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    Waiola Shave Ice

    4.3 (3.3k reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 6:30 pm
    Updated 1 week ago

    Waiola Shave Ice Photos

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    Donna L.

    We always come here because it remains untouched by all the tourists visiting. It's really inexpensive but how much can shaved ice cost? It's very simple and clean.

    Samantha C.

    This is a spot I go to whenever I am in Honolulu. It's a great price with so much flavors! I love their tigers Blood with lychee, ice cream and condensed milk! I would give more but the people serving you are not very friendly. But hey, you're just there for some shaved ice so it's ok! Haha! They also have a little store in the back to get some li hing candies or other goodies! Super small location in a neighborhood. Parking is ok too it all depends how busy they are during the day but they do have street parking and parking to the right of their store if you're facing it. But definitely one of my go to spots! Must try!

    mango strawberry
    Keilab A.

    I've had my fair share of shave ice on the Hawaiian islands, and this one was just so disappointing. Yes the ice is soft, but the syrup flavors all tasted the same and was just meh. Also, if you ask for mochi they put it on the bottom so you have to dig it up and save it for your last bites which makes no sense. The service was super strange too. The workers don't greet you they just stare at you and you just have to talk and say your order to them. Not a fan, go to Ululani's (the goat).

    Ariana V.

    I can see why this shave ice is so well loved and rated very high. Waiola is in a residential area but has a parking lot and some street parking. Theres also a cute store inside with tote bags, stickers, and tee shirts, and some other snacks too. As for the shave ice, the ice is really fine and soaks up all of the syrup. I got a small POG and lychee with condensed milk. My boyfriend and I ordered really quick and got our order within 5 minutes. Even though the ice is really good, I felt like their syrups were a bit lackluster and it tasted more artificial to me. My boyfriend really liked his, since he tried their melon and Thai tea flavors, which I thought were decent, but I couldn't help but notice the artificial taste for all of the syrups. I like how affordable this place is, and maybe I should've tried something else, but POG and lychee were one of their popular flavors.

    menu
    P Y.

    Waiola is my bar for comparison of good shave ice. Finest ice and best flavors. Comes out fast and has parking right next door. POG with mochi is the best!

    Obama rainbow
    Erika B.

    Unbelievably good shaved ice. Window service was quick and fairly priced. They have a large menu of flavors, add ons, and premade bowls. I really enjoyed the "Obama rainbow".

    Kevin V.

    This is my favorite place to get shave ice in Hawaii! I usually get lililkoi and guava syrup which is always really fresh tasting! I always get ice cream on the bottom and li hing mui powder on top. If you're not local, you should give that a try. Its s popular crack seed in Hawaii from plum seed so it hint of bitterness with the sweetness of the fruit syrup. Delicious!!! Or ONO we say in the islands ! There are a couple benches out front so you can hang out and eat without making a mess in the car. Also check out the store which has lots of other snacks. The lady and keiki's that work there are always so nice, so be kind back to them!

    Obama rainbow shaved ice large - pickup order - IG @bougiefoodieboi
    Kyle W.

    A fairly popular shaved ice place recommended to many. You can get an affordable shaved ice for $4-8 depending on the size and topping. As we wanted to get to another place quickly, we opted to pay a little more for DoorDash pickup which came by pretty fast, but you lose a lot on the presentation as it is like an ice plate instead of shaved ice pile on top. This won't be my first and last time trying shaved ice, but it is something worthwhile to consider if you want the presentation. As for the shaved ice, I wish the texture was more smooth. I bit several chunks of fairly large ice and the liquid syrup tasted a bit artificial. We got the Obama rainbow which had cherry, lemon-lime, and passionfruit, and the passionfruit was my favorite while the lemon-lime tasted like cleaning liquid.

    Rainbow with Flan
    Annie C.

    This is where the locals go to get their shaved ice! I love the flavor combinations variety and the branding of this place. They're also one of few places that carry good ahhh flan (they called it custard). Service was very quick, they have a small window to take your order, and a shop to buy merch/candy/toy.

    Azuki bowl w Uber mochi
    Brian H.

    Waiola Shave Ice is an old-school spot that feels authentic and classic. Shave ice is very cold and refreshing, perfect for the weather, with a good variety of flavors and great taste. Prices are decent, and there's plenty of parking, which is a plus. The place definitely shows its age -- the restroom is old, and there were quite a few flies around, which can be distracting. Still, if you're looking for traditional, old-style shave ice, this place delivers.

    Outside
    Chris B.

    Such a diamond in the rough away from the crazy traffic of Waikiki. If you want a non-touristy place that is super authentic, look no further. We arrived with a party of 7, each ordering something different. The shop owners were super nice and we didn't feel rushed. I tried the one with the custard in the middle just because it was something new to me. It was delicious! I love how the kids can order mini sizes since the regular ones are usually too big. We enjoyed our shaved ice on the benches right outside. Couldn't ask for a better afternoon break.

    Menu Jan 2026
    Sammi L.

    Waiola is a longtime favorite of mine for shave ice. Super nostalgic, and perfect if you love the soft ice shave ice (more like slushy). Can't beat their prices at $6 for a special bowl. My bf got the Obama Bowl, still delicious even if they were out of mochi. I always get a small POG, so refreshing, and they'll add more syrup for free. There are tables around the side and a small shop. Staff are always very friendly. We love coming after the beach. Waiola has some parking, but it fills up quickly, and also clears quickly. We had no problem on a Wednesday at 4pm getting a spot nearby.

    Li hing and lychee with li hing powder and condense milk
    Cat N.

    If you are looking for a shaved ice place then this is the right spot. Not only do they have everything, Waiola is probably more affordable than all your other shaved ice places in the area. Their menu is also easy. You can customize your own or you can get one of their popular combinations. And you can get it with ice cream! For sizes Waiola offers a small, medium, large, or jumbo size. For a small you can get up to 2 flavors which is nice. I love that they have so many options of flavors, toppings, and drizzles. They even have azuki beans if you like that. I got their $4 small with two flavors: li hing and lychee. I topped it off with li hing and condense milk and it was heavenly. Every bite was delicious and the small size was perfect for me. The shaved ice was soft and perfect. It was definitely worth it and I recommend it if you are in the area and are looking for an affordable sweet treat. This place also has a store that sells snacks and candies as well. There isn't a spot to sit inside and eat your treat but they have benches outside.

    Lychees syrup with lychee jelly at the bottom

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    Waiola Shave Ice Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Waiola Shave Ice

    Do they have any sugar free things?

    They have sugar free syrup for their shave ice.

    Do they sell the syrups?

    I don't believe they do.

    Are the syrups made of actual fruit?

    I don't believe so. The syrups don't taste like the fruits they are supposed to resemble.

    What are the prices for sizes?

    Keiki $6 (Kid's size) and Small $6.75. They currently aren't serving other sizes due to low supply of ice.

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    Leonard's Bakery - A dozen goodies

    Leonard's Bakery

    4.5(10.3k reviews)
    1.1 miKaimuki
    $

    Parking: There is a small lot but better off trying the residential streets nearby with easy free…read morespots. Interior: GO INSIDE TO ORDER. OUTSIDE IS JUST LOOKS PACKED BECAUSE PPL WAIT FOR THEIR ORDER. Wait Time: Line inside took less 5min and about 10min for order to be ready. Items Order: Filled Malasadas $2.75 - COMES FRESH AND HOT! The dough is soft and airy on the inside and the shell is slightly crispy and chewy. SO GOOD! I get it cinnamon sugar coated with custard filling and for fruit fillings get the lihing coating. Ube Butter Mochi $3.85 - Ube flavor was medium strength. Mochi was soft and really good after reheating in airfryer. Slight crunchy top layer was really good. 10/10 Custard - very rich and creamy. not too sweet and it's packed! 10/10 Seasonal mango - Mango flavor was so good and did not taste artificial. Highly rec!

    I can see why this spot is so beloved. They know what they are good at and keep the menu limited…read more Over my vacation, I tried 6 flavors they offered. I tried Dobash and the original at a mobile by Windward mall. The food took a while to get but totally worth the wait. The malasadas were nice and warm. I also visited the bakery and tried the guava, macadamia nut, cinnamon, the special of the month (blueberry) and I wanted to try the custard but they accidentally gave me one with no filling . Even though they mixed up the custard one, the other flavors were great. The service was faster at the main bakery. I learned that they also serve coffee so next time I'll head there and try the coffee too. Totally recommend going and trying all the flavors if you can. Heads up that there is no seating so prepare to pick up and go. Also, the parking lot is pretty small so I recommend parking in the Safeway parking lot across the street. It's a mini shopping center so should be okay to park at for a quick stop.

    Photos
    Leonard's Bakery - Original Malasada

    Original Malasada

    Leonard's Bakery - 3/29/26 get the guava & mac nut filled ones

    3/29/26 get the guava & mac nut filled ones

    Leonard's Bakery - Inside of a Guava filled

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    Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery - Pumpkin Crunch

    Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery

    4.4(892 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$

    I love Pipeline Bakeshops Malasadas! I have been to several Malasada places in Hawaii but | love…read morethere's the best for the following reasons: 1. the size of the malasadas: some restaurants tend to make their Malasadas smaller and when places do this it ruins the overall texture and quality of it. The bigger the malasadas size the more airy and fluffy and more bread layers that will be inside. 2. their malasadas always taste fresh and the same quality each time. 3. their malasadas don't feel oily or heavy at all Overall I would highly recommend this place for their Malasadas! I'm so happy to have found them. I can back multiple times on my trip. They also have other desserts too that I have yet to try. They have ice cream, cakes, and other desserts Also tip: if you are ordering a malasada also order a coffee or a matcha drink to go with it. The cinnamon sugar from the malasada just matches so perfectly with a drink this restaurant is also a nice place for walking! There's lot of stores and restaurants to walk around! I'm trying to remember but I think there was a book off that was not too far from here! If you either drive or maybe walk. Service: staff was super helpful and friendly while I was there. I was having an issue with my online order because my phone was being glitchy and they were so nice in helping :) Also wanted to note their branding is so cute!! They even sell merch items too

    Everyone knows to go to Leonard's for freshly made malasadas, and the constant crowds there attest…read moreto their quality and variety (review: https://yelp.to/jaduiZfQRq). However, there are many alternative malasada purveyors throughout Honolulu, so I depended on local vloggers to find the best ones. This one popped up often on YouTube, and as luck would have it, we were dining at The Pig & The Lady on the next block. How calorifically convenient. We took the opportunity to stop by for a pre-dinner snack since they closed at 6PM. It's a cute shop with multiple sweets including quite a selection of housemade ice cream and delectable mouthfuls called Cake Bombs (Photo 10). We decided we would be good and ordered one unfilled Malasada each. Dusted with various sugar flavors, they were just $2.65 a piece. I went for the Coffee, while Jamie chose the daily special, Cinnamon (Photo 6). They were soft and tasty, quite comparable to Leonard's albeit a tad smaller. That wasn't necessarily a bad thing since we had dinner ahead of us. However, we let temptation get the best of us and shared a $5.50 slice of the Ube Haupia Mac Nut Bar, a yummy combination of sweet potato and ube topped with haupia (coconut milk pudding) on a macadamia nut crust (Photo 9). Truth be told, it stole the show from the malasadas. FOOD - 4 stars... the malasadas were good, but that ube dessert was next level AMBIANCE - 4 stars...really a takeout operation with a lot of temptations SERVICE - 4 stars...very calm and orderly TOTAL - 4 stars...yet another spot for sweet Hawaiian decadence RELATED - Exploring Hawaii? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/U7YPblfoMP

    Photos
    Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery - Interior during Malasada Day / Fat Tuesday, 2/17/2026

    Interior during Malasada Day / Fat Tuesday, 2/17/2026

    Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery - 1/2 dozen malasada

    1/2 dozen malasada

    Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery

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    Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe

    Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe

    4.5(367 reviews)
    1.6 miKaka'ako

    Loved the baked stuff and drinks. It is outdoor and take out mostly so not…read moreGreat when it rains. Plenty of outdoor seating I order a ton of random Stuff between sweet and savory The hot dog in bun was exceptional

    You can't help but notice the line…read more Staying directly across the street from the bakery gave me a front-row seat to its daily ritual. Every morning, without fail, people gathered outside waiting patiently for pastries. No flashy signs. No gimmicks. Just quiet consistency. That alone intrigued me. By the second day, my mind was made up. I'm an early riser, so the plan was simple: go on my usual morning run and arrive before the rush. Japanese culture and craftsmanship have long fascinated me. Through close friends with family roots tracing back to Japan, I've developed a deep appreciation for the culture -- the discipline, the rituals, the precision, and the respect for process. There's a beauty in the intentional pace at which things are done. Nothing rushed. Nothing careless. This bakery embodied that philosophy perfectly. The space itself was small, modest, and aromatic. No overdesigned interiors. No influencer bait. Just the comforting smell of fresh bread and butter hanging in the air. Some bakeries hide behind elaborate architecture and presentation, but this place understood something more important: when the product is exceptional, the product becomes the attraction. The pastries ranged from playful and charming to elegant and refined. The Salt & Butter bread was an instant staple -- savory, warm, and impossibly light. The dough practically dissolved like air. Thankfully, nothing felt overly heavy, because I completely lost control of my ordering strategy. The Kobo Kuma -- a soft bear-shaped bun filled with homemade vanilla bean custard -- was perfection. Equal parts cute and comforting. The Cinnamon Roll was solid, but the Haupia pastry completely stole the show. For those unfamiliar, Haupia is a traditional Hawaiian coconut pudding found throughout Polynesia. The flavor here was subtle yet lingering, delicate without disappearing. The kind of flavor that quietly stays with you long after the last bite. Then came the Blueberry Danish -- beautiful, buttery, and perfectly sweet. I didn't even make it to the savory options this time, which honestly just gives me another reason to return. And I absolutely will -- whether back here in Hawaii or perhaps at one of their mainland locations in Los Angeles. Some places become popular because of hype. Others because of quality. This bakery earned its line.

    Photos
    Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe - Coffee anyone?

    Coffee anyone?

    Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe - Cinnamon roll

    Cinnamon roll

    Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe - Coconut haupia bun

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    Coconut haupia bun

    Kansai Yamato - Mango Mochi and mango and cream mochi

    Kansai Yamato

    4.3(150 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $

    I like my dessert wrapped in carbs, which is why mochi is one of my favorite things. Especially…read morearound New Years and Kansas Yamato has some of the best mochi on island. You can find this mochi around the island at different supermarkets but it's best from the source on University Ave. You can't miss out on their peanut butter stuffed mochi. It's just such a classic. I also love their strawberry stuffed mochi- so ono!

    @fortunefoodfinds: "I couldn't resist you MOCHI longer! Dango Mochi + Mitarashi Dango, Strawberry…read moreJelly Milk, Strawberry N Cream, n' what we really came for...a Mango Mochi (fresh mango wrapped with mochi n' white bean) from KANSAI YAMATO off of University Ave in Honolulu. A mango dessert I've been eyeing, that definitely was worth trying!" SERVICE: fully staffed INTERIOR: small, tight fit, grab n' go shop EXTERIOR: next to Betty's Burgers WAIT TIME: none, walked in n' had what I came for, which was the mango mochi PARKING: free lot in walking distance OVERALL COMMENTS: the Dango Mochi looks just like the emoji. It was chewy in texture with a rice flavor. The Mitarashi Dango was indeed savory with the soy sauce glaze, not my cup of tea but if that's your jam, yay. My kids picked out the strawberry items that they enjoyed eating. I was surprised to see that there was a lot of mango mochi available, so that was nice. First impression, it was huge. After cutting into it you can see the ripeness in the vibrant color of the mango. It was juicy, sweet n' with the mochi balanced out really well. The only thing that held it back from being at its best was the mango was a bit fibrous. Other than that I'm happy I finally got the chance to try it!

    Photos
    Kansai Yamato
    Kansai Yamato - Assorted stuffed mochi. Orange one is the mango.

    Assorted stuffed mochi. Orange one is the mango.

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    Waiola Shave Ice - icecream - Updated May 2026

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