Ken “The Barber”

By Noah Grodzin

Since the late 1980’s Ken Hua otherwise known as “Ken the Barber” has been cutting hair in Haleiwa. His studio is located in between Haleiwa Cafe and Giovanni’s Shrimp truck just off Kamehameha Highway, Ken’s studio is neatly tucked back from the road.

The studio with just one chair has a calming presence to it as the sounds of a bubbling fish tank with giant goldfish along with viney plants create a meditative landscape. On one wall displayed is a picture frame featuring money which was used to pay Ken for haircuts from various clients. Currency from Brazil, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, and other locations fill the frame. Ken has cut hair for people from all over the world! Some of Ken’s clients have been coming to him since they were kids. His clients also include a family with four generations!

Ken first came to the United States when his family left Vietnam as boat people eventually making their way to Los Angeles. Once in Los Angeles Ken enrolled in trade school to learn how to cut hair. On a one time vacation trip to Hawaii, Ken found his way to Haleiwa where he felt reminded of his homeland in Vietnam. At that moment Ken knew he would be spending the rest of his life on the North Shore.

Over the years Ken has given every cut possible covering all the popular local styles. He recalls a time when a group of young surfers came into his studio asking for the “Slater cut” Ken, not being surfer, told them he didn’t know that style and to show him. The boys with their surfing magazine turned the pages to an image of Kelly Slater. Ken instantly recognized and realized this famous surfer sat in his chair many times.

Mahalo Ken for being around when we need you!