Island Sol

I Had a craving for some Island gear and snacks and Found here on Unilocal a place called Island Sol that several people said good things about so I went to San Jose’s Japan town specifically looking for This shop on May 26,2013. And to my disappointment could not find it, I went up and down twice. No sign– Nothing !! I went back to my car and called the phone number that is listed here on Unilocal,and come to find out they are no longer Island Sol but just «225». I believe they only sell shirts. I’m not sure when the «island Sol «store closed but if that’s what your looking for, save yourself the trip.

Been a long time customer since the Sun Jose days. When they closed I was really sadden. Then when I gotten the word from my cuz that they opened up again under a norther name I was really excited. Living in Sacramento doesn’t help, but every chance I get to go to San Jose I make sure I stop buy. Good hard to find Hawaiian shirts. So I never have to go to Hawaii to get my clothes. Also shop for Hawaiian food, and jewelry. Also the Hawaiian music selection is excellent.
Thanks for being open again.

Love coming in here to pick up yummy goodies or defend da bay/​island sol gear when in Japantown. Have bought tanks, hoodies, tees, candies, cloth for ie’s, flowers for hair, jewelry, etc. Jesse the owner is always very friendly and very helpful, he will take care of you! Always good vibes & good music playing. Ask Jesse about tix for upcoming shows too :)

This review does not pertain to the shop but rather to the business practice of their concert promotions…
Island Sol Company were promoting and selling tickets for a concert on Friday, June 15, 2012 headlining a New Zealand band named House of Shem at the venue, Rock it Room in San Francisco, CA. I bought 2 of these tickets paying a total of $ 54.74. As it turns out, House of Shem cancelled out of the performance for unknown reasons and were replaced with a local band. Island Sol has guaranteed to refund tickets to those who requested as advertised on their Facebook page. I have messaged the owner of the company, Jesse on Facebook about receiving a refund who messaged back «Can you message me your contact info and I’ll take care of it personally! Aloha, Jesse», in which i did with no result and not even a reply. I have also called the company numerous times (logged over 5 as i call each week) in which I get the run around about getting my refund. I keep getting told that Jesse is not in and he is the only one that can process the refund and that he is busy but will do it next week. If you do the math, over 6 weeks (and counting) have passed since the concert and I have not received my refund yet as I continue to get the run around each week I call. It is not right and now I am thinking they pulled a «bait and switch» in hopes to make a quick buck. Also, House of Shem’s official site never mentioned a performance in the United States. I just want my refund already! and I bet I am not the only one. Holla back if theres anyone else out there with me.
I have attended a couple of functions Island Sol has had a hand in promoting and they rack in some good performers but after my situation I feel like they no longer deserve my business. Bad business practice and poor customer service. Once they have your money you’re on your own. Be on the look out for that «bait and switch.»

Granted, this location is smaller than their previous two on Capitol Expressway and Eastridge Mall, but their aloha spirits are just as I remember.
This is a family own business and they are all very welcoming. I love Jesse and the rest of the family.
The store itself carries a variety of things you can find on the islands that you can’t find anywhere else. They have assorted li hing candy, leis, fabric, jewelry, sarongs, pareos, flowers for your hair and clothes for men and women.
Parking is hard, especially on the weekends. Remember to fill your meters!

Great place to get t-​shirts, nice little trinkets to remind you of the Islands. The 2 girls working there on Saturday did not want to be bothered. Busy playing with her puppy. Sure was missing the aloha spirit.

Cool little Hawaiian spot hiding in the middle of Japantown. They have all the good things that people miss at Hawaii. If you’re looking for some foods that you can only find at Hawaii, you’re more likely to find it here. They also have some cool shirts here. We just came here to just look around and did find some neat stuff, but what do you know we find this cool thing called li hing gummy bears. It’s basically gummy bears covered in li hing. Those were yummy. There are more stuff here that I didn’t buy, but when I know I need something Hawaiiany, I know the place to go.
The people here are also very friendly, so be prepared to walk in here with a nice greeting.

I miss their Eastridge location since it was closer to me. However, I was told by an employee that the rent at Eastridge really cut into their profits. Glad to see this store is back and providing Hawaiian items to San Jose.

Interesting collection of local Hawaii gear in Japantown in San Jose. If you like having some local style clothing this is the place to go. Also has some kid size clothes and toddler aloha shirts.
Hidden in the back are the food products. Not only is there a freezer case with Zippy’s meals there are some key island staples. There is the guava jelly from Hawaiian Sun. But the thing that I never saw before was some Hawaiian Sun powdered juice packets. This was nice for travel and storage rather then cans of juice.
The staff was friendly and helpful. Nice bit of aloha away from home.

I’m glad the store is back! It used to be called Sun Jose, but they moved out from the Eastridge mall and came to Japantown!
Same stuff! Hawaiian groceries, fabrics, attire, jewelry, stickers. and etc :]

Marley likes me, that’s for sure!
The moment I walked in to this store, this black furry little doggie comes running to me and starts licking my feet! She is the friendliest dog evar! I told the owner (dude behind the counter) «I think I’m going to take her home with me».
A friend of mine told me about Island Sol one morning. This is of course, due to the fact that I am pretty well-​known around work as The Flower girl. She told me that I might want to check this place out in Japan Town because they sell flowers that I can wear on my hair.
Sure enough, right at the center of Japan Town, right across Hukilau and Nijiya Market, Island Sol is a small Hawaiian store with goods that range from shirts, skirts, hair pieces, snacks, towels and jewelry. Their prices are not so bad although I cringed slightly when I asked about the orchid hair piece and I was told it was $ 8. I feel bad not buying at least one.
There goes my reason to go back!
Parking is pretty easy on a weekday, mid-​day. It’s a 2-​hour limit parking, just make sure you have enough coins. I come to Japan Town on multiple missions, so you make sure you have your list ready too. Island Sol is a mission slightly accomplsihed…
This store is indeed pretty laid back. The staff are down-​to-​earth and friendly… as long as I don’t take Marley home with me.

Yay, just called and I think I spoke to Jesse, whom I haven’t seen for ages since the old store. I can’t wait to visit the store which is now conveniently across Hukilau in Japantown.

I love this place. It’s chill, the workers aren’t snobby, decent shirts and tanks. It gets the job done. They can maybe add a dressing room or 2 in the back. They also sell Hawaiian snacks, terriyaki sauce and island grooves here too for the people who miss their homeland. The place is gonna probably do some mad business during the Obon festivals, so they should stock up the merchandise and make sure to speed up the check out line!

Howzit, I’m glad the former Sun Jose Hawaii is back, and Jesse, welcome back. I missed you at your first location in South San Jose. Jesse and staff always go out of their way to make you feel like family. Only place around that provides the great local music.
Keep up the good work, and good luck to you guys.

This place is off to a good start and in a convenient location for «Locals» who want everything Hawaii/​Polynesian in one spot, next to Cukui and across from Hukilau’s! That aside, the workers here are great and try their best to bring in the stuff I miss from back home. Plus, the shirts Jesse brings in are Solid!!! Did I mention they carry big sizes!!! The selection is forever expanding so make sure you check them out weekly!
Go check them out! I’ve never experience anything but pure Aloha from these guys!

I know I’m just a white girl, straight up from California but what can I say? I went into this store & saw so many things I wanted to purchase. The guy at the counter was very nice. He told me which items were from what Island. I got 2 Plumeria Hair pins. I’m excited bc they look real unlike the paper ones you always see. I also love their bracelets they have & the island window decals. I plan on going back the next time I have lunch in Japan Town. The prices were good.

Looking for the long time favorite «Sun Jose Hawaii»? Look no more, IT’S BACK! Although this new space isn’t as big as their previous locations, it still leaves you with the same welcoming feeling.
We brought the entire family there tonight, and left with our favorite candy, bracelets, and a couple of printed t-​shirts for the kids.
We are lucky to have them back!

I am so Happy that we have a Hawiian store back in San Jose! Great freindly staff, always willing to help you find what you need. My only wish, would be that they had a bigger location. J town is a great location for them. I have started tell all my freinds about them!

I was so glad to have «stumbled» to this place and even happier to know that they used to be Sun Jose Hawaii! This new location, although smaller, had everything I was looking for… and they’ve only been open for 4 weeks!
The door was locked when I tried to come in around 2pm but the owner instantly saw it and came to let us in. He apologized for that because he just got back from picking up his daughter from school. I immediately felt welcomed as he invited us in (smelled so nice, like a tropical breeze) and being really honest. I felt like «Ohana» as I looked through what they had because not only was his daughter there but so was his mom and she was talking to me in tagalog the whole time! We stayed for a bit just chatting about the islands, family and business.
Since they just opened 4 weeks ago, they’ve just been trying to get everything out on the shelves. There’s a lot of different printed shirts, a good selection of pareaus (got one for $ 10!), lots of music, jewelry (got a 1 ½ in tortoise bracelet for $ 17) and material ($ 5/​yard)!
You definitely will not be disappointed in what they offer. In fact, you’ll have fun shopping as island music plays in the background!

Red pill? Blue one? Walk into this store in Japantown and you may feel like you are having a case of Déjà vu. Don’t worry, it’s not you. This store is the same, albeit smaller, than its former incarnation Sun Jose.
Long time residents who fell in love with the staff and the merchandise that they offered will be glad to know that Island Sol offers those items and much more. Reggae dresses, roots shirts, aloha wear, material for baby kapa (blankets) or pareau, mea ‘ono (snacks) and hawaiian music are all still there. The vibe here has actually mellowed out and is really chill. The large wooden ki’i (tiki) that was at the former location is prominently displayed in the front window.
They’ve done a soft opening and so far most of the customers have been curious J-​Town visitors or people who have heard word of mouth that they are open. I was in the area a few weeks ago, for some libations and witnessed swarms of people walking in and out of the store. .. and the staff was just there to set up! So looks like they are off to a good start. I think when more people realize that they are there, the traffic will increase. Woo Hoo.
The business space that they occupy has recently seen some very exciting movement as new businesses have come into the building. .. including Biscuits and Cukui. The feel of these business have brought a modern, urban vibe to the area and is refreshing to see in J-​town. This new generation of retailers in historical Japantown has infused this 6 block area with much needed energy.
Many homesick Hawai’i people make the trek here to take hula (Halau Na Wai Ola), eat food, make music (‘Ukulele Source) and of course get a little Local flavor. Luckily, Island Sol is here to help satisfy those cravings.
Island Sol might also sound familiar to some because they have a history of bring comedians, Roots & Reggae music to the Bay Area. Some of the notables that they have brought are Katchafire, Natural Vibrations, Rebel Souljahz, Three Plus, Andy Bumatai, Natural Elements.