Looking for a taste of heaven in a cup? Here are some of the best shave ice shops in Hawaii.
Oh, sunny beaches, endless aloha dances, and heartwarming hospitality–what else can you look for in Hawaii? A global tourist destination, Hawaii is a dreamy island that gives you a golden ticket to happiness.
But aside from its picture-perfect beaches and volcanic views, Hawaii is also popular for its shave ice dessert–and yes, it’s “shave ice,” not “shaved ice”. If you have never tasted an orgasmic dessert that gives you that melts-in-your-mouth goodness, you certainly must try out this local specialty.
Just a tip: remember that not all Hawaiian shave ice is created equal. While there are countless shave ice stalls in the Hawaiian islands, there are always those that stand out for all the right reasons.
Of course, to make the most out of your trip, you would want to try out only the best Hawaii has to offer, right? To set you on the right track, below is a list of the best-tasting shave ice dessert stalls in the Hawaiian islands.
Best Shave Ice By Location:
Kauai
Wailua Shave Ice
- Address: 4-1306 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746
- Contact Number: (808) 634-7183
- IG Account: @wailuashaveice
Wailua is definitely good news to all coconut fans out there because their top-selling shave ice dessert, the “coconut x coconut x coconut,” is sure to give you a coco-slash-shave ice experience like no other. A small ice shave truck it may seem, but it has already revved it’s way up to San Diego and Portland, thanks to its popular fruity and oh-so-creamy treats.
Ono Ono Shave Ice
- Address: 4-1292 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI, 96746
- Contact Number: (808) 822-1710
- IG Account: @onoonoshaveice
It’s hard not to get discouraged by Ono Ono’s long queue, but as they say, great things come to those who wait. Good thing the serving time is really fast, so you don’t have to waste any beach time. What makes Ono Ono stand out is its amazing take on fruity flavors that are so refreshing, you’d be surprised you already finished your cup.
Shave Ice Tege Tege
- Address: 4-1620 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746
- IG Account: @shaveice_tegetege
You don’t need to visit Japan to experience a delectable kakigori dessert, all thanks to Shave Ice Tege Tege, which serves organic Japanese-style shave ice straight from a food truck. Selling out unique flavors such as Tahitian gooseberry, hibiscus, and dragon fruit, Shave Ice Tege Tege is a 5-star treat that can beat that tropical heat.
Hanalei Wishing Well
- Address: 5-5080 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI, 96714
- Contact Number: (808) 639-7828
- IG Account: @wishingwellshaveice
An ice cream buried under a flavorful concoction of shave ice? Let’s not keep Hanalei Wishing Well waiting! A hip roadside ice shave stall that offers organic and classic syrup flavorings, Hanalei is a genie that will turn your shave ice dreams into reality.
JoJo’s Shave Ice
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp7Wdgwg-25/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
- Address: Hanalei and Waimea
- Contact Number: (808) 378-4612
- IG Account: @jojos_shave_ice
Whether you like it fruity or a bit creamy, JoJo’s Shave Ice definitely has something for you. Even better news: JoJo’s is located at Waimea and Hanalei, making it easy to spot no matter where you are in Kauai.
Shave Ice Paradise
https://www.instagram.com/p/pPSlsEHk_A/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
- Address: 5-5183 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI, 96746
- Contact Number: (808) 826-6659
- IG Account: @shave_ice_paradise
Shave Ice Paradise surely knows how to live by its name as it features shave ice variants with elaborate–not to mention, diverse–flavors. Looking for something a bit nutty? Don’t skip on a scoop of macadamia ice cream!
The Fresh Shave
From mustached popsicles to colorful shave ice servings, the Fresh Shave is every bit IG-worthy. But aside from its contemporary packaging, the Fresh Shave is more about flavors and texture, making it one of our top picks. What’s even more exciting? It has already landed on South California, so if you happen to swing by, don’t forget to try out “the Professor” and “the Dirt Squirrel”.
Uncle’s Shave Ice
- Address: 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka, Ste K158B, Koloa, HI 96756
- Contact Number: (808) 742-2364
- IG Account: @unclesshaveice
True enough, Uncle’s Shave Ice doesn’t look as mouth-watering as other shave ice iterations but don’t let your eyes fool you. The only shave ice stall in Kauai that offers Taiwanese-inspired shave ice, Uncle’s will keep you coming back for more of its fine, snowy desserts.
Puka’s Shave Ice
Address: 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Drive, Poipu, HI 96756
Unlike other dessert stands, Puka’s Shave Ice offers limited flavors that are local to Hawaii. While their signature mixes are somewhat ordinary, what makes this shop special is its rich, perfectly-blended fruit flavorings.
Maui
Surfing Monkeys
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnqJ5JelmF5/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
- Address: 1881 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
- Contact Number: (808) 359-9282
- IG Account: @surfingmonkeyshaveice
The Surfing Monkeys may have a playful name, but its owner definitely means no monkey business when it comes to making shave ice. With syrups derived from locally-harvested sugar canes, this ice cream shop can stand out even in a street full of dessert shops.
Surf Break Shave Ice
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdXzIOBgulS/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
- Address: 7847, 1975 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI
- Contact Number: 301-524-1832
- IG Account: @surfbreakshaveice
Surf Break Shave Ice may be one of the youngest dessert shops around Maui, but it won’t back down from the competition. From organic flavors to syrups made from real fruits, this exquisite stall offers everything you would want in a dessert.
Local Boys Shave Ice
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqD_q0ZHvqa/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
- IG Account: @localboysmaui
With signature flavors that go from the fruity Snow White Shave Ice to the frothy French vanilla-flavored Volcano, Local Boys shows you the many faces of shave ice. In fact, it is known to offer the widest selection of shave ice flavors in Hawaii, making it the favorite one-stop shop of dessert enthusiasts.
Ululani’s
- IG Account: @ululanishawaiianshaveice
If you aren’t a shave ice convert yet, you might want to visit Ululani’s–a shave ice shop that has around 6 branches around the Valley Isle. Made with 100% pure sugar cane, its exotic shave ice variants can give your palate a ride of a lifetime.
Breakwall Shave Ice
Love cocktails and shave ice? Why not have both? Known for its bold take on shave ice, Breakwall has everything to offer to both kids and adults. But yes, you still have to be 21+ to order alcohol-based variants, so don’t you even think about faking your ID.
S & Q’s Coffee and Shave Ice Shack
- Address: 2439 S Kihei Road, Kihei, Hawaii 96753
- Contact Number: (808) 344-6598
Can’t live without a shot of espresso? You don’t have to give shave ice a pass, thanks to S & Q’s Coffee and Shave Ice Shack. Aside from coffee-based shave ice, you can also explore the shop’s smoothies and teas. Just don’t forget to give their signature blend, the Shark’s Blood Flavor, a try. Trust me–you’ll thank me later!
Hawai‘i
The Local Hawaii
The Local Hawaii is home to locally-sourced fruits that perfectly capture the elaborate flavors of the island. From dewy mango-flavored shave ice to mountainous apple-flavored variants, this shop stops at nothing when it comes to offering refreshing treats.
Island Vintage
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt-cL38looK/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
- Address: 2201 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Contact Number: (808) 922-5662
- IG Account: @islandvintageshaveice
Island Vintage Shave Ice blends class and art in a single serving. Other than its posh, IG-worthy servings, the stall is known for its intense flavors that go beyond the ordinary. From frozen yogurt mixes to fruity punches, you can never go wrong with a bowl or two of Island Vintage’s signature concoctions.
Original Big Island Shave Ice Co.
- Address: Church Rd, Waimea, HI 96743
- Contact Number: (808) 895-6069
- IG Account: @originalbigislandshaveiceinc
Whether you’re into artificially-flavored syrups or fresh fruit flavorings, the Original Big Island Shave Ice Co. won’t disappoint you as it has something for every shave ice enthusiast. Plus, they also serve a wide array of toppings such as ice cream and cream cheese brownies. So if you want a full shave ice experience, don’t think twice on dropping by their stall.
Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha
- Address: 820 W Hind Dr #116, Honolulu, HI 96821
- Contact Number: (808) 373-5111
- IG Account: @uncleclays
Another stand-out shave ice shop across the big island is Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha–a specialty stall that greatly attracts veterans and different types of families. While the flavorings may seem traditional, Uncle Clay’s remains an institution because of its fresh, healthy–but no less yummy–icy offerings.
Waiola Shave Ice
If there’s one thing Waiola can boast about, it’s that it was able to withstand the test of time. As one of the oldest shave ice stalls in the island, Waiola continues to keep dessert connoisseurs coming back for more by offering consistency in terms of flavor and texture. So if you want your shave ice smooth, soft and snowy, don’t miss out on the full shave ice experience, courtesy of Waiola.
Matsumoto Shave Ice
- Address: 66-087 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712
- Contact Number: (808) 637-4827
- IG Account: @matsumotoshaveice
Another solid institution in the world of Hawaiian shave ice is Matsumoto–a dessert shop that has been around since the early ‘50s. As the shop evolved, it focused mainly on creating varieties of shave ice, including a rainbow-colored variant that has always been an all-time crowd favorite in the island.
Oahu
Waialae Shave Ice and Bubble Tea
It may be hard to spell, but Waialae Shave Ice and Bubble Tea surely knows how to take icy desserts to the next level. This kid-friendly specialty restaurant is famous for its shave ice flavorings, which are not available in other stalls. Plus, the positive aloha vibe in the shop makes it a five-star destination for both locals and tourists.
Island Snow
Island Snow is a dessert shop and clothing store in one, making it quite difficult to spot. But once you find this stall, you will absolutely love the snowy desserts that come in every cup. Plus, you can also give into your ultimate dessert craving by asking for an additional scoop of ice cream.
Honolulu
Frostcity
If there’s an award for creativity and authenticity, Frostcity will surely be in line for it. Featuring a rich assortment of natural flavors, this shave ice shop keeps orders rolling by keeping delightful treats healthy and enticing. So if you want to shun away from artificial flavorings, better head over to this island favorite.
Ice Monster Hawaii Truck
Ice Monster Hawaii Truck probably lives by the motto, “less is more”. A shave ice truck that serves the best–and the simplest–shave ice variants to passersby, Ice Monster Hawaii Truck keeps heads turning with its flavorful concoctions. Just think about indulging into an icy treat as you go around the Honolulu streets, and you’ll get the idea.
Shimazu Store
Sometimes, you just stumble upon a small shop and realize that you actually found a hidden gem. Free from luxurious interiors and over-the-top branding, the Shimazu Store rises above the competition with just one advantage over other shave ice stalls–its unique concoctions of a wide array of shave ice flavors. From green milk tea royale to red velvet creme, the shop’s tall shave ice servings just keep getting better and better.
Monsarrat Shave Ice
What makes Monsarrat Shave Ice a go-to destination of shave ice lovers? Aside from its natural flavorings, this shop also makes rare toppings and ingredients available to customers–and yup, that includes azuki beans, mochi, and soybean powder. So if you are looking for an Asian-slash-Hawaiian treat, the Monsarrat Shave Ice is just a bus–or a plane ride–away.
References:
- https://www.tastingtable.com/cook/national/hawaii-tourism-kauai-shave-ice-wailua-wishing-well
- https://cuteandlittle.com/best-of-kauai-shave-ice-a-complete-guide/
- http://www.prideofmaui.com/blog/maui/top-10-places-for-shave-ice-in-maui.html
- https://viewfinder.expedia.com/kauai/best-shave-ice-on-kauai/
- https://www.eater.com/maps/best-shave-ice-hawaii
- https://www.hawaiimagazine.com/blog-series/best-2017/best-shave-ice-hawaii
- https://www.yelp.com/biz/frostcity-honolulu?hrid=-Jde1Qw9iEjQ-2qrX7-JGA
- https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=shavedice&find_loc=Honolulu%2C+HI
