Our family stopped at this cute shaved ice shop after walking to the epic Akaka Falls in a downpour. 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! read more

See all

Let me set the scene: it was raining, around 3 PM, and I was craving shaved ice. I'd been on the island 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 read more

See all

If you think all shave ice businesses are the same, think again. Kula Shave Ice, located at 28-1690 Old Mamalahoa Hwy in Honomu (on the road to and from Akaka Falls) is head and shoulders above the rest (and I've tried many of them). Instead of using commercial syrups containing who knows what ingredients, Kula Shave Ice uses real fruit syrups that they make themselves...and you can definitely taste the difference. Walking into the shop, my wife and I were warmly greeted by Kanoa. On top of the counter they had examples to show the size of the keiki shave ice and the size of the regular shave ice. I loved that since many places do not give you any idea how big or small their serving size is. My wife chose the keiki size of what they call "The Hapa". This consists of a coconut syrup shave ice over locally-made chocolate ice cream, topped with a chocolate shell and coconut shavings. I chose the keiki size of shave ice with pineapple and lime syrups. These house-made syrups tasted like the real coconut, pineapple, and lime that was used to make them. If you've ever eaten a shave ice made with commercial syrup and then try the Kula shave ice, you won't want the commercial syrups ever again. Both treats come in a bowl, not a paper cone, and can easily be eaten with a spoon (provided in the shop). The ice in the shave ice had a very fine texture which really adds to the tastiness of the treat and helps ensure each spoonful contains syrup. There are several park-style benches outside their shop where you can sit and enjoy your shave ice. At the time we went, there were also plenty of free on-street parking spots available. After we finished eating, I went back into the store to leave a tip for Kanoa. Since we had paid in cash, there was not a credit card screen where a tip suggestion appears and I forgot to leave a well-deserved tip when I took the two shave ices to the table outside. As I went back into the store, I saw Kanoa and his co-worker Loumin. If you look at the image I posted of them, you can see both of them have beautiful, welcoming smiles. Since there were no other customers at the time, my wife and I decided to chat with them for a bit. I asked them what soursop is. Loumin asked if I would like to try it. I said, "sure", and she gave me a sample of the syrup to try. It was not like any fruit syrup I had ever tried before. Personally, I would not get it on a shave ice, but that is only because there are other flavors I like more. When you visit their shop, ask for a sample and decide for yourself since everyone's tastebuds are different. Kanoa and Loumin are two of the most wonderful people I've met in the service industry. They are both very warm, welcoming, and friendly and they both represent Kula Shave Ice very well. We discussed the Big Island, Southern California cities and malls that Loumin and we had in common, the shave ice flavors they offer, and some great restaurants I found this visit, which caused Loumin to remark, "now you are selling me on these eating places!" My response was that if I can tell others about great eating places I find, it makes me happy. I am writing this review because I believe Kula Shave Ice is the best of the best in the shave ice world and if this review generates more business for Kula Shave Ice, I will be happy for the company owner (who wasn't there when we visited), Loumin, and Kanoa, and happy for the people who get to enjoy their shave ice as much as my wife and I did. If we weren't flying back to the mainland in two days, we would definitely return. But, I will be back next year and I hope Kanoa and Loumin are working the day we go back to get more of the best shave ice I've ever tasted. There is a second Kula Shave Ice located in Hilo. It is supposed to be similar to this location but I have no firsthand knowledge of that shop. Disclaimer: I have no business interest or involvement with this company other than as a customer who loves their shave ice and is proud to rave about it! read more

See all

It was closed on a Thursday. There was a line outside of tourists waiting. No signs or anything. We drove from the other side of the island. Some guy showed up 30 minutes later bringing in boxes. He said they had to close due to not having enough of something. I don't know. Didn't make sense. read more

Delicious! I don't know what else to say. Service was awesome, and it's a cool spot right before we hit akaka falls. Had to ask for a recommendation for what type of shaved ice I should get, and I don't even remember what they recommended, I just got it and it was delicious! Absolutely would come here again read more

Kula Shave Ice - Shaved ice - Shaved Ice Near Me - Honomu, Hawaii

Short review. If you visit Akaka Falls, you will pass this place on the way there, or coming back down the hill. One of the best shave ice we had. They make their own syrups with real fruit. The taste is amazing. Shave ice was fine and a nice portion. read more

Kula Shave Ice - Shaved Ice Near Me - Honomu, Hawaii

Conveniently located next to the Hilo Farmers' Market in downtown Hilo. Nicely prepared shave ice bowls. The bowl with poi was quite good. Service was fast, friendly and efficient. read more

I was pleasantly surprised by the açai here! The acai itself was the perfect amount of thick, and the toppings provided a great crunch. The granola in particular was some of the best I've had. Fast service, and plenty of seating indoors and outdoors! read more

Kula Shave Ice - Shaved Ice Near Me - Honomu, Hawaii

Best shave Ice I've had on the Big Island. It tastes healthy while still having some vegan coco cream and feeling like a dessert. I love the location and the store was very cute. It had brands from the area and had some snacks as well! read more

Kula Shave Ice - Shaved Ice Near Me - Honomu, Hawaii

See all

Driving back from Akaka Falls, you should stop by here. They have another location at the Hilo Farmer's Market, but stopping here after walking the loop at Akaka Falls and petting baby goats at Honomu Goat Dairy, it just adds something special to your trip. First, their syrups are made with real fruits and cane sugar. Their shave ice is super fluffy and melts in your mouth. The service you get there is excellent. All of the flavors are excellent, you feel the crunch of little strawberry seeds, you see the pulp of all the fruits. You can't go wrong with any combination you pick. The haupia (coconut) cream is amazing. This place is clean and run by kind people. I can't recommend them enough. read more

See all

Very cute shop. The owner/staff are also very nice and welcoming. The place looks very cute and inviting. The shave ice is amazing with real fruit bits in the syrup. For those not that into shave ice, I like the fact that they offer other cold dessert options too. My kids love the açaí bowl and ice creams they ordered. Hope they have much success! read more

Perfect texture on that ice shave :) this is seriously delicious shave ice! I highly recommend stopping here. We loved it so much we came back twice and unanimously agreed it was the best shave ice we had on the big island. read more

See all

Unassuming place but it was fantastic, they make their own fruit syrups from real fruit.

I recently went to the Big Island for my first time to Hawaii ever. Of course everyone said I should try the shave ice. After trying numerous, I can confidently say this was the best. The texture was totally consistent throughout and the lilikoi syrup was amazing! The service was also very good. You probably wouldn't expect such a high quality product from a small and unsuspecting shop like this, but I would definitely go out of my way to have this again. read more

Kula Shave Ice - Lilikoi syrup with condensed milk and poi (not pictured) - Shaved Ice Near Me - Honomu, Hawaii

so delicious! we have been to two out of the three locations and both were quick and the staff were so nice. get the poi bowl you won't regret it read more

Such a good cool treat after stopping to see the waterfall nearby! I really enjoyed my small macnut icecream with pineapple and soursop shave ice on top. read more

Wow - we've had a lot of shave ice and this is amazing! The natural and truly tropical flavors puts this place far and above others! We were fans of Ululanis but this spot blows it out of the water. The store is charming, the staff friendly so this is a must stop when on this side of the island! read more

The lava flow shaved ice was one of my favorite things I tasted during my time in Hawaii! The mango butter and lilikoi butter topping was out of this world. The ladies running the shop were professional, nice, and got our food to us quickly. The vibe of the entire little strip in that area is great and definitely worth the stop. read more

Kula Shave Ice - The Lava Flow - shaved ice - Shaved Ice Near Me - Honomu, Hawaii

Traditional Hawaiian shave ice with organic homemade syrups. Great friendly service from the two ladies supporting us. Tahitian vanilla, Lilikoi, soursop.... read more

Seriously the best shaved ice I have ever had. The flavors were amazing, and didn't taste artificial like most places. If you want to have the ice cream, you will be pleasantly surprised by the use of high quality vanilla bean ice cream. The service was also unmatched, very nice people, and fast preparation, even on the busy holiday weekend. They even offered to add more syrup if I didn't think it was enough. If I ever make it back to the big island, I will definitely be making another visit here! read more

Hands down the best shaved ice we had on the Big Island. The women that own the shop were kind and delightful to chat with. The shaved ice was embellished with all natural flavors, no toxic blue or red here. The local was outstanding, one person had a pineapple guava, another created a trio with ice cream. Do not forget to get their creamy topping...it's heaven. Check out their body products too! Cute, clean, welcoming treat after visiting the falls. I look forward to returning. read more

This was the best thing I had on the Big Island. Off the charts! It is a pineapple and coconut syrup, topped with Haupia(coconut cream), and pineapple. The texture of the ice is unmatched by anyone. I'm not sure how, but it doesn't really melted quickly either. I cannot recommend this place shave ice enough 5+ stars! read more

See all

Tried the lava flow when I visited the store. I never had shaved ice like this! Loved the texture and how all the flavors combined so well. The service was great really friendly and the store was adorable.. I should have shop there before I left. Overall a great way to cool off after visiting Akaka falls read more

Kula Shave Ice - Lava flow shave ice - Shaved Ice Near Me - Honomu, Hawaii

Can't review as they closed earlier than their posted hours. We were looking forward to the spot, too, as photos online showed a very cute space! Very sad :( UPDATE: I'm assuming they're the same ownership, but we were able to make it to the Kula Shave Ice in Hilo before it closed and were IN LOVE! Definitely amazing shave ice and flavor! Recommend! read more

Best shaved ice I have had in my whole life. Definitely get the "haupia cream" on top, you will thank me later!

Very nice and clean, had some local merchandise for sale too. The late was on the smaller side but service was quick. read more

See all

Organic shave ice? Yes please! We had a Lilikoi & Soursop with cream on top and a coconut & pineapple. Both were absolutely delicious. No artificial colors and flavors like usually found with shave ice. Worth a quick stop on your way to the falls or goat farm!!! read more

Best shave ice in Hawaii. Amazing flavors, all organic. You gotta try the lychee if it's in season! We stopped by after hiking to Akaka Falls and it was soooo ono! read more