Hal Wilson of Hal and Harry’s Hawaiian Ice
Hal Wilson was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii where shaved ice is the number one island treat. The number one question Hal gets asked- why did you move to Iowa?
After attending college in Florida where he played baseball, Hal moved to Seattle.
With a background in art and an eye for design, Hal started working in the Giorgio Armani stockroom.
Hal met his wife Stephanie- an Adel native- while working with top west coast clothiers making tailored suits for CEOs of national companies like Starbucks and Costco, Seattle sport stars, actors and musicians like John Travolta and Usher.
The couple moved back to Adel to start their family and Hal worked as a buyer with Des Moines’ high end retailers.
Today, Hal is a Clothier with Langel and Woods Clothiers in Valley Junction.
These custom made, tailored suits are beautiful, clean, and elegant.
“Now, working with two partners, I work strictly by appointment. I help clients pick the lining, buttons, details; that’s what I do every day. I make mens and women’s suits, clothing, shirts, and slacks. Which is rare, different, and odd.”
2 years ago, Hal and Stephanie bought the Hawaiian Ice stand located in the Family Dollar parking lot in Adel.
Hal and Stephanie liked the idea of a family-owned, summer business that their son Harry, now 10, could work at.
Harry buses tables, takes orders, and helps to keep the space clean with his parents by his side.
“This is our second home. For us, this is a summertime, seasonal gig and we love that. For Harry, its a nice summer job to build his work ethic and help build his college fund for later. All the tips are his, and he works hard.”
Hawaiian Ice is powdery, shaved ice that melts in your mouth, unlike snow cones which are made with crushed ice and have a crunchy texture. A traditional Hawaiian Ice is made with red azuki beans that have been boiled, mashed, and sweetened.
The paste is scooped into the center of the shaved ice for an extra sweet treat. The paste is also ladled over the top of the finished dome.
You can get Hal and Harry’s Hawaiian Ice served “Hawaiian Style” by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the center or topping the dome with a magic shell cream topping.
Since the Wilson’s took over the “sugar shack”, they have added a few new flavors, tiki torches, seating, umbrellas, and Hal’s collection of Hawaiian and reggae music.
Last year, parents commented that they were concerned with the sugar content, since the treat is simply ice and syrup. This year, Hal chose to post the nutritional value on his signage which has helped customers feel confident about eating their summer treat.
A small Hawaiian Ice has the same amount of sugar as a 12 oz can of Coke, which is less sugar than a can of Mountain Dew, with zero fat.
Being health conscious parents themselves, Hal and Stephanie decided to add Sugar-Free options to the menu this year as well.
“I did my research. A sugar-free prepared syrup is available to buy but part of the sugar substitute they use is Sorbitol, which is a dietary laxative.
I said no way! Instead, my wife contacted a Tropical Sno business owner in Okoboji who shared her Splenda recipe with us.
We’ll be offering 4 sugar-free flavors: Blue Raspberry, Red Raspberry, Cotton Candy, and Strawberry.”
There are 31 syrup flavors available at Hal and Harry’s, with countless combinations available. The most popular flavor with the kids is Blue Raspberry because of its vibrant, neon blue color.
A favorite flavor combination is Fruiti Pebbles which is a tie-dyed effect that tastes just like the cereal. Hal’s favorites are Kiwi and Passion Fruit. During the interview we tried a Black Cherry Hawaiian Ice which was delicious. The flavors taste exact, not artificial, which is important to Hal.
“My wife and I are here 95% of the time because we want to know everything about the business.
Its like my clothing, whether its a button or a detail, I want it to be right.”
The shop is now open every day from 3-9 pm, and is a cash only establishment. Each day, there is a line waiting for the shop to open, and regulars closing the shop at dusk.
To make the experience even more special, Hal offers plastic holders and color changing spoons for free, which makes the summer treat an even bigger crowd pleaser. Hal and Harry’s is also mobile and available for catering events.
Its true, there are times that Hal misses Hawaii, especially in late winter, but he often says that Iowa is more like Hawaii that you might think with our nice, thoughtful neighbors. For Hal, Adel is the best of both worlds.
For the past 12 years he’s had a unique, high-end career in Des Moines, is able to get involved with charitable events and organizations like the Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce, Variety Club of Iowa and the Heart Ball, and still has all the benefits of raising his family in a small town.
“We want to teach our son that life is too short, that its important to give back whatever you can to those who are less fortunate.
When I die I want to say I taught him everything I could, and helped him be the best young man I could.”
Hal and Harry’s Hawaiian Ice
479 Nile Kinnick Drive South
Adel, IA 50003
Website: HalAndHarrysHawaiianIce.com
Facebook: Hal-and-Harrys-Hawaiian-Ice
