Sweet Treats: Kailua’s New Ice Cream Parlor Has One Request

Please Come Again—the actual name of the shop—is worth going to again and again.

November 20, 2024

Maria Burke,

four flavors at Please Come Again Ice Cream

Photo: Maria Burke

Just as I’m bemoaning the dearth of local craft ice cream parlors in Kailua, I drive past a door on Ku‘ulei Road newly painted with a trio of ice creams. Could it be? It is! Despite its unlikely name, Please Come Again opened in early November as if in answer to my craving.

Photo: Maria Burke

In the former Double Three location, the new shop by Jo and Kyle Wai Lin, a couple from the Bay Area, feels like a hip boutique that happens to sell ice cream. The 16 flavors are just as cool, with many ingredients sourced locally. Different-size scoops are available in a cup, sugar cone, handmade waffle cone, four-flavor flight and an affogato topped with freshly pulled Tradition Coffee Roasters espresso.

My favorites so far:

Ube Crush—a yammy blend for true ube lovers, with zero purple extract. Real ube flavor and crunchy bits of polverone form a combo that keeps me going back for more.
Shiso Mint Chip—expertly blended flavors of mint and aromatic shiso with bold shards of Mānoa Chocolate.
Only in the Darkness Can You See the Stars—a unique twist on cookies and cream that starts with a super fragrant base of Lā‘ie Vanilla ice cream (I’m not a vanilla girl, but the finesse of this one has me swooning). Activated charcoal and Oreo cookies are blended in, resulting in a jet-black mixture with a subtle flavor and an extra toothsome mouthfeel.

Only in Darkness Can You See the Stars, keiki scoop in a sugar cone. Photo: Maria Burke

Most of the other flavors showcase local ingredients. Like the Tropical Rainbow Sherbet made entirely of local fruits, Cinnamon Malasada featuring Agnes’ Portuguese Bake Shop goods, Guava Lava swirled with Aloha Bites guava jam, and Kona Snow, a mind-bending concoction of cream infused with Tradition Coffee Roasters 100% whole Kona beans.

Although Please Come Again hasn’t been crafting ice cream for very long, the flavors and textures show staying power. Stay tuned for grab-and-go pints and cakes. And a little birdie told me to look out for a poha berry and basil combo coming soon. See you there.

Tips:

Want to taste as many flavors as possible? Bring a friend and get a flight (or two).
The fresh waffle cones can be ordered on the side, so you can have your cone and eat it too.
Bring a cooler and ice if you’re getting ice cream to go—the stuff melts quickly.
Parking is available on Ku‘ulei Road and behind the shop in Kailua Square.
Keep an eye on their IG for seasonal flavor change ups.

What: Craft ice cream
Where: 322 Ku‘ulei Road (across from Kailua Elementary School)
When: Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday noon to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday noon to 8 p.m.
Cost: From $4.50 for a keiki scoop in a sugar cone to $16 for a four-flavor flight
Payment: Card or phone payment, no cash
Contact: pleasecomeagainhawaii.com
Follow: @pleasecomeagainhawaii