The Best Shave Ice on Oʻahu in 2024

From its humble beginnings when vendors peddled cups of powdered ice sweetened with fruit syrups out of pushcarts along the Honolulu Harbor, shaved ice has been a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Over a century later, a trip to Hawaiʻi is still not complete without this iconic local treat.

1. Matsumoto Shave Ice

Matsumoto Shave Ice is synonymous with Hawaiʻi’s favorite cold treat.
Photo: Grace Maeda

For over seven decades Matusumoto’s has been the king of shave ice on the North Shore, resulting in lines that wrap around the building. Not bad for what started out as a humble grocery store in 1951. Visit this local icon at its one-and-only location in the heart of Hale‘iwa. matsumotoshaveice.com

2.  Shave Ice (Waiola Store)

Outside Waiola Shave Ice.
Photo: Sarah Burchard

Locals revere Waiola shave ice for its light and fluffy texture, and with over 1,000 flavor combinations there is something for everyone. Visit the original location on Waiola Street—the baby blue sundries shop with the palm trees and rainbows painted on the side—for the most Instagrammable experience. waiolashaveice.com

3. Island Vintage Shave Ice

Shave ice from Island Vintage.
Photo: Courtesy of Island Vintage Shave Ice

Island Vintage uses fresh, local fruit such as liliko‘i (passion fruit), guava, mango and pineapple for its syrups and signature combinations. Try the Heavenly Liliko‘i, delicate shave ice sculpted around creamy frozen yogurt covered in condensed milk and packed with fresh liliko‘i and strawberries, neon yellow boba and housemade mochi. Find them at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, Marriott Waikīkī Beach and Kapolei Commons on Oʻahu. @islandvintageshaveice

4. Island Snow

Shave ice from Island Snow in Kailua.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

Don’t be fooled by its website and Instagram page, Island Snow is not just a shop for surf apparel. In fact, many locals would argue it’s “a shave ice shop that also sells T-shirts.” This is the go-to spot for Kailua residents, including former President Barack Obama when he’s in town. Find Island Snow in its original Lanikai location or its sleek, modern outpost in Kailua Town. islandsnow.com

5. Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha

 

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Come for the shave ice, stay for Uncle Clay. Since 2011, this local legend has been serving combinations that include locally-made ice cream and fresh fruit, using Hawai’i-grown ingredients as much as possible and “no artificial anything.” Where else are you going to find “kalespin” (kale and spinach) as a flavor? That, plus Uncle Clay’s aloha and charm, makes the drive out to ʻAina Haina totally worth it. houseofpurealoha.com

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