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    Waiola Shave Ice

    4.3 (3.3k reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 6:30 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Closes at 6:00 now
    Lynda S.

    7/15/26 First dessert stop on the island is waiola shave ice of course!!! Large shave ice with sugar syrup for $5 melt in your mouth yum! Service is quick and easy! Mini mart style with goodies to sell avail inside. Always a line but usually quick. Located in a residential area with a small parking space or street parking! Takes CC and cash.

    Gab G.

    Small Hawaii 5-0 rainbow and small POG were both excellent. Amazing texture! 4.5 stars.

    Raspberry and Cherry
    Bryan A.

    Located on Waiola Street in the heart of Honolulu is this gem. Famous for their delicious shaved jce. When ordering don't hesitate to get the ice creams and condensed milk. The service is great! The store is small and has lots of merch. Overall it's a must stop if you plan on staying on the south side of the island.

    "Da Works" - Mango/POG/Lychee, Ice cream center w/ mochi balls, lychee jelly, condensed milk
    Ashley F.

    Waiola Shave Ice has been operating for at least 20 years now, and located in a residential neighborhood away from shopping centers and malls. I remember my father taking me when I was in Elementary School, and for nostalgia sake, I decided to return after work. Open everyday from 11a-6:30p, its rare to see a local mom and pop shave ice shop open that late. The shave ice was as good as I remembered it 20 years ago. Can't wait to get the azuki bean one next.

    Lilikoi + Li Hung Mui with condensed milk and mochi
    June S.

    Really is the best shave ice in Hawaii. The texture of the ice can't be beat and the syrups are not too sweet. Prices are also very reasonable. A small cup (perfect size for me) is $4 + toppings. The service is always quick. Parking is difficult though as it's only street parking.

    Lee M.

    The ice is smooooth and they had good selections of flavor. Service was standard and the establishment had its own parking lot and small seating areas for patrons. .

    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!

    Exterior signage
    Ashley Z.

    I've been going to Waiola's the past 20 yrs and have tried other shaved ice places but...This is best shaved ice in town! The consistency and finely shaved ice makes it my the best. My go to is the rainbow shaved ice with vanilla ice cream. It can get packed at times but parking is super easy, and rarely is it hard to find a spot. Lastly, they have super cute merch. I would put this on top of the list of shaved ice spots to visit when in town in Oahu!

    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.

    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!

    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).

    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.

    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.

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    Waiola S.

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    1 year ago

    Tasty treat for a hot day, great selection and reasonable prices. A must stop while visiting Oahu.

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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.

    View All 5 Questions

    Wing Shave Ice & Ice Cream

    Wing Shave Ice & Ice Cream

    4.1
    (517 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$

    Stopped by Wing's Ice Cream Parlor for a quick sweet treat to cool off on a hot day. They offer…read moresome crazy unique ice cream flavors! As you can see in one of my photos on this review, they offered a flavor called "Cheezus" which was a cheese ice cream with real cheese-its in it haha! I thought it was pretty unique. Their ice cream is made in house so theyre able to get some pretty great flavors on their menu. The shop is small, but the staff is always helpful. Theyll allow you to sample some flavors if youre unsure of its crazy name! The triple scoop sampler comes on a perfect little serving plate. Easy for sharing. Since this ice cream shop is located in chinatown, parking isn't the greatest at times. There is no designated parking for this ice cream shop but you can hopefully find nearby street parking or go to a nearby parking garage. It's easiest if youre just on foot. All in all, definitely an ice cream parlor worth trying out!

    Located on Pauahi Street next to the lei shop at the corner of Pauahi and Maunakea St. It's right…read moreacross the street from where Char Hung Sut used to be. It's a small shop. Many different flavors of ice cream. You can have it in a cup or your choice of cone. There's limited seating in the shop. Open in the evenings. Perfect for dessert after dinner in Chinatown. Saw a lot of couples. Perhaps date night- dinner, then get ice cream. The texture of the ice cream is good. I know I will be back.

    Photos
    Honeydew & Chocolate
    Honeydew & Chocolate
    "Tea and Cookies" ice cream (Matcha and chocolate cookie bits)
    "Tea and Cookies" ice cream (Matcha and chocolate cookie bits)
    Double scoop in waffle cone

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    Double scoop in waffle cone
    Asato Family Shop

    Asato Family Shop

    4.8
    (230 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    Wonderful in every way. The shop itself is small and cute. We had the strawberry pint, the flavor…read moreis fun but I loved the consistency, it was like a mix of ice cream, sherbet, and shave ice: creamy in a way but not too icey and not too diluted. We also had a limited run waffle hot dog, very cool and different. The service was above and beyond. Everyone there was so nice and lovely. They embody top notch service that genuinely created a memorable experience from a local mom and pop shop that cares about their customers.

    Saw on Instagram that there was Pumpkin Custard only one day and decided I need it to go with my…read morepumpkin pie on Thanksgiving... so at a last minute decision I threw a cooler and some ice in my trunk and started out. I did have an upset moment because my gps said I would get to Asato's at 1:58 so mentally I decided "I guess I didn't need it". But... lucky for me, traffic was in my favor and there was no delays, no red lights, and a parking space right out front so I got out of the car at precisely 1:55! Whew, I checked in and ran inside, excited that I made it. Also, super happy they were not sold out. You know I also cannot just get 1 pint. I took home 2 Pumpkin Custard, a Strawberry and candied ginger (which i got for mom so she doesnt get mad that I restocked the freezer). I did a purse grab and go so fast I did not notice the duchess status until going back to the car! So woohoo! I will definitely be sure to post a photo of my homemade pumpkin pie with the homemade deliciousness of pumpkin custard sherbert later this week! Happy Thanksgiving!

    Photos
    Strawberries Brown Sugar Sour Cream Flavor and Asato Bars Flavor (@miguelmoralesphotography on Instagram)
    Strawberries Brown Sugar Sour Cream Flavor and Asato Bars Flavor (@miguelmoralesphotography on Instagram)
    Li Hing, Strawberry, Lemonade for this one of one!
    Li Hing, Strawberry, Lemonade for this one of one!
    Flavors

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    Flavors
    Magnolia Ice Cream & Treats

    Magnolia Ice Cream & Treats

    4.1
    (323 reviews)
    3.6 mi
    $$

    My first time at this Kapalama location. It wasn't too crowded but it was around 3pm. There were…read moreseats inside as well as outside. I've seen this place packed before with all tables filled and a line. Weekdays in the afternoon might be good timing! The vibe was your average "ice cream" ambiance. I loved the photos so you can see your options. IMO, the menu board lighting was a little weird, I thought when I was taking a photo it was my eyes, then thought it was the lighting from outside, but I think it's lit by bulbs? Idk. LOL. You can still read the menu but at first glance, you will question if it's your vision. LOL. My "mini" Mahalo-halo was perfect! It didn't make me feel that guilty at all. I mean, I'm all about dessert before a meal. In my experience, it is always a challenge to eat Halo halo because it's filled to the top. My strategy: take off the cover (if it's not overspilling: if it is, skip this step), eat some of the ice cream, and take a few sips! That should leave you enough room to mix everything, each scoop you should get a different bite. A long spoon would be best for the larger sizes! Magnolia did not disappoint. I'll be back!!

    Ice cream is always good:) They have a good variety of unique flavors. I do recommend their Mais…read moreCon Yelo, which is like Halo-Halo, just with corn! You can customize your ice cream with toppings and sauces. There isn't much of a wait but it's usually two elder ladies working when I go but they are very quick with it! But it does get busy during lunch time and after school hours. There is ample seating indoor and outdoor and it does get pretty cold inside lol. Also, a whole lot of FREE parking. Dillingham is currently under construction but you are now able to make a left turn into the lot.

    Photos
    Menu. Halo-Hslo options.
    Menu. Halo-Hslo options.
    BunBun and her Ice Scramble
    BunBun and her Ice Scramble
    Buko Pandan

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    Buko Pandan
    Lappert's Hawaii

    Lappert's Hawaii

    4.2
    (1k reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    Great coffee and yummy treats! Parking is all street…read moreparking. You'll find this spot on the corner. It's a small spot with a grab and go set up with maybe 2-4 tables on the ice cream side. You can enjoyyyyyyy your special tray outside as well as there are a few spots you can station on. We got the black Kona coffee ($5.29) : good coffee and pipiping hot Coconut Pineapple muffin ($3.99) love the texture of the coconut and the flavor of the pineapple. Perfect balance of sweet. Caramel MacNut sticky Bun ($5.99) perfect sweet bite with my black coffee. I appreciate the flavor but the MacNut flavor was subtle since I think it was alittle over powered by the caramel. Still a good soft chewy bun. Wish I tried the ice cream since I've read good reviews on it but will have to make my way back since it was too early for ice cream. Service was fast and everyone was very kind even with the long lines :)

    I scream for ice cream…read more Why is there always a line to get in? Maybe because the ice cream is that good. FYI, so are the shakes unless you get the nene. That one was really too sweet for me No kidding the line does get extremely long but it does move......rather slowly. And it doesn't matter what time of day, there still is a long line. Aside from getting ice cream in a cone, waffle cone (in house made) or cup; you can also get it as a shake or Sunday. They also offer a limited amount of pasties: cookies, muffins, and cake. Personally I like the brownies. They serve coffee, ice or hot. I wonder how an affogato with ube hapia ice cream tastes like? Comment below if you've that combination before. Or any combination, I just want to know if people read this :p If you like the coffee enough, you can get a bag to go. Overall five stars. Because it's ice cream (maybe with coffee) ;p M

    Photos
    Kaua'i Pie - Coconut,  Dark Chocolate, Macadamian Nut Coffee
    Kaua'i Pie - Coconut, Dark Chocolate, Macadamian Nut Coffee
    Can't decide
    Can't decide
    Sweet treats

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    Sweet treats
    La Gelateria Italian Style Frozen Desserts

    La Gelateria Italian Style Frozen Desserts

    4.6
    (165 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $

    6-11-26 What do Yelp friends talk about when they get together? Yes, Food but also...desserts!…read more While I was hub's chauffeur today to drop him off to a doctor appointment followed by lunch my internal light bulb switched on when I passed Cedar street. When I met Yelp Elites Jackie and Donna last week, Jackie shared a place Donna took her to. I never knew the location of Cedar Street since I haven't been a townie in half a century. I looked up La Gelateria and we were a couple blocks away. Not sure if you're actually supposed to buy retail here but the head employee was so kind enough to stop what he was doing and went over the many flavors in the refrigerated display coolers. They have dairy free too. Hubs tried the man's favorite Mac nut and I chose Kona coffee. You can order on line. It looks like a production kitchen in the back with freezers upfront labeled with the contents. $2.50 per tiny cup. They have larger sizes too but we just had lunch. Creamy, delicious, hits the spot.

    Quaint hidden shop located in town! I've passed by many times but had no idea what was located…read moreinside. I went in looking to buy a pint of two of sorbet for a friend's birthday but I went overboard and came out with NINE. I went in blindly after a friend suggested this place but I had no idea how many different flavors they had. It's cash only at the store but you can order online to pay with card and they'll get your order ready right away. They have a convenient online order system that is super easy to navigate so the pints added up quickly! My personal favorites are currently black sesame, strawberry lemonade (super tart, which I love) and Kona coffee. My friends loved earl grey, pistachio, and ume guava.

    Photos
    Gingerbread cookie gelato
    Gingerbread cookie gelato
    Pumpkin cheesecake
    Pumpkin cheesecake
    Amarena

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    Amarena
    Island Vintage Shave Ice

    Island Vintage Shave Ice

    4.5
    (2.2k reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    The line is usually long. Ordering is through a kiosk so be sure you are not waiting on the pick up…read moreline. Heavenly Lilikoi - the syrups taste natural and and flavorful. The ice was really fine and melted instantly in the mouth. You can customize flavors and toppings. Perfect for a summer day!

    Island Vintage Shave Ice completely lived up to the hype and served one of the most memorable…read moredesserts I had in Hawaii. Located just outside the Royal Hawaiian Center, the shop almost always has a long line, but it moves surprisingly quickly thanks to the convenient self-order kiosks. Despite the steady stream of customers, the staff handled the crowd with impressive efficiency, and our order arrived sooner than expected. With its vibrant layers of color and fresh toppings, the shave ice created a breathtaking first impression. Better yet, it tasted every bit as incredible as it looked. **Hawaiian Rainbow: 5/5** The Hawaiian Rainbow was the perfect sweet treat on a blazing hot day. Layered with housemade coconut spirulina, strawberry, and mango syrups over incredibly soft shave ice, it offered a bright medley of tropical fruit flavors. The shave ice itself was exceptionally smooth and delicate, with a texture reminiscent of fluffy snow that dissolved almost instantly on the tongue. Hidden beneath it was a layer of rich, soft ice cream that provided the perfect creamy contrast to the refreshing flavors. The finishing touches were a generous drizzle of condensed milk and fresh strawberry chunks, whose subtle tang balanced the sweetness beautifully. Homemade mochi added a soft, pillowy chew, while the lychee popping boba contributed subtle floral notes evocative of rosewater. Every element complemented the next, making each spoonful just as enjoyable as the last. Island Vintage Shave Ice more than lives up to its well-earned reputation. From the stunning presentation to the handcrafted syrups, silky-smooth shave ice, and a texturally diverse assortment of toppings, every component came together to create a phenomenal dessert that's every bit as delicious as it is visually captivating. If you're visiting Waikiki, Island Vintage Shave Ice deserves a spot at the top of your must-try list.

    Photos
    Acai Shave ice
    Acai Shave ice
    Rainbow Shave Ice
    Rainbow Shave Ice
    Shave ice

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    Shave ice
    Samurai

    Samurai

    4.3
    (205 reviews)
    4.5 mi
    $

    Lovely as always. Tried the Diet Coke and strawberry float. Amazing. My kids think this place is…read moresuper underrated. Service was quick too. The lady working was super nice. We will be back!

    In our office, food is often discussed where we share information with each other. Samurai was…read morebrought up by my colleague who sits in front of me and was going to head over. Another colleague and I jumped at the opportunity to tag along on a Friday early afternoon. Located down Umi Street not too far from neighboring New City Nissan on N King Street, Samurai moved to their current location in 1995 serving Maui style sherbet, popcorn and other local snacks. They also expanded to Samurai Snacks Aiea for an impressive 20+ years before closing its doors in May 2023. We arrived shortly after lunch time where we pondered at the menu wondering what to get. It's not fancy here at Samurai - - the storefront is basic and nothing fancy with a few seats patrons can sit on if they decide to eat their treats on premise. Morale has been low at the office so I decided to get some convenient prepackaged 4oz assorted Samurai cups to cheer up the staff. My colleagues also picked up some bags of buttered popcorn with mochi crunch and furikake for an informal office party to welcome the much needed weekend. Because we were already there, we also got some soft serve cups to cool down before heading back to the office. My colleagues had the classic strawberry and blue vanilla swirl and I selected the mango. My colleagues enjoyed their selection but the mango didn't live up to my expectations. The color was vibrant and enticing but sadly the mango flavor did not come through. Each cup came with a sugar roll cookie that was delicious. After our cold treat we headed back to the office with our surprise for our colleagues where it was a big hit. There were many happy faces standing in line grabbing some popcorn and a 4-oz cup of Samurai. Overall, a much better experience with Samurai that's deserving of an update with higher marks. It has been noted in my books to stick to flavors I'm already aware of and avoid trying new ones for that possible disappointment that often happens to me.

    Photos
    Strawberry pineapple
    Strawberry pineapple
    Lychee tastes like white rabbit candy
    Lychee tastes like white rabbit candy
    Strawberry blue vanilla, mochi balls, gigantic oreo

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    Strawberry blue vanilla, mochi balls, gigantic oreo

    Waiola Shave Ice - icecream - Updated July 2026

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