Kula Shave Ice
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My first time having shave ice... and it was incredible!! I love that Kula makes their own syrups - all homemade! This spot was packed and for good reason!
We were visiting the farmers market, and we decided to do a smoothie bowl here. At first, I wanted to do the shaved ice, but the call of a smoothie bowl was too much to ignore. They have an amazing menu for shaved ice! They also have a great selection for smoothie bowls. I was honestly impressed for a shaved ice place to have so many options for smoothie bowls. Anyway, the employee who took our order was very nice and efficient. We even had substitutions we requested, and she was super cool and nice about it all. The tables allow you to people watch since the tables are right in front of the café and next to the farmers market. Also, little birds were very interested in the area and potential snacks, so that was cute to watch! Our smoothie bowls were excellent! Honestly, now that I'm back across the pond, I'm seriously craving another! Wonderful flavor combinations and very fresh. I wish I would've tried their other creations, but that just means something to look forward to for next time!
Located in the red building at the Hilo Farmers Market, Kula Shave Ice is a popular shave ice destination that also serves up acai bowls, coffee drinks, and other beverages. Customers order from the front window and pick-up from the side window. Rather than try a Signature Creation, we chose the Create Your Own and ordered the Guava & Mango flavors and added Condensed Milk and Vanilla Ice Cream. We enjoyed the shave ice, but we all agreed it paled in comparison to our experience at Hawaiian Ninja Shave Ice in Captain Cook. The ice did not seem as fluffy and the ice cream didn't enhance the flavors. As another reviewer commented, we also ate at the picnic tables and I found the tabletops to be sticky too. All in all, Kula is still a top choice for shave ice.
After stopping by the Farmer's Market across the street, my wife and I walked over to Kula Shave Ice for some shaved ice. As a disclaimer, I'm not the biggest fan of shaved ice because of how sweet the dessert tends to be, and because more often than not, there are a bunch of artificial colors used in the fruit juices. When we looked at the menu, I was impressed and excited to see the emphasis on quality of their ingredients: no artificial flavors or colors, no aspartame, no high fructose corn syrup, and no preservatives. I was sold. Although we were tempted to create our own shaved ice, we ultimately went with "The Local", a soursop and liliko'i combo topped with haupia cream. Between the two flavors, I enjoyed the sour sop side a bit more since it was the one that was less sweet. The cream on top was absolutely delicious, and reminded me of the light and airy frothed milk cream you find on many boba drinks these days. There's a generous amount ladled on top, ensuring you can have some in every bite without having to carefully ration out the cream. Overall, I'm a fan of Kula Shave Ice. Definitely a great dessert to enjoy on a hot day. Worth checking out if you're ever in Hilo.
The shave ice was nice! I feel like the shave ice was less fine/more course than what I've had on Oahu, but maybe that's the BI's style? Flavors were great! Really enjoyed to coconut condensed milk. However, I did order mine with ice cream inside, but they forgot that, so was a bit bummed by that. But that didn't impact the taste at all! Very busy with a decent line, so understandable that it could've gotten missed. Mahalo!
Based on the reviews, I had pretty high expectations for this place. I've had quite a bit of shaved ice, and this one wasn't my favorite. The flavors tasted a bit watered down, and the ice melted pretty quickly. The tables were sticky, and the trash cans were located all the way in the back, which wasn't very convenient. Overall, it was just okay. We actually found the farmers market across the street to be much more enjoyable.
Wow!!! This place serves awesome shaved ice! You order at the counter. They do not have an indoor space. You can sit outside on the various benches. We went on a Saturday afternoon after visiting the Hilo Saturday Market. We ordered the Kula Rainbow $12. 10/10 It was delicious. There are public restrooms next door and there is free parking nearby about one block south off on Ponahawai St and Punahoa St. You can also look for street parking. I would definitely return.
I'm always on a quest to find the best shave ice in Hawaii which led me here. My husband and I shared: - The Local - The Kula Rainbow with Condensed Milk The flavors of the Kula Rainbow were my favorite, but I loved the Haupia Cream top on the local. That kind of topping is less common from what I've seen. This is the best shave ice I've had on the Hilo side of the island and I'll definitely be back next time I visit Hawaii.
Kula Shave Ice has been and still is my favorite shave ice place of all time. Unlike most stores, Kula makes their own flavor syrups from scratch, giving it bold and authentic flavors vastly superior to mass produced artificial ones. I am sad to see their non-fruit based flavors no longer offered (like golden milk/tumeric) but happy that this business was booming with locals and tourists alike. Highly recommend Kula Shave Ice as the best shave ice location in the state.
Kula Shave Ice has my favorite acai bowl in the entire world. I haven't found another place that makes a poi acai bowl, but the combination of flavors and textures in this bowl is top notch. The thick and sour poi pairs perfectly with the sweeter acai. All the crunchy toppings are the perfect addition, especially the mac nuts!
Of all the shave Ice, kula was my favorite. My kids talk about the quality and texture of ice--for me it's all about flavor and great local choices. I shared an Ube and guava--both flavors tasted natural and fresh, plus the mochi AND the haupia topping just made a delectable dessert. And to boot, Hilo farmers market right there! Lots of covered seating around the area too.
GREAT shaved ice spot. It was crowded on a Friday around noon, but great vibes! Very casual, right next to the farmers market so there's a lot of nearby seating and a restroom as well. Lots of flavors and topping options! Regular size with two flavors was $9. Loved the haupia cream as an additional topping for $2. The POG was a great flavor. The flavors were really strong and saturated, one of the best shaved ice we had on the big island!
Hands down my favorite shave ice spot!! Their flavors taste so much better because it's derived from REAL fruit. And they also do a diligent job at making sure the syrup is coated throughout the shave ice so there's no dry spots. Highly recommend!!!!
2 months ago
3 months ago
The best shaved ice I've ever had. Food 5/5 The Lava Flow is absolutely to die for. The haupia cream and lilikoi butter at the top with the strawberry infused ice was like heaven. The textures were all there. Service 5/5 Standard, nothing special. Ambiance 3/5 Outdoor seating area for all of the restaurants in the area. It was pretty crowded and the area isn't that clean. There's also lots of horseflies. read more
9 days ago
My first time having shave ice... and it was incredible!! I love that Kula makes their own syrups - all homemade! This spot was packed and for good reason! read more
We were visiting the farmers market, and we decided to do a smoothie bowl here. At first, I wanted to do the shaved ice, but the call of a smoothie bowl was too much to ignore. They have an amazing menu for shaved ice! They also have a great selection for smoothie bowls. I was honestly impressed for a shaved ice place to have so many options for smoothie bowls. Anyway, the employee who took our order was very nice and efficient. We even had substitutions we requested, and she was super cool and nice about it all. The tables allow you to people watch since the tables are right in front of the café and next to the farmers market. Also, little birds were very interested in the area and potential snacks, so that was cute to watch! Our smoothie bowls were excellent! Honestly, now that I'm back across the pond, I'm seriously craving another! Wonderful flavor combinations and very fresh. I wish I would've tried their other creations, but that just means something to look forward to for next time! read more
Located in the red building at the Hilo Farmers Market, Kula Shave Ice is a popular shave ice destination that also serves up acai bowls, coffee drinks, and other beverages. Customers order from the front window and pick-up from the side window. Rather than try a Signature Creation, we chose the Create Your Own and ordered the Guava & Mango flavors and added Condensed Milk and Vanilla Ice Cream. We enjoyed the shave ice, but we all agreed it paled in comparison to our experience at Hawaiian Ninja Shave Ice in Captain Cook. The ice did not seem as fluffy and the ice cream didn't enhance the flavors. As another reviewer commented, we also ate at the picnic tables and I found the tabletops to be sticky too. All in all, Kula is still a top choice for shave ice. read more
After stopping by the Farmer's Market across the street, my wife and I walked over to Kula Shave Ice for some shaved ice. As a disclaimer, I'm not the biggest fan of shaved ice because of how sweet the dessert tends to be, and because more often than not, there are a bunch of artificial colors used in the fruit juices. When we looked at the menu, I was impressed and excited to see the emphasis on quality of their ingredients: no artificial flavors or colors, no aspartame, no high fructose corn syrup, and no preservatives. I was sold. Although we were tempted to create our own shaved ice, we ultimately went with "The Local", a soursop and liliko'i combo topped with haupia cream. Between the two flavors, I enjoyed the sour sop side a bit more since it was the one that was less sweet. The cream on top was absolutely delicious, and reminded me of the light and airy frothed milk cream you find on many boba drinks these days. There's a generous amount ladled on top, ensuring you can have some in every bite without having to carefully ration out the cream. Overall, I'm a fan of Kula Shave Ice. Definitely a great dessert to enjoy on a hot day. Worth checking out if you're ever in Hilo. read more
The shave ice was nice! I feel like the shave ice was less fine/more course than what I've had on Oahu, but maybe that's the BI's style? Flavors were great! Really enjoyed to coconut condensed milk. However, I did order mine with ice cream inside, but they forgot that, so was a bit bummed by that. But that didn't impact the taste at all! Very busy with a decent line, so understandable that it could've gotten missed. Mahalo! read more
Based on the reviews, I had pretty high expectations for this place. I've had quite a bit of shaved ice, and this one wasn't my favorite. The flavors tasted a bit watered down, and the ice melted pretty quickly. The tables were sticky, and the trash cans were located all the way in the back, which wasn't very convenient. Overall, it was just okay. We actually found the farmers market across the street to be much more enjoyable. read more
Wow!!! This place serves awesome shaved ice! You order at the counter. They do not have an indoor space. You can sit outside on the various benches. We went on a Saturday afternoon after visiting the Hilo Saturday Market. We ordered the Kula Rainbow $12. 10/10 It was delicious. There are public restrooms next door and there is free parking nearby about one block south off on Ponahawai St and Punahoa St. You can also look for street parking. I would definitely return. read more
7 months ago
I'm always on a quest to find the best shave ice in Hawaii which led me here. My husband and I shared: - The Local - The Kula Rainbow with Condensed Milk The flavors of the Kula Rainbow were my favorite, but I loved the Haupia Cream top on the local. That kind of topping is less common from what I've seen. This is the best shave ice I've had on the Hilo side of the island and I'll definitely be back next time I visit Hawaii. read more
Kula Shave Ice has been and still is my favorite shave ice place of all time. Unlike most stores, Kula makes their own flavor syrups from scratch, giving it bold and authentic flavors vastly superior to mass produced artificial ones. I am sad to see their non-fruit based flavors no longer offered (like golden milk/tumeric) but happy that this business was booming with locals and tourists alike. Highly recommend Kula Shave Ice as the best shave ice location in the state. read more
Kula Shave Ice has my favorite acai bowl in the entire world. I haven't found another place that makes a poi acai bowl, but the combination of flavors and textures in this bowl is top notch. The thick and sour poi pairs perfectly with the sweeter acai. All the crunchy toppings are the perfect addition, especially the mac nuts! read more
Business owner information
Tiffany G.
Mahalo nui loa from all of us at Kula Shave Ice!…
Of all the shave Ice, kula was my favorite. My kids talk about the quality and texture of ice--for me it's all about flavor and great local choices. I shared an Ube and guava--both flavors tasted natural and fresh, plus the mochi AND the haupia topping just made a delectable dessert. And to boot, Hilo farmers market right there! Lots of covered seating around the area too. read more
GREAT shaved ice spot. It was crowded on a Friday around noon, but great vibes! Very casual, right next to the farmers market so there's a lot of nearby seating and a restroom as well. Lots of flavors and topping options! Regular size with two flavors was $9. Loved the haupia cream as an additional topping for $2. The POG was a great flavor. The flavors were really strong and saturated, one of the best shaved ice we had on the big island! read more
6 months ago
Hands down my favorite shave ice spot!! Their flavors taste so much better because it's derived from REAL fruit. And they also do a diligent job at making sure the syrup is coated throughout the shave ice so there's no dry spots. Highly recommend!!!! read more
1 year ago
Brah, real FRUIT flavored shave ice thats melts in the mouth!?!?! THIS is the place to try at least once during your stay on Hilo side of Big Island. Came here during a soccer tournament and during the hot weekend from morning till late afternoon, we wanted to try something new and COOL. Seeing the pictures and good reviews on Yelp knew that this was the place to be. Aside from shave ice they also offer delicious acai bowls and coffee!!! There's also food within the same hut as well for a complete meal. We came on a Sunday late afternoon during the summer and it was popping! However the line moved fairly quickly and their pick up system is with a buzzer so you didnt have to crowd around the small pick up area. Their known for their natural fruit shave ice flavors and the ice itself was shaved down smooth as honey. You can pick from two sizes: Keiki and Regular. You can also add your own toppings from condensed milk, chocolate shell, mochi. Adding a filling with the ice cream is also a MUST! They have preset menu flavors or create your own! My go to is the regular shave ice with strawberry, mango, guava flavors, condensed milk topping and vanilla ice cream. Their wait for our order of 3 shave ice and 1 acai bowl was about 10-15 minutes. They have table benches within the hut and also nearby under a roof behind their establishment. Also nearby was a small outdoor market with small businesses that we also supported. Happy to support local and will definitely come back during our next trip to Hilo, Hawaii. read more
3 months ago
I had to circle around to find street parking. Customer service was good. All the girls working were kind and helpful. It was too busy when we got there so service was fast. Seating was outside. We got the Kula rainbow and pins colada slush float. read more
One of the best desserts I've had in Hawaii. I got one of the specials called The Hapa. It's chocolate ice cream, coconut shaved ice with chocolate shell and coconut on the top. Oh my goshhhhhhh. No notes. I died and went to heaven eating this. Perfectly balanced with lots of fun textures. SO GOOD. I'll be dreaming about this shaved ice treat when I'm back on the mainland. My husband got a pog one and he didn't like his quite as much because the li hing mui topping is homemade and he wasn't a fan in this case. read more
Delicious shaved ice! I got the kids' size keiki ($8 and it was a large portion) with pandan and POG seasonal flavors and haupia cream (coconut whipped cream) for an additional $2. I loved the haupia cream--it was thick, rich, flavorful, and creamy. Expect lines and not enough seating, but it's fine--you can walk around the Hilo Farmer's Market! read more
Got the Hilo Acai bowl and then made our own shave ice. Service is pretty fast, they have some seating but be ready to share with others. The Acai bowl was super refreshing, filled to the top and produce was excellent. I loved the touch of macademia nuts. I'd recommend the shave ice in local fruit flavors. Both were super refreshing and filling- expect inflated prices though. read more
2 months ago
This shave ice shop is the best one I've been to in Hawaii so far! The flavors are made with real, natural fruit, and the ice is incredibly light and fluffy. They also offer a kamaʻāina discount, which is a nice bonus. I absolutely loved this place and will definitely be back! read more
Food: We got the Kula Rainbow which is with mango, strawberry and blueberry syrup on top and vanilla ice cream as the filling. The blueberry syrup is on the sweet side and not a big fan but the rest is fantastic! Their vanilla ice cream is made from scratch as you can see vanilla seeds in it and it tastes very creamy! Service: common and friendly Ambiance: outdoor seating only. The whole deco is colorful and vivid. Be careful with sticky tables and benches though. read more
Shaved ice place at the little market in Hilo. Pretty good, and good prices. They have some great flavors it was hard to decide! We had the sunrise slushey and added Pineapple and it was soo good and refreshing, and also the Kula Rainbow! The vanilla ice cream was a great addition. When B was done with his I just combined them All and they were all tasty flavors. There is some seating outside along with other food options. Right next to the town like Saturday market with vendors. read more
5 months ago
Best ever shaved ice I've ever had in life. This is so so good. I would come back to Hilo just for this. read more
Excellent Shave Ice and now ranks up there as one of the best on the Big Island. Great customer service and great flavors. I had the lilikoi dreamsicle-lilikoi topped with condensed milk and an ice cream center. It's a mean in itself and makes the drive to Hilo so worth it. They have a covered patio so it makes it easy to sit and enjoy shave ice. Definitely will stop here again next time I'm in Hilo. read more
2 months ago
Delicious and right by the southern most part of the USA below Oceanside on the Big Island of Hawaii. You can jump 40 feet off the cliff into the ocean and climb back out. Then we saw the shave ice truck and were so glad as there was no other place for miles. They served so many flavors too. Da Kine! Loved it. Can get up to three flavors for each one..I believe he also had drinks. read more
11 months ago
OMG!!! The best shave ice ever!!! The ice texture was perfect. We shared "the local" and the flavors were amazing - real fruit syrups - sweet but not too sweet. The coconut cream on top was the perfect topping. The serving was large. We will go back the next time we are in Hilo. This restaurant has walkup order and pickup. There are picnic tables nearby under a canopy. read more
Even if you don't like shave ice like me you need to check this place out. I've had shave ice before in Hawaii and also the crappy stuff on the mainland made with syrup but this place takes the ice cake! The ice is just the right consistency and the syrup is juice not high fructose corn syrup. The mango blueberry strawberry one I had just popped with flavour and mine had ice cream in the middle. So good, the place has a NY times article that's I saw on the wall and many people say this is the best on the island - I believe it. It's just a shack with outdoor seating, service is prompt and friendly. Even if you are staying in Kona the drive to Hilo is worth it just to check this place out. read more
Business owner information
Tiffany G.
Thanks so much for your awesome review, Manish! We appreciate you and…
2 years ago
Refreshing Shave Ice in the Heart of Hilo! This spot came highly recommended to me, so I was eager to try it. A no frills stop, you walk up to the counter, order, they give you a buzzer and you either sit at one of their outdoor tables or roam around Hilo and the farmers market after they call your order on the side. We tried the special of the day, a mix of coconut and dragonfruit guava shave ice, topped with condensed coconut milk. The flavors were bold, fresh, and sweet, with a smooth, finely shaved texture that made every bite refreshing. A perfect treat in the heart of Hilo--definitely worth a stop! read more
Nice place with some very creative presentations of their Shave Ice dishes. Available in two sizes, with two flavors *or* you can create your own *or* purchase their pre-made creations. The Shave Ice is NOT a snow cone. It has the consistency of a 7-11 Slurpy, but more firm. Like a "Screwball" from an ice cream truck. We had three of them. My daughter's Strawberry was probably the best. Tasted very fruity (like strawberry preserves). My wife had a combo Lime & Soursop (like pineapple) which was good. I experimented with the 'special flavor' -Ube (purple sweet potatoe) and Coconut combo. Mine was OK. Not as 'coconutty' as I hoped. A couple of people who ordered "The Lava Flow" loved that one. Anyway, portions were good size, offered plenty of variety and the staff was very friendly. I would recommend you try out if in Hilo, nearby the Farmer's Market. read more
1 year ago
This place is always on my list when I visit Hilo and the farmers market . Love coming here for coffee and any of the shaved ice they have on the menu I have tried them all ! Service is great and all the workers are helpful if you don't know what you want . It's outdoor seating it can get busy I usually just take my shaved ice with me while I walk around . read more
Kula Shave Ice is located very close to the Hilo Farmer's Market and they have tons of options to choose from. If it's your first time, make sure to ask them for options and they'll recommend their top selling combinations. We tried the pineapple with Pineapple chunks, condensed milk and vanilla ice cream. Boy, summer on a plate. Just a tad bit sweet for my liking and there wasn't too much wait time when I went, as it was pretty early in the morning. They have ample space to sit outside and the place is pretty cute. If you're in Hilo, and craving shave ice, then hit this place! read more
Such a delightful treat on a very humid day. My cousin and I needed something sweet and cooling since we were walking around. I decided to get the lava flow. I've never had haupia cream on top of shave ice so this was a treat! Everything paired well together especially with the strawberry shave ice and the Lilikoi butter. I honestly am dreaming about it again. There's plenty of seats but beware of the ants! It is a dessert place so the ants are attracted to the drops of shave ice left from customers. I also love how it's in front of the farmers market! read more
There is a ton of good ice in Hawaii but this was one of the best ones!! Mmm! Located across the street from the Main part of the Hilo Farmers Market. Don't eat lunch cuz there is also a good poke place next door! Pull up a chair and eat poke and ice! read more
Refreshing treat in Hilo, Big Island, Hawaii... It was a warm, humid September day... Shave ice sounded like a great idea, so we walked across the street (from the fruit vendors at Hilo Farmer's Market) and looked at the menu at Kula Shave Ice... I was confused at first because when I hear the word, Kula, I think of the town in Maui. However, it has many meanings. "Kula" can mean a school, a fish trap, a place where people get together, or gold. I'm not sure which meaning applies to this vendor. Service was efficient and pleasant. We ordered at one window, waited for our buzzer to go off, and then picked up our shave ice at another window. I got the keiki-sized bowl with guava and matcha flavors. The tastes were authentic! The ice was fine and smooth! It was a perfect pick-me-up! read more
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More info about Kula Shave Ice
57 Mamo St
Hilo, HI 96720
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(808) 431-7166
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http://www.kulashaveice.com
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Ask the Community - Kula Shave Ice
When are you going to open a new location in Kailua Kona?
Has the Oahu north shore place reopened? I know it left Farm to Barn in Haleiwa and was briefly open in Waialua... it's our favorite shave ice on the island-- we are hoping it is open again
Aloha Paula The Haleiwa crew have had trouble finding a permanent spot for the trailer, but they have something in the works now and will announce it as soon as it’s set in…
Are there dairy free options? What about gluten-free options?
Yes! We offer gluten free granola for our açaí bowls. Though we are not a dedicated or certified gluten free kitchen, almost everything on our menu is made without gluten. With the exception of condensed milk and some ice creams, everything is…
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