My favorite local shave ice spot on the island! The location is super convenient, with cute décor, fun merch, and some of the best prices around--probably the cheapest you'll find. There's always plenty of parking available, and every visit is consistently great. My go-to flavors are Melona, Matcha Cream, and Strawberry Cream. If it's still on the menu, I also highly recommend the Mango Sticky Rice special, as it's absolutely worth trying. Orders are prepared incredibly fast, and there's plenty of seating and parking, making it an easy and enjoyable stop every time. Highly recommend! read more

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We came wanting to try the mango sticky rice shave ice! It was half mango and half coconut syrup with mango and coconut drizzles and lots of sago. It was definitely good, but we do wish there was more mango. Service was great! It's a cute stand with some tables outside and a few parking spaces in front. read more

Waiola Shave Ice - Mango sticky rice shave ice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I love this newer second location of Waiola Shave Ice! They have a few dedicated parking spots and a covered picnic table area where you can sit and enjoy your shave ice. This time, I decided to try something different and ordered the mango sticky rice shave ice. The mango flavor wasn't overly sweet or artificial, and they used sago to mimic the sticky rice. The ice was shaved so finely that it just melted in my mouth. The pricing is very reasonable, especially for the generous portion you get. I honestly couldn't finish the last few bites. I just wish I had more time on my trip to go back again! read more

Waiola Shave Ice - mango sticky rice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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This place felt nostalgic? Even though I have never stepped foot here before haha but it has a certain charm to it. Reminds me of childhood. The shaved ice itself was really good! Came with ice-cream at the bottom and was decently priced. Parking lot fits about 4 or 5 cars? I could be wrong though? Maybe it fits more? There is parking in the neighborhood as well. Overall, I would recommend this spot. Wish I tried more items on the menu though. read more

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I love this brand of shaved ice so much i went twice during my vacation recently and order two different shaved ice. The flavors combo variety is amazing. I got matcha cream, strawberry cream and blue vanilla with custard and ice cream for the 1st order. I would say the ice cream and flan was a bjt too much. So for the 2nd order i just went with a flan, dressed in orange cream, blue Hawaii, green apple. Service was quick, they have a merch store as well. read more

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I have my favorites but today I decided to try something new. I got their large custard bowl which comes with egg custard on the bottom and coconut cream syrup. They asked if I wanted vanilla cream instead but I decided to go with how they listed it. I also added lychee jelly to try. I really loved the coconut cream too, light but flavorful. The custard was egg tasting kind of like the egg tarts you get from dim sum. It really felt like a halo halo or the dessert you get after eating hot pot. I am glad I ventured out of my comfort zone because it was delicious. Parking: stalls in the front, along the side, and a dedicated parking next to it. They also added a covering to their seating area with benches and tables. Very helpful when there is a lot of people or it's raining. read more

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I did not know that there was a 2nd location of...WAIOLA SHAVE ICE. Until one day, my daughter and I spent the day going on a foodie adventure! After lunch, she wanted a sweet and cool treat. So, she mentioned WAIOLA...this specific location. Wow, I couldn't believe how many parking stalls there were. It was so nice to be able to drive up and park in one of the marked stalls. Unlike the other location which has less parking stalls which I ALWAYS dread, lol. The store is exactly the same as the other location. They sell shave ice, crack seeds, snacks and WAIOLA merch. The only difference is that this location has a cute little area to the side to sit and enjoy your shave ice. There are a few picnic tables with some cool photo ops. So, if you are craving shave ice, go and check out WAIOLA SHAVE ICE on Kapahulu. You'll thank me for that! read more

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Haven't been here in years... but we were in Kapahulu and jus had lunch - wanted to enjoy an azuki bowl like how we remembered from school days time. Lots of parking and limited bench seating to enjoy on-site. The Azuki Bowl is now $7 plus $1 to add ice cream... shareable size for our dessert. The Azuki Bowl is still a beauty... but mochi and ice cream portions got noticably small. Through the years, Waiola remains a classic shave ice spot in town (2 neighborhood locations). Waiola Shave Ice remains a good choice for a local, refreshing treat. read more

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Not sure why all my favorite spots near home have the unfriendly staff, but the BEST on island food!

Tried their mango sticky rice shave ice bowl this time which had 2 flavors (mango and ??) with a mango sauce and condensed milk on top. I was only expecting the mango shave ice flavor which was good, but couldn't quite place the 2nd flavor. Like that they have interesting flavor combos as the full flavor menu is a bit overwhelming. This location has outdoor tables/benches and I think they recently built a pergola over the area for some shade. Good amount of parking available. read more

As much as I like the original location on Waiola Street, I like this location off of Kapahulu way better. This location is cleaner, has more seating and is closer to Leonard's and other places in town. The ice is finely shaven, the syrups they use aren't too sweet and overpowering. Usually get the Azuki Mochi Bowl with haupia and lychee syrup plus ice cream. So good! read more

If you're looking for the real deal when it comes to Hawaiian shave ice, Waiola is where you need to go. This place has been a Honolulu institution for years, and after my visit, I totally get why. What sets Waiola apart is the texture of their shave ice--it's shaved so thin it practically melts on your tongue. I ordered the mango sticky rice bowl with ice cream and mochi, and it was perfection. The flavors were bright and authentic, not that artificial syrupy taste you get at lesser spots. The ice cream hidden in the middle was a game-changer, adding creaminess that balanced out the fruit flavors beautifully. The atmosphere is super laid-back and local. You'll see families, tourists, and regulars all lined up together, which tells you everything you need to know. Prices are reasonable too, especially considering the quality and portion size you're getting. My only tip: go during off-peak hours if you can, because this place gets packed, especially on weekends. But honestly, even if you have to wait, you won't regret it. This is hands-down some of the best shave ice on the island. Rating: (5/5) read more

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The main one is typically pretty crowded, and this one...every time I've come(which is maybe 2-3 times per trip to Oahu), it's NEVER been crowded. No more than one party ahead each time we've come. Parking - easy peasy. Directly in front of the store front and tables right next to the building. Service - you gotta be pretty clear and specific on what you want, esp if you're modifying or adding anything onto your shave ice order...sometimes there's a bit of tbe language barrier with the ladies at the counter. But still, it's Waiola's...and well, mmmmm Waiola's. My go to is "Da Works" which comes with ice cream, condensed milk, lychee jelly, and mochi, with POG, mango, lychee flavor. The girls like the rainbow ice cream bowl with extra mochi. Really, it's hard to go wrong here, and when in doubt, point at a picture of something that looks pretty and you're more or less good to go. One little warning - Beware of the ice cream headache from trying to eat it all so fast =) read more

Waiola Shave Ice - "Da Works" is da bomb - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Waiola Shave Ice - 5 stars This spot is a true Hawaiian classic--and now I understand why it's won so many awards! Waiola Shave Ice is the perfect pick-me-up, especially on a hot day. I went with the rainbow combo and added ice cream underneath... game changer. I didn't know I needed that combo in my life, but now I'm obsessed. I first saw this place recommended all over TikTok, and I'll admit--I was a little skeptical. But my followers didn't steer me wrong. The line was steady, the flavors were endless, and the vibe felt just right. There's plenty of outdoor seating, making it a great stop to cool off with friends or just soak in the sunshine with something sweet. If I lived nearby, I'd be here daily. So glad I made the stop while in town--this won't be my last visit! read more

Waiola Shave Ice - Waiola Rainbow Custard Bowl - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Popular, near the hotel, and walkable? Ok, I'm checking it out. There wasn't room for a regular, instagramable size dessert but there's always some room and the keiki size provided satisfaction. The uncle joe's flavors went really well together. I didn't want to get strawberry since I prefer trying flavors you normally can't get anywhere else but I really enjoyed strawberry, vanilla, and coconut with the addition of condensed milk drizzled on top. Coconut was an issue with the person I was sharing with but the coconut was subtle and shaved ice was a success. It was a cool, refreshing treat for the walk back. read more

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My family and I love Waiola. We've been to most locations already. This specific location has. a small parking area, which is definitely more convenient than other Waiola spots I've been to. There's a small shop with souvenirs, which I appreciate. We were able to buy a few gibbits. The shave ice was soft and held the flavors well. Service was fast but staff is always so hesitant to provide more spoons or napkins, which can be a hindrance. There was my first time at this location and won't be my last. read more

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I love how soft and fluffy the shaved ice is here! I got the matcha cream and haupia. The flavors were good and so refreshing! I appreciate the different sizes of shaved ice they have here, because I was full from lunch but of course there's always room for dessert. read more

Waiola Shave Ice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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The best in the neighborhood since we were kids. My friends that went to Punahou used to run cross country and Waiola Shave Ice would be the reward after a long run. Now I find myself in the area, looking at the line at Shimazu next to Rainbow Drive-in and driving past and headign to Waiola Shave Ice instead. It's a hidden gem at this point. Off the beaten path. For a few years Obama made it quite popular again with it being his Shave Ice of choice. Their shave ice is very finely cut and it has all the bells and whistles as well such as ice cream, condensed milk, azuki bean etc. There is plenty of parking and its off the main road, so it feels relaxing if you have to park on the street. The prices are still good, didn't go up too much. Overall a good choice for Shave Ice just outside of Waikiki without the crowd. read more

Waiola Shave Ice - Where order and Menu June 2024 - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This is a new location in Kaimuki, not a far drive from Waikiki. They took some of the feedback from the previous location and added seating and a small lot (maybe ~5 spaces?) for ease of access. Ice is fluffy and a medium is surprisingly filling. We came at an off-peak time (early afternoon) and they started making our order while the rest of our party was still ordering at the counter--extremely fast service! I may still be partial to the original location, though. Great stop if you're already in the area for Foodland/Ono Seafood/Rainbow Drive-Inn read more

Waiola Shave Ice definitely lives up to the hype. We ordered a few different combinations to try, including their special strawberry ice with strawberry jam and condensed milk on top, a large bowl with lychee, mango, and orange dreamsicle, and a small bowl with mango and pink lemonade. The standout here is the texture--the ice was incredibly fluffy and much softer compared to other shave ice spots we tried on the island. It made each bite light and refreshing. The flavors were also well-balanced, tasting vibrant without being overwhelmingly sweet. read more

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Happy National Ice Cream Day... Yes ice cream the perfect treat on any hot summer day and on this day I thought to enjoy it local style tucked under some yummy shave ice!! Waiola Shave Ice is located right off Kapahulu on Mokihana Street you can't miss the vibrant blue building with two shave ice cuties greeting you with Aloha. Lots of treats are found inside the shop with cookies, grab and go drinks and even crack seeds as well all will go perfectly with your shave ice. Though there's parking fright in front of the shop additional parking is available as well shared by a few other neighboring tenants which is very convenient. Not feeling creative I went with the classic rainbow but not the normal it's the "Ice Cream Bowl" combo so three scoops of vanilla ice cream tucked under the dome of rainbow shave ice. With decent amount of seating provided in front and beside the shop enjoying your treats is easy and cool. Thank you! read more

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Hole in the wall but one of the best shaved ice on the island! Every time I'm in Oahu, I visit Waiola and it never disappoints. I usually order the lychee/guava with ice cream, mochi, condense milk and li hing powder. 10/10 read more

Waiola Shave Ice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I remember getting shaved ice like this as a kid. This brings back so much memories. Service is so fast and outdoor seating area is instagram worthy. read more

Waiola Shave Ice - Outdoor seating area - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Must try? - Yes for me So many choices of toppings and flavors. not a lot of parking but will do. Price is not that bad. Service is fast, tables with umbrellas are available. read more

Waiola Shave Ice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Ice is shaved very fine with a couple small chunks inside but still good. There was a pretty long line but it moved fast and there's a seating area too. Value wise- 3 of us got topping in ours and altogether it was $24. I say that's pretty good. read more

Waiola Shave Ice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We love Waiola Shave Ice Staff were nice and sweet. Plenty of parking & seating area. read more

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If I could I would leave zero stars, the flavors all tasted like cough syrup, we bought six of them and they were all awful! I am trying to u deans where all the good reviews came from. Maybe new owners??? Speaking of which, the owners were extremely rude to all of the customers ordering, that should have been my sign to leave. LOL Do not fall for this tourist trap, they are nasty!!!! read more

Our friends from Oahu said that Waiola is their favorite shave ice in all Hawaii and after one bite we totally understood. We spent a warm afternoon at Queen's beach and shave ice was the perfect treat. I don't know how they do it, but the ice is more like snow. It's so soft and fluffy. I ordered the red bean bowl with condensed milk and mochi. The kids and my wife got fruity combos with ice cream. And we all LOVED our shave ice. The staff were patient in explaining and giving recommendations. We also picked up some limu covered sour patch kids in the little store. If you're in Honolulu you MUST go to Waiola shave ice!!!! read more

Waiola Shave Ice - Red bean shave ice... so good! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

OMG ~ Waiola what happened! I grew up eating at Waiola and it was always my favorite, but i dont know whats changed. It's been over 5 years since i've come back to Waiola and it wasnt like how i remembered it to be. The ice was harder and it formed into a hard ice chunk for the outer layer of it at the least. I got a small strawberry in a cup for $4 and im glad i didnt get anything bigger since it was so disappointing. There's also a dog shave ice for $5, but i did not get it only because one of my dogs has health issues and i rather not have her get sick from their peanut butter flavoring. They should at least offer a doggy bowl with no flavors on it at the least for dogs with sensitivity. There is lots of parking in front and next to the building. I was lucky and scored one right out front. Theres lots of tables next to the building as well and it was kept pretty clean although they don't come out regularly to wipe it down. The service itself wasnt welcoming and friendly either. It kinda seemed like she didnt want to be there. LOL. I dont know if it's just that im spoiled from eating at other places that are newer, but im quite saddened with how Waiola is currently. read more

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You walk up to the window to order your shaved ice. The past couple times that I've gone, we've had to wait a couple of minutes before someone came out to help us. They have a good variety of flavors and toppings to choose from. I always opt to put vanilla ice cream on the bottom of mine. There are some outdoor tables available to sit at next to the building as well. read more

Waiola Shave Ice - Size Small Passion Fruit - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

First stop Waiola! Cannot beat the texture of their ice: super soft and just melt in your mouth. Really appreciate they have a sugar free option that a) tastes delicious and doesn't have that artificial sweetener taste; and b) doesnt impact the texture of the ice. My go to is sugar free strawberry with li hing powder, the perfect sweet and salty combo. read more

Waiola Shave Ice - Small sugar free strawberry with li hing powder - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

The girl at the window was OVER IT, and couldn't be bothered with us, but the shaved ice was delish. A noticeable quality and deliciousness upgrade in their ice cream, compared to other places we've tried. Would love to go back and try the other styles, which appeared to include fruit, drenched in cream, which coincidentally, is the name of my biography. read more

Waiola Shave Ice - This guy was trying to rob the place. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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First things first... I went on a day that claimed they were "closed" on Yelp. However it ended up being open??? I guess everybody does run on island time in Hawaii haha. Anyways texture of the ice compared to Matsumotos in my opinion is better. I believe the texture of the ice here is better but the toppings and syrups are better at matsumotos. Honestly the texture of the ice is like a 7 eleven slurpee that doesn't melt as fast. I thought the red bean and rice ball were pretty mid since I'm a spoiled ass kid from California in the SGV with way better options for Asian style shaved ice. read more

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Yummy shaved ice that's perfect for a post-beach treat! I loved the consistency of the shaved ice and felt it was the best I had on my trip. I got lychee and lilikoi and it was SO refreshing. Absolutely enjoyed it. read more

Waiola Shave Ice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Friendly service and this location also has good parking. I was craving for flan, so I ordered #1 (azuki shave ice, $7) with an add-on of a flan cake. The total came out to be $11.00. On the way home, I was wondering how it came to be that price unless the flan add-on was $4.00. It was good, although I thought the flan cake add-on was kinda pricey for what it was. However, I'd still recommend family and friends to Waiola. read more

Waiola Shave Ice - Azuki bowl with a flan add on (in the bottom). $11.00 as of 07/08/24. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Simply the best shave ice place in Oahu. Smooth shave ice plus it holds the fresh syrups so well. Staff were very friendly and the shave ice came out in minutes. Ambiance is local, comfortable with outdoor benches plus umbrellas for shade. Highly recommended without reservation! read more

Waiola Shave Ice - Menu - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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One of the reasons why I come back to Hawaii is for their shaved ice. I love it so much I have to get it everyday I'm here read more

Waiola Shave Ice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I love Waiola! The ice is so fluffy and soft and their syrups are very good. Ice cream and condensed milk is an extra cost but for me it's worth it. The ice cream and condensed milk adds a creaminess to your shaved ice. Plus the condensed milk makes your shaved ice pretty. The service is quick and good. It is cash only so make sure you stop by a bank first. read more

Waiola Shave Ice - Large shave ice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

It's a takeout store where you have so many options of shave ice to choose. Service was very good and quick and there is a parking lot but go on off hours or have with you to sit in the car while you order. read more

This is seriously good ice-shave (or Shave Ice) ! My favorite is #2, the rainbow flavors with 3 scoops vanilla ice cream in a bowl. The fine shaving of ice is incredible and they give a lot for $7. It's as good as my favorite bingsu and it's got that old school vibe! The parking is not that good (like the other location) but it's enough. Nothing like sitting on the bench in the hot sun and enjoying the best shave ice on the island (or maybe the world!) Yes, other places give more, other places have home-made flavors, other places might be cheaper, but THIS is the place I go to. When I am eating this shave ice, I want to give it 15+ stars! I still say it's the best until someone convinces me otherwise! KEEP ROCKING! Waiola Shave Ice! read more