Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks
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Best shaved ice we had in Kaua'i! They make fresh fruit syrups and lots of other options for a cold treat right near the beach. We got the sunrise smoothie, coconut, passion fruit and pineapple shaved ice. You can sit and eat at the picnic table there or watch the surfers at the beach across the street.
The owner's passion is translated into her shaved ice and smoothies (we didn't try the food!). We sampled every shaved ice on the island (okay- exaggeration but we had a LOT of shaved ice!) This was up there in the top 3- I couldn't choose which one I liked best so they are all in the top Three :) . There was a little picnic table and a public restroom right by the place which made it perfect with its oceanfront view.
The best shaved ice I have had on the island. Go for the fresh fruit options rather than the syrup. $10-12 per person which is normal for shaved ice most places on the island. Unbeatable views and very helpful staff.
Really good shave ice! The ice was light and fluffy. Soo many flavors of syrup-- I had such a hard time choosing. I ended up picking pina colada and lychee -- pina colada didn't taste how I expected but lychee was light and refreshing. But there was also guava, li hing mui, mango, passion fruit, etc etc. They had fresh fruit syrup too, which I've never seen and also wanted to try. I got my shave ice with the coconut snow cap which was also surprisingly light. I had a hard time choosing between that and the condensed milk snow cap. I think what this all means is that I have to go back and try some more flavors! They also have some savory food that looked good, but I didn't get any because I was still stuffed from our lunch. I'm impressed by how much they offer out of such a small space! Bit of a wait, but it's okay because you get quality shave ice! And the worker was really friendly.
We really enjoyed this place and it was so convenient having it just steps from our condo complex. I think we went here 3 times, and would have gone more if we could have! The owner, Mindy, and staff are super friendly and cool. I was impressed Mindy remembered our faces from a couple days previously. We enjoyed talking with her during our visit. First time there I got the pineapple and coconut. I think my youngest got strawberry and guava and my oldest got lychee and pog. It was so refreshing and delicious! The second time, just my oldest ordered and she got lychee, mango and li hing mui. She even had them sprinkle some of the li hing mui powder on top and got an ice cream scoop. It was wonderful! Final time there I got the lychee and li hing mui with the powder sprinkled on top. My kids repeated what they'd ordered previously. They have all natural syrups as well as others. They also offer a lot more than just shave ice, although we didn't order anything else. It's a great little stop when you've spent the day snorkeling across the street! Love the painted Locals slippahs on the stand! Aloha!
Great shave ice, friendly service, and they were even open on Thanksgiving! Our family are big fans of shave ice and this was our first experience at riptides. We appreciated that they have both fresh fruit syrups and local made syrups. Your can see the attention to detail in how they make shave ice here, inserting holes in the ice to allow the syrup to mix throughout, even topping the Mac nut ice cream version with Mac nut on top (made my mom Mac nut ordering family a little jealous). While the line can get long, it moves and you can just turn and face the ocean which is 10 ft away, so not a bad view while you wait. Mindy the owner, was kind and friendly. If you're craving shave ice, put riptides on the top of your list. It's by far the best shave ice place on Kauai.
This was the best shave I've we had on the island. We're tried Jo Jo's, Wishing Well (which was my 2nd favorite) and Riptides. Major negative to some of the other places is consistency, as we went many times! And they would melt so fast and basically become soup halfway through. Riptides did not. It wasn't overly sweet, it was just right. It stayed frozen up until the very end of the bowl. Friendly staff; fast service;
The best shaved ice on the island. We tried several spots and I just kept wanting to come back to Riptides. Service was exceptional and the location was fantastic. Lots of selections for flavors, get the ube or cherry. Two thumbs up. Would try again. Cheers.
Riptides serves my favorite shave ice on Kauai, and my favorite anywhere really. The staff is friendly, the location is perfect and the food is delicious. I love to load up my shave ice with a ton of add ons and chat it up with Mindy or enjoy the views of Lawai Beach while I wait. My son also loves the hot dogs and we enjoy chowing down on their delicious Kalua pork nachos. We always stay at the Lawai Beach Resort, so I tend to make daily visits to Riptides :-) It's a must when on island!
Somehow, this is the last shave ice place we tried. And it was one of the best! And closest to us which we really couldn't believe. Riptides does shave ice right, and has both classic syrups and organic syrup options in great flavors. Dragonfruit easily became on of our favorites here which we had not found anywhere else (and we eat a lot of shave ice). For being just a small food truck across from Beach House, we couldn't believe all the other options they had aside from shave ice. All kinds of food and beach items for sale. We'll run and super friendly no matter who helps you. There is one table to sit at, but we always just went and sat on the grass in the shade. We went here twice during our 13 days and will return on our next trip!
The reason I am writing this review is because the person behind the counter watched my young son accidentally drop his fresh made shaved Ice swatting at something. Obviously he's crushed and about to cry. Without skipping a beat she got his attention and told him not to worry. I offered to pay again as it was his fault and I definitely needed to get a new one for him but her compassion bled through the job and she just took care of the little guy so he wouldn't be sad. God bless.
As if to make up for my prior review of a completely different shave ice experience I will tell you what I find to be the most stellar shave ice on Kauai: It's here at Riptides. In a little portable shack across from a popular snorkeling spot, Riptides has been stellar over the course of several visits over the last two years. It has never once failed to deliver wonderful flavors of quality syrups (they also offer natural flavors, if you prefer), quality ice cream, perfectly shaved ice, and service from the owner and staff that is always warm and an exemplar of the aloha spirit. You might think falsely that shave ice is shave ice and that there's little variation between spots. You would be wrong and once you try a bad spot you'll understand just how wrong. But Riptides? They're the best of the best. Enjoy.
2 years ago
4 years ago
Staff is wonderful. Perfect location outside of our condo to grab something quick and delicious while walking on the beach. Prices are a little high for some of their options but the food is good so regardless it's worth it. read more
3 years ago
5 years ago
A transcendent Hawaiian shaved ice experience! I say experience because of the total package at this tiny unassuming snack stand in Koloa was more than just the fresh tasty ingredients and the eco-sustainable materials. It's the bubble of love and grace that the staff radiate, not only in the performance artistry of making my organic mango/pineapple fruit ice but the kindness by which they managed a busy moment in the day. This bowl of sweet island sunshine will be worth the stop and the wait! read more
Ono Shave Ice! Located just across the street from Lawa'i Beach, this local food truck is perfect. Although we didn't try the bacon wrapped hot dog, it look so ono, and way cheaper than Puka Dogs'. The ice was nicely shaved, very fine, like a good shave ice should be. Both of our shave ice were great, but I would recommend the organic fruit shave, which we got, as it has real chunks of fruit in it. And don't forget to get ice cream on the bottom, as this is the best way to enjoy shave ice. The owner was super friendly! Thank you! Will we be back? YES! And we will try the bacon wrapped hot dog, as we saw one and it looked sooooo good! read more
4 years ago
If I could give this 6/5 stars I would. Service was great and the two ladies were very friendly. The pog shave ice flavor was my favorite and over vanilla ice cream and it was extra sweet. We got samples of the Lava Flow which was amazing and I would defiently reccomend. The syrup also stays on the well-packed shave ice unlike the stuff you get at cheap carnivals. Loved this place!! read more
3 years ago
Wow! So happy to find a delicious shaved ice place in Poipu. Tried a few others and this was by far the best one. The ice was perfectly fluffy and the nice little divots allowed the flavors to seep all the way down. I appreciate the options to choose between all natural/fruit puree syrups, regular syrups, or sugar free syrups with your choice of snow caps (condensed milk, coconut milk and other choices) and could add vanilla or Mac nut ice cream inside which was delicious. Glad we will be spending more time in Poipu because we will be back again! read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
The nachos we had were amazing and huuuge. We could barely finish them between 2 people. They were really busy when we got there around noon but all of the girls working were so friendly. They also had organic shaved ice which was made with what looked like puréed fruit. Will definitely come back whenever we get to vacation in Kauai again. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
9 years ago
Growing up, I was never a fan of snow cones from fairs or school events - they always seemed like ice with flavored corn syrup on top. Which they are, so I never understood the appeal. Hence I had always avoided Hawaiian shaved ice because I figured it would be similar - besides, how could it compare to Taiwanese shaved snow, bing-su, or kakigori? However, I decided to give it a try after finding out Rip Tide's in front of the resort I was staying at. It was a hot day on the beach, so anything cold would have settled. I ended up ordering a 3 flavor combination with watermelon-strawberry, mango, and passion fruit for $6. The portion is huge and can be shared by 2 people. The lady running the shop gives you a spoon and a straw, which came in handy since as one person, I wasn't fast enough to eat the ice before it started melting. First let's start with the ice - it's "melt in your mouth" fluffy. The texture is as fluffy as Taiwanese shaved snow. However, it's still plain ice... but the fine shave makes for great texture and helps absorb the fruit syrup. From what I hear, the syrups are made from real fruit... and you can taste how much of a difference it makes. It's not sickenly sweet like the syrups they use on typical snow cones and the fruit flavor really comes through. I really loved how refreshing this was on a hot day, and even drinking it was tasty. I think my favorite flavor was the mango, and it sure beat the mango sorbet I had at Lappert's the other day (that's for another review). They accept card, and they offer other snack foods like hot dogs and chili. Neat little snack shop in front of Lawaii beach. Highly recommend if you're chilling at this beach - they're located right in front of it, next to the public restrooms. read more
3 years ago
This IS THE BEST shave ice in Kaua'i. The flavors were amazing the staff was extremely kind and welcoming and the ambiance was on point. We came here twice and both times it was amazing! I extremely recommend this to anyone that likes shave ice. 10/10 read more
5 years ago
Super friendly and delicious shaved ice. Try the organic flavors with coconut cream on top, they taste exactly like the actual fruit. Slightly slow, but 100% worth it. Visited twice on my vacation to Kauai and loved every second of it. Highly recommend! read more
3 years ago
Situated across from Lawa'i Beach, you'll discover a place to get awesome shave ice. They have traditional shave ice, but also offer organic fruit shave ice for a bit more, but it's well worth it. They were out of Passion Fruit when we were there, but that didn't deter us from enjoying their delicious shave ice. My wife ordered a Strawberry & Mango, while my son and I each ordered a Mango & Pineapple. Not only did we enjoy the true organic flavors of the fruit, but also had pieces of fruit as well. The ice was fluffy and melted in your mouth as it should. We received very friendly service and thoroughly enjoyed our shave ice. read more
This place for sure has the best shaved ice on the island. After going to a few other places only to be disappointed, we learned our lesson and decided to stick with RipTides! We got a smoothie that was dairy free and absolutely incredible, as well as the staff recommended mango with Li Hing Mui on half. After learning about Li Hing Mui here, we have been on a kick and have been ordering it absolutely everywhere that we can. Check this place out for sure! read more
3 years ago
Aloha! Just an island boy here giving major shoutouts to Riptides. Their Ono Ice Cream Lava Bowl is straight-up paradise in a bowl. We're talking rich ice cream, crunchy macadamia nuts, all swirled with caramel and chocolate, topped with whipped cream - it's the real Hawaiian deal. Every lick takes you closer to the heart of the islands. Supporting a local spot like Riptide? That's what being an island boy is all about. Trust me, swing by and treat yourself. Their ice cream is the kind of stuff that keeps the island spirit alive and kicking! read more
3 years ago
2 years ago
What an incredible find! We stumbled upon this place looking for an afternoon snack and were so excited with what we found. We talked to the servers who recommended the house made real fruit flavors in the shaved ice. We even sampled them and they were out of this world! We ended up going with the coconut and passion fruit shaved ice with vanilla ice cream at the bottom and a cream drizzle on top. I have to say, this was one of the best shaved ices I've had in my entire life! It was so tasty and the flavors were utter perfection on a hot Hawaiian day. We also got a iced coffee float within the ice cream and this was on another level. Overall what an incredible find. This place is one of Kawaii's top shaved ice places for sure! read more
4 years ago
3 years ago
2 years ago
5 years ago
Holy wow this place is the BEST shave ice on this island. It's all about the organic shave ice here. Just fresh fruit and cane sugar. Don't bother going anywhere else. This is the BEST! read more
5 years ago
Super people, BIG portions on the food, nice and hot when served. Quick to serve, great location of.ypu are in the area. read more
3 years ago
best shave ice on the island Mindy is so kind and they have home made organic syrups that are so yummy!! highly recommend the real creamy coconut, real guava, or li hing mui! our family also loved all the ube options! they also have many vegan options including vegan condensed milk! they also know how to make ice with the perfect amount of flavor throughout! truly the best shave ice in kauai read more
3 years ago
You can't beat this little place for a quick drink or a snack. Most awesome, the price. She could charge $3 for a can of soda but she doesn't. Drive a few blocks out of your way to stop here and you won't be disappointed. read more
2 years ago
5 years ago
We are staying right mext door to Riptide and man did we luck out. The shaved ice was new for me, delicious. The staff was delightful. read more
3 years ago
6 years ago
7 years ago
Rip Tides was our FAVORITE Shaved Ice during our stay in Kauai! Not only were the "natural" flavors AMAZING, but the friendly service was INCREDIBLE! I had the natural mango and coconut shave iced. It was so soft, creamy and DELICIOUS!! Added bonus: The snorkeling and beach in front of the shack was perfect! I literally saw hundreds of fish! read more
6 years ago
So so good. Got the organic passion fruit and coconut shave ice with a vegan snow cap (coconut milk cream on top). I was fully intending on taking a photo, but the whole thing just went in my mouth, like so fast. ;) We'll be back! read more
4 years ago
More info about Riptides Shave Ice & Snacks
5017 Lawai Rd
Koloa, HI 96756
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(808) 652-5956
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https://www.riptideskauai.com
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