Pearl City turned into a sticky-sweet sprint Sunday, as about 1,000 people packed a National Mochi Day celebration and some vendors ran out before the first hour was over. The chewy Japanese rice cake may be soft, but Oahu’s appetite for it was anything but.
Hawaii News Now reported that the event at Pearl City Shopping Center featured a broad mix of mochi available for sampling and purchase, including varieties imported directly from Japan. Organizers said the turnout reached roughly 1,000 people.
Sweet Hapa Company owner Blayne Dikito told the station that the company brought about 300 containers, but “it went by real quick.” The early sellouts offered a pretty clear sign that shoppers arrived ready to celebrate National Mochi Day with both hands — and possibly a shopping bag.
Saturday’s Mochi Encore Moves To Kaneohe
The mochi rush is not finished yet. According to the event listing from 808 Craft and Gift Fairs, another National Mochi Day celebration is scheduled for Saturday at Windward City Shopping Center, running from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m…