Couldn't afford the $1000 + so $200 was a good comprise. Actually the $69 is not bad but after playing on a few more expensive ones, well, I got a little spoiled. Edgar was helpful and easy going. Never felt pushed into buying which is a good thing. Well, we're been playing the Ukulele so much that we worn out 2 strings in less than a month. Edgar is so nice. No biggie. He changed the strings with no charge. He reminds me of the laid back island people in Hawaii!
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Review from Anele S.
Columbus, OH
5/31/2011
If you're looking for ukuleles or Hawaiian music, you'll probably find what you're looking for here. A very good selection where that's concerned. The food section was a little disappointing. Given we'd never been there before and the word "warehouse" was in the title we thought it would be a huge place but its a small shop in a strip mall. Worth a visit to see if it has what you crave. The lady that came out was nice and knew her stuff on the music side of things.
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Review from jcie k.
San Francisco, CA
9/24/2008
The Aloha Warehouse carries a selection of essentials that one might need to tide over before the next trip back to the islands, from snacks, clothing, bath/body, accessories, to music. They also carry fun/cheesy/kitschy stuff like hula girls for your car or whatever. For everything that everyone asks from me to bring back, I could pretty much cheat and come here to get it.
Of course the prices are going to be higher - have you ever tried shipping anything to/from Hawaii?
The girl (daughter?) who works there is also super nice. I also think that they must have rearranged the store a little bit because it looks much better, and not so "warehouse-y". I like the new set up, please keep it up!! -
Review from Lisa J.
San Francisco, CA
12/21/2009
Great place to buy gifts for those who appreciate Hawaii like I do. Their selection of books is nice and they also have a decent amount of Hawaiian rings and jewelery. Its not like a tacky ABC store and its small but there are many items from hand crafted Hawaiian quilts to Locals slippahs, clothes, cards, music, and body care products. Good to know I can also go there to get leid any time I need it.
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Review from b b.
San Francisco, CA
6/22/2008 4 photos
i was in search of li hing powder and finally found it thanks to yelp! my boyfriend just came back from hawaii and brought back these li hing gummy bears. they were soOoOo delicious! i wanted more! li hing powder's secret ingredient must be crack! only cause you get addicted fast! not that i do crack or anything...but those gummy bears were off the hook! anyway, we bought some haribo gummy bears and attempted to mix it with the li hing powder that we bought. it didnt taste like the ones he brought back from hawaii but it was still good. still trying to figure out the secret to making the gummy bears all soft and coating it properly. whats the technique? does anyone know? please hollerr.
i forgot to mention they also have hurricane popcorn, typhoon popcorn, and the li-hing flavored one.so if you need your popcorn fix, come here! they're kinda pricey tho. $5 for a pack. my boyfriend didnt bring back the li-hing flavored one so i had to buy one to try. we tried it today but the arare (rice cracker) tasted kind of stale. i still think you're better off making your own. its not that hard. just pop some popcorn, throw in some li hing powder, arare, furikake and you're good to go! i guess its not the same tho...
they also have a whole bunch of hawaiian food here. from drinks to sho-yu. alot of hawaiian acessories, clothes, cds, ukuleles and other stuff. heres a good tip: if you go to hawaii and forget to buy souveneirs for your friends, just come here and buy it for them! they wouldnt know the difference! hahah. all the stuff my boyfriend brought back were sold here! except for the gummy bears. they didnt have that same brand. but they DID li-hing their own gummy bears! and a lot of other shit too! oh and i forgot to mention the workers here are really nice! -
Review from Chris C.
San Francisco, CA
5/22/2009
My sister is graduating tomorrow from SF State and decided last week to get her some leis for her graduation. I read the reviews on here and since this was the closest place that does leis, I went in. One of the owner (I think) talk to me about what I wanted to get and settle on 3 of them. I came today to pick them up and they were all ready to go. All the leis were fresh and gorgeous and I couldn't be happier with the leis. The 3 leis I chose came out to be around 80 bucks which is not bad at all. The customer service here is top notch and I will be back soon to check out the other goodies out here. They do request that you place your order a week in advance as some of the leis are shipped in directly from Hawaii. So go here!!
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Review from Rita Y.
San Francisco, CA
4/19/2009
I enjoy stopping into this family-owned store (The Dang Ohana), when I'm in J-Town for the Cherry Blossom Festival or just for fun if I'm in the area shopping for mochi or rice crackers. I had a pack of their ling mui a year ago and really didn't like it as it was so salty. They have a nice selection of Hawaiian Sun soda ($1) in their fridge, including the "lite" brand with only 60 calories of damage. BFF bought a bag of their honey-roasted macadamia nuts ($5) which was really, really good. Crunchy honey-coated nuts with a hint of coconut. There's a good selection of Hawaiian musician CDs, jams, soaps/lotions and clothing.
They sell leis - all at market price. Nice to know since I used to drive all the way down to the Flower Mart to order the maile leis from this grumpy guy and flower leis from this mother/daugher duo. I can just come to J-Town now. During the Cherry Blossom Festival, they were selling shaved ice outside their store. Yay! -
Review from Kelvin K.
Honolulu, HI
7/10/2007
Whenever I'm craving portuguese sausage, eggs and rice or portuguese bean soup, I have to make a trip here. I don't know of any other place that has decent brands in the city.
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Review from Leroid D.
San Francisco, CA
8/11/2006
Unless you prefer waiting every August at the Aloha Fest to buy your island goods, Aloha Warehouse is a good visit. Unfortunately, snacks and drinks at any Hawaiian store are often expensive to buy. But... da Warehouse has a unique selection of books and music that you can get at regular retail price. Need a uke? They have plenty to choose from.
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Review from Eileen L.
San Francisco, CA
10/9/2008
The Aloha Warehouse carries Hawaiin books , bags , music , nuts , candy , leis , etc. It's actually a kind of interesting store . I think this store is a great addition to everything else in SF . I'm glad there's finally a Hawaiin store in SF =)
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Review from Sarah Y.
Palo Alto, CA
5/17/2010
The customer service here is excellent! I bought a flower lei here for my bay to breakers costume. At home when I cut off the tag, I accidentally cut the string that was holding the lei together, and all the flowers fell off (warning that you should just tear off the cardboard tag but NOT cut the string it is on!).
Given that this was my fault I expected I'd have to buy a new one, but I brought the broken one to the store just in case they would have some sympathy. I explained that it was my mistake and I had cut the string, and the owner said to just take a new one, no questions asked. Really friendly and gracious.
Also when I had first gone into the store to buy it the first time he was similarly friendly and helpful. You should support this local business!Comment from Edgar D. of Aloha Warehouse 5/17/2010
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