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    Kula Shave Ice

    4.8 (441 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Kula Shave Ice Photos

    Business Info

    KULA SHAVE ICE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Kula Shave Ice

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    Create Your Own - Guava & Mango w/Condensed Milk and Vanilla Ice Cream
    Alan S.

    Located in the red building at the Hilo Farmers Market, Kula Shave Ice is a popular shave ice destination that also serves up acai bowls, coffee drinks, and other beverages. Customers order from the front window and pick-up from the side window. Rather than try a Signature Creation, we chose the Create Your Own and ordered the Guava & Mango flavors and added Condensed Milk and Vanilla Ice Cream. We enjoyed the shave ice, but we all agreed it paled in comparison to our experience at Hawaiian Ninja Shave Ice in Captain Cook. The ice did not seem as fluffy and the ice cream didn't enhance the flavors. As another reviewer commented, we also ate at the picnic tables and I found the tabletops to be sticky too. All in all, Kula is still a top choice for shave ice.

    Menu
    Kavita B.

    Based on the reviews, I had pretty high expectations for this place. I've had quite a bit of shaved ice, and this one wasn't my favorite. The flavors tasted a bit watered down, and the ice melted pretty quickly. The tables were sticky, and the trash cans were located all the way in the back, which wasn't very convenient. Overall, it was just okay. We actually found the farmers market across the street to be much more enjoyable.

    Austin W.

    After stopping by the Farmer's Market across the street, my wife and I walked over to Kula Shave Ice for some shaved ice. As a disclaimer, I'm not the biggest fan of shaved ice because of how sweet the dessert tends to be, and because more often than not, there are a bunch of artificial colors used in the fruit juices. When we looked at the menu, I was impressed and excited to see the emphasis on quality of their ingredients: no artificial flavors or colors, no aspartame, no high fructose corn syrup, and no preservatives. I was sold. Although we were tempted to create our own shaved ice, we ultimately went with "The Local", a soursop and liliko'i combo topped with haupia cream. Between the two flavors, I enjoyed the sour sop side a bit more since it was the one that was less sweet. The cream on top was absolutely delicious, and reminded me of the light and airy frothed milk cream you find on many boba drinks these days. There's a generous amount ladled on top, ensuring you can have some in every bite without having to carefully ration out the cream. Overall, I'm a fan of Kula Shave Ice. Definitely a great dessert to enjoy on a hot day. Worth checking out if you're ever in Hilo.

    menu
    Betty L.

    Wow!!! This place serves awesome shaved ice! You order at the counter. They do not have an indoor space. You can sit outside on the various benches. We went on a Saturday afternoon after visiting the Hilo Saturday Market. We ordered the Kula Rainbow $12. 10/10 It was delicious. There are public restrooms next door and there is free parking nearby about one block south off on Ponahawai St and Punahoa St. You can also look for street parking. I would definitely return.

    Mango and guava with coconut cream
    Sydni K.

    Kula Shave Ice has my favorite acai bowl in the entire world. I haven't found another place that makes a poi acai bowl, but the combination of flavors and textures in this bowl is top notch. The thick and sour poi pairs perfectly with the sweeter acai. All the crunchy toppings are the perfect addition, especially the mac nuts!

    The Local
    Jacqueline T.

    I'm always on a quest to find the best shave ice in Hawaii which led me here. My husband and I shared: - The Local - The Kula Rainbow with Condensed Milk The flavors of the Kula Rainbow were my favorite, but I loved the Haupia Cream top on the local. That kind of topping is less common from what I've seen. This is the best shave ice I've had on the Hilo side of the island and I'll definitely be back next time I visit Hawaii.

    Custom shave ice. Lilikoi honey/white pineapple (seasonal) with coconut condensed milk
    Joey T.

    The shave ice was nice! I feel like the shave ice was less fine/more course than what I've had on Oahu, but maybe that's the BI's style? Flavors were great! Really enjoyed to coconut condensed milk. However, I did order mine with ice cream inside, but they forgot that, so was a bit bummed by that. But that didn't impact the taste at all! Very busy with a decent line, so understandable that it could've gotten missed. Mahalo!

    The big island love
    Ashley F.

    Kula Shave Ice has been and still is my favorite shave ice place of all time. Unlike most stores, Kula makes their own flavor syrups from scratch, giving it bold and authentic flavors vastly superior to mass produced artificial ones. I am sad to see their non-fruit based flavors no longer offered (like golden milk/tumeric) but happy that this business was booming with locals and tourists alike. Highly recommend Kula Shave Ice as the best shave ice location in the state.

    Exterior
    Ariel C.

    GREAT shaved ice spot. It was crowded on a Friday around noon, but great vibes! Very casual, right next to the farmers market so there's a lot of nearby seating and a restroom as well. Lots of flavors and topping options! Regular size with two flavors was $9. Loved the haupia cream as an additional topping for $2. The POG was a great flavor. The flavors were really strong and saturated, one of the best shaved ice we had on the big island!

    Kathy T.

    Of all the shave Ice, kula was my favorite. My kids talk about the quality and texture of ice--for me it's all about flavor and great local choices. I shared an Ube and guava--both flavors tasted natural and fresh, plus the mochi AND the haupia topping just made a delectable dessert. And to boot, Hilo farmers market right there! Lots of covered seating around the area too.

    This shave ice shop is the best one I've been to in Hawaii so far! The flavors are made with real, natural fruit, and the ice is incredibly light and fluffy. They also offer a kamaʻāina discount, which is a nice bonus. I absolutely loved this place and will definitely be back!

    Kathleen Q.

    Hands down my favorite shave ice spot!! Their flavors taste so much better because it's derived from REAL fruit. And they also do a diligent job at making sure the syrup is coated throughout the shave ice so there's no dry spots. Highly recommend!!!!

    Naomi W.

    I had to circle around to find street parking. Customer service was good. All the girls working were kind and helpful. It was too busy when we got there so service was fast. Seating was outside. We got the Kula rainbow and pins colada slush float.

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    Page 1 of 12

    Kula Shave Ice Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Kula Shave Ice

    When are you going to open a new location in Kailua Kona?

    Has the Oahu north shore place reopened? I know it left Farm to Barn in Haleiwa and was briefly open in Waialua... it's our favorite shave ice on the island-- we are hoping it is open again

    Aloha Paula The Haleiwa crew have had trouble finding a permanent spot for the trailer, but they have something in the works now and will announce it as soon as it’s set in… 

    Are there dairy free options? What about gluten-free options?

    Yes! We offer gluten free granola for our açaí bowls. Though we are not a dedicated or certified gluten free kitchen, almost everything on our menu is made without gluten. With the exception of condensed milk and some ice creams, everything is… 

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine - Dynamite fish bowl

    Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine

    4.3(2.6k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    from one tourist to another, this is the perfect lunch/dinner place. We got the grilled chicken…read morewrap with mango coleslaw and grilled chicken sandwich with fries. Both have amazing flavors. highly recommend! friendly staff and open concept which lets a lot of fresh air in!

    TIKI DAVE of TIKI DAVE TRAVEL / TIKI DAVE'S TERRIFIC TRIPS highly recommends PINEAPPLES!…read more There is a reason this place has such great reviews. You definitely want to make a reservation in advance, especially if there are cruise ships in port. Otherwise, you're going to wait in line. I would say that the very best thing on the menu is the Teriyaki Flank Steak Appetizer ($19)....this thing is SICK. We ordered the appetizer and it is the most unique Teriyaki steak I have ever had. The teriyaki sauce is rich and just amazing. Just order it. I am still craving it. We also ordered the Lilikoi Hoisin wings and SON OF TIKI DAVE ordered the Lemon Macadamia Chicken ($28) which was delicious, too. They have a full bar and the Mai Tais are awesome. We ordered a couple a piece. Ambience and service is great. And with your receipt, you get at 10% discount at Wilson's Shave Ice across the street. TIKI DAVE from TIKI DAVE'S TERRIFIC TRIPS absolutely loves PINEAPPLES! I will be making a video of my experience so...and here it is! https://youtu.be/yVi4ZEcMw3g?is=0GTf-vESLcn0BX0_ Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/@TIKIDAVETRAVEL And follow! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565274777775&mibextid=ZbWKwL https://www.instagram.com/tikidavetravel/?__d=1%2F%3Fhidemenu%3Dtrue

    Photos
    Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine - Bar with loads of fresh pineapples

    Bar with loads of fresh pineapples

    Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine - Hilo Local Plate

    Hilo Local Plate

    Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine - Dr. Pepper

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    Dr. Pepper

    Hilo Farmer's Market - Love music sets the mood

    Hilo Farmer's Market

    4.3(567 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$

    The fruits and veggies in Hilo are huge and vibrant that may be from all of the rain. I love that…read morethis farmers market is here and open daily. The farmers market has good variety, multiple booths with a little something different--from mangosteen, multiple varieties of mangoes, egg fruit, soursop, and jackfruit to seasonal local favorites. I always make it a point to visit during Sharwil avocado season. They're rich, buttery and string-free, definitely my favorite avocado. And don't miss lychee season. It's an open market that is shaded that creates a cool environment while you shop. parking available across the street and directly in front. The vendors are very helpful and will allow you to try a fruit on the spot. Most are cash only.

    Drove here from the other side of the island and ended in disappointment. I think we were hoping…read morefor more in terms of the farmer market over here. There's vendors of people selling souvenirs, art pieces and stickets, and a couple of ladies selling jewelry. Beware the prices of the jewelry pieces. I think $47 for a ring is expensive personally. I can't justify spending $80+ on two rings, which are made of stainless steel and look to be worth $10-15 on Amazon. The ladies here don't even say if they're handmade or anything, but anything for a memento I guess. Across the street is the fruits and produce. Lots of flies and bugs around. Parking lot is on rough rubble and it's a one way and small. Be careful and take care driving in, don't want any popped tires or anything. Overall a quick visit for us after walking through. I think we saw someone setting up to play some live music for the atmosphere.

    Photos
    Hilo Farmer's Market - Rambutan

    Rambutan

    Hilo Farmer's Market - At Hilo Farmer's Market

    At Hilo Farmer's Market

    Hilo Farmer's Market - At Hilo Farmer's Market

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    At Hilo Farmer's Market

    Kula Shave Ice - Loved the signage for the shave ice. Overall the shop is branded well to go with the rainforest area they are located.

    Kula Shave Ice

    4.8(29 reviews)
    10.4 mi

    Our family stopped at this cute shaved ice shop after walking to the epic Akaka Falls in a…read moredownpour. We have littles and the staff were so kind and patient with our wet family. They were kind enough to let my 6yr old try some of the ice cream to help make his dramatic decision. And there were cute little books for my 2yr old to look at while we waited. We really did enjoy the more natural flavoring of shaved ice juices. They weren't overly sweet and were more authentic to the real fruits. All of the ice cream flavors we chose were great too and very big scoops! Loved the macadamia nut flavors! This shop was such a lovely stop. We were so happy it was close to our adventure!

    Let me set the scene: it was raining, around 3 PM, and I was craving shaved ice. I'd been on the…read moreisland for three days and hadn't had the chance yet, so when our tour guide recommended Kula Shave Ice, we decided to give it a try. I was a little disappointed that there weren't many flavor options, but I did appreciate the portion sizes--and they do have condensed milk, which is always a plus. I ordered coconut and strawberry, and my sister went with strawberry. The presentation was beautiful, but I noticed the syrup was very light. I think I'm used to the thicker, sweeter syrups some places use, which makes the flavors more vibrant. This felt more like a lighter, juice-style shaved ice. That's not a bad thing at all--it just wasn't what I was craving, and it didn't quite hit the spot for either of us. That said, this review isn't meant to knock the business at all. I definitely recommend trying it for yourself and ordering what you like. I may have ordered the wrong flavors and probably should've gone with one of their specials (the lava flow sounds like the move). The staff was fantastic, the location was extremely clean, and they even have a small shop, which was a nice touch. Overall, it was a good experience--just not quite my personal preference flavor-wise. I wish this business nothing but continued success

    Photos
    Kula Shave Ice - Sign

    Sign

    Kula Shave Ice - Very clean inside

    Very clean inside

    Kula Shave Ice - Items on sale

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    Items on sale

    Kula Shave Ice - shavedice - Updated August 2026

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