Hawaiian Shave Ice - A Must for Any Visitor

No trip to Oahu is complete without a taste of Hawaiian shave ice, a quintessential Hawaii experience. We've put together a little insider info about where to get the best shave ice on the island.

Shave ice is an ice-based dessert enhanced with added flavors. A favorite of locals and visitors alike, it's probably the most refreshing dessert on the island (or possibly ever). Although shave ice is similar to a snow cone, it's made up of shaved, not crushed ice, giving it a fluffier, easier to enjoy texture.

The best places to get shave ice in Oahu:

Matsumoto's Shave Ice

Located in beautiful Haleiwa Town, the ever-popular Motsumoto's has been in business since 1950 and is worth the wait in line. Choose shave ice with or without a scoop of ice cream (we strongly recommend with) and pick one of their sweet flavors such as Mango, Passion Fruit, and Coconut (location: 66-087 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712.)

Waiola Shave Ice

Located in the outskirts of Waikiki, head to Waiola Shave Ice to indulge your sweet tooth at the longest running establishment on Oahu, established in 1940. Add sweet azuki beans or tapioca pearls for extra sweetness and choose from fun flavors like Green Tea, Pog, or Pina Colada. (location: 3113 Mokihana St, Honolulu, HI 96816.)

Monsarrat Shave Ice

Tucked into a too-cute alleyway next to Pioneer Inn, this small hole-in-the-wall shave ice shop in Waikiki specializes in unique flavor additions that are closer to purees than syrups. They're so thick they have to be layered in the cup to fully saturate the fluffy ice.(location: 3046 Monsarrat Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815.)