From Boston to Bees

Former Chaminade student Brandon Slowey is originally from the small New England town of Attleboro located between Boston and Providence, RI. When applying to schools out of high school, Slowey realized he wanted to experience something new and different. Hawaii and Thailand jumped out at him. Although he had never been to Hawaii, he figured anyone who lives in Hawaii must be passionate about life.

Because of this, Slowey enrolled at Chaminade University in 2007 and has since then found his passion with his creation of Wicked Hi Slush, which is located on the North Shore of Oahu.

Wicked Hi Slush, is a sweet refreshing slushy drink that takes local all natural honey mixed with ice and fruit to serve as a healthy refreshing dessert to beach goers and anyone looking for a refreshing treat to help with the hot Hawaii sun.

Slowey was at Chaminade in the Forensic Science program for 2 years before he went back to New England to work and save money. Although he was happy to be back home, he missed Hawaii and the diverse people that he had met in his 2 years there.

“Being at Chaminade, I had access to so many minds, cultures, and backgrounds and I new I would be back,” said the 28-year-old Slowey.

Because of this, Slowey was determined to find away to make a living in Hawaii. With his background in science and love for slush like drinks found at beaches in New England during the summer months, he became interested in Hawaii’s sustainable agriculture and how he could get involved. Slowey realized there was a need for sustainable agriculture, and he now works closely with local farmers and beekeepers to raise awareness of the importance of honey.

Because of honeybees’ vital role in the ecosystem, much of the food humans eat including fruits, nuts and vegetables are pollinated by bees.

Through raising awareness and trapping the honey, Slowey takes the local honey and makes a healthy, delicious treat that is now known as Wicked Hi Slush, which he started with his fiancee Ashley Moran. It’s a smooth, sweet, icy beverage that he calls a slush. It helps the local farmers as well as the environment, which is why it has become a popular treat on the North Shore.

The Wicked Hi Slush is also becoming a favorite at farmers’ markets. Currently the company set up its bicycle cart stands Thursdays (2 p.m. to 7 p.m.) at the Haleiwa Farmers’ Market in Waimea Valley, Saturdays (8 a.m. to noon) at the Kakaako Farmers Market at Ward Shopping Centers, and Sundays (8:30 a.m. to noon) at Kailua Town Farmers Market at Kailua Elementary School.

In the future Wicked Hi Slush plans on opening up shops and stands in the mainland as well as Japan.

Did you know? Slowey is often asked why its called “wicked.” In New England “wicked” is a slang for words like really and very. So Wicked Hi Slush simply means really good slush.