You haven’t experienced Hawaii until you’ve experienced shave ice! Here are our top 5 shave ice joints on the Big Island for your enjoyment:
1. Kula Shave Ice
57 Mamo St, Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 464-4821
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Kula Shave Ice sells not just organic homemade fresh fruit shaved ice, but also organic cold brew coffee, tea, açaí bowls, ice cream, and Waipio Valley Poi! When in Hilo on a hot day, be sure to check them out! There is something for everyone. Known to locals as the best shave ice in Hilo town.
2. Original Big Island Shave Ice
Monday & Tuesday – Church Road, Kamuela, Hawaii (11:30 am – 5:30 pm)
Wednesday – King’s Shop Parking Lot, Waikoloa, Hawaii (Next to Roy’s Restaurant) (11:00 am – 5:00 pm)
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday – Kai Store, Hilo, Hawaii (11:30 am – 5:30 pm)
(808) 895-6069
Original Big Island Shave Ice Co. takes pride in serving fine and flavorful shave ice crafted with aloha. Their story dates back to 1957 when the owner’s mother, Lorraine (Berdon) Kaono, the original “ice master”, began serving shave ice in West Hawaii. Her passion and refined shave ice recipes were taught to Reggie (owner) at the age of 10 and became a family tradition. In 2014, along with his wife Kim, their children (and their families), they founded the Original Big Island Shave Ice Co, Inc. with their first shave ice truck. They still use his mother’s homemade natural syrup recipes (with an added touch of his own!) and also feature delicious, local-favorite toppings. From their traditional Rainbow blend to gourmet specialties like Trini-Chantilly, they have something for everyone!
3. Scandinavian Shave Ice
75-5699 Alii Dr, Kailua Kona, Hawaii, on the corner of Alii Dr. and Likana Lane.
Free public parking on the mauka (mountain) side of the building.
(808) 326-2522
Open Monday – Saturday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sundays 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Scandinavian Shave Ice, referred to as “Scandi’s” by the locals, is a Kona landmark that has been located in the heart of Kailua Village since 1991 . They are only minutes away from Kailua Pier, historic Hulihe’e Palace and Mokuaikaua Church. Described as the best shave ice in Hawaii, they offer generous portions at reasonable prices. Often mistaken for “snow cones” or “slushies,” a true shave ice has the consistency of new-fallen snow, not the granular, crunchy ice customers are used to. With ice cream or frozen yogurt in the middle, the customer’s choice of three out of their 65 flavors and crowned with a snow cap of sweetened condensed milk or coconut cream, this is probably the most unique treat they have had.
4. One Aloha Shave Ice
75-5711 Kuakini Hwy Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
(808) 327-1717
11:00 am- 6:30 pm
This company serves “soul refreshing flavors made with real fruit in small batches in house daily with aloha.” One Aloha Shave Ice Company first opened its doors on July 3rd, 2015, when they decided to make homemade shave ice syrups lightly sweetened with certified organic cane sugar and organic and local no spray fruits. They have fresh local flavors such as Lilikoi (Passion Fruit), Tahitian Lime, Guava, Mango, Lychee, local orange, local tangerine, and creamy coconut, as well as all the berries, and even fun flavors, all hand made with aloha! Shave Ice that’s actually good for you! No high fructose corn syrup, no artificial food color, no refined white sugar. “Come and taste the realness.” Voted Best of West Hawaii for 2016 and 2017!
5. Anuenue Ice Cream & Shave Ice
61-3665 Akoni Pule Hwy, Kawaihae Shopping Ctr, Kamuela, HI 96743
(808) 882-1109
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
My personal favorite! When you’re up north, you gotta give this literal hole in the wall a chance! Simple, old school, and so refreshing. This place always hits the spot. Cash only – so plan ahead!
