2025 Shave Ice Guide
Nothing beats Hawaiian shave ice on a hot day. We've tracked down the island's best spots - from legendary North Shore stands to hidden Honolulu gems. Fluffy, flavorful, and totally worth the trip.
Compact shop offering handcrafted, Thai-inspired ice cream rolls with various toppings.
Specialty shop serving imaginative ice cream & sherbet flavors like kona coffee & lychee.
Relaxed local chain serving coffee, homemade ice cream & baked goods featuring macadamia nuts.
Dessert hub crafting gelato in traditional Italian & Hawaiian flavors, plus paninis & waffles.
Contemporary counter-serve stop for Taiwanese shaved ice in flavors such as papaya or matcha.
Family-owned standby offering a changing roster of snow ice, a mix of shave ice & ice cream.
Cozy kiosk offering traditional shaved-ice desserts, frozen yogurt & build-your-own açaí bowls.
Shave ice (not shaved ice!) is finely shaved ice with flavored syrups, often served with ice cream, azuki beans, or mochi on the bottom. The ice is shaved so fine it melts in your mouth - completely different from mainland snow cones.
Hawaiian shave ice uses a blade to shave ice into powder-fine flakes that absorb syrup throughout. Snow cones use crushed ice chunks that stay crunchy. Shave ice has a smooth, fluffy texture that's far superior.
Classic Hawaiian flavors include li hing mui (salty dried plum), lilikoi (passion fruit), haupia (coconut), and guava. Most locals recommend trying a combination like strawberry-lilikoi or rainbow with li hing powder on top.
A basic shave ice runs $4-6, while loaded versions with ice cream, mochi, and premium toppings cost $7-12. It's one of the most affordable treats in Hawaii and perfect for beating the heat.