Serving Up Soft Serve: This Shave Ice Shop in Hawaii Won Me Over

For the best shave ice on Hawai‘i’s Big Island, make your way to the Original Big Island Shave Ice Co. (OBISIC) in the harbor town of Kawaihae — a beloved, must-stop destination for refreshing local treats along the island’s sunny west coast. This family-owned stand serves up more than dessert — it offers a heartfelt tribute to island culture, childhood memories, and sweet, cooling refreshment.

At OBISIC, shave ice isn’t just a snack — it’s an experience. Here, the team has perfected the art of ultra-fine, snow-like ice topped with homemade syrups crafted from real fruit and natural ingredients, delivering a taste that’s as authentic as it is delicious.

The roots of OBISIC trace back to 1957, when Lorraine Berdon Kaono launched her mobile grocery business, the Waimea Home to Home Market. She sold burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, and candies, and eventually, decided to try her hand at a beloved local treat: shave ice.

Every morning, before the sun kissed the shore, Lorraine would set up her stand and serve up island classics like strawberry, blue vanilla, and, of course, pineapple. It is Hawai’i after all! 

In 1996, Lorraine retired, passing the torch to her son, Reginald Ignacio. Inspired by her legacy, Reginald reimagined her dream and, in 2013, brought it to life as the Original Big Island Shave Ice Co.

Today, you choose from a thoughtfully orchestrated list of house-crafted flavor combinations that highlight local favorites like Lilikoi (passionfruit), mango, guava, and coconut. If you’re searching for something far more adventurous, consider flavors like green tea, almond joy, Kona coffee, or a classic root beer float!  

If designing your dream shave ice is more your style, feel free to create your own. Start by selecting a scoop of creamy ice cream — or not if you want to keep it light. Then, you must make the difficult choice of up to three syrups.  

Now, it’s time to choose the toppings. Separated into variously priced levels, there are island-inspired toppings like sweetened condensed milk, mochi, fresh local fruit, and even boba for added visual flair and fun textures. No matter your choice, whether a classic rainbow combo or a tropical-inspired twist with tangy lilikoi and coconut cream, each creation is as beautiful as it is delicious.  

One standout is their Noelanis, hāpuna ice cream with mango and pineapple syrup, condensed cream, and a local hāpuna topping. It tastes like the salty breeze, warm sand between your toes, and even that well-earned sunburn after a day spent exploring the coast. For visitors wanting to experience the Big Island in one unforgettable bite, the Noelanis is a must!

What truly sets OBISIC apart is the aloha poured into every single cup. From the moment you walk inside, you’ll feel the genuine warmth that only comes from a place built on love, tradition, and pride. OBISIC is the place where locals bring visiting family to share a taste of home and where travelers find themselves returning each year.  

So go ahead and treat yourself! Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, you’re in for one of the Big Island's most unforgettable shave ice experiences. Here, you can know it’s crafted with heart, steeped in history, and absolutely bursting with flavor!

For more information, visit the Original Big Island Shave Ice Co. website. And if you have a favorite place for shave ice on any Hawaiian Island, let me know by filling out this nomination form. I'd love to hear from you.