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Waiola Shave Ice
2135 Waiola St, Honolulu, HI 96826, United States
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Waiola Shave Ice
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Al
Review №1

Excellent shave (not shaved) ice. It’s located in a quiet neighborhood and in a corner store. The shave ice has a fine texture (not like typical shave ice). They offer about 30 different unique flavors and toppings. I’d recommend trying a few and sharing. You can get up to two flavors unless you get rainbow. A small was more than enough for me and I’m a big dessert person.Street parking only.

Al
Review №2

Great shaved ice place in a neighborhood just outside Waikiki. Syrups were all really good, not too sweet and they had ice cream and condensed milk toppings too. Best part was the ice itself, not chunky or grainy but really smooth texture which is what you want it a shaved ice. The line wasnt too long for us, but they included simple instructions for efficient ordering. There was also a convenience store attached to it, with random stuff and swag (t-shirts, magnets and stickers) Will definitely be back again next time Im in Oahu!

Sh
Review №3

The ice was smooth and fluffy. Definitely a better texture than on the mainland. Thats the only thing that made it stand out. Other than that, the flavors were similar to anything youd find anywhere else in the United States.

An
Review №4

Really soft shave ice. The traditional red bean one reminded me of my childhood.

Mi
Review №5

Awesome spot for a shave iced! The ice itself comes super packed and the flavors and combinations all are great as well. Super fast service!

Ki
Review №6

Great shaved Ice. I got the Lilikoi and melona flavor and really think the lilikoi was the star. The syrup tasted super fresh and the texture of the ice was phenomenal. They shave their ice in a traditional way (not some of the ribbon shapes you may see at other places) but it’s so fine that there is a lot of air and surface area - this allows the ice to taste super airy and almost creamy.Highly recommend!

Cl
Review №7

Great spot, my favorite shave ice in town. The shave ice is soft and doesnt crunch, the optional ice cream is delicious, and the syrups are tasty. We go here multiple times a trip when visiting my relatives.

Aa
Review №8

Solid parking, low key area, and walk up window…what is not to love. This is a must try spot.

Ch
Review №9

Took my daughter for first shaved ice experience. Timed it so wasnt too busy. But definitely sat and enjoyed that childhood feeling of good shaved ice. Although Im getting old and need to share because too sweet for me these days.

Ha
Review №10

First time trying shaved ice here in Hawaii after hearing so much about it. I have to say the hype is real, friends and I tried the lilikoi, Obama, and lychee. Definitely worth a stop here

Ke
Review №11

Not much to add to the other reviews, but at this point, Waiolas reputation really speaks for itself. We love the shave ice here. Period. Unpretentious, humble location and product. The finest shave ice on Oahu. Love this place and we will be back the next time we visit this island.

Ju
Review №12

Worth stopping by 🔥 the line was pretty long but only took us 7 minutes or so to reach the front. They do charge extra if you pay with a credit card so if you care about that bring cash 👌🏼. Maybe don’t get the Coke flavor, someone in our group got it and it doesn’t taste like Coke at all. I would stick with the classic snow cone flavors and you will be happy ¨̮ Note: a large Size is about the size of a softball and it is $4.00 🤙🏼

J
Review №13

Nothing really special.. i would rather go get snow cone or korean shaved ice. It was good for a try.

Di
Review №14

Smooth and so delicious! I got the ice-cream bowl with lilikoi and haupia flavors with lilikoi cream and condensed milk toppings and it was amazing. My husband loved his as well: lilikoi and li hing mui flavors with condensed milk and lychee jelly!

Ja
Review №15

We went twice in 6 days. The shave was like eating fresh snow in Utah as a kid! Flavors were great with plenty of flavors. Had 1 with ice cream and it was creamy but make sure you think of the flavor with vanilla. 2nd was just good old shave! Shop doesnt look like much but it doesnt have to when the things that come out are great!

Wi
Review №16

I’m personally not a fan of this place. I’ve had shaved ice with flavors before in other places (NOLA, NYC) just to name a few and they tasted much better than this. The syrups they use are very artificial, I had one bite and there was already a thick coating of syrup on my tounge. I only lasted six bites before I threw it away.

Ch
Review №17

Definitely one of the best hole in the wall spots on the island! Going here after a hike at Manoa Falls is the cherry on top for my entire day!

Er
Review №18

Best shaved ice! Big lines but the wait wasn’t long. Definitely will be back

Lu
Review №19

One of the best place to get shave ice. Grandson loved it.

Ss
Review №20

Parking free. Taste ok. Worker(Or Owner’s daughter) wasn’t nice. Looks dirty inside but maybe clean enough. My stomach was fine. Cash only. No tax and tip.

Ho
Review №21

First time in Hawaii!! Beautiful beach !!

Ke
Review №22

Delicious and flavorful shaved ice. As authentic as the Beautiful beaches of Waikiki!

Ci
Review №23

Great place for shave ice because the texture of their ice is softer and creamier than any other. They have a great variety of flavors and make li hing with lemon peel treats in house. They have seating outside so you can enjoy your treats in comfort before it melts.

Co
Review №24

I had Pina Coloda with sweetend condensed milk. It wasnt very photogenic but it was delicious. Great Hawaiian treat wish I could have 1 now.

In
Review №25

I got the Obama Rainbow. Super tasty, loved it. The Ice is the perfect texture

Jo
Review №26

Great shave ice place. We went in the afternoon around 430pm a little line out front but they crank them out so we didnt have to wait very long. Lots of choices and reasonable prices

Jo
Review №27

Decent shaved ice, they use the Hawaiian snow flavors so basically just corn syrup and dye. There wasn’t enough syrup so there was a lot of unflavored ice in the middle but the ice was a really good texture, almost like sorbet it was very finely ground.The coke flavor was disappointing and I almost wish they would have just poured actual coke in the ice instead of brown corn syrup.

To
Review №28

No frill place. Loved it. So local. So authentic. $4 for a medium.

CA
Review №29

Lol, beans on shaved ice. Delicious and fun experience.

Ju
Review №30

For those with no transportation what so ever to get to the other island this would be a great spot to get shaved ice in town.People are always comparing the Northshore shave ice to another and different shave ice place. When it comes to it each shave ice places have their own unique blend and ways of making things.Waiola is conveniently located in town to get them island feel shave ice. Matsumoto is one of the original shave ice locations but their store has gone through so much renovation that the old time feel is long gone.Try Waiola and see for your own self.

Ge
Review №31

6 out of 5 stars. Will come back again.Honesty the best shave ice I moved on island two years ago. The ice is the consistency of snow and the flavors are concentrated enough that they shine through the ice without being overwhelming.They also take Visa for a small surcharge in case you forgot cash.

Ja
Review №32

The best shaved ice, ever. I enjoyed it so much that Ill miss it after trying it once. The best in town, or even on the island. I never leave a review, but I had to for this place. Amazing, I would rate it 5 stars twice or 10 stars if I could.

Cu
Review №33

Pretty good as far as shaved ice goes. The staff was a little unfriendly when we went. Might have just been a bad day for them. Not sure. My girlfriend asked for a medium size to which they curtly responded we dont have a medium, In a very short tone. In fairness, they dont have a medium, but the way that it was said was very offputting. I probably wont go back unless my girlfriend insists.

Ad
Review №34

Been coming here for three decades. The have the lightest ice in the whole world.

Cl
Review №35

Would recommend passion fruit, cherry, lychee and add condensed milk as extra topping

Jo
Review №36

Good not great. I prefer places that use real fruits on top.

Ma
Review №37

Very very good shave ice. Good service and at a very affordable!!

Je
Review №38

Ok

Je
Review №39

Okay, so I know everyone knows about Matsumoto Shave Ice. Dont get me wrong, their shave ice really good. But, Waiola Shave Ice is waaaaaay better! It was so soft and creamy... and I didnt even have any ice cream in mine! We made the mistake of trying Waiola on the last day of our vacation...big mistake. If we had known just how good it truly was, we wouldve been going there every day until we left the island. Trust me, its that good. 👍

Ma
Review №40

Found out about it from Matts Travel Tips. So far the best shave ice I have had during my stay here. Smoother and fluffier than the others.

Lo
Review №41

Best shaved ice we have ever had. Locals know this, so if you find this little gem you will not be disappointed. Orange creamsickle with vanilla ice cream was our go-to, but they had so many choices that multiple trips are likely in order. Guess this will require repeated trips to Hawaii just to try new flavors.

To
Review №42

Uniquely soft and delicious. Best Shave Ice anywhere.

ke
Review №43

Oahus BEST shave ice. Matsumotos is the most popular, I think Waiola is the best. The snow is super fine and the flavor is great. Only draw back is the parking situation is kind of tricky and they dont have a great place to sit.

Gl
Review №44

Ive been to alot of shaved iced places this one is very good... worth the wait in line and out the way location...call is a hidden treasure.

Am
Review №45

This is a small place that has surprisingly great shave ice with many flavors. I also had some condensed milk (yes, its a topping!) drizzled on top and loved it!

Yu
Review №46

Huge selection of flavors and not too sweet. It melts fast though, so eat quickly!

Da
Review №47

Still my familes good to for the past 10 years of visiting Oahu and am proud to say they have disappointed. Still consistently good with a lot of flavor options. We will visit again before we fly out!

Sa
Review №48

Fantastic shaved ice here. Guy behind the register was super friendly and patient as we learned the menu. Some outdoor seating is available. Cash only, so bring your bills. Pictured is the Thai Tea with condensed milk shaved ice. It was great and the price was reasonable.

Si
Review №49

Waiola Shave Ice shows up in almost all todo lists in Hawaii and after spending the day in Oahu’s Sun and Sand, a spoonful of Shave ice will make you understand what’s all the hype about. We got the chocolate sundae and the rainbow flavors, both of which were excellent and a trip to Waiola is well worth the opportunity cost of extra time at the beach (or hikes?)!

Pa
Review №50

Not that great. Limited flavors and unhelpful staff.

To
Review №51

Shave ice was ok, not very flavorful. Got the azuki bowl and ice cream bowl, both with pina colada. The Mochi and azuki beans barely had any flavor. Should have added condensed milk for extra flavor. Parking can be tough, esp on the weekends. The accept cc but they charge a fee so it’s better to have cash.

Cm
Review №52

Quick. Cool and yummy. Da best

Jo
Review №53

Shaved ice was subpar and melty. Service was terrible, extremely rude and rushed us when there was no need to rush. Don’t go here.

Jo
Review №54

This shaved ice is so soft and perfect on a warm day like today. I had the Obama Rainbow and it was so good. Next time Ill try something new.

Lo
Review №55

Long lines that moved surprisingly fast. Very fine shaved ice that melts in your mouth with a good assortment of flavors and add on choices. Excellent!

Br
Review №56

Hands down the best shave ice in Hawaii. They have been at it for a very long time and their creamy texture and homemade syrups blows everyone out of the water.

Ma
Review №57

Waiola is by far the best shave ice in Oahu. The syrups flavorings are awesome and the texture of the shave ice is flat ahead of any other shave ice place on the island. Prices are reasonable. The locals are regulars.

TB
Review №58

The shave ice goes without saying how great it is. I got a T-shirt I thought would fit but was too small. The other store allowed me to exchange it for another size that fits perfectly. Very friendly and helpful. Mahalo!!!

Da
Review №59

Had ice from the mainland and Korea. This is the FINEST ice will ever be shaved. The cherry and lemon-li me syrup is a little underwhelming but mango is really good. I can see what the reviews were saying now

Ma
Review №60

Regular favorite. We always stop by when in the neighborhood!

Ne
Review №61

Hard for find parking. Long line but went fast. Good ice shave.

Br
Review №62

Wonderful the best on the Island.

Da
Review №63

One of the best places to get shave ice. My favorite is the Waiola Rainbow sundae. Decide what you want before you get to the window. Dont be that person who spoils the really friendly vibe. Cash only.

La
Review №64

They’re not friendly, very bad costumer service.

de
Review №65

Awesome small place. There is a line that moves quickly. CASH ONLY, so be prepared 5 dollars per shave ice. It was delicious. They offer condensed milk on top and that took it to the next level. Definitely recommend adding the condensed milk to any flavors.

Ge
Review №66

Awesome! The ice is very finely shaved which gives it a nice texture. Great flavors, too! Try the Obama Rainbow.

Te
Review №67

Great as always. Cash only.

Mi
Review №68

Best Shave Ice on the planet, nothing else comes close!Dont expect great, or even good service.Do expect the closest, best, shave ice - and you will be glad you came here! This is like a daily stop if possible, but seriously, we manage to make it 80% of the days we are in town.My usual is a large cup shave ice, with a scoop of ice cream at the bottom, choose the flavor you prefer and grind away!Parking can be tricky, but we have always managed to find something on the block. Also we have always found a bench to sit on outside.

Ri
Review №69

This is my favorite location for Waiola Shave Ice. A definite for all to enjoy- locals and visitors, young and old alike. Delicious flavors. Generally pretty busy but service is quick so the line moves quickly. Worth the wait- yum!

Ad
Review №70

Best shaved ice I ever had, consistency of fresh snow. Prices reasonable, lots of different flavors with REAL juice. Worth going out of your way to visit!

Jo
Review №71

Great place for shaved ice. I had the Obama Rainbow.

Ki
Review №72

Smooth and tasty shaved ice with tons of flavours, goodies and toppings.

Ja
Review №73

This place is really a good way to start any day in life. If you stop here first its going to be a great day.

St
Review №74

Best shave ice on the island of Oahu. Hands down!!

Gr
Review №75

Watered down syrup. Got the rainbow and could not even taste the banana or strawberry. Mustve got new owners.

Au
Review №76

The ice is really good, but they dont give enough flavor (white center) and the flavors arent very strong.

Do
Review №77

Sour apple & sour lemon flavors are my favorites.

Je
Review №78

Best shaved ice on a hot day! Great customer service and the line moved quick!

Sa
Review №79

Tasty! Get lychee with red beans... A hole in the wall with bench seating outside but good shaved ice.

Da
Review №80

Good service overall, good flavors and a great variety we tried all the three flavor combinations and were satisfied. Condensed milk combination was good to try.

Se
Review №81

I liked it!

Je
Review №82

Jumbo bowl with ice cream and shave ice to share with husband and 3 year old = $9. Not bad, I enjoyed the very fine shave ice, but I would have loved more vanilla ice cream under the ice. Make sure you know what you want because they are not very patient if youre still trying to make up your mind at the window (there are lots of options!). This was my first shave ice experience and I wasnt super convinced of all the hype. My 3 year old loved it!

Em
Review №83

This is the official treasure of Hawaii. I’ve sampled shave ice far and wide across this earth and have never found it as high quality and creamy as it is here. Get the azuki bowl with extra mochi! FYI cash only

Ar
Review №84

This place was awesome. Try. The rainbow if you don’t know what to be. Hopefully we make it back here before we leave.

Ka
Review №85

They have such a large range of flavors to choose from and all the toppings that the locals love! This is true SHAVED ice. Its like fluffy snow. 10/10 will go again.*Pictured is a mango, lilikoi bowl that has vanilla ice cream at the bottom and topped with condensed cream 😋

Ni
Review №86

Very good shave ice, great price!

Am
Review №87

Perfect dessert for a hot afternoon! We got two bowls with ice cream and condensed milk. Bowl 1 had mango and vanilla syrup. Bowl 2 had pineapple and haupia. Pineapple tasted fake, but the rest was amazing! Very refreshing :)

T
Review №88

Our first Hawaiian shave ice experience. Delicious, light, and refreshing. We each got the large bowl with condensed milk and beans. Will be back. Cash only and parking lot next door.

An
Review №89

Inexpensive, delicious and refreshing!

Al
Review №90

The highlight of my trip! Definitely a must try if you’re on Oahu. Order the Azuki Bowl or any of the other special bowls and make sure you add on mochi balls.. they make them in house!

Ka
Review №91

Delicious! We got the azuki and flan bowls. The azuki beans werent too sweet which I loved and the mochi pieces were the perfect texture. The shaved ice was super fine and smooth and the lychee flavor we got was also perfect! Would definitely come back! Just the perfect summertime snack

Mo
Review №92

Yummy flavors but could add an actual scoop of ice cream instead of a teaspoon of it. Delicious though! 😋🍧🥄

Jo
Review №93

Best shave ice: other places serve crushed ice compared to how soft their shave ice is

Ha
Review №94

I got the strawberry and pog flavored shave ice over vanilla ice cream. The ice was smooth and tasted especially good with the creamy ice cream at the bottom. There was always a line here, but they churn these things out quick so the wait is very minimal.There are some benches along the side of the shop which was nice to sit and eat and people watch. Great place!

Fi
Review №95

The ice here is so soft! Great choice of flavors and in general fun atmosphere to be at the neighborhood shaved ice shop.

Da
Review №96

Had the Obama rainbow in a large bowl. Perfect to share between two people! Super refreshing and delicious!

Za
Review №97

Just an out of towner looking for all the great places to eat. Ive only had snocones. This place blew everything out of the water. Had to get two to try the most flavors.

De
Review №98

Amazing taste. Dont bother getting Shave ice in Waikiki when this place is so close to town.Yummm

Jo
Review №99

Delicious and quick service!

Je
Review №100

Its ok. The shaved ice was a bit chunky. Dont think Id go back.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.6 Rating
  • Address:2135 Waiola St, Honolulu, HI 96826, United States
  • Site:http://waiolashaveice.com/
  • Phone:+1 808-949-2269
Categories
  • Ice cream shop
  • Snack bar
Working hours
  • Monday:12–6PM
  • Tuesday:12–6PM
  • Wednesday:12–6PM
  • Thursday:12–6PM
  • Friday:12–6PM
  • Saturday:12–6PM
  • Sunday:12–6PM
Service options
  • In-store shopping:Yes
Highlights
  • Great dessert:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot:Yes
Planning
  • Quick visit:Yes
Payments
  • Cash-only:Yes
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