Best Shave Ice in Hawaii

Hawaii is world-famous for its shave ice. Shhh…notice it’s not called “shaved” ice; that’s a local secret. There are so many great places to enjoy this delicious treat, and I’ve tried a lot of them. Join me while I explore Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island for the Best Shave Ice in Hawaii.

Best Shave Ice Hawaii

Wailua Shave Ice (Kauai):

Wailua Shave Ice is my absolute favorite, and I probably go to this place at least twice a day when I’m in Kauai. They have natural fruit flavors and use real local honey and homemade haupia cream to add as toppings. It’s located in the heart of Kappa and is so popular there may be a line, which is unusual to have on the island of Kauai.

• In the Ross-Dress for Less Shopping Center
• 04-831 Kuhio Hwy #206, Kapaa, Hawaii 96746
• (808) 634-7183
• Open Daily: 12:00 pm-8:30 pm

Jo Jo’s Shave Ice (Kauai):

If you are looking for traditional shave ice, JoJo’s has got you covered. I enjoyed my first JoJo Shave Ice after visiting Waimea Canyon, and it was a perfect ending to my travels. Although it has 3 locations in every corner of the island, The Waimea Canyon store is its original location.

• 9734 Kaumualii Hwy, Waimea, HI 96796
• (808) 378-4712
• Waimea is Open Daily from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (other locations have different hours)

The Fresh Shave (Kauai):

The Fresh Shave takes all your Hawaiian dreams to another level by using natural fruit and other fresh ingredients in their homemade syrups. Their signature treats include unique pairings of coconut, berries, acai, and other tropical flavors.

• Old Koloa Town
• 5356 Koloa Rd., Koloa, HI 96756
• (808) 631-2222
• Monday- Saturday 12pm-6pm

Big Wave Shave Ice Company (Maui):

The Big Wave has a few locations, but the portions are big, and the juices are fresh. If you are on the west side of the island, you catch the Big Wave Monday through Friday from 12 p.m.-4 p.m.

• Napili Village behind 808 Boards
• Napili-Honokowai, Maui, HI 96761-8766
• (808) 225-6770
• Open Monday – Friday 12pm-4pm

Matsumoto Shave Ice (Oahu):

Matsumoto’s Shave Ice is world-famous and known across all the islands. It’s one of the most popular shave ice locations in the Pacific. Be sure to spend extra time there because you may have to wait in line.

 

• The North Shore
• 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy Ste 605, Haleiwa, HI 96712
• (808) 637-4827
• Open Daily: 10:00 am-6:00 pm

Anuenue Ice Cream & Shave Ice (Big Island):

Hands down, Aneunue Shave Ice is the best place to get shave ice on the Big Island. It doesn’t look like that big of a deal from the street, but there is always a crowd, and it has been voted best shave ice on the Big Island for years. Anuenue translated means “rainbow,” you can see my rainbow shave ice pictured below.

• 61-3665 Akoni Pule Hwy, Kawaihae Shopping Ctr, Kamuela, HI 96743
• (808)
• Open Daily: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Final Thoughts of Best Shave Ice Hawaii

In conclusion, embarking on a quest for the best shave ice in Hawaii is much more than a pursuit of a sweet treat; it’s a vibrant journey through a world of flavors, textures, and local charm. From the bustling streets of Honolulu to the serene shores of Kauai, each shave ice stand we visited offered a unique twist on this beloved island specialty.

Want to know where to get the Best Shave in Oahu or Kauai?