Kokoro Cafe

51

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6 months ago

I've romanticized Hawaii for years. Not because of the perpetual sunshine or the beaches or the unbelievably fresh seafood. But because of the humble but magical Dole Whip. I had dreamed about visiting the Dole Plantation on Oahu and getting "Hawaii's complete pineapple experience" (according to their Google SEO result), whatever that might be. But little did I know that I'd be getting another sort of bona fide pineapple experience in Hawaii instead... in the Royal Hawaiian Center, a beautiful outdoor mall in Waikiki. I almost walked past Kokoro Cafe on the second floor. If you've ever gotten dessert in a mall food court, you know the drill. Atmosphere is what it is, but the service was super fast and there was no line by the time we were heading out after dinner. They offer a few different Dole Whip options: you can get it in a cup, a shaka-shaped waffle cone, or float form with POG (pineapple, orange, and guava) juice. Since I had been waiting for so long, I wanted to taste the Dole Whip in its purest form, so I got it in a cup. The pineapple soft serve was creamy and soft, flavorful without being saccharine. read more

Kokoro Cafe - Half-eaten Dole Whip - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Sophia V.

14

86

248

4 months ago

Amazing customer service. He was very welcoming and friendly. I tried the pineapple and vanilla soft serve. It wasn't as creamy as I would like it to be but it was still a tasty treat. I don't remember exactly what he said but the orange sprinkles were plum flavored. He said people typically like to sprinkle it on pineapples or fruits to add to the flavors. read more

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Susan B.

83

286

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4 months ago

Definitely a great place to go to if in Waikiki Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center's food court... center of the RHSC...we have so far ordered their cakes for birthdays, weddings and when we are special occasions we are always ordering from KuluKulu Cafe Bakery. If only they open another outlet not in Waikiki it'll be great.....they were once in the old SHIROKIYA food court that I always went to...not many visitors in Waikiki knows the delicacy of the true art of Japanese confectionery making cakes and pastries that I love to our sweet palate that I enjoy very much! Hopefully one day KuluKulu will make another outlet outside of Waikiki where we can enjoy their delicious outstanding cakes galore read more

Kokoro Cafe - Outstanding desserts at the same locale for ten years at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center Food Court - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Sandy W.

4

58

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4 months ago

First time trying this ice cream ,Perfect soft ice cream i loved it !! Amazing customer service ! I really enjoy everything about, its in a Mall so its perfect that you also get to other options food (: read more

Kokoro Cafe - KOKORO CAFE - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Paul M.

31

115

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1 year ago

Royal Hawaiian Center 2nd floor food court. I know shaved ice is very popular but hands down give me the Dole whip 10/10 times instead. Order: Dole whip was light fluffy and extremely satisfying. I could eat it by the gallon! Great flavor and texture. Overall: Don't walk here..run as fast as you can. You will not be disappointed! read more

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Dani M.

28

300

559

7 months ago

Located on the 2nd floor of the Royal Hawaiian Center (in the food court), this spot offers a unique dessert if you want something other than shave ice. It's comparable to "Somi Somi" where they have soft serve, fresh waffle desserts, and other sweet treats. The cashier was extremely helpful and made sure all of our questions about the menu were answered. I highly recommend! read more

Kokoro Cafe - Shaka soft serve - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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James G.

62

7

1

3 months ago

I ordered the dole-whip Shaka boom and it was 10/10. I recommend to anyone trying to get their dole-whip fix. read more

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Mark L.

0

67

137

23 days ago

We have stopped here twice on our visit to Waikiki. The owner is very nice and engaging. His ice cream is home made daily. And you can tell, it is great. Even the soft serve ice cream was wonderful. Also tried the old fashion root beer float (fantastic). Nice oasis in the food court full of fast food. read more

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Claudia D.

148

253

1188

10 months ago

Stumbled on this place that is located in a shopping area within a food court. At first we thought no one was there but they came out to take our order. I had to try the Shaka boom with the pineapple dole whip and it comes with two toppings. We also ordered a sweet iced tea. It was all good and came out quick. The waffle cone was a little soft but still good and it does come with an ample amount of ice cream. Since it is in the food court it was very busy, loud and crowded so make sure you grab a table quick if you plan on sitting down to eat your ice cream. read more

Kokoro Cafe - Shaka boom with dole whip - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Kokoro Cafe - Sweet iced tea - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Nette T.

355

912

839

1 year ago

Royal Hawaiian Center is bustling, on the second floor there is a food court and Kokoro, which has Dole Whip Soft Serve Ice cream. I had to get away from the crowds for a bit and went straight to Kokoro. I ordered the Dole Whip in a small cup and it was creamy and delicious. It was really warm that day that I had to hurry up and take a picture before it melted! I liked Kokoro so much I came back two more times (once for Dole Whip and once for the Shaka Boom) and each time I finished it in 6 minutes flat! The Shaka Boom had vanilla/chocolate soft serve, Oreos, Pocky sticks and shaka waffle was fun to eat. The owner or Kokoro is a really nice guy and we had fun chatting about football (apparently there was a big game that my SO was watching). read more

Kokoro Cafe - Shaka Boom with vanilla/chocolate soft serve ice cream - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Jason H.

0

14

0

1 month ago

Gill is the man! Awesome vibes and the Shaka boom is soo good. Love supporting local business whenever we can. Thanks brah

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Shaela T.

57

43

16

1 year ago

We came for the Shaka... and it did not disappoint. It's a light crispy waffle on a mountain of ice cream and filled with ice cream. We also had the pineapple dole whip. Both were great but what was a pleasant surprise was the service. The owner made our dishes and he had such a passion for what he was doing and was beyond friendly. I'd go again just to see him! read more

Kokoro Cafe - Shaka boom with vanilla chocolate swirl and Oreos - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Nathan S.

0

11

6

2 months ago

this place did not disappoint. absolutely incredible. the float was amazing, unlike anything i've tasted in the mainland. i didn't get the name of our server but that dude was awesome. whoever was working 4/8 afternoon, you are the GOAT read more

Kokoro Cafe - Dole Whip Float - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Kokoro Cafe - Shaka Cone Soft Serve - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Shelby S.

0

4

0

2 months ago

One of the BEST frozen yogurts I have had in my life, icy, creamy, and thick. The place is cute and clean , and Gil, the owner, is so nice and has created such an amazing place. My family and I have been here every single night since we discovered this awesome place! read more

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Juan F.

1139

3899

13602

1 year ago

Dessert place located in the 2nd floor of the Royal Hawaiian Center. We got their Belgian Waffle and honestly it was really good. They are freshly made and you can choose between several toppings. Plenty of seating in the bustling food court. read more

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Alex J.

31

149

197

2 years ago

I got the Dole whip in size small in a waffle cone. It was $5.50, I compared a few other places and thought this was a fair price. A friend got a lychee drink for $3 and they said it tasted just like the can lychee drinks. Knocking off a star for the drink but dole whip was good. read more

Kokoro Cafe - Dole Whip small with cone - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Kay B.

106

11

6

1 year ago

Came for the gram...stayed for the flavors The Shaka cone was lovely and crisp, and the soft serve was extremely smooth and perfect balance of richness . The café is nice and central in Waikiki so makes an easy stop after some time on the beach and ready for an afternoon treat. read more

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Melanie C.

10

55

168

2 years ago

Came here for dessert after eating breakfast in Waikiki. It's a small stand in the Royal Hawaiian Center. Menu consists of ice cream, soft serve, mochi pops, or juices. You order on a tablet at the stand. The worker was super nice & answered all my questions. It takes a bit for them to make because they put the decorations on it so perfectly. They're known for the Shaka Boom & you can choose your soft serve that goes with it. I chose the dole whip with fruity pebbles on top of the Shaka waffle. 8/10. The dole whip is tart & also creamy because of the vanilla in it. The waffle is kinda hard near the fingers but everywhere else was softer. Melts pretty fast so has to be eaten quickly. My husband got the Oreo sundae, 6/10. It was a vanilla soft serve with Oreo crumbles, fudge drizzle and an Oreo. A little bit too sweet for my liking but it's a large portion so definitely shareable! read more

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Jaimie S.

41

347

1847

2 years ago

Yummm. You get 2 free toppings. I got the Shaka and pineapple dole whip. So refreshing!!! Service was quick and they were really nice. read more

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Halei J.

1110

531

6598

2 years ago

This place is in the Royal Hawaiian Center. I like the Dole whip here. There is no one to take your order, you order yourself on the computer. When you place your order someone comes out from the back and gets your order. The only thing that annoys me is that when you order on the computer, they ask you for a tip, I mean you don't have to but just the fact that they ask for a tip and no one even takes your order rubs me the wrong way. Anyways the Dole whip is good......... read more

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Hannah S.

5

186

412

2 years ago

Maybe their ice cream and soft serve is okay... but what really got me upset was their use of canned pineapple. I'm coming to Hawaii, so I'd want the good fresh stuff. Not sad watery bits of fruit remnants. Certainly not giving them another overpriced 10 bucks for this tragedy of a dessert. Service was kinda slow and it's in a cute mall. Good luck finding a table Saturday night. read more

Kokoro Cafe - Sunrise - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Jason K.

211

15

30

11 months ago

Yummy Dole Whip waffle cones that hit the spot -- and the pricing feels just right. The Shaka Cone is not only tasty but makes for a super cute aesthetic, especially when paired with their fruity mango drinks. Between the smoothies and flavored drinks, I'd recommend going with a smoothie -- much more satisfying. If you're into soft serve, definitely try the swirl cone topped with Oreos. It's a small touch that makes a big difference. The only downside was the service -- staff seemed to spend more time in the back than being present for customers up front, which slowed things down a bit. Still, overall a good experience and worth the visit if you're craving something sweet and tropical. read more

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Treta D.

533

66

2

6 months ago

Super basic cheap ice crusty soft serve. Not even as good as a basic frozen yogurt you can get locally. Very disappointing

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Kat R.

0

64

26

1 year ago

Quality of the ice cream was ok, I had really wanted the shaka waffle but on the side of my ice cream as I didn't love the waffle and pineapple dole whip pairing. But you can't get it on the side..some "rules" I'll never understand lol. Just wanted the waffle on the side read more

Kokoro Cafe - Pineapple dole whip - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Rochelle M.

94

470

2477

2 years ago

The place was quite busy when we arrived with most customers ordering the Shaka Boom. There was some crowding in the front as people were eager to take pics for social media. We were more interested in the ice cream to enjoy on our nightly walk. My husband loves the Dole Whip so he couldn't resist trying the Pineapple-Vanilla soft serve. I had the Strawberry Sundae. Nice portions, super-creamy and not overly sweet. We came back a couple days later -- no crowd! I tried the Mochi Pop while my husband had the Dole Whip (again!). The warm mochi waffle was yummmmmy! I'll be back to try the other flavors. I'm sure my husband will try to get to an even bigger cup of the Dole Whip. :) Amazingly friendly people - so warm and welcoming! read more

Kokoro Cafe - Pineapple Vanilla Soft Serve - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Kokoro Cafe - Strawberry Sundae - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Kokoro Cafe - Paradise Dream Mochi Pop - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Kokoro Cafe - Pineapple Dole Whip (Big Cup) - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Ashley V.

0

11

22

1 year ago

This place was so gooodddd the pineapple flavor is delicious, sweet but not too sweet!! read more

Kokoro Cafe - Shaka-boom swirl with sprinkles(free) and fruity pebbles (free) mochi in the back ($1) - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Tabatha O.

170

47

4

3 months ago

The shaka boom is no longer filled with cream, only ice cream. The vanilla soft serve had a watery texture and flavor, did not taste milky at all. The shaka boom was rock solid. Not worth $10 at all. read more

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Leysen H.

372

15

0

8 months ago

Customer service is always excellent and imo they have the best soft serve on island.

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Mason D.

12

17

4

6 months ago

Amazing service. The ice cream and his Shaka-boom bowl is definitely worth it. It's in the food court, and on our way out he gave us water bottles to end the night. Great energy and atmosphere! read more

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Melinda P.

76

503

427

2 years ago

Cute place to get soft serve. I got the dole whip vanilla swirl which was very cute in a Shaka cone. Located in the pa'ina lanai of royal hawaiian shopping center. read more

Kokoro Cafe - Front of cafe - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Kokoro Cafe - Shaka boom soft serve - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Fancypants X.

248

3040

7987

2 years ago

After dinner we took a stroll through the Royal Hawaiian Center. Kokoro Cafe on the second floor offers Dole Whip & soft serve so we stopped for dessert. I had buyer's remorse the second I tasted my pineapple/vanilla swirl. Everyone's pick looked (& I bet tasted) better than mine. Perhaps I should have chosen either pineapple or vanilla because the flavors canceled each other out & made for a bland pairing that was also quick to melt. I had no interest in finishing it; $5.50 for a small cup that mostly ended up in the trash. read more

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Peter N.

4881

268

779

3 years ago

3.8/5.0 Shaka Boom with chocolate soft serve and coconut cream. It's a fun and tasty treat. Good service located in the Royal Hawaiian Center Food Court. Many food choices makes this a somewhat busy location. Can be a little loud and crowded but overall an enjoyable experience. Gimmicky products usually come with some short comings. The cup that it's served in looks larger than it actually is. I put my finger under the cup and was surprised at how shallow the inside of the cup actually is. Had it now. Won't be back read more

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Vivian T.

0

13

7

1 year ago

Great dessert stop after dinner! Convenient location in the food court (2nd floor) and amazing/nice owner. The pineapple vanilla soft serve was delicious and came in the cute Shaka boom waffle read more

Kokoro Cafe - Shaka-boom vanilla pineapple soft serve - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Karina L.

3

20

25

1 year ago

I was looking for a dessert in the Paina Lanai food court, and the picture of the Shaka Boom ice cream waffle caught my eye. I thought it looked super cute, so I decided to get an ice cream. The owner was very friendly and nice, and he struck up a good conversation with me, my husband and mother in law. Fantastic service, and the ice cream was also delicious! Very happy I went by Kokoro Cafe! read more

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Miguel M.

12

365

340

3 years ago

One of my favorite dessert places on O'ahu! Anytime I visit Waikiki I try to visit - their mochi pops and shaka ice creams are the stars, and I recommend this place looking for a place that has food that matches the aesthetic of the shop (and just as tasty) - Miguel Morales Photography read more

Kokoro Cafe - Shaka Ice Cream (@miguelmoralesphotography on Instagram) - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Lauren H.

0

35

12

9 months ago

The Dole Whip was so good--refreshing, creamy, and perfectly sweet without being too much. Honestly hit the spot. The shaka was too cute! also my sister is vegan so it was nice to have him tell me which is vegan. On top of that, the guy who helped me was hella nice, super friendly and made the whole experience even better. Definitely recommend grabbing one here! read more

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Melanie M.

17

364

867

2 years ago

Found this on tiktok. A little overrated. They ran out of dole pineapple soft serve so I got vanilla with oreo and cinnamon toast crunch. The quality of the ice cream wasn't that good. Looks better than it tastes. read more

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Sandy Q.

44

1490

523

2 years ago

Since we were full from lunch, 3 out of 4 of my family members wanted to skip dinner and just have dessert instead. I wanted dole whip and my daughter wanted chocolate so I suggested to buy dessert from here. When hubby saw that we were having soft serve, he also wanted one so I got him vanilla (per his request). My dole whip was delicious. It had the right amount of tartness versus sweetness. However, the middle was hollow. For a second, I felt scammed. As for my daughter's chocolate soft serve, it was good but nothing memorable. read more

Kokoro Cafe - Chocolate, vanilla & dole whip - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Jennifer C.

26

156

191

2 years ago

Get the ice cream in the Shaka! Quick service and kind staff! I recommend the pineapple and vanilla swirl! So good!! read more

Kokoro Cafe - Vanilla pineapple! - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Nicholas G.

0

234

242

5 months ago

Love this place for a little dessert after dinner. Highly recommend the dole whip by itself but if you want extra sweet make it the float

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More info about Kokoro Cafe

2233 Kalakaua Ave
Fl 2
Royal Hawaiian Center
Honolulu, HI 96815
Waikiki
Directions

Hours

What time does Kokoro Cafe open?

Kokoro Cafe opens at 10:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Kokoro Cafe close?

Kokoro Cafe closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Kokoro Cafe take credit cards?

Yes, Kokoro Cafe takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Kokoro Cafe have catering options?

No, Kokoro Cafe does not have catering options.

Indoor Amenities

Does Kokoro Cafe allow dogs?

Yes, Kokoro Cafe allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Kokoro Cafe have bike parking?

Yes, Kokoro Cafe has bike parking.

Does Kokoro Cafe have parking?

Yes, Kokoro Cafe has parking options. Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Is Kokoro Cafe wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Kokoro Cafe is wheelchair accessible.

Does Kokoro Cafe have free WiFi?

Yes, Kokoro Cafe has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

A must when in Waikiki, Hawaii’s only SHAKA cone!Check out what everyone is talking about!

History

Established in 2018.

Started in 2018, the husband and wife team set out to bring Aloha in the form of sweets to Waikiki. The signature Shaka-Boom brings Aloha to all who try it!

Meet the Business Owner: Lisa Ann S.

Lisa Ann set out to bring Aloha to the dessert world. As a pastry chef by trade, Kokoro Cafe was born. The name Kokoro means from the heart and the desserts at Kokoro Cafe are from her heart to yours. The signature Shaka-Boom was created to share the Aloha spirit with all. Lisa Ann's mission is to bring a smile to her guests face each and every time.

More Info

Health Score

Kokoro Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

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2.0 mi•Kaka'ako

Mr. Tea is one of the best places to get a boba tea. I come here almost every week that some of the…read moreworkers already know my order and name. They have a big variety of drinks to choose from and try. You can even adjust sugar level from 0 % to 125 %. The service is fast and staff are amazing. They have tables as well as games if you wanna come and hang out with friends. You can even do your work here and grab a drink. I had bring a lot of my friends here and they all loved it and said they will come back. It is also an og place since 2014 . Parking can be in the back of the building in the condo on the bottom floor and street parking on the side of Mr Tea. What I get is a large jasmine milk tea with lychee jelly,125%, and light ice. 100% recommend if you like a floral light and creamy taste of green tea.

One of the best boba spots on island! Limited parking spots in a garage connected to the cafe…read more Restroom and WiFi available. I see tons of people doing work here. Friendly service! Helpful staff. Patient and hardworking. Drinks made quickly but with care! The cafe is always well-kept. Cute interior. Lots of seating for the small space. Boba is always the perfect texture. I'd recommend 25% sweetness, especially for flavored drinks. I love their milk and fruit teas! My boyfriend likes their smoothies too.

Jasmine Milk Tea and Taro Milk Tea with boba

12pm

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View as you walk in

La Gelateria Italian Style Frozen Desserts

4.6(163 reviews)

1.6 mi

•$

Quaint hidden shop located in town! I've passed by many times but had no idea what was located…read moreinside. I went in looking to buy a pint of two of sorbet for a friend's birthday but I went overboard and came out with NINE. I went in blindly after a friend suggested this place but I had no idea how many different flavors they had. It's cash only at the store but you can order online to pay with card and they'll get your order ready right away. They have a convenient online order system that is super easy to navigate so the pints added up quickly! My personal favorites are currently black sesame, strawberry lemonade (super tart, which I love) and Kona coffee. My friends loved earl grey, pistachio, and ume guava.

The mango mochi gelato here is amazing! Made in-house, it's creamy, fresh, and perfectly sweet with…read morea soft, chewy mochi coating. A must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth!

Gingerbread cookie gelato

Pumpkin cheesecake

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Amarena

Henry's Place

4.1(824 reviews)

0.2 mi•Waikiki

I'm reminded of the song Blink by Corbin Besson featuring Tzuyu from Twice when I came across…read moreHenry's Place Don't blink, you might miss it Don't talk too much, just listen You're sweet, I get it But I want something acidic If you blink, you might miss Henry's Place -- a true hole-in-the-wall ice cream and sorbet shop that feels like a local secret. It's the kind of spot you're most likely to discover while wandering in or out of Ginza Bairin, following a luxurious tonkatsu meal craving something cold and refreshing. The setup is refreshingly no-frills: medium styrofoam cups, flavors handwritten in Sharpie, and two separate freezers dividing ice cream and sorbet. The texture runs on the firmer side, which actually works in its favor -- your scoop holds up beautifully in the island heat and doesn't melt into a puddle five minutes later. Given the generous portions, you probably won't be refreezing leftovers anyway. The tropical fruit sorbets are the clear stars, made with fresh fruit and bursting with natural flavor. Mango, lychee, and guava taste vibrant and authentic -- bright, fragrant, and not overly sweet due to the natural acidity from using real fruit. Beyond the classics, there are some fun and unexpected options like corn cheese, durian, and avocado for the more adventurous palate. The standout for me, though, was the Kona coffee ice cream. It avoids the common trap of being cloyingly sweet and instead leans into a rich, dark, nutty undertone with an intense coffee essence that lingers in the best way. It feels grown-up and balanced -- deeply satisfying without overpowering. Whether you're looking for the perfect palate cleanser after tonkatsu or just want a cold treat while strolling through Waikiki, Henry's Place delivers simple, memorable scoops that taste like they're made with care. No frills, no fuss -- just really good ice cream and sorbet.

I was pretty excited to try this hole in the wall after some high praise from some friends…read more It's cash only and made in store. I got the strawberry guava, mango, and coffee. The sorbets were rock hard and super hard to eat. Might've been easier on a hotter day but felt like we could barely get anything and had to tear the styrofoam and bite it like a giant popsicle. Coffee was good. Probably needed to try it on a hotter day but found it underwhelming.

Garden

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Island Vintage Shave Ice

4.5(2.2k reviews)

0.0 mi•Waikiki

This place is a highly recommended stop. I would say it's on par in terms of flavor and…read moresatisfaction with Azuki Tokouri (viral reservation only 6 seat tiny store) in Shibuya, Japan. There's a long line to order on a tablet. It doesn't take too long for the line to move. Afterwards they call each order by number. You can taste the quality of their In house flavored syrups, I love that their mochi is hand made and the soft powdery chewy kind rather than mochi balls/Shiratama. I love their macadamia nut cream, very nutty just like the nut. Ambiance is lively as it's located outside the Royal Hawaiian shopping center in Waikīkī tourist area. There's plenty of outdoor mall seating by an outdoor stage with occasional live music. The shaved ice stand right outside by a vintage island coffee shop and vintage island wine bar upstairs.

Even the weather wasn't that hot, I had to try this place out. Ordered Hawaiian Rainbow. Order was…read moredone through self serve touch pad but if you have any questions they will help you out. Shave ice was more like modern style. It was soft and smooth unlike the OG shave ice. I like both styles but I prefer this way a bit more since it's very easy to eat and flavor soaked up deeper. Highly recommended.

Acai Shave ice

Shave ice

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Shave ice

Samurai

4.3(204 reviews)

5.1 mi•Kalihi

•$

Cheap guri guri type of ice cream. I've been here many times, but this was my 1st time trying this…read morein almost 4yrs since returning for a visit. I always order the strawberry and blue vanilla combo. The small size is actually huge. The staff are fast and friendly. They only have a 2 stall parking lot and the rest are street parking. There is a bench for you to sit on to enjoy your desserts. They closed their other location in Aiea so this one is left.

Lovely as always. Tried the Diet Coke and strawberry float. Amazing. My kids think this place is…read moresuper underrated. Service was quick too. The lady working was super nice. We will be back!

Strawberry blue vanilla, mochi balls, gigantic oreo

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Gigantic oreo

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15 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Bri A.

0

11

10

7 years ago

When my friend and I were walking down Lewers on a hot sticky Hawaii summer night, we were craving something cool and sweet. We got both of those options at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center Food Court in building B in Kokoro Cafe. At first glance, it looks like your typical mall food stall. It is an unassuming booth, matching the likes found in the Ala Moana Center and Pearlridge Center food courts. It's also a fairly small stall too, with only its wares and a gigantic neon sign differentiating it from the other stalls. Kokoro Cafe's wares include sweets such as soft serve ice cream and a Taiyaki style mochi waffle. Though it looks similar, Japanese Taiyaki tastes different than American waffles and pancakes. In my opinion, Taiyaki is normally denser and chewier than American waffles and pancakes, so there may be slight variations in taste. They have a lot of different soft serve flavors, taiyaki fillings, and even mochi waffle pop variations. Even though my friend and I have both been to Kokoro Cafe before, but it was my first time getting a Shaka Boom. Normally, I get one of the mochi pops. We made both of our orders - she got a Mochi Pop A La Mode (Mochi Waffle Pop with Dole Whip), while I got what I consider to be a Cookies and Cream Style Shaka Boom (A tayaki vessel shaped like a shaka with chocolate cream filling, vanilla bean ice cream, oreo crumbs, and white chocolate drizzle). Altogether, both of our orders came out to $14.00, though it was $14.59 with tax included. We enjoyed our items. My friend enjoyed her Mochi Pop with Dole Whip, and I enjoyed the sweetness of my Shaka Boom. It was sweet and the ice cream was refreshing, especially with the Hawaii summer heat. My friend and I will definitely be coming back here sometime again if we need something cool or sweet because of the cheaper price point. It's hard to find something this cheap in Waikiki. But what really put our experience over the top this time was our interactions with Kilala. Normally in Waikiki, a lot of these food court style stores don't have the best customer service. It makes sense given their clientele, and the idea that customers need to be served quickly and efficiently. But sometimes, you find that one gem of an employee, and it makes all the difference. Since it wasn't too busy when we went, he made the time to chat us up alongside giving us excellent customer service, and took care of us locals. I appreciated his enthusiasm and his humor in the short conversation we had with him. His interaction with us made our night, and we really appreciated it. Thanks, Kilala. read more

Patrycja L.

14

223

711

1 year ago

Kokoro Cafe is an absolute hidden gem that I'm so glad I stumbled upon! The moment I walked in, I knew I was in for a treat. I ordered their ice cream dessert, and I was blown away by how adorable it was. The highlight? A cute little shaka-shaped waffle that was the perfect touch to this Hawaiian-inspired dessert. Not only was it visually stunning, but the flavors were incredible as well - the ice cream was creamy and rich, perfectly complemented by the crispy waffle. It was like a tropical vacation in every bite! What really made the experience special, though, was the owner. She was incredibly friendly and made me feel right at home, sharing some of her personal favorites from the menu. You can tell she genuinely cares about the food she's serving and the customers who come through. Kokoro Cafe is definitely a place you'll want to visit if you're looking for something different and delicious. It's a cozy spot with a unique vibe that really stands out. I can't recommend it enough--it's truly a local treasure, and I can't wait to go back! It's a instagrammers placeb read more

Josh F.

18

244

304

2 years ago

Kokoro Cafe, nestled in the food court of the Royal Hawaiian Center, is a charming spot specializing in desserts, ice cream, and frozen yogurt. On my recent visit, I was drawn in by their special--a $10 Oreo milkshake that promised a delightful escape from the hot Waikiki sun. The milkshake itself was impressive. It struck the perfect balance in texture--not too heavy, yet not too light--making it a true ice cream drink. The Oreos were notably fresh, not at all stale, which enhanced the flavor. The shake was expertly crafted with just the right amount of chocolate, and I appreciated being able to choose the specific ice cream for my drink. Additionally, the walls of the cup were coated in chocolate, adding an extra touch of decadence. Overall, Kokoro Cafe is a fantastic spot for a dessert treat, especially after a long day of walking around Waikiki. It's a refreshing stop that I definitely recommend checking out for a high-quality, satisfying treat. read more

Jadelyn T.

0

37

50

6 years ago

Omg! So good! I didn't even know what I was looking at, at first.. is it a waffle? Is it just another ice cream place? Nope. It's waffle Mochi! Two of my fave things so.. maybe not so bad together? Nope! It is GREAT together. I want another one. It's such a cute idea, and the owners were so nice. Definitely, definitely, a must try for those who have a sweet tooth. read more

Simone S.

196

98

2

2 years ago

After lunch, my spouse and I treated ourselves to a soft-serve cone. This location is in the food court on the second floor. The worker was a really kind guy. Each of us received a twist cone, and for Waikiki prices, the ice cream was excellent and reasonably priced. This is the spot to go in Waikiki if you want soft serve. read more

0

20

0

4 years ago

Ice cream pineapple was good but the finger waffle or whatever it's supposed to be is disgusting. Dry, overly dense and tastes stale. Somisomi is 100x better. read more

0

17

0

4 years ago

Ice cream pineapple was good but the finger waffle or whatever it's supposed to be is disgusting. Dry, overly dense and tastes stale. Somisomi is 100x better. read more

0

17

0

4 years ago

Ice cream pineapple was good but the finger waffle or whatever it's supposed to be is disgusting. Dry, overly dense and tastes stale. Somisomi is 100x better. read more

0

17

0

4 years ago

Ice cream pineapple was good but the finger waffle or whatever it's supposed to be is disgusting. Dry, overly dense and tastes stale. Somisomi is 100x better. read more

0

17

0

4 years ago

Ice cream pineapple was good but the finger waffle or whatever it's supposed to be is disgusting. Dry, overly dense and tastes stale. Somisomi is 100x better. read more