In a sea of traditional ice cream parlors that line Long Beach Island’s coastline, one family business stands apart by bringing the authentic taste of Hawaii to the Jersey Shore. Ohana Hau, which means “family snow” in Hawaiian, represents something beautifully unique on LBI; a genuine fusion of island cultures that speaks to both wanderlust and deep local roots.
Their 16 signature combinations can be customized however customers desire, but the real magic lies in trying flavors that simply don’t exist anywhere else on LBI. Where else can you taste li hing mui or experience the creamy perfection of haupia-topped tropical shave ice?
A 16-Year-Old’s Vision Comes to Life
The story of Ohana Hau begins with Summer Sprague, a remarkable 16-year-old who carries the distinction of being a 14th generation LBI local. The Sprague family has been here in since the beginning, for over 300 years. The tradition of caring for LBI continues with Summer and her mission to bring something new to the island.
While most teenagers might dream of leaving their hometown, Summer found inspiration by bringing the world to hers. During family surf trips to Kauai, Hawaii, she discovered something magical: authentic Hawaiian shave ice.
“When I first tried it in Hawaii, I just thought it was the coolest thing ever,” Summer recalls. “I was like, man, I don’t know how I feel about ice cream anymore. This is so cool.”
That moment of pure enthusiasm sparked an idea that has now become a thriving family business in its third season. What struck Summer wasn’t just the refreshing treat itself, but how different it was from anything available on LBI.
“Since we always have a lot of ice cream shops around every corner, I wanted to do something different,” she explains. “I decided I wanted to incorporate shave ice into our town and see how it does.”
A Family United by Surf and Snow
The Sprague family’s connection to Hawaii runs deeper than typical vacation memories. Adam Sprague, who teaches science at the Ocean County Vocational Technical School’s Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science program during the off-season, shares his daughter’s passion for surfing. Their annual trips to Kauai aren’t just getaways, they’re pilgrimages to perfect waves and authentic Hawaiian culture.
This shared love of surfing created the perfect foundation for understanding what makes Hawaiian shave ice special. Both father and daughter experienced firsthand how the island’s laid-back surf culture and the refreshing tradition of shave ice are beautifully intertwined. When they return to LBI’s surf breaks, they bring that Hawaiian spirit with them.
“We try to get there every year and sample as many places as we can,” Adam explains. “So absolutely, we’re always bringing something different and new.” This commitment to continuous discovery ensures that Ohana Hau remains not just authentic, but evolving.
Aimee Sprague, co-owner of Ovations Performing Arts Academy in Waretown, completes this creative family trio. Together, they’ve built something that honors both their Hawaiian inspiration and their deep LBI heritage.
Authenticity in Every Shave
What sets Ohana Hau apart isn’t just the novelty, it’s the commitment to authenticity. The family imports their machines directly from Hawaii, which were originally made in Japan. This connection honors the historical roots of shave ice, which Japanese sugar plantation workers introduced to Hawaii in the 1800s, sweetening it with sugar cane and local fruits.
Every element is crafted in-house with meticulous attention to detail. They create their own block ice using reverse osmosis filtered water, make all their syrups with no high fructose corn syrup, and offer gluten-free options. Their signature macadamia nut ice cream base features fresh roasted nuts, while their house-made haupia cream (coconut cream) adds that authentic Hawaiian touch.
The flavor combinations tell the story of their Hawaiian travels. Traditional options like lilikoi (passionfruit), lychee, and li hing mui (dried plum with a tangy twist) transport customers to the islands. Their number-one seller, the “Summer Breeze,” layers macadamia nut ice cream with mango, lilikoi, and guava, finished with haupia cream captures the essence of both Summer’s vision and their Kauai experiences.
More Than Shave Ice: Building Community
While the authentic Hawaiian flavors draw customers in, it’s the family’s genuine warmth that keeps them coming back.
“I think it’s really nice getting to know our customers and talking to them and the regulars,” Summer shares. “It’s just a really nice environment.”
This community-focused approach extends to their hiring practices. Many of their staff members are students from Aimee’s dance academy or friends of Summer’s.
“We’ve had really the same staff since we’ve opened, which says a lot,” Adam notes proudly. “They pretty much just run the show all the time.”
Generations of Island Life
What makes Ohana Hau’s story particularly special is how it represents the best of both island cultures. The family’s deep LBI roots, spanning over a dozen generations, give them an intimate understanding of what the local community craves. Their Hawaiian inspiration provides the perfect complement to LBI’s beach culture, offering something cooling and refreshing that feels right at home among the dunes and surf breaks.
The fact that this vision came from a teenager who chose to enhance her hometown speaks volumes about both Summer’s character and LBI’s enduring appeal. She saw an opportunity to bring something beautiful and authentic to the place she loves most.
The Taste of Two Islands
When you visit Ohana Hau, you’re not just getting a frozen treat, you’re experiencing the convergence of two island cultures and the realization of a young entrepreneur’s dream. Every spoonful carries the story of Hawaiian sugar plantations, Japanese innovation, Kauai surf trips, and generations of LBI family tradition.
In a world where authenticity can be hard to find, Ohana Hau offers something real: a family business built on genuine passion, cultural respect, and deep community roots. It’s proof that sometimes the most innovative thing you can do is honor tradition.
Visit Ohana Hau and taste the difference that authenticity makes. Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor, you’ll understand why this family’s Hawaiian-inspired vision has found such a perfect home on Long Beach Island.
Mahalo to the Sprague family for bringing a little piece of paradise to our beloved shore!
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