You can’t visit Oahu without trying their famous shave ice (typically called snow cones on the mainland). Finely-shaved ice chips topped with sweet, flavored syrups make for a refreshing treat on a hot day.
While you’ll find shave ice all over the island, not all are created equally – don’t stop at just any stand expecting all of them to be delicious. They’ll be edible, but the quality and texture of the ice matters, as does the selection of and ingredients in the flavors.
One thing to note – prices in Waikiki are almost certainly going to be significantly higher than on other sides of the island. Unless you’re desperate (or not planning to leave Waikiki, which I don’t recommend!), wait to get your shave ice elsewhere. Bring cash anywhere you are in Oahu, as some places don’t accept cards or charge an additional fee.
And remember, in Hawaii, it’s called shave ice, not shaved ice!
The Best Spots to Try
Aoki (North Shore)
66-082 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Open Thursday – Sunday 11am – 6:30pm
This was my favorite shave ice on Oahu. The ice is so soft that it melts in your mouth, and the flavors were good, but the atmosphere was what really sold it for me. Across the street from ultra-busy and underwhelming Matsumoto’s, I loved this cute little spot with a “beach shack” vibe, colorful decorations, and picnic tables with umbrellas.
There are some tiny lizards that like to hang out in the greenery – they never came onto the table, but be aware of that if you aren’t a fan of critters, and maybe take your dessert to go!
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Kaimana Shave Ice (North Shore)
66519 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Open Wednesday, Friday – Sunday 12:00-4:30pm
I didn’t get to try this one because it was unfortunately closed due to COVID-19, but it came highly recommended by many. The ice is soft and snow-like, and all of the syrups are natural and made from scratch, with the fruit flavors really shining through.
Kaimana is right by the famous Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck – grab some lunch and head next door for dessert. The quaint garden lanai is the perfect spot to enjoy your treat.
Wailoa Shave Ice (South Shore)
2135 Waiola St, Honolulu, HI 96826
Open daily 12pm – 6pm
Locals and travelers alike love the quality and the affordability of this gem. The ice is soft, and the syrups are all made in-house. It’s located near Waikiki but unfortunately is not walkable – it can be hard to get over there during their opening hours if you don’t want to give up your spot at the beach.
The parking lot has limited spots, but there’s also street space available. Come on a weekday if you can, as you’ll have an easier time parking and the line will be shorter. It’s definitely worth the drive!
Island Vintage Shave Ice (Waikiki)
2201 Kalakaua Ave Level 1, B-1 Kiosk Honolulu, HI 96815
Open daily 10am – 9pm
I’ll be honest, I was on the fence about including Island Vintage as one of the top shave ice spots in Oahu. Maybe my expectations were too high, as a local had raved to me about this spot. When I went, there were very few flavors available, and none of them particularly appealed to me. Plus, it was pricey – over twice what I paid at other spots around the island.
On the plus side, the flavors are natural and fruity, and the stand is right in the heart of Waikiki – it’s easy to stop by during a beach or shopping day. The extended hours also give it a boost in the rankings, as it’s tough to find a good shave ice after dinner. If you’re in Waikiki and craving a cool treat, this is definitely your best bet, as long as you are prepared for the high prices.
Don’t Waste Your Time (or Money!)
Matsumoto’s (North Shore)
Practically all blogs and travel sites recommend this as the #1 shave ice spot on Oahu. But I have to be honest… I don’t see the draw. Maybe it used to be great, as my father-in-law mentioned it as a can’t-miss spot, but he hasn’t been to Oahu in over a decade.
The line is always long, and when I finally got mine, I felt like I was eating a pile of ice chunks. The taste of the flavors didn’t “wow’ me either. One blog named Matsumotos as the spot with the “most quintessential Hawaii vibe,” but I didn’t get that feeling at all. The shop is at the edge of a courtyard it shares with other restaurants, so it’s almost always crowded, and the store itself was also nothing special.
Island Snow (Kailua)
Reportedly President Obama’s favorite spot to enjoy a shave ice, this spot naturally draws tourists (often for that reason alone).
This half clothing store half shave ice eatery does cater to everyone by offering both natural flavors and the sweet syrups; however, the ice is not always as soft as it should be, natural flavors cost extra, and the syrup settles to the bottom too quickly, leaving you with a pile of flavorless ice chips.
Stick with Aoki, Kaimana, Wailoa, and Island Vintage for shave ice, and you will not be disappointed!
If you’re looking to branch out, there are tons of other great desserts to try on Oahu – and several of them are found only on this island, so you won’t want to miss out!
