MMMmmm shave ice. This unique Hawaiian treat is a must try during your visit to the Big Island! What is shave ice and where are the best spots to eat it in Kona? Read on to learn more. WARNING - we can’t be held responsible for readers drooling all over their mobile device.
What is Shave Ice?
Cold. Fruity. Delicious, and light. Shave ice is what you want in your face, especially after a hot, sunny beach day in Kona. So what exactly makes shave ice so ono (Hawaiian for delicious)?
First, it’s NOT a snow cone. Shave ice is made from extremely thin ice “shavings” which are shaved by hand or by a machine with a sharp, thin blade. This process gives the ice a wonderfully light, fluffy texture that absorbs flavored syrups like a sponge and melts in your mouth - YUM!
Its all about the toppings…
Here in Hawai’i, we like things extra when it comes to our food and shave ice is no different. With shave ice, it’s all about the toppings that turn a simple treat into a desert experience. The toppings you’ll encounter at a shave ice place are different than what you’ll find behind the counter of a typical American ice cream parlor. They reflect Hawai’i’s diverse melting pot food culture, from Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, and Hawaiian influences. Toppings like Ube ice cream (it’s purple!), li hing mui powder (hello lip-puckering sweet and sour), mochi pieces (another genius Japanese invention), and adzuki beans.
Shave ice with mochi and Li Hing Mui powder topping. Photo courtesy of @ululanishawaiianshaveice.
By the way, did you know that shave ice is actually Japanese in origin?
Yes, that’s right. The first shave ice came from Japan to Hawaii, by way of Japanese immigrants who came to work in the islands beginning in 1868. In the early 1900s, Japanese living in Hawaii began opening shops and selling an early version of shave ice, a treat known in Japan as Kakigōri. You can read more about the history of shave ice in Hawaii here.
Where to Eat Shave Ice in Kona
Ok, now for the good stuff. Here are our top, go-to spots for shave ice in Kailua-Kona! We won’t judge you if you try them all…twice.
1. One Aloha Shave Ice
This awesome shave ice shop makes all their own organic flavored syrups from scratch with real fruit! The result is powerful, fresh flavors that pack a punch. They also serve locally made ice cream, Tropical Dreams and Hilo Homemade Ice Cream. Their location is spacious with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The owners, a local couple, Leilani and Kulani and very friendly with a big Aloha spirit. Find their full menu here.
Some of their suggested flavor combinations include:
The TLC: Tahitian Lime (tart), Lilikoi (Passion fruit), and Coconut . Leilani’s favorite!
The POG: Passion (lilikoi), Orange, and Guava! Makes for a great local favorite.
I’m Berry Special: A combo of our berry flavors: Strawberry, Raspberry, and Blueberry
Island Splash!: A tangy combination of Tangerine, Tahitian Lime, and Lilikoi (passion)
“Nui politan'“ - strawberry whip, coconut, chocolate, with strawberry snow cap. Photo courtesy of @onealohashaveice.
Adzuki bean topping. Photo courtesy of @onealohashaveice.
Video of One Aloha Shave Ice, by Hannah Koki.
2. Gecko Girlz Shave Ice
We love this company’s name, and their creative shave ice creations! (See a partial menu below of their specialty shave ice.) They are currently temporarily closed and in the process of moving to a new location in Kona. They will be reopening shortly. Stay tuned and follow them on Instagram @gecko_girlz for the latest. You can see their full menu here.
Gecko girlz extra special shave ice creations - yum!
Two of our favorite work-traders at the hostel enjoying some Gecko Girls Shave Ice! Photo courtesy of @imjakewolff.
3. Scandinavian Shave Ice
Located right next to the Kailua Pier, Scandinavian Shave Ice has 65 different flavors to choose from, in addition to a number of other tasty items. Check out their menu and “jumbo” size shave ice that is bigger than your head, pictured below. Pose with your shave ice in front of the cute “gecko mural” on the wall outside their shop.
10 lbs. of Scandinavian shave ice at the Kona Pier! Photo courtesy of @scandinavian_shave _ice.
4. Ululani Shave Ice
Located off Palani Road right across the street from the historic King Kam Hotel and Kailua Pier, this Ululanis Shave Ice is famous on the island of Maui where they have multiple locations.
Some of their most popular flavor combos include:
The Haleakala: leche, coconut, w/ free snow cap
Sunset Beach: passion, orange, mango, guava
‘No Ka Oi’ (the best): mango, coconut, passion fruit
Ululanis shave ice with mochi, Li Hing Mui, and snow cap topping.
That’s all friends! Now go forth and get yourself a delicious brain freeze. Don’t forget to tag us on social media in all your shave ice adventures and other foodie kine stuff around the Big Island @myhawaiihostel for a chance to be featured on our feed!