Ah, Shave Ice: the quintessential Hawaiian treat, the perfect snack for a quick sugar rush after a day spent in the ocean. Is there really any better dessert on a hot Hawaiian afternoon? We sure don’t think so. Before we can talk about where to find the best shave ice, we've got to get one thing straight: shave ice and snow cones are not the same. The consistency of true shave ice is that of newly-fallen snow, not the granular and crunchy ice so many are used to. Without further ado, here are 11 of the most popular spots serving the best shave ice in Hawaii.
1) Matsumoto Shave Ice, Haleiwa
Located in the historic surfing town of Haleiwa, on Oahu’s north shore, is this famous shop. What once began as a small grocery store has transformed into so much more – t-shirts, souvenirs, snacks, and, of course,one of the most popular Hawaii foods - shave ice! On a hot summer day, the store produces more than 1,000 shave ices! Go here to learn more about Matsumoto Shave Ice.
2) Scandinavian Shave Ice, Kailua-Kona
If you’re in Kona, the cold, sweet treat is best at Scandinavian Shave Ice. Pick from approximately 45 flavors (you can try more than one at a time, of course), and definitely grab it snow-cap style, with a drizzle of condensed milk on top, for a little extra richness. Go to the website to learn more about Scandinavian Shave Ice.
3) Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice, multiple locations throughout Maui
With high ratings on both TripAdvisor and Yelp, you know Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice is absolutely to die for. With several locations across Maui, you’re sure to find the shop that’s most convenient for you. Go to the website to learn more about Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice and to find the location nearest to you.
4) Waiola Shave Ice, Honolulu
This quaint grocery story is said to be the best shave ice in Hawaii's island of Honolulu, but don’t take our word – look to the 2,400 hundred individuals who have left an average 4.5-star review on Yelp, or just try it for yourself. Go to the Facebook page to learn more about Waiola Shave Ice.
5) Original Big Island Shave Ice, Waikoloa Village
For the ultimate shave ice experience on the Big Island, head to Kawaihae. It started out as an adorable food truck and has added a storefront that serves up innovative and classic creations alike with all-natural flavors. Go to the Facebook page to learn more about Original Big Island Shave Ice.
6) Local Boys Shave Ice, Lahaina & Kihei
This colorful, family-owned shop serves up housemade shave ice – always with a complimentary scoop of ice cream. Established in 2003 Kihei with little money, the shop also has a second location, and a whole lot of aloha. Go to the website to learn more about Local Boys Shave Ice.
7) Uncle’s Shave Ice, Koloa & Lihue
This surf-themed dessert bar is known for their classic shave ice with original island-inspired flavors and killer smoothies. Spend the day at Poipu Beach, and grab shave ice from Uncle’s afterwards for the perfect Kauai day. Go to the website to learn more about Uncle’s Shave Ice.
8) Shimazu Store, Honolulu
This popular neighborhood shop may not look like much, but the shave ice is absolute perfection – and they have some pretty interesting flavor choices as well. Are you brave enough to try their Chili-flavored shave ice? Go to the Facebook page to learn more about Shimazu Store.
9) Anuenue Shave Ice, Kamuela
While this particular shop is little more than a walk-up window that only takes cash, they serve up some of the best things to eat in Hawaii: shave ice, ice cream, and milkshakes! Go to the webpage to learn more about Anuenue Shave Ice.
10) Wishing Well Shave Ice, Hanalei
Some of the best food in Hawaii comes from unassuming food trucks on the side of the road, and nowhere is that more true than Wishing Well Shave Ice, a Hanalei favorite. Go to the website to learn more about Wishing Well Shave Ice.
11) Uncle Clay's House of Pure Aloha, Honolulu
Using only locally sourced artisanal syrups, the all-natural Hawaiian shave ice served at Uncle Clay’s is certainly a step above the rest! Go to the website to learn more about Uncle Clay's House of Pure Aloha.
Tell us, are there any other places for the best shave ice in Hawaii that should be added to this list? What's your favorite place to go and your favorite flavor combination?
If you are looking for some places to explore the cuisine of Hawaii, check out these mouthwatering hole-in-the-wall restaurants.
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