By Barry Villamil
An end of an era for Joseph and Kristie Vu who have served manapua, fried noodles, snacks, beverages and more from their infamous “Manapua Man Van” parked in our Pearl City neighborhood at Moanalua Road and Hoolaulea Street near the overpass bridge for generations. Today was the final day of serving the Pearl City community and visitors to our community out of their “Manapua Man Van” which they have done for the past fifty years.
Loyal customers waited in the lot from 8:00am this morning to have one more opportunity to purchase manapua and other ono Manapua Man treats, as well as wishing their friends Aloha and best wishes. The Manapua Man arrived at abound 9:00am.
I remember as a kid, seeing the long lines after school as Highlands Intermediate neighborhood kids waited in line for special snacks like MANAPUA and FRIED RICE. Today, Thursday, October 24, 2024, marks the end of another iconic Pearl City business that has served the community for generations, pack up their business and close their doors for the last time. In this case, after sharing the last of their infamous goodies, they closed their service counter van door and drove off into the sunset. It will never be the same passing the open lot that that was home for the Manapua Man, but the memories and friends made through all the years will live forever.
Mahalo Joseph and Kristie Vu “Manapua Man”! Enjoy your much deserved retirement!
Photos by Barry Villamil
SERVING UP THE LAST OF MANAPUA MAN GOODIES
WAITING FOR THE MANAPUA MAN VAN TO ARRIVE
