Chasing the Manapua Man: The Hawaii Icon

Рет қаралды 197,319

10 жыл бұрын

In Hawaii, "the manapua man" is not just a person, or a snack truck but more of an icon to the islands. Many people have special memories of growing up and going to the manapua man afterschool, afterwork, or on the weekends. Unique to the islands the manapua man is something essential to making Hawaii such a special place.

Пікірлер: 339

@rudefunk1 4 жыл бұрын

I remember Dan when he was in the back of the van helping his dad when it was his dad's Manapua truck in Salt Lake in the late 70s 40 years ago. Even after 20 years of being in the mainland, I walk up to the truck he smiles and is surprised to see me he remembers me like it was yesterday asking how my mom is. Such an amazing dedicated businessman!! Dan the Manapuaa man!

@angelstricklandiii6200 3 жыл бұрын

He did me same way.

@travelinginfantryveteran5439 3 жыл бұрын

Me too.... I'm in Kansas and I get teary eyes.... how much I miss home but I'll be homeless if I move back.....

@hapahawaiianchef 2 жыл бұрын

Same here grew up in salt lake in the 70’s 80’s and been in the mainland for 25+ years and still remember the Manapua man coming to moanalua high and us buying all kine stuff! Wow I rememba! Great video

@supahjay 10 жыл бұрын

Take it from me, living in Kalihi wasn't easy. But everyday after school, there's one thing I often looked forward to, The Manapua Man; it's the only place where your $2.00 can go a long way.

@tonetone8915 5 жыл бұрын

SO TRUE!

@dougl945 3 жыл бұрын

Imagine being Haole in Kaaawa.

@howellwong11 3 жыл бұрын

I was raised in Kalihi Kai. My manapua man was a Chinaman with a pole and two 5 gallon can on each end, who would go from house to house. This was in the Forties, so you no see this kind anymore.

@joelyago8136 2 жыл бұрын

Manapua, pork hash, and fried noodles was my jam.

@kdks38 5 жыл бұрын

Damn this is a really touching video. Brings back a lot of memories of when the manapua van would come by Palolo. We used to call him "Dan the Man" because he always had bomb fried noodles, pork hash, and rice cakes. Makes me wanna go back to those childhood days.

@shnuki 9 жыл бұрын

I remember the manapua trucks when I lived on Oahu during the 70's. I loved buying the fried noodles, shumai and manapua that were sold in wax paper bags. Best! When we heard the music playing we would get money from our parents and then run outside. It was amazing how we were able to pinpoint the distance and direction the truck was from our street; like radar. And we didn't stand on the sidewalk and wave him down. Nope; we stood in the street in front of the truck and held up our hands for him to stop.

@toddkakazu2985 5 жыл бұрын

I grew up during the time of the real manapua man. The man who would walk down the street with a large stick on his shoulder that had a large can on each holding all the manapua. You knew he was coming because hear the cowbell he was ringing off in the distance. Then you knew he was getting closer because you could hear him yelling “manapua, peipeiau, pork hash” as he came walking down the street.

@howellwong11 2 жыл бұрын

I only would buy black sugar manapua for 5 cents. I never like the pork items.

@shyaandzack8276 Жыл бұрын

My manapua man was quiet never really spoke, old humble Chinese looking guy with a beard, wearing a bamboo pointed hat, who rang the bell letting you know he was here! Pretty much each tasty snack was priced at 10 cents each, you ask the price and he would knod, you just knew what he had, which was manapua, rice cake, pork hash, and what looked just like a manapua but had that sweet dark sugar inside which probley was the only thing I didn't like. I now look back as a grown adult, and seeing how much I miss that whole childhood experience. and realizing back then how heavy those to big cans were for this tiny little man, as he balance them on his shoulders while walking the distant neighborhood.

@ChiJoy037 Жыл бұрын

So true!

@trestonmalone5072 3 жыл бұрын

Getting food from a beat up old creeper van from an old man you call uncle or lady you call aunty. Nothing screams home like the Manapua Man!! ❤️

@PracticalPerry 26 күн бұрын

Well said. It is the simple things in life that are the most joyous. ; ) I would like to meet this Manapua Man. I am in Eugene, Oregon, many Hawaiins live here.

@ivykaneshiro7554 3 жыл бұрын

Good stuff neva be forgotten.....in the 60’s Manapua Man walk from stop to stop ...he rest a 5 feet long bamboo on his back neck and shoulders and at the both ends of the bamboo balancing a5 gallon bucket of manapua, .pepeau,pork hash,and rice cake....he ringing a bell to let everyone know that his here.....those were the good old days....

@tamatoa8261 4 жыл бұрын

The manapua man is a part of local culture. There are lunch wagons then there are manapua vans. Not exactly the same. It'll be a very sad day in Hawaii nei when there are no more manapua vans. Just like the old mom and pop stores from back in the day. The manapua man is a cultural icon. Great job on this video. 🤙🏾

@jenasis808 8 жыл бұрын

Awwww i miss the manapua man! I actually helped out in the manapua van a few times when i was little. lol! As a kid, you NEVER realize the hard work these folks put in to, to provide GREAT food w/AWESOME prices! Took my daughters there last year & they didn't know what the heck they were in for. lol! i miss my Hawaii! 😌 #OnlyInHawaii ♥️

@janepaogofieausage1082 4 жыл бұрын

Dang, 45 years later and the Manapua man still around ❤ i grew up with the Manapua man in Kalihi. Can't wait to take my kids to Hawaii and show them the Manapua truck❤ mich love & Aloha to these vendors!

@withalohatara 3 жыл бұрын

Hilo had a manapua man too back on the 70’s n 80’s It brings back fun memories as a kid!🥰

@scbeachboi 3 жыл бұрын

Good to see Dan, been ova 40 years since he served me as a Hanabadah kolohe boogah!

@raymondlin4014 5 жыл бұрын

Only in Hawaii you buy food from someone you don’t really know in a white van

@ronaldgates7719 2 жыл бұрын

That's so funny but so true we could trust our Manapua man

@soniamaria1089 2 жыл бұрын

in Malaysia too

@FlyinHayn92 10 жыл бұрын

Loco moco from the manapua man!? Oh man I gotta go back home!!

@leanivatauala7570 7 жыл бұрын

This makes me cry! Miss home so much! Oh the memories... its so true . U build a relationship with the manapua man and u take care n respect thm like they are ur aunty or uncle! Been away for 8yrs! U will never find food soooo good as it is in the islands!

@maxfit68906 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you for posting this. This brings back fond memories of growing up in Hawaii. I miss this sooooo much.

@123downthecount5 Жыл бұрын

When I lived in salt lake next to Moanalua high school, that manapua guy was the best thing that happened in the day.. between 1130am-2pm he’d pull up in the loop atleast twice.. hope he’s still going strong!! Still looks the same just a little older

@thedapilar-pineda6239 Жыл бұрын

I miss my daughter who was part of this project in MoHS. She's now married and living in the Mainland. I hope the Manapua Man/Woman will still be relatable to the children of Hawaii a few more years from now.

@ganotisic 10 жыл бұрын

dan the man... until this day, he still remembers my regular order. prices dont even change... lucky i live hawaii

@jtabarejo 3 жыл бұрын

I remember the Manapua Man from the 1960's in Halawa. He carried manapua in two large baskets balanced by a bamboo pole.

@tamasatoa8368 11 ай бұрын

The manapua man! I remember the manapua man during my growing up in the late 60s in Kalihi Hawaii. The best lunch wagon ever! Icon of Hawaii for sure. The greasy chow fun and fluffy manapua were my all-time favorite and still are. So glad they put the manapua man on the map. Dang, I want one now ugh!

@GooseRider808 8 жыл бұрын

Best story ever! Ewa beach Manapua trucks are so ono.

@november0168 4 жыл бұрын

Dan the dodo man! 3 generations and we still look for his truck! He knows my entire family by name! Dan Vin Cao! If you are reading this do you still go on Likini street? I've been looking for you! It's been years since I've been through my old childhood neighborhood. I have a daughter now and would love for her to meet you! I remember running down the street when I was 5 every time I'd hear your truck coming down. You have the best fried chicken, noodles, lumpia and porkhash! It is so nice to see you interviewed for this segment! You truly are an Icon!

@kfu4657 3 жыл бұрын

Damn i miss the small kid days, manapua 25 cents. Full bag noodles 50cents. Can soda 25 cents. Dime for rice cake. Da 70s was da best. Manapua wagon was the VW van. Mahalo manapua man for all the good grinds and for putting up with our crap. Onoliciousness.

@kalani1987 3 жыл бұрын

Agree. I remember buying a plain hamburger from those vans as a kid. The taste was unique. Never had a burger like it since.

@nakoaahyee8204 3 жыл бұрын

At my age, I still get excited when I see a Manapua truck. Best food with the cheapest price. The Manapua man watched me grow up from a baby til now. I left to college on the mainland and was sad cause they don't have that out there. But when I came home, first thing I did was look for the manapua truck. It didn't matter where it was, I new there would be a manapua truck somewhere. It's the best, where else can you get great food for a good price

@GJAkuo 3 жыл бұрын

Does the man still go around today ? I live Big Island so I wouldnt know brotha.

@nakoaahyee8204 3 жыл бұрын

@@GJAkuo Yeah there's still the Manapua man in every neighborhood

@GJAkuo 3 жыл бұрын

@@nakoaahyee8204 Rahjah. What time of day usually ? I going Oahu next week n I like Catchem.

@nakoaahyee8204 3 жыл бұрын

@@GJAkuo Depends on where you at. Just gotta look

@sunlitrain 3 жыл бұрын

Hi! I am so impressed that this was made by high schoolers. Outstanding. My sister was just saying, Who will remember these cultural stories when we are gone? And I felt a rush of gratitude that you picked this topic and created an homage to this priceless, nostalgic unsung icon. You are helping make The Manapua Man remembered, not forgotten. 🌺

@QuiChiYang2 3 жыл бұрын

Manapua man is a passion for service. Money is just enough for shelter, place for sleep. Betta than mainland Ice cream man.

@bennettkojima3983 3 жыл бұрын

Yes as below the original manapua man was from Kalihi carting the baskets. The perfect song for this was written by my friend the late Kawika Gapero. It's called the Manapua Man off the CD Pueo. It tells an unreal story. And the music is perfect. I always knew his song was very special. Definitely one of his best!

@lasilveira805 3 жыл бұрын

I loved the Manapua Man. When we lived in Kalihi we would go running out of the house and to buy noodles and candy. My parents would tell us to grab them food too. Living in Kaneohe I haven't seen any Manapua Man's here, my kids never experienced it yet. Good memories

@auntyv Ай бұрын

I grew up in Honolulu in 1963-1970, corner of Pu'uku Makai & Wanaka Street. We had a man who came around in a green van selling crack seed, gum, candy, sometimes inari. And when fresh cane was cut, a truck would circle the neighborhood and give out fresh cut stalks for free to the kids to suck on. Good times.

@johnnyjsoldskoolzone1722 3 жыл бұрын

Wow....FANTASTIC production tribute to a truly Hawaiian icon. I grew up with the Manapua Man when I used to go to Ilima Intermediate and Campbell High School and then McKinley High School. Such great food. The best was the .25 Noodle bags! Anyone remember that!!

@moomoopuppy5810 6 жыл бұрын

My favorite is the fried noodles, pork hash, and suicide soda (all the different sodas mixed together). I miss old school Ewa (Banana Camp), now hardly anyone lives there anymore. I can still picture in my mind helping my cousin rake the fallen mango tree leaves and getting to set the pile on fire and waking up in the morning to the sound of all the fighting roosters crowing, and seeing the old lady who used to sweep the section of the street outside her house. My mom used to have to help her aunt sell food out of a food truck.

@learningwithron3810 4 жыл бұрын

My uncle was a manapua man, before he retired. He woke up early everyday to cook his Chinese food (he's an amazing cook) load ice and to drive out to Waimanalo. Went home, took out dirty dishes, and restocked. He has amazing work ethic. His children all went to college, are doing amazing financially, and have careers. I respect him greatly.

@ronaldgates7719 2 жыл бұрын

I might have known your uncle what a great story

@charliekealoha 10 жыл бұрын

AWWW You guys did such a good job with this! I miss the Manapua Man! Gotta take my knocks out here in da mainland but when I come home I'll be looking for a Manapua Man. Guarantee!!

@mozaaay9990 3 жыл бұрын

Dan da man🙌👌👌 memories...got so much outta so little money

@purepwnage909 2 жыл бұрын

Jesus I can't believe this is 8 years old already. I remember seeing this in the Ewa Beach library with my high school class, during the last hour of school. Had a bunch of us in a room watching this like a presentation.

@cowboykelly6590 3 жыл бұрын

I remember, the lil mom & pop place made it ONLY ON SUNDAYS in Wailuku maui. Dry mein on fridays and hot dogs on Wednesdays. They were always there this old couple. I miss them and those times .

@haydeesanchez2531 3 жыл бұрын

LOL.... the days! 1979 Campbell High School, Ewa Beach- by the park... bag noodles, rice cake, can of juice.... heaven.

@faataatiatupuolajr8799 5 жыл бұрын

wow!!!!! This brings back memories of my childhood. From 1970 - 74. Halawa Housing Baby 😎

@alexcarter8807 5 жыл бұрын

Don't forget not only the little manapua trucks but the Leonard's malasada trucks, paved the way for modern food trucks.

@tuluko3308 5 жыл бұрын

Wow how i dearly miss the manapua man!!!!!!! After school, before school, man i used to wait for this truck after school every day...back then i could buy won tons in a little bag add a little shoyu and a manapua for about a buck fifty lol...and can't forget about that chicken burger ohh my how i still dream about that burger...chrispy juicy chicken burger for 3.50 well worth the money..very convenient for all the kids especially getting off of school and your parents are still at work..I live in cali now but my heart is rolling around hawaii in a manapua truck lol....thank You anty and unko's...A very big ohana and thanks for all your hard work..God bless!!!!!!

@Jennully 10 жыл бұрын

I remember going to grab food from him when I visited my friend's apartment. He's an awesome guy.

@lushkitty734 3 жыл бұрын

My manapua man story starred an elder Chinese (late 50s) when I was paddling during high school at the Ala Wai. We called him Mr. Wing Dings. His food was bleh but when you're a hongry/hangry 15 years old kid, after each weekday spent mindlessly learning edumacation and afterwards, a looong and hard paddling workout sesh... Shite mate, EVERYTHING tasted onolicious even if the food truck may or may not be infested with cockaroaches... or bebe rats or...

@chloec7175 10 жыл бұрын

Now living in Texas I couldn't wait to go home and hit up a Manapua truck!! Fried noodles, pork hash, rice cake you name it!! Nothing like a inexpensive snack while on the go...I look forward to going home again soon!!

@howellwong11 5 жыл бұрын

Me too, retired in Central Texas. I live in Hawaii from 1932 (born) till 1953. The local food is not the same to me. All the old cooks have left without any replacement. Even Matsumoto shaved ice is gone. I wonder if the makers of its syrup is still in business. I wish I could have their secret recipe.

@drwcshow 3 жыл бұрын

I remember in Pahala when the Manapua man would roll up right before Abarenbo Shogun came on so we had our pork hash, manapua, and sodas all ready to watch Shinsan beat 30 henchmen with the back of his sword. Much love and great memories.

@alynnpichurko 3 жыл бұрын

I used to get bag noodles, spam musubi, and Pepsi every morning before school. So many memories.

@roycadiente6973 10 жыл бұрын

Our first Manapua man and lady before the trucks. Had a pole on their back with one basket on each end. The walked all over our neighborhood announcing manapua pi piau.

@steves3045 7 жыл бұрын

loved it....! brings back so many memories of growing up in Hawaii..

@lynns6992 3 жыл бұрын

.... not pau yet ... but in 1950s in Kalihi was a short Chinese man with 2 cans attached to a pole which he carried on his shoulder. He used to yell Manapua and the neighborhood used to run out to buy. Somebody has to remember this kind of original Manapua man. I think of it now how he struggled walking with this load. It must have been so heavy. I just want to mention this to honor him and others like him who added so much to our culture and pave the way for food truck kine Manapua man.

@ardiefishall 10 жыл бұрын

Awesome and very well put together video on a piece of Hawaii local culture. Now I want pork hash, noodles, chicken and passion orange!

@tjvee1231 10 жыл бұрын

Da Manapua Man, the O.G.'s of our communities. They like uncles and aunties. Respect and love for da Manapua Man.

@nicoleh4601 3 жыл бұрын

The Manapua man lived next door to me. His wife did all the cooking and made the best fried noodles and pork hash!

@tracyb54 2 жыл бұрын

when I was small, the manapua man would walk our neighborhood, with the stick and 2 buckets! To this day just the thought of the manapua man makes me so ono for home!!!

@davidkapaku4883 3 жыл бұрын

In Nanakuli, in kahiko days, we had Charlie the Manapua Man. He would start at first road (Pua Ave) and make his way to sixth road. By the time he got to third road *Mano Ave), he would be practically sold out. We looked forward to seeing Charlie the Manapua Man. Then Farmer Mac came along with ice cream but no manapua.

@cantgetright4620 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah bradda i remember my,Ohana on Pua ave🤙

@generalponcho808 3 жыл бұрын

Serie 7 🔥

@leewardstyle 10 жыл бұрын

Oh the memories. Why are my eyes so watery?!?

@cowboykelly6590 3 жыл бұрын

🙄 me too.

@shenellepinkypink4202 2 жыл бұрын

Me three 😩

@obsidiangaze4215 3 жыл бұрын

Remembered getting his fried noodles everytime was the best part after school

@awesomekoga7848 3 жыл бұрын

Wow. I lived for the manapua man. We would chase him down. The guy would actually wait for me. I haven’t seen them in forever cause they don’t come by where I live. I remember that old man. He was awesome! Now I gotta go look for them again. In high school, they came at lunch. After school, they were there too with the Italian ice truck. Then they’d come by my mom’s house. I miss the food. Loved the fried noodles & the fried chicken.

@zenish_2750 4 жыл бұрын

I came to the the manapua man so much times that he remembers my usual order. Chicken and rice, musibi and ice lemon tea.

@KingdomWithin7 10 жыл бұрын

I miss you Dan da Manapua man, especially ur fried noodles and rice cake one day I will fly back to Hawaii with my wife and kids to have some of your delicious foods: )

@angelstricklandiii6200 3 жыл бұрын

Dan getting kid. I lol see you soon one day. S.L.B 4 life.

@sunshinestatesurvival 4 жыл бұрын

I remember saving all my change (like $2!) in a little plastic container and whenever we went to aunty pumpkins house in kaneohe, I would buy all the li hing watermelon candy I could afford. Running down the street barefoot when we heard the music. Good times.

@cookiesncream630 10 жыл бұрын

Wow! This is a very inspiring video. The food truck community here in Northern California is alive and thriving and it's all because of these pioneers of the industry. This is a great video and the kids who put this together should definitely get A+ grades for this. Great job guys!

@Kealiile 6 жыл бұрын

Dan!!! The manapua man! Salt lake

@tianagarner2401 4 жыл бұрын

Yaaaaaaaas!!!!!!!!!! Century West!!!!

@alikachun8400 10 жыл бұрын

DAN THE CANDY MAN! salt lake oahu represent!

@davidaguiar4595 Жыл бұрын

In da 70's we had manapua man van in Waimanalo, my favorite was manapua, noodles, pork hash and a RC cola or Daimond head soda.

@maxfit68906 8 жыл бұрын

I just didn't want this video to end.

@i8ntda1dawg59 4 жыл бұрын

Ahh Sunday’s at my gmas in halava playing keno with the family,once the kids hear the music “AHBEE is HERE”! That was his name,oh I miss those days!

@emmyleopold9006 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I remember that back in 1980's.

@robertocampo8107 3 жыл бұрын

I always get the pork hash, yakisoba, & lumpias. If no mo lumpias I get musubi. Memories.

@enasajackson8517 3 жыл бұрын

Yes PLEASE 🙏 send the manapua man to Lahaina!! Haaaaawaiian🤙🏼

@musicmike1960 10 жыл бұрын

When I lived in Hawaii and attended Radford High School from 1974-1976 I loved the Manapua truck food....The cold noodles which back then came in a paper style dish were absolutely amazing and just as simple as it sounds....Some celery cut up and a little soy sauce with just a touch of Sesame oil and BAM! it was on the money....Oh I miss the Manapua truck....Aloha

@localboyn2deep146 2 жыл бұрын

Growing up in nalo, was like looking forward to seeing the manapua truck 🚚 😋🤙🏼🤙🏼

@LaniMac05 Жыл бұрын

I miss the manapua truck when I grew up in Waianae♥️

@pinkscrapper99 9 жыл бұрын

Can't wait to go home to Hawaii and find me a Manapua Truck. Thanks for this video. Brings back memories.

@bangaznation8086 9 жыл бұрын

Oh man I miss Oahu so much and this video was awesome! When I go back I will definitely be going to the manapua man and head to the beach like how I used too wit the braddahs n sistahs on a nice sunny day!!!

@benova6212 3 жыл бұрын

Tran from Kalihi was the best🥺,Always in front of kalakaua gym,He watched me grow up and would always tell me I remember you since you was small damn man rip Tran🖤🖤 Loved you’re food and energy

@bryanthompson4323 4 жыл бұрын

Was always one white chevy van. Miss those days.

@HeyitsRayKalani 10 жыл бұрын

Awh I love this. Dan the Manapua man!

@michaeldiongundayao5477 3 жыл бұрын

I miss aunty wit da blue manapua truck that travelled in waipahu triangle. She made da grinds fresh. Da music played in our cul de sac fo hours. Remember back in da day food stamps was in a book. Used to orda up. Could even by cigs. I miss da good old days.

@stacyinmsstacy5893 3 жыл бұрын

I remember them coming to the High School getting manapua off the food truck. That was back in the 80's

@sunlitrain 3 жыл бұрын

Me too! My friends and I were thrilled to realize we could nab a manapua or pork hash on our way to the bus stop. These morsels are real and homemade, with meat! So much nicer than candy or chips.

@AlohaYeshua 6 жыл бұрын

Ya! I used to get sooooo excited when I see the manapua man!!!

@imimei7424 7 жыл бұрын

this is so awesome!!!!!!

@elsealorenzo4954 3 жыл бұрын

I miss home 🥺❤️

@J0J0Maree 10 жыл бұрын

Dan! Your still there! That's terrific! Keep doing your thing buddy! You haven't aged, you look good ;)

@islandgirl967891 7 жыл бұрын

omg das MY manapua man!! I remembah him! I used to love da chow mein noodles in da wax pepah pocket. so cheap and ono. perfect fo aftah skoo snack. top em wit lil shoyu...mmmm broke da mout. manapua truck is such a part of Hawaii tradition and culture. I hope it continues for our future Keiki. awesome video. Mahalo for sharing

@simoncarland3704 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve met you green shirt Manapua Lady. It was a pleasure tyvm

@808foodlover 7 жыл бұрын

Awesome vid!!! Bring back memories of my hanabata days in Waipahu :)

@TysonGaylord 10 жыл бұрын

I loved the manapua man growing up... I miss that now that I live in the mainland.

@sitaafoa9419 3 жыл бұрын

Omg I live in Washington state now 😩😩😩but that was my manapua man from salt lake !! 😭😭😭😭he always was the sweetest even let me pay back later, eventho my later was weeks later lol he still serviced me with aloha! Nothing beats out manapua trucks! I miss Hawaii so much!

@GJAkuo 3 жыл бұрын

Im glad this was on my recommendations list. Me n da famz going Oahu next week for a revival from the big island. No more manapua man here. Hoping I can catch this guy while Im there. It would be nice. 🤙🏼

@king-6855 4 жыл бұрын

I miss Manapua man.

@shandagirl8084 4 жыл бұрын

I grew up in Waipahu and my earliest memories was of being in the first grade at Honowai Elementary and getting my bag of fried noodles and 2 pork hash on the way home from school. Sometimes my mom would give me extra money to bring home some for the family. From that time on and all the way through high school in Ewa Beach - Campbell High, was getting something from the Manapua truck.

@danielcrescenzo354 5 жыл бұрын

My earliest memories in Kahalu'u were of the Manapua Man, I don't know if it is the same one, but it was the late 70's and we lived up on Lulani street, so we could see down to the pond, he'd pull up and my dad and I would jump in the car and drive down. I settle for char siu bao hear on the mainland now, missing the manapua from the truck by Kahalu'u pond.

@delvinnettenavarro6843 3 жыл бұрын

Some faks: it's said that Hawaiian people called those hot steaming buns with pork In them made by Chinese immigrants. Mea ai pua'a , ono pork buns, which in pidgeon said with some speed" could be translated Mana pua. Thus the name.

@cowboykelly6590 3 жыл бұрын

That's my Favorite!!