There’s Nothing Better Than This Mouthwatering Shave Ice Trail In Hawaii
Ah, Shave Ice: the quintessential Hawaiian treat, the perfect snack for a quick sugar rush after a day spent in the ocean. Is there really any better dessert on a hot Hawaiian afternoon? We sure don’t think so. In honor of Hawaii’s favorite dessert, we’ve created the ultimate shave ice trail across the island of Oahu. This is the perfect weekend road trip to take with as many friends will fit in one vehicle: purchase only one shave ice from each establishment and share amongst yourselves so you don’t get sick.
The entire trip clocks in at approximately 62 miles and two hours of drive time perfect for a lazy Saturday spent eating shave ice with your favorite people. Your day starts in Kailua, before heading to Waimanalo, Hawaii Kai, Honolulu, Aiea, and Waipahu, and finally ending in Haleiwa at one of the most famous shave ice spots in Hawaii: Matsumoto’s. Don’t forget to rank your favorites so you know which place to hit up the next time you’re craving shave ice. We suggest comparing each shop by the consistency of the shave ice, flavor and topping offerings, ease of access, and maybe even Instagram-worthiness.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
In Hawaii, some of the best food comes from the most unexpected places. Nowhere is this more true than this small roadside shack selling scrumptious shave ice sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Kalanianaole Hwy & Wailea Street, Waimanalo, HI 96795
Forgo artificially-flavored syrups for all-natural ones at this charming little shop on Monsarrat Avenue. For a little added sweetness, add condensed milk to the top of your shave ice.
This quint grocery story is said to be the best shave ice in Honolulu, but don’t take our word – look to the 1,500 hundred individuals who have left an average 4.5-star review on Yelp, or just try it for yourself.
This popular neighborhood shop may not look like much, but the shave ice is absolute perfection – and they have some pretty interesting flavor choices as well… Are you brave enough to try their Chili flavored shave ice?
This local favorite has been serving up mouthwatering shave ice concoctions for decades. For a unique twist, order your shave ice with pudding, tapioca, mochi balls, or azuki beans.
Located in the Waikele Shopping Center, Mountain Magic serves up huge portions of shave ice with delectable flavor combinations. They even offer mochi balls and a kids size!
Located in the historic surfing town of Haleiwa, on Oahu’s north shore, is this famous shop. What once began as a small grocery story has transformed into so much more – t-shirts, souvenirs, snacks and, of course, their famous shave ice. On a hot summer day, the store produces more than 1,000 shave ices!
66-087 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712
So, who’s up for a Saturday trip across Oahu to sample some of Hawaii’s best shave ice? If you have a sweet tooth like I do, you’ll want to add these 10 Hawaiian desserts to your Aloha bucket list as soon as possible.
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
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