Aku Eats Oahu : Local Grindz : Specialty Local Products : Shave Ice

Shave Ice

This frosty, sweet-treat is a must-try here in the islands. It is made from blocks of ice that are finely-shaved and placed into a cup or cone, then lightly compacted and drenched in sugary-sweet syrups. The syrups come in all colors and flavors, such as strawberry, vanilla, orange, cola, melona, bubble gum, lychee, and even li hing mui. On top of that, you can also have chocolate syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and li hing powder poured or dusted over your cone. But wait – that’s not all, folks! Underneath the ice you may also find a scoop of vanilla ice cream, sweet red azuki beans, or even a custard caramel flan! The industry just keeps evolving, I tell you – who knows what they’ll offer in another two to three years.

Young'ns enjoying the finest shavest ice on the planet!

The major difference separating good shave ice is how fine the ice is shaved. Does the ice melt like light snow as soon as it hits your mouth? Or, are there coarse “crunchies” found in them like a Starbucks Frappuccino? Any cheap shave ice maker from your local discount department store can grind up some ice, but not nearly as fine as the best shave ice makers on the island. Once you’ve tasted fine, you’ll see and appreciate the difference and never go back.

Other important things to notice are the amount of syrups used, and if they are holding the syrup containers on ice or are otherwise refrigerated. Room temperature syrup melts the ice a lot quicker and leaves you with holes all over your mountain of ice – again, speaking of poor quality in the fine art of shave ice. Even more of a bummer is when you get to the middle of your mountain of ice and find only white, which means no syrup at all! We like to poke into the center of the ice to see if they shorted us or not, and if so we simply ask for more syrup.

Da Big Boy’z: Waiola’s for super-finely-cut ice; all others are still worth your while.

Waiola Shave Ice. 2 locations: 2135 Waiola Ave. in McCully/Moilili (map shown), 949-2269, parking in lot or on street, 8am-6pm daily; and 525 Kapahulu Blvd. in Kapahulu, 735-8886, parking on street. Map.Both stores are good, but the original on Waiola st. stands head and shoulder above anyone else, and is simply the finest shave ice you will find anywhere on the planet, bar none. It is located in a non-descript, unassuming residential area. Despite having the best shave ice, it’s a good idea to watch the person pouring the syrup. Every single time an adult has served us it was a perfect experience, but when the youngsters are there I often have to ask them to add more syrup, always presenting the “evidence” of pure white in the middle of my cone even though by now I can already determine a shortage just by the amount of time they take while pouring! The Kapahulu store is also top-knotch, but if you want the best, find Waiola st.!

Matsumoto Shave Ice. 66-087 Kamehameha Hwy. in Haleiwa. 637-4827. 9am-6pm daily. Parking in dirt lot next to store. Map.This North Shore spot serves the most famous shave ice anywhere. The line on any given day runs right out the door and onto the sidewalk, where drivers slowly pass by deciding whether to brave the crowds or not. It does run by reasonably fast, however, and the shave ice here is the real thing and very good - they haven’t built up such a reputation simply because of the fact that they are listed in every guidebook on the island. Besides having their ice reasonably finely-shaved, the best thing about this shop is they are never shy on syrup. Most people eat right outside the store, where there is a convenient restroom in the back area. Just watch out for the bees, which congregate to feast on the syrupy leftovers, especially in the trash receptacles. Besides shave ice, there are also snacks, touristy gift items, and a large amount of Matsumoto T-shirts to bring home!

Here's a shot of a slow day at Matsumoto's Shave Ice in Haleiwa Town.

Aoki’s Shave Ice. 66-117 Kamehameha Hwy. in Haleiwa. 11am-6:30pm daily. 637-7017. Parking in dirt lot next to store. Map. Right across the dirt parking lot from Matsumoto’s sits another mom and pop store with a much smaller line but a surprisingly similar shaved ice, except for the fact that they give too little syrup, a definite spoiler, but one that can easily be rectified. If you find the bottom of your cup void or shy on colored liquid, just request more, is all. It's a good option if the line a few doors over is too long, which is a given on weekends, very hot days, or during major swells or surf competitions on the North Shore.

Shimazu Store. 330B N. School st. in Kalihi. Parking on street. Map. This tiny store, right before Foodland/McDonald's on one-way School St., is unique for having a slew of original syrups, most created by owner Kelvin Shimazu over ten years ago. Signature flavorings like strawberry and milk tea, to name a few, continue bringing the faithful out to this true hole-in-the-wall. The ice is shaved reasonably fine, and the original flavors make this a worthwhile stop and one that tourists will probably never find even though it is right off of the H-1 freeway.

Baldwin’s Sweet Shop. 98-040 Kamehameha Hwy. at the Waimalu S.C. in Pearl City. 486-5656. Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm, Monday closed. Parking in center lot. Map.If you are visiting Pearl Ridge Shopping Center, the second biggest on the island after Ala Moana, Baldwin’s nearby has shave ice as well as many other snack items. Many of the flavors are also distinctly different from other shops, signifying they make their own or at least add to a standard base. I can’t say I prefer these flavors over other shops. On the plus side, they do give out some giant-sized portions.

Island Snow. 130 Kailua Rd. at the Kailua Beach Center in Kailua. 262-6339. Monday-Friday 10am-6pm., Saturday and Sunday 10am-7pm. Parking in center lot. Map.Shave ice while in the middle of a surf shop, and perfect after a day at beautiful Kailua Beach!

Kokonuts Shave Ice & Snacks. 7192 Kalanianaole Hwy. at the Koko Marina S.C. in Hawaii Kai. 396-8809. Monday-Saturday 10:30-9pm, Sunday 10:30am-7pm. Parking in center lot. Map.Refreshing treat 2 minutes drive away from Hanauma Bay. Here is the only shave ice stand I know of that I sometimes have to tell them to go easy on the syrup! A little more on the expensive side.

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