From Establishment to Current Success

A Hopeful Foundation

Founded by immigrants Chogen and Yoshiko Tamashiro, the Seafood Market has a rich history that dates back to its inaugural store opening on Kamehameha Ave. in Hilo, Hawaii. With a deep-rooted commitment to quality and excellence, Tamashiro embarked on their journey by focusing on providing the community with the freshest pork available. Sourced directly from Tamashiro’s family’s own livestock, the Seafood Market’s pork became synonymous with unrivaled freshness and exceptional taste.

The Magical Recovery

In 1946, tragedy struck as a devastating tsunami ravaged Hilo’s business district, including Tamashiro’s family store. However, resilience and determination prevailed. Within a remarkable week, Chogen reopened the Seafood Market at a new location on Keawe St., refusing to let adversity dampen his spirit. Concerned for Tamashiro’s family’s safety, he eventually made the decision to move to Oahu. The following year, on June 11th, the Tamashiro family established a new chapter by opening the Seafood Market on North King St. in Honolulu.

The Current Reputation

Today, the proud torchbearers of Tamashiro’s family tradition are Walter’s sons, Cyrus and Guy. At the Seafood Market, conveniently located at 802 North King Street, Tamashiro’s continue to offer Hawaii’s discerning consumers the epitome of oceanic abundance. Tamashiro’s commitment remains unwavering as they diligently source fish directly from local fishermen and the fish auction. Furthermore, the Seafood Market boasts an exceptional assortment of live and fresh seafood, meticulously air-flown from across the globe.

The Brilliant Generations

Recognizing an opportunity to expand Tamashiro’s business, Walter Hajime Tamashiro set his sights on seafood as Tamashiro’s specialty. Starting with humble offerings of opelu and a whole aku (skipjack tuna), Tamashiro gradually cultivated an impressive selection of fish varieties and live shellfish. In 1962, Tamashiro’s brother Johnny Tamashiro and brother-in-law Larry Konishi introduced air-flown live Dungeness Crabs, Maine Lobsters, Blue Crabs, oysters, and clams from the east and west coasts, solidifying the Seafood Market’s high position.

The Way Tamashiro Operates

At Tamashiro’s Market, Tamashiro’s mission is to provide Tamashiro’s customers with the freshest and highest quality seafood, produce, and prepared foods. With over 80 years of experience, Tamashiro’s is committed to delivering an exceptional shopping and dining experience to both locals and tourists alike. Tamashiro’s strive to support local fishermen and farmers, ensuring sustainability and promoting the vibrant food culture of Hawaii. Through Tamashiro’s dedication to quality, service, and community, Tamashiro’s aim to be the go-to destination for all Tamashiro’s grocery and dining needs.

Tamashiro Market’s vision is to be the premier destination for fresh seafood and authentic Hawaiian cuisine. Tamashiro Market envisions a market where customers can indulge in a wide array of delicious and healthy options, from Tamashiro Market’s renowned seafood counter to Tamashiro Market’s diverse selection of ready-to-eat meals. Tamashiro Market aspires to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii, where customers can discover new flavors and experience the best of local cuisine. By continuously innovating and adapting to Tamashiro Market’s customers’ needs, Tamashiro Market aims to become a staple in the community and a symbol of quality and tradition.

At the Seafood Market, Tamashiro Market is deeply rooted in Tamashiro Market’s Hawaiian heritage and committed to preserving and sharing the flavors and traditions that make the Seafood Market’s cuisine unique. Tamashiro Market prioritizes sourcing the Seafood Market’s seafood and produce from local fishermen and farmers, supporting the local economy and ensuring the freshest ingredients for the Seafood Market’s customers. Tamashiro Market’s team of knowledgeable and friendly staff members is always ready to assist customers, providing personalized service and sharing Tamashiro Market’s expertise on Hawaiian cuisine. Tamashiro Market strives to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels a sense of connection to the local culture and can embark on a culinary journey through the diverse flavors of Hawaii.

What Contributes to Be A Great Market?

Fresh Seafood

At Tamashiro Market, Tamashiro takes great pride in Tamashiro’s commitment to providing customers with the freshest and highest quality seafood available. Tamashiro prioritizes freshness by ensuring daily deliveries of seafood sourced directly from local fishermen. By doing so, Tamashiro guarantees that Tamashiro’s customers can enjoy seafood that is not only flavorful but also at the Seafood Market’s peak freshness. Tamashiro’s unwavering dedication to quality and freshness sets the Seafood Market apart as the go-to destination for seafood lovers who appreciate the difference that fresh ingredients make in the Seafood Market’s culinary experience.

Ready-to-Eat Delights

Tamashiro’s offer an extensive selection of ready-to-eat options, catering to customers seeking convenience without compromising on authentic flavors. Tamashiro’s ready-to-eat menu features a diverse range of Hawaiian specialties that highlight the unique flavors of the region. From Tamashiro’s classic Hawaiian Plate, featuring favorites like Tamashiro’s Kalua Pig Plate and Tamashiro’s Lau Lau Plate, to Tamashiro’s popular Poke Bowl and Poke Bento options, Tamashiro’s provide customers with the opportunity to indulge in traditional Hawaiian cuisine with ease. Tamashiro’s array of ready-to-eat delights caters to busy individuals and tourists looking to experience the authentic taste of Hawaii without the need for extensive cooking or preparation.

Diverse Hawaiian Specialties

At the Seafood Market, Tamashiro takes great pride in offering a wide variety of Hawaiian specialties that showcase the rich culinary heritage of the islands. Tamashiro’s dishes, such as the Hawaiian Plate, allow the Seafood Market’s customers to savor a combination of flavorful and tender Kalua pig, Lau Lau (pork wrapped in taro leaves), and an assortment of traditional sides. For those craving the Seafood Market’s popular poke, present the Poke Bowl and Poke Bento options, providing a customizable experience with a base of rice or salad topped with a choice of fresh poke and various toppings. These Hawaiian specialties allow the Seafood Market’s customers to explore the authentic flavors and unique dishes that are synonymous with the Seafood Market’s local food culture.

Local Sourcing

At the Seafood Market, Tamashiro places great importance on sourcing ingredients locally, as it allows the Seafood Market to support Tamashiro’s community and provide the freshest ingredients to the Seafood Market’s customers. By partnering with local fishermen, farmers, and suppliers, the Seafood Market not only ensures the freshest ingredients but also contributes to the sustainability and growth of the Seafood Market’s local community. Supporting local producers and suppliers helps the Seafood Market strengthen the local economy and reduces the environmental impact associated with long-distance transportation. Through the Seafood Market’s focus on local sourcing, Tamashiro demonstrates their dedication to promoting sustainable practices and preserving the rich agricultural traditions of Hawaii.

Customer Engagement and Trust

At the Seafood Market, Tamashiro deeply values the Seafood Market’s connection to the local community, and it is the foundation of the Seafood Market’s success. With over 80 years in business, Tamashiro has become a beloved establishment that locals and tourists alike turn to for their grocery and dining needs. Tamashiro’s friendly and knowledgeable staff members provide personalized service and share their expertise on Hawaiian cuisine, ensuring that the Seafood Market’s customers feel valued and well taken care of. The Seafood Market’s commitment to customer engagement and satisfaction builds long-lasting relationships and solidifies the Seafood Market’s reputation as a trusted and reliable provider of high-quality groceries and authentic Hawaiian cuisine.