Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks

4.8 (187 reviews)

InexpensiveShaved Ice, Juice Bars & Smoothies, Hot Dogs

Open • 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

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Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - Lilikoi and Guava - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - Shave ice cream - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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Sarah P.

The owner's passion is translated into her shaved ice and smoothies (we didn't try the food!). We sampled every shaved ice on the island (okay- exaggeration but we had a LOT of shaved ice!) This was up there in the top 3- I couldn't choose which one I liked best so they are all in the top Three :) . There was a little picnic table and a public restroom right by the place which made it perfect with its oceanfront view.

Josephine F.

Really good shave ice! The ice was light and fluffy. Soo many flavors of syrup-- I had such a hard time choosing. I ended up picking pina colada and lychee -- pina colada didn't taste how I expected but lychee was light and refreshing. But there was also guava, li hing mui, mango, passion fruit, etc etc. They had fresh fruit syrup too, which I've never seen and also wanted to try. I got my shave ice with the coconut snow cap which was also surprisingly light. I had a hard time choosing between that and the condensed milk snow cap. I think what this all means is that I have to go back and try some more flavors! They also have some savory food that looked good, but I didn't get any because I was still stuffed from our lunch. I'm impressed by how much they offer out of such a small space! Bit of a wait, but it's okay because you get quality shave ice! And the worker was really friendly.

Holly D.

This was the best shave I've we had on the island. We're tried Jo Jo's, Wishing Well (which was my 2nd favorite) and Riptides. Major negative to some of the other places is consistency, as we went many times! And they would melt so fast and basically become soup halfway through. Riptides did not. It wasn't overly sweet, it was just right. It stayed frozen up until the very end of the bowl. Friendly staff; fast service;

It was delicious! It was the least artificial tasting shave ice that I have had! They use fresh fruit and cane sugar! And it was right by the beach.

Danielle P.

We really enjoyed this place and it was so convenient having it just steps from our condo complex. I think we went here 3 times, and would have gone more if we could have! The owner, Mindy, and staff are super friendly and cool. I was impressed Mindy remembered our faces from a couple days previously. We enjoyed talking with her during our visit. First time there I got the pineapple and coconut. I think my youngest got strawberry and guava and my oldest got lychee and pog. It was so refreshing and delicious! The second time, just my oldest ordered and she got lychee, mango and li hing mui. She even had them sprinkle some of the li hing mui powder on top and got an ice cream scoop. It was wonderful! Final time there I got the lychee and li hing mui with the powder sprinkled on top. My kids repeated what they'd ordered previously. They have all natural syrups as well as others. They also offer a lot more than just shave ice, although we didn't order anything else. It's a great little stop when you've spent the day snorkeling across the street! Love the painted Locals slippahs on the stand! Aloha!

Luis A.

The best shaved ice on the island. We tried several spots and I just kept wanting to come back to Riptides. Service was exceptional and the location was fantastic. Lots of selections for flavors, get the ube or cherry. Two thumbs up. Would try again. Cheers.

Noman M.

Great shave ice, friendly service, and they were even open on Thanksgiving! Our family are big fans of shave ice and this was our first experience at riptides. We appreciated that they have both fresh fruit syrups and local made syrups. Your can see the attention to detail in how they make shave ice here, inserting holes in the ice to allow the syrup to mix throughout, even topping the Mac nut ice cream version with Mac nut on top (made my mom Mac nut ordering family a little jealous). While the line can get long, it moves and you can just turn and face the ocean which is 10 ft away, so not a bad view while you wait. Mindy the owner, was kind and friendly. If you're craving shave ice, put riptides on the top of your list. It's by far the best shave ice place on Kauai.

April B.

Riptides serves my favorite shave ice on Kauai, and my favorite anywhere really. The staff is friendly, the location is perfect and the food is delicious. I love to load up my shave ice with a ton of add ons and chat it up with Mindy or enjoy the views of Lawai Beach while I wait. My son also loves the hot dogs and we enjoy chowing down on their delicious Kalua pork nachos. We always stay at the Lawai Beach Resort, so I tend to make daily visits to Riptides :-) It's a must when on island!

Megan B.

Somehow, this is the last shave ice place we tried. And it was one of the best! And closest to us which we really couldn't believe. Riptides does shave ice right, and has both classic syrups and organic syrup options in great flavors. Dragonfruit easily became on of our favorites here which we had not found anywhere else (and we eat a lot of shave ice). For being just a small food truck across from Beach House, we couldn't believe all the other options they had aside from shave ice. All kinds of food and beach items for sale. We'll run and super friendly no matter who helps you. There is one table to sit at, but we always just went and sat on the grass in the shade. We went here twice during our 13 days and will return on our next trip!

Aaron C.

The reason I am writing this review is because the person behind the counter watched my young son accidentally drop his fresh made shaved Ice swatting at something. Obviously he's crushed and about to cry. Without skipping a beat she got his attention and told him not to worry. I offered to pay again as it was his fault and I definitely needed to get a new one for him but her compassion bled through the job and she just took care of the little guy so he wouldn't be sad. God bless.

Didn't get a pic this year; here's last year's. Still awesome, and the best on the island.

Tracey A.

As if to make up for my prior review of a completely different shave ice experience I will tell you what I find to be the most stellar shave ice on Kauai: It's here at Riptides. In a little portable shack across from a popular snorkeling spot, Riptides has been stellar over the course of several visits over the last two years. It has never once failed to deliver wonderful flavors of quality syrups (they also offer natural flavors, if you prefer), quality ice cream, perfectly shaved ice, and service from the owner and staff that is always warm and an exemplar of the aloha spirit. You might think falsely that shave ice is shave ice and that there's little variation between spots. You would be wrong and once you try a bad spot you'll understand just how wrong. But Riptides? They're the best of the best. Enjoy.

Mango passion with vanilla ice cream and macadamia nuts

The shave ice toppings? Next level. Handcrafted tropical flavors that taste like the fruit! Mango and passion fruit was the perfect balance of sweet and tangy but never too much. Coconut and strawberry was creamy and mellow and just sweet enough. A must have while you're visiting!! Go see Mindy! No judgement if you make it a daily treat!

Cindy L.

The best shaved ice in Kauai just happened to be right next to our condo. Cute little shack across from a great snorkeling beach. I had the organic homemade syrup with pieces of fresh fruit coconut cream and cherry with macadamia nut ice cream in the middle and topped with sugar cream. Decadent and yummy!

Unassuming food truck. Friendly staff. Great view.

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YJ L.

Elite 26

408

323

1084

2 months ago

Right off the beach, there's a little shaved ice truck. It's got great flavors of real fruit syrup and classic syrup. They also sell other items--it all sounds so tempting and refreshing in the hot, humid weather! Got the guava and mango real fruit syrups. I'm a super big fan of the guava!! It's sweet, but like juice sweet, not pure sugar sweet. The ice melts fast, but knowing that, they give you a straw. I'd come back! read more

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - Mango (left) and guava (right) real fruit syrup - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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Brian R.

30

4

0

5 months ago

I have tried every shaved ice business on the island, this one is my favorite. My family comes back every year and visit multiple times each trip. I highly recommend the natural fresh fruits . The owner Mindy is always super friendly and takes pride in a quality product. The location is conveniently located and overlooking Lawai beach. You won't be disappointed! read more

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Mindy H.

Aloha Brian,…

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Arash R.

Elite 26

296

253

826

2 months ago

The best shaved ice I have had on the island. Go for the fresh fruit options rather than the syrup. $10-12 per person which is normal for shaved ice most places on the island. Unbeatable views and very helpful staff. read more

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Sarah P.

Elite 26

133

48

7

6 months ago

The owner's passion is translated into her shaved ice and smoothies (we didn't try the food!). We sampled every shaved ice on the island (okay- exaggeration but we had a LOT of shaved ice!) This was up there in the top 3- I couldn't choose which one I liked best so they are all in the top Three :) . There was a little picnic table and a public restroom right by the place which made it perfect with its oceanfront view. read more

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - The vibe - so cute! - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - And you'll always have a friend here :) - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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Josephine F.

Elite 26

316

485

843

10 months ago

Really good shave ice! The ice was light and fluffy. Soo many flavors of syrup-- I had such a hard time choosing. I ended up picking pina colada and lychee -- pina colada didn't taste how I expected but lychee was light and refreshing. But there was also guava, li hing mui, mango, passion fruit, etc etc. They had fresh fruit syrup too, which I've never seen and also wanted to try. I got my shave ice with the coconut snow cap which was also surprisingly light. I had a hard time choosing between that and the condensed milk snow cap. I think what this all means is that I have to go back and try some more flavors! They also have some savory food that looked good, but I didn't get any because I was still stuffed from our lunch. I'm impressed by how much they offer out of such a small space! Bit of a wait, but it's okay because you get quality shave ice! And the worker was really friendly. read more

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - Pina colada and lychee with snow cap - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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Holly D.

0

9

7

2 months ago

This was the best shave I've we had on the island. We're tried Jo Jo's, Wishing Well (which was my 2nd favorite) and Riptides. Major negative to some of the other places is consistency, as we went many times! And they would melt so fast and basically become soup halfway through. Riptides did not. It wasn't overly sweet, it was just right. It stayed frozen up until the very end of the bowl. Friendly staff; fast service; read more

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - What the shave ice stand looks like. - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - Location pointer; streetside on Lāwaʻi Rd. - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - A small (which was big!). Traditional coconut with vanilla condensed milk. - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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Emma R.

0

65

9

1 month ago

It was delicious! It was the least artificial tasting shave ice that I have had! They use fresh fruit and cane sugar! And it was right by the beach. read more

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Danielle P.

Elite 26 All-Star

1134

670

3898

1 year ago

We really enjoyed this place and it was so convenient having it just steps from our condo complex. I think we went here 3 times, and would have gone more if we could have! The owner, Mindy, and staff are super friendly and cool. I was impressed Mindy remembered our faces from a couple days previously. We enjoyed talking with her during our visit. First time there I got the pineapple and coconut. I think my youngest got strawberry and guava and my oldest got lychee and pog. It was so refreshing and delicious! The second time, just my oldest ordered and she got lychee, mango and li hing mui. She even had them sprinkle some of the li hing mui powder on top and got an ice cream scoop. It was wonderful! Final time there I got the lychee and li hing mui with the powder sprinkled on top. My kids repeated what they'd ordered previously. They have all natural syrups as well as others. They also offer a lot more than just shave ice, although we didn't order anything else. It's a great little stop when you've spent the day snorkeling across the street! Love the painted Locals slippahs on the stand! Aloha! read more

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Luis A.

0

10

3

3 months ago

The best shaved ice on the island. We tried several spots and I just kept wanting to come back to Riptides. Service was exceptional and the location was fantastic. Lots of selections for flavors, get the ube or cherry. Two thumbs up. Would try again. Cheers. read more

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - Shaved ice - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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Noman M.

0

25

15

8 months ago

Great shave ice, friendly service, and they were even open on Thanksgiving! Our family are big fans of shave ice and this was our first experience at riptides. We appreciated that they have both fresh fruit syrups and local made syrups. Your can see the attention to detail in how they make shave ice here, inserting holes in the ice to allow the syrup to mix throughout, even topping the Mac nut ice cream version with Mac nut on top (made my mom Mac nut ordering family a little jealous). While the line can get long, it moves and you can just turn and face the ocean which is 10 ft away, so not a bad view while you wait. Mindy the owner, was kind and friendly. If you're craving shave ice, put riptides on the top of your list. It's by far the best shave ice place on Kauai. read more

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Cianna B.

Elite 26

39

295

387

5 months ago

Our favorite shave ice to date! We've stopped at this friendly little truck on past trips and came back to try it again. It's just a small little cart on the side of the road with some great beach views in tow. They can get a little backed up but the people were friendly and helped us as soon as they could. They feature both fresh made syrups and traditional ones as well. We opted for fresh strawberry and coconut with mac nut ice cream on the bottom. Well worth getting the ice cream as it add a wonderful creamy flavor and this place actually puts a decent amount in to balance it out. The flavors on the shave ice were really excellent and super flavorful, the texture of the ice was fluffy and the creamy ice cream rounded it out perfectly. One of the best we've had! read more

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Mindy H.

Mahalo for this awesome review! It warms my heart to hear such kind…

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Joanne S.

0

5

0

1 month ago

Great shave ice and conveniently located across from Kuhio Shores where we are staying.

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April B.

0

46

13

5 months ago

Riptides serves my favorite shave ice on Kauai, and my favorite anywhere really. The staff is friendly, the location is perfect and the food is delicious. I love to load up my shave ice with a ton of add ons and chat it up with Mindy or enjoy the views of Lawai Beach while I wait. My son also loves the hot dogs and we enjoy chowing down on their delicious Kalua pork nachos. We always stay at the Lawai Beach Resort, so I tend to make daily visits to Riptides :-) It's a must when on island! read more

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Mindy H.

April! This review is the kindest! Mahalo for supporting my little…

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Avery J.

Elite 26

8

102

236

7 months ago

Our favorite shave ice spot on this side of the island! A cute little food truck right across from gorgeous Lawai beach. You can choose from traditional shave ice flavors or all natural fruit juice flavors. My favorite was Real Fruit Mango and Guava, it was so fresh! Their cold brew is pretty good, too. Highly recommend giving this place a try! They were even open Christmas Day. read more

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Megan B.

Elite 26

2

105

96

1 year ago

Somehow, this is the last shave ice place we tried. And it was one of the best! And closest to us which we really couldn't believe. Riptides does shave ice right, and has both classic syrups and organic syrup options in great flavors. Dragonfruit easily became on of our favorites here which we had not found anywhere else (and we eat a lot of shave ice). For being just a small food truck across from Beach House, we couldn't believe all the other options they had aside from shave ice. All kinds of food and beach items for sale. We'll run and super friendly no matter who helps you. There is one table to sit at, but we always just went and sat on the grass in the shade. We went here twice during our 13 days and will return on our next trip! read more

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - Classic rainbow shave ice - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - Dragonfruit and mango - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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Aaron C.

Elite 26

465

286

309

2 years ago

The reason I am writing this review is because the person behind the counter watched my young son accidentally drop his fresh made shaved Ice swatting at something. Obviously he's crushed and about to cry. Without skipping a beat she got his attention and told him not to worry. I offered to pay again as it was his fault and I definitely needed to get a new one for him but her compassion bled through the job and she just took care of the little guy so he wouldn't be sad. God bless. read more

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - Menu with Current Options and Pricing - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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Tracey A.

Elite 26 All-Star

143

2256

3279

2 years ago

As if to make up for my prior review of a completely different shave ice experience I will tell you what I find to be the most stellar shave ice on Kauai: It's here at Riptides. In a little portable shack across from a popular snorkeling spot, Riptides has been stellar over the course of several visits over the last two years. It has never once failed to deliver wonderful flavors of quality syrups (they also offer natural flavors, if you prefer), quality ice cream, perfectly shaved ice, and service from the owner and staff that is always warm and an exemplar of the aloha spirit. You might think falsely that shave ice is shave ice and that there's little variation between spots. You would be wrong and once you try a bad spot you'll understand just how wrong. But Riptides? They're the best of the best. Enjoy. read more

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - Didn't get a pic this year; here's last year's. Still awesome, and the best on the island. - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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julie w.

4

20

15

9 months ago

The shave ice toppings? Next level. Handcrafted tropical flavors that taste like the fruit! Mango and passion fruit was the perfect balance of sweet and tangy but never too much. Coconut and strawberry was creamy and mellow and just sweet enough. A must have while you're visiting!! Go see Mindy! No judgement if you make it a daily treat! read more

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - Mango passion with vanilla ice cream and macadamia nuts - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - Coconut cream and strawberry with ice cream, macadamia nuts and a snow cap drizzle - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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Cindy L.

Elite 26

1

40

112

2 years ago

The best shaved ice in Kauai just happened to be right next to our condo. Cute little shack across from a great snorkeling beach. I had the organic homemade syrup with pieces of fresh fruit coconut cream and cherry with macadamia nut ice cream in the middle and topped with sugar cream. Decadent and yummy! read more

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Drake L.

Elite 25

51

191

74

1 year ago

Not cheap, but worth it! My son and I shared the fresh fruit shaved ice with coconut cream and guava. Love how the girl shaved the ice and gently firmed the ice but did not packed it so that it would stay flakey. She also poked a ton of straw holes in the ice to allow the fresh fruit sauce to get deep down into the shaved ice. Definitely the tastiest and best shaved ice we have ever had, hands down... and we just came from Oahu and had shaved ice there from Waiola Shaved Ice, Matsumoto, and Vintage Shaved Ice on Waikiki- which were all good but not quite as good as Riptides! We tried returning on Thursday and were disappointed that Thursday is the day of the week they are not open. Truly our loss. read more

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Mindy H.

This is the kindest review I think we’ve ever received! Thank you so…

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Erika D.

4

70

15

1 year ago

Highly recommend the fresh fruit dragon fruit shaved ice with cream on top or ice cream in the bottom. read more

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - Unassuming food truck. Friendly staff. Great view. - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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Rosette T.

Elite 26

79

152

536

2 years ago

One of if not the best shave ice on the south side of the island! While driving to Spouting Horn we saw a small blue shack on the side of the road and were curious about what they had so we pulled over. The workers were super friendly and helpful and recommend that we try their organic shave ice. I was a little hesitant as the organic shave ice place we had earlier in the week at Old Kōloa Town lacked flavor but decided but to give organic shave ice another try. Their flavors did not disappoint! We really liked the Lilikoi and the dragonfruit flavor with the snow cap. You can taste the flavors and they do not skimp on the syrup! I wish I had found this place earlier on our trip because it would have definitely been a frequented spot. read more

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - Lilikoi and Dragonfruit - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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Max E.

78

110

21

8 months ago

So good! Get the real fruit syrups and snow cab and mochi. Sit out back in the shade.

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Shana W.

Elite 25

54

38

10

1 year ago

Strawberry/Mango with macadamia nut ice cream at the bottom with an ocean view. So good we went back twice!! Kids always ordered "rainbow", and loved it. We even saw a little green gecko hang out with us! Customer service was great too. Love this place, tried a few shaved ice places and this was my favorite on Kauai. read more

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - Gecko! - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - Mango/strawberry with macadamia nut ice cream at the bottom with an ocean view. - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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Emmy's M.

6

44

12

1 year ago

Phenomenal shaved Ice. Kids loved it and the cute shack was super close to our place. The owner was so bubbly and nice. We went back multiple times!! read more

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - Phenomenal shaved Ice. - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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Susie C.

4

85

127

1 year ago

This is the best shave ice I've been fortunate to enjoy. The ice so fine, the Mac nut ice cream delicious and the macadamia nuts included a real treat. Friendly service. I appreciated that a compostable, spoon and cup were used. Visit Riptides if you have the opportunity! read more

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - Li Hing Mui shave ice with macadamia nut ice cream - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - Macadamia nut ice cream with nuts sprinkled on top covered with shave ice, Li Hing Mui syrup - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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Business owner information

Mindy H.

Mahalo for your review Susie! We love doing what we do and it’s…

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Jacob H.

0

5

4

7 months ago

Really really good shave ice ocean side. The organic fresh fruit is worth the added cost. Sometimes there is a line. But that's cause it's too read more

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - Organic lychee and strawberry - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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Jacob C.

Elite 26

76

242

223

2 years ago

Had the fresh fruit shave ice, and it was phenomenal. Best we've had on the island for sure. read more

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - Dragonfruit and pineapple shave ice. - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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H R.

158

63

1

3 months ago

It was delicious,the best shave ice I've had on Kaua'i. Do yourself a favor and stop by while your on the island.

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Nadine K.

2

17

2

5 months ago

Best shave ice on the island, specifically with the real fruit ice syrups they make! It does take quite awhile though so come with your patience. 7 shave ices in front of me and probably a 20 min wait to far. Still waiting. Still worth it lol read more

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Mindy H.

Aloha Nadine! Mahalo for your awesome review. I feel so bad Ava is…

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Samantha V.

Elite 26

142

292

1555

2 years ago

If the fact that we came here 3 times for shaved ice in one week doesn't say how much we enjoyed it then I don't know what would! The best shaved ice I have ever had in Hawaii! Served with a smile and some local suggestions, a generous portion with naturally made fruit flavored syrups (you can totally tell) and a huge scoop of ice cream topped with some macadamia nuts and I am now adding them as a rotation into my diet. A small food cart, conveniently located across from a beautiful snorkel spot and some vacation rentals, there is limited street parks that we didn't have trouble finding but can see it being busy in the summer. Will be my first stop when I'm back in Kauai! read more

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Gary O.

Elite 26

213

418

2383

2 years ago

The Hawaiian shaved ice here is amazing! Probably the best I've had in the islands and the states. Prices are very reasonable. The shack on the side of the road served by Hawaiians makes it so authentic. They have a picnic table and umbrella outside for seating. Only fits about four to six people. However there are surrounding areas for sitting if needed. Its directly across from the ocean so the views are beautiful. I was watching a man snorkle just off the road. Definitely recommend this place and I give it my highest orange tree rating! So that means this place is the best of the best! read more

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Elaine C.

Elite 26

73

634

338

2 years ago

Best shave ice on the south shore, and across from a great snorkeling beach at that. This is a cute little stand and there is one small picnic table next to it, but you can take your shave ice directly across to the beach and find a spot of shade to eat. Note there is also a public restroom here, which is awesome. This stand has both natural syrups, artificial syrups, and sugar- free options. I also really appreciated that they gave you a biodegradable straw (the kind that doesn't "melt"! I used that same straw for multiple days afterwards) and a paper bowl. Customer service was great. We went twice while staying in town. (Note there apparently is a Waikomo shave ice in Poipu but every time we tried to go the week we were in town in February the food stand was nowhere to be seen). read more

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Anna A.

0

45

35

2 years ago

Love that they have fresh organic fruit ice. As a dye free family it was wonderful to have so many options- on top of that they were delicious! We will be back for sure! read more

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - Pineapple organic fruit shaved ice! So tasty! - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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katherine m.

0

11

0

1 year ago

I love the vegetarian chili with rice for a quick meal! The ice cream sundae was amazing, too.

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Graham

1

46

5

6 months ago

I loved riptides. What a cool beach shack for a treat. When I arrived I almost immediately noticed that they had fresh fruit as a substitute for syrup. The ice was as good as it sounded. Highly recommend read more

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Lukas S.

Elite 26

9

186

507

3 years ago

Easy to find, it is a shack just next to one of the best snorkeling beaches on the island, next to a shower. Friendly and quick service. Came here for shaved ice, they have a huge selection of flavors and plenty of sugar free ones which made me very happy. Good portion size and tasted great. Accepts credit cards. read more

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - Sugerfree keto shave ice - Shaved Ice Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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LeRoy Katie And Caitlin D.

12

124

283

3 years ago

LeRoy: If he wasn't busy in Heaven, he'd be here eating a hot dog, sharing the nachos, and smashing some ice cream, all while saying "WOW...this is out of sight!". Katie: Well I ordered the kalua pork dog, which I was surprised by the hot dog that was also included. It was a large hot dog and very filling with good pork and coleslaw on top. The chips were great, I have a weird thing for jalepeno chips. I ended it with my beloved shave ice, which was wonderful as well. I highly recommend the house made syrups. Caitlin: I loved that they had a shaded picnic table where we could enjoy our lunch. The service was incredibly friendly and the waves crashing on the beach across the street created lovely ambiance. I ordered the kalua pork nachos which came with very generous portions, enough to share with one or two other people. For dessert I ordered the Ono Ice Cream Lava Bowl. In the words of Grandpa it was OUT OF SIGHT! If he was here we would have battled spoons down to the last bite. read more

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Alex L.

Elite 26

4361

2472

6756

2 years ago

The shaved ice place to end all your shaved ice searches on Kauai. Just make sure you get the organic real stuff (yes it's worth the extra price). My favorite flavor was definitely the passionfruit with coconut combo with the macadamia nut ice cream (and mac nuts) on the bottom. We came back 3 times for it during our week long stay. The folks working the customer service line at this shack were super personable across and it's located across from a great snorkeling spot! Highly recommend stopping in! read more

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Mandy X.

253

45

16

2 years ago

Riptides is a perfect little snack shop in a perfect location. Best shave iced we tried in Kauai. We loved Ululani's on Maui and were let down by Uncle's and Jojo's, but we happened to be camped out on Lawa'i Beach on our last day and gave Riptides a try. The shave ice is FANTASTIC--fluffy and flavorful. I got mango, lychee, and li hing mui with vanilla ice cream, a snow cap, and mochi. My husband got the natural fruit shave ice. Both were delicious. We came back for another round, and for coffee, smoothies, and hot dogs. read more

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More info about Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks

5017 Lawai Rd
Koloa, HI 96756
Directions
(808) 652-5956
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.riptideskauai.com

Hours

What time does Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks open?

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks close?

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks closes at 6:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks take Bitcoin?

No, Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks does not take Bitcoin.

Does Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks take credit cards?

Yes, Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks have catering options?

Yes, Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks does have catering options.

Does Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks have a drive thru?

No, Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks does not have a drive thru.

Does Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks have a happy hour?

No, Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks does not have a happy hour.

Does Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks serve alcohol?

No, Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks allow dogs?

Yes, Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks allows dogs.

Does Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks have TVs?

No, Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks have bike parking?

Yes, Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks has bike parking.

Does Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks have outdoor seating?

Yes, Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks has outdoor seating options.

Does Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks have parking?

Yes, Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks is wheelchair accessible.

Does Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks have free WiFi?

No, Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

RipTides Shave Ice and Snacks, at Lawai Beach, is on the way to Spouting Horn. Please stop by and say hi! We offer Organic Shave Ice and Traditional Syrups with loads of toppings! We have Hotdogs, Smoothies, local favorites such as Kalua Pork & Rice and Chili & Rice along with cheese Nachos, chili nachos, and Kalua Pork Nachos! We have Ice Cream Treats, Cold Brew Coffee drinks and more! Eat your treats on the beach while watching for whales, turtles, Surfers. The best snorkeling on the Island is right in front of Riptides! Come and join us on our own little piece of paradise :)

History

Established in 2011.

RipTides Shave Ice & Snacks is located right in front of Lawai Beach Resort. Across from the World famous PK's, where surfing and snorkeling are one for the best on the Island of Kauai.

Meet the Business Owner: Mindy H.

Aloha! I'm Mindy- proud owner of Riptides Shave Ice & snacks! I was so fortunate to take over Riptides in June of 2020. It was a risky move purchasing a business during Covid but i had a hunch it would all work out and 5 years later, here we are :) Im originally from the East Coast but relocated to Kaua'i in 1997. Growing up in a family business, and watching my parents success has always inspired me to be my own boss. I've been self employed for the last 20 years and have 3 amazing keiki, 2 dogs, and a cat. I am beyond passionate about Riptides and i'm pretty obsessed with offering quality food and a unforgettable experience. Stop by and say hi! I would love to meet you and talk story! Aloha, Mindy :)

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The Good Stuff Shave Ice is a highly-rated, local favorite in Kauai, Hawaii. Known for its 100%…read moreall-natural, vegan, and Chamoy-inspired creations. This hidden gem is conveniently located on the South Shore in the heart of Poipu. The vibe is chill and relaxed. Staff are friendly and welcoming. The food truck itself has a cult like following that often sells out of popular flavors by mid afternoon (it's best to get there early). Popular flavors include mango, strawberry, and passion fruit (my fav). Their shaved ice is fluffy and airy, with a snow-like texture, vibrant fruit flavors, and delicious toppings Their syrups are handcrafted from real fruit rather than artificial dyes. By far one of the best shaved ice shops on the island! Hands down!

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Not a fan, sadly. Don't order the chai shave ice unless you want super watered-down chai ice. I had…read moreto request for the worker to add more syrup, which did not make it better. They could make that syrup wayyyy more concentrated and added a thicker topping as their cream. The ice is acceptable but not as soft as other shave ice places in Hawaii. I would skip. Perhaps their other flavors are better. I give 2 stars for the cool mustache/barber theme and the effort from the workers.

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While exploring the Koloa town one evening in Kauai, we stopped by at the Mango's to get an ice…read morecream. I got the ube flavored one because Ube is hyped so crazy in Kauai and hence I wanted to give it a try. I liked it, it was sweet but subtle and wasn't overpowering. They had an offer going on thst evening. You buy an ice cream and get a shaved ice free. So we got a coxonut and almond flavored shaved ice. I'm not a big fan of shaved ice since it just ice with sweetners.

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The Musubi Truck

Came here right when they opened and they were super nice about it. They said I got here at a good…read moretime because there's always a line apparently. There's benches and tables right in front of the truck with plenty of shade. My wife and I ordered the OG and the chicken katsu after seeing all the reviews about it. The chicken katsu was AMAZING. Probably one of the best musubis I've ever had. It was like the size of two regular musubis combined. The chicken was hot and crispy and I would easily spend another $16 to have it again.

It was my first time in Kauai and I heard about the Musubi Truck and people have recommended it to…read moreme. I love Musubi so I had to try it. I can't believe we actually found it. It is stationed in a parking spot/lot. I'm not sure if it stays there or they move around. But they have some tables and chairs where you can sit and enjoy your food. I got the original Musubi. I really liked it. Every bite had a spam and the rice wasn't too thick (sometimes the rice be thick and got thin spam) IYKYK. The service was quick but I was disappointed that I didn't get a friendly vibe. I felt rushed and the girl didn't smile. Oh well. Glad the Musubi made up for it :).

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Service alone gives this place a top score. Our server Chris is what I would call a true salesmen…read more A genuinely good guy who is easy to talk to, can ease tensions and make you feel like ohana. Food is pretty good, with a SUPRSING Keiki Mac and Cheese that my God Daughter ordered, that I ended up eating most of because she fell asleep. This wasn't no Kraft blue box! I ordered the Calamari and it was delicious. Great appetizers. All the beers we ordered were great, and Chris will explain to you everything you need to know about them. If you're a sour guy, the Calamansi Sour was tops. Sooooooo amazing! To top it off...best Mai Tai's I've had... and yes, I'm taking into account the famous ones from this Island. Pizzas were good, on-par with decent pub pizza. My only reservation with this place is the nickel and diming of sauces etc. $1 for Tartar sauce and ranch to me sounds a bit nit-picky when you consider the sheer size of our bill. Loved that they kept the place going for us a little past closing. We immediately knew they were waiting for us when the music shut off for closing when we stepped outside. BTW, plenty of outdoor seating. Only a few seats inside. You may wait a bit if you want to stay inside. Will 10000% be back.

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Indoor seating is next to the bar. Avoid the table that backs to the kitchen door.

Dark Horse Coffee Roasters

Super cute little coffee shop with a little boutique inside - they do have restrooms and spots to…read morework if needed. They were super quick. The prices are extremely reasonable and the coffee was 10 out of 10 delicious would definitely come back here wonderful little hole in the wall spot. Amazing coffee ! Yumm

I wanted to like this place more, but it's very mid, the matcha and latte were really just 3/5…read morestars. I ordered a hot matcha latte with oat milk, and the matcha already comes pre-sweetened per the barista. It tastes very similar to Starbucks matcha, not horrible but not great either. A little too sweet for my liking and not enough of the matcha flavor comes through. The color also wasn't the correct shade of green for good quality matcha, but I'm someone who likes to make my matcha at home and rarely find ones at coffee shops that I actually like, so take my review with that in mind, if you're a casual matcha drinking then you would like their version. It doesn't dry your tongue out or have a bitter taste. The following day I decided to try their coffee and ordered a hot vanilla oat milk latte. It was just okay, the espresso is a little more on the acidic side and I couldn't taste any vanilla flavor. Definitely not the worst latte I've had in Hawaii, but for the cost of lattes nowadays, I wouldn't come back to try more of their menu until I try other local coffee shops first. Pros: Plenty of parking right out front, good amount of seating inside, clean bathrooms, wifi, they sell their coffee beans and merchandise including shirts and hats which are super cute, there is also a small shop inside the same building that sells clothing/candles/bags/etc and the store employee is super nice

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Americano coffee

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Best shave ice on Kauai! My favorite is the POG one with vanilla ice cream at the bottom :) Good…read morevibes all around

Very good ice cream & shaved ice. Very popular with tourists and locals. Outstsndinggggggggggggread more

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Would come here again and again!!…read more Food is awesome and the staff are so kind and friendly. Gluten free options and very knowledgeable. My husband enjoyed his sushi burrito and I loved my poke bowl. Very fresh and flavorful. Take about 10-15 minutes to get your order and we took ours to go to have on the beach.

Delicious, fresh sushi on Kauai! We ordered the superman sushi burrito, poke ponzu bowl, tempura…read morecrunch roll, & sea salt edamame, and all were delicious! Reasonable pricing for sushi and great quality, especially for being a food truck. There is a pretty long wait between ordering and receiving your food, so just plan accordingly. Would definitely come back during my stay on the island!

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Matthew M.

2

37

610

3 years ago

Review of RipTides Shave Ice Kauai I recently had the pleasure of visiting RipTides Shave Ice on the beautiful island of Kauai, owned by Mindy Hibbitt. From the moment I stepped into the establishment, I knew I was in for a delightful treat. The vibrant and inviting atmosphere, coupled with the friendly staff, set the stage for a fantastic experience. First and foremost, the shave ice at RipTides is simply exceptional. Mindy and her team have perfected the art of creating fluffy, finely shaved ice that melts in your mouth. The texture is incredibly smooth, and the flavors burst with intensity. Whether you're a fan of traditional options like strawberry or mango or looking for something more adventurous like passionfruit or lychee, RipTides has a wide range of flavors to satisfy any craving. One aspect that sets RipTides apart from other shave ice shops is the attention to detail in their toppings. The syrups are generously drizzled over the ice, ensuring that each bite is infused with flavor. They also offer a variety of add-ons such as condensed milk, mochi balls, and even a scoop of ice cream to take your shave ice to the next level. The combinations are endless, and it's a joy to create your personalized masterpiece. Beyond the shave ice itself, Mindy and her team create a warm and welcoming environment for their customers. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate about their craft, always ready to offer recommendations or assist with any special requests. Mindy, as the owner, is a true gem. Her dedication to providing an exceptional experience shines through in every aspect of RipTides. She takes the time to engage with customers, ensuring their satisfaction and creating a sense of community within the shop. The cleanliness and organization of RipTides are also worth noting. The shop is meticulously maintained, and the preparation area is kept spotless. This attention to detail not only enhances the overall experience but also instills confidence in the quality and safety of the products. While RipTides Shave Ice is primarily known for its incredible shave ice, they also offer a selection of other treats, such as refreshing smoothies and delicious Hawaiian-style snacks. It's a testament to Mindy's commitment to providing diverse options for all tastes. In conclusion, RipTides Shave Ice on Kauai, owned by Mindy Hibbitt, is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a delectable and refreshing treat. The exceptional shave ice, friendly staff, and inviting atmosphere combine to create a memorable experience. Mindy's dedication to quality and customer satisfaction is evident, and it sets RipTides apart as a top-notch establishment. Whether you're a local or a visitor to the island, make sure to stop by RipTides Shave Ice and indulge in their delightful creations. You won't be disappointed! Matthew Productions & Takatoor read more

Riley O.

331

6

3

2 years ago

This place serves the most incredible snow cones ever! They offer dairy-free and gluten-free options and the very kind owner has celiac which made me feel safe eating it all. The natural fruit syrups they use are absolutely outstanding. Easily a 5-star experience. I've visited twice already during my trip to Kauai, and I'll likely return every day for the rest of my stay. Additionally, their pork and rice dish is delicious and makes for a perfect lunch or snack option. The customer service here is also top-notch, adding to the overall amazing experience read more

Anuhea T.

0

9

10 years ago

Rip tides is great! The owner Melinda is so nice it's a must stop if you're at the beach. The organic shave ice is amazing! She has all the beach snacks you need. You can go for a great snorkel in the bay out front then hit her up for some great shave ice. read more

Aubrey M.

16

21

10

4 years ago

This place is SO GOOD! Stumbled upon it and made sure to come back again before we left!

Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - shavedice - Updated July 2026

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Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks - shavedice - Updated July 2026

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