Top pick1
Dave's Ice Cream At The Ilikai
Food Store
Specialty shop serving imaginative ice cream & sherbet flavors like kona coffee & lychee.
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Waikiki is one of the sweetest stretches on Oahu, and with 32 dessert spots to choose from, knowing where to go makes all the difference. I pulled together this guide combining my own verified picks with the area's best-rated shops — so whether you're after a scoop, a shave ice, or a gelato, you'll find something worth the stop.
Topping the list is Dave's Ice Cream At The Ilikai, a specialty shop Nate personally recommends for its imaginative flavors like kona coffee and lychee — look for the NateEatsHawaii badge on his verified picks throughout the page. Beyond that, spots like Ice Monster Hawaii have built a strong reputation for Taiwanese-style shaved ice in flavors like matcha and papaya, while the IL Gelato locations scattered across Waikiki are well-known for blending traditional Italian gelato with Hawaiian-inspired flavors.
The rest of the list — including Aloha Icelabs, Banan Waikiki Beach Shack, and Gecko Girlz Shave Ice — rounds out 32 dessert destinations rated by real visitors to the site. Spots that Nate has personally visited carry the NateEatsHawaii badge, so you can always tell which recommendations come straight from his own experience.
The ranking
Top pick1Specialty shop serving imaginative ice cream & sherbet flavors like kona coffee & lychee.
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7Gelatissimo Waikiki brings dessert to Waikiki. Family-friendly casual dining.
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9$Contemporary counter-serve stop for Taiwanese shaved ice in flavors such as papaya or matcha.
10Dessert hub crafting gelato in traditional Italian & Hawaiian flavors, plus paninis & waffles.
11Dessert hub crafting gelato in traditional Italian & Hawaiian flavors, plus paninis & waffles.
12Dessert hub crafting gelato in traditional Italian & Hawaiian flavors, plus paninis & waffles.
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14$$Cozy kiosk offering traditional shaved-ice desserts, frozen yogurt & build-your-own açaí bowls.
15$$Junbi Waikiki brings cafe to Waikiki at a mid-range price point. Casual and welcoming atmosphere.
16$$Tucked into Waikiki, Kith Treats Hawaii serves food store at mid-range prices. Look for takeout — known as a well-loved spot.
17Busy counter serve in Royal Hawaiian Center for soft-serve ice cream with toppings in a unique cone.
18Snug, unpretentious cafe with bright decor, offering innovative shaved ices & monthly specialties.
19$$Relaxed local chain serving coffee, homemade ice cream & baked goods featuring macadamia nuts.
20$Tucked into Waikiki, Magnolia Ice Cream & Treats serves food store at budget-friendly prices. Look for takeout — known as a solid pick.
21$Waikiki's go-to malasada spot with gourmet flavors like ube, lilikoi, and haupia cream. Boxes of 3 run $9-11, perfect for sharing. Open early for breakfast malasadas.
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23$$Dessert fare in Waikiki. The Cheesecake Factory is a solid pick.
24Renowned spot for shave ice featuring exotic flavors, such as pickled mango, lychee & passion fruit.
25$No-frills nook selling fruit & sandwiches plus ice cream & sorbet in a variety of flavors.
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27Nana’s Green Tea is a food store spot in Waikiki. Locals consider it a well-loved spot with takeout.
28$Chef-curated shave ice in Waikiki with 44 housemade syrups. All items $10 with ice cream base, premium toppings, and ocean views at Twin Fin Hotel.
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FAQ
Dave's Ice Cream At The Ilikai earns the top spot as a NateEatsHawaii-verified recommendation, known for creative flavors like kona coffee and lychee. Beyond that, highly rated options like Ice Monster Hawaii and the IL Gelato cafes are popular picks among visitors.
Waikiki has several well-regarded shave ice options, including Aloha Icelabs in Dukes Lane, Gecko Girlz Shave Ice and Ice Cream Shop, and Haleiwa Town Shave Ice, all located within the neighborhood and rated by real visitors on NateEatsHawaii.
This is a curated guide that places Nate's personally verified picks first, followed by the highest-rated dessert spots in Waikiki based on real visitor ratings collected on NateEatsHawaii. The list is reviewed regularly to reflect the current dessert scene across the area's 32 qualifying spots.
Waikiki