If there were to be only one dessert associated with Hawaii, it would be shave ice. Not only is shave ice the perfect snack for a quick sugar rush after a day spent at the beach, but it’s one treat that’s pretty much exclusive to the Aloha State. You see, shave ice and snow cones are not the same thing — the consistency of true shave ice is that of newly fallen snow, not the granular and crunchy ice so many are used to. And while you’ll find shave ice shops across the Hawaiian Islands, today, we’re sharing one of our favorites with you.
Welcome to Waiola Shave Ice! What began as a mom-and-pop grocery store in 1940 by the Koide family and operating under different ownership and names throughout the years has become one of Oahu’s most popular shave ice spots with two heavenly Honolulu locations.
Waiola Shave Ice/Website
This quaint grocery store is said to be the best shave ice in Honolulu, but don’t take our word for it — look to the thousands of individuals who have left an average 4.5-star review on Yelp and TripAdvisor, or just try it for yourself.
Waiola Shave Ice/Website
All syrups are made in-house utilizing only sugar cane, many with natural flavors. Azuki beans, custard pudding, and mochi balls are also made from scratch.
Waiola Shave Ice/Website
With more than 50 unique flavors, the flavor combinations are endless — from tropical classics like mango, coconut, guava, lychee, and pineapple…
Waiola Shave Ice/Website
…to flavors you won’t find anywhere else like plum, honey, coffee, and black grapes.
Waiola Shave Ice/Website
Available in cones and in bowls and with extras like sweetened condensed milk, custard, ice cream, and azuki beans, you’ll want to visit over and over again to try as many creations as possible.
Waiola Shave Ice/Website
Though you will often discover a line and might have a hard time finding a parking spot, the effort is well worth it. This shave ice is delicious, affordable, and, quite simply, to-die-for.
Waiola Shave Ice/Website
So, what are you waiting for? Waiola Shave Ice is a must-visit for any shave ice lovers in the Aloha State.
Waiola Shave Ice/Website
The original location of Waiola Shave Ice is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., while their second location on Mokihana Street is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They are closed on Tuesday. For more information, visit their website or follow them on Facebook. Have you eve been to this shave ice spot? What’s your favorite flavor combination?
Waiola Shave Ice/Website
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Address: 2135 Waiola St, Honolulu, HI 96826, USAAddress: 3113 Mokihana St, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA
