Top pick1Waikiki is one of the sweetest stretches of Oahu — and not just because of the ocean views. From pillowy shave ice to creamy gelato, the neighborhood is packed with dessert shops worth seeking out. I pulled together all 32 qualifying spots and ranked them by real visitor ratings submitted right here on NateEatsHawaii.
Topping the list are crowd favorites like Aloha Icelabs, a popular shave ice and ice cream shop tucked inside Dukes Lane, and Ice Monster Hawaii, a contemporary counter known for Taiwanese-style shaved ice in flavors like papaya and matcha. Further down the rankings, IL Gelato Cafe Waikiki Royal Hawaiian is well regarded for its Italian and Hawaiian-inspired gelato alongside paninis and waffles. One spot I personally recommend is Dave's Ice Cream at the Ilikai — a specialty shop serving imaginative flavors like Kona coffee and lychee that's earned the NateEatsHawaii badge.
Spots Nate has personally visited are marked with the NateEatsHawaii badge on every listing card, so you can always tell which picks come with a first-hand stamp of approval. Whether you're after a classic scoop, a tropical soft-serve, or a shave ice piled high with island syrups, this ranked list has you covered.
The ranking
Top pick1
2
3
4
5Specialty shop serving imaginative ice cream & sherbet flavors like kona coffee & lychee.
6
7Gelatissimo Waikiki brings dessert to Waikiki. Family-friendly casual dining.
8
9$Contemporary counter-serve stop for Taiwanese shaved ice in flavors such as papaya or matcha.
10Dessert hub crafting gelato in traditional Italian & Hawaiian flavors, plus paninis & waffles.
11Dessert hub crafting gelato in traditional Italian & Hawaiian flavors, plus paninis & waffles.
12Dessert hub crafting gelato in traditional Italian & Hawaiian flavors, plus paninis & waffles.
13$
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 $9-11, perfect for sharing. Open early for breakfast malasadas.
22$
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.
26
27Nana’s Green Tea is a food store spot in Waikiki. Locals consider it a well-loved spot with takeout.
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.
See every spot on a live map
Filter, get directions, and find what's open right now.
FAQ
Based on real visitor ratings on NateEatsHawaii, Aloha Icelabs in Dukes Lane currently ranks #1 among the 32 dessert spots cataloged in Waikiki. Rankings update as new ratings come in, so check back for the latest order.
Shave ice and soft-serve spots like Aloha Whip and Gecko Girlz Shave Ice and Ice Cream Shop are generally budget-friendly options in Waikiki — perfect for a quick sweet treat without a big spend.
The rankings are driven by real visitor ratings submitted on NateEatsHawaii and refresh automatically as new reviews come in, so the list always reflects the most current community feedback.
Waikiki