We came on a summer evening after dinner, and this hit the spot on a hot day! The kids size is already plenty generous, and the regular was a lot for 2 of us after having already eaten. The rainbow trio was a great mix of flavors, and the ice is perfectly soft/fluffy. I didn't care for the grape flavor which tasted medicinal to me, but my daughter was happy with it! read more

Best shaved ice I've had outside of Hawaii! The space is super cute and smells like the beach. Lots of great flavors to choose from - I had Pura Vida and Key Lime and Grapefruit were a tie for #1 with Pineapple at #2. The ice is hand cranked and the ice is so fine that it's like eating frozen cotton candy. read more

See all

Shaved ice was fresh- flavors were sweet and refreshing! Service was quick and friendly. Super cute indoor and outdoor seating. read more

Shaka Shave Ice - Regular shaved ice - Desserts Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Delicious shave ice and very large servings, a kids size is plenty for me. Staff is very nice and remade 8yo's shave ice when she immediately dropped it on the floor. Clean tables, usually not too crowded either. read more

Please don't walk. Run for this sweet treat in Chapel Hill. Off Franklin Street this unassuming back of a plaza you can cool off. This was reasonably priced and a great stop in CH read more

See all

The vibes here are so fun, from the hula hoops and corn hole to the island music. The shave ice takes my mind right to the beach and I swear I can smell the ocean when I eat it. The store seems to be run completely by young teens who are the sweetest. The whole experience is really one of a kind! read more

It's great to see Hawaiian-style shave ice in the triangle area! This shave ice definitely stays true to what they serve in Hawaii. They offer a vast array of flavors and service is quick. I just wish they had more toppings. In Hawaii, you can get add ons such as condensed milk and mochi, which are excellent additions to shave ice. Maybe one day Shaka will get these add ons too. Went in the summer and it was great sitting outside. Not sure how often I'd come when the weather is cold though, as seating is limited to outdoor spaces. read more

Shaka Shave Ice - Desserts Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Nice alternative to the crunchy sno-cones of my youth. Very finely shaved ice with wonderful flavor combinations they add in stripes and a little ice cream if you'd like. The large is $5 and as you can see from the photo it's huge and I could have done with a small which is $3 or 3.50. But you get that pretty bouquet shaved ice holder why would you not. There is seating outside but it smells like dog poop. read more

Shaka Shave Ice - This is the large! I may have to get a small next time. :) - Desserts Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

It's exactly what you think it is - shaved ice with thick, syrupy, sugary artificial tasting flavoring on top. That is not meant as a criticism as it is exactly what I expected. I had the watermelon flavor which tasted just like the watermelon Jolly Rancher. There are a lot of flavors to choose from, and both small and large are big servings. The one young guy who was working was slammed, yet he remained calm, helpful, and personable. Kudos to him! read more

Shaka Shave Ice - Desserts Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

It was sooooo good. It's so hard to find parking in that area but it was easy here. And the shaved ice tasted really good. It was exactly how I had envisioned it tasting. It was really flavorful but then I just asked for less and they gave it to me with 0 attitude. They're so nice there. It's so refreshing. I got Pina Colada and my BFF Sarah Hiers got Pina Colada and my BFF Hannah Card got Carolina Blue. We will go again! read more

Shaka Shave Ice - The ice cream. - Desserts Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Some friends and I came around 1:30 on a Sunday afternoon. There was one group in front of us who had already ordered. It took almost 10 minutes for the one person working to finish up 3 shave ices for them before we could even order. It then took 15 minutes to get all three of orders... so start to finish 25 minutes for shave ice. It was good, but I certainly wouldn't be rushing back given the lack of energy from the one person working. I can't imagine how long you'd wait if there was actually a crowd. read more

Wanted to try this place on a hot day and it did not completely disappoint. The syrup was way too sweet and did not have much flavor. I had a combination of two flavors and it tasted good for about 5 bites but other than that it was way too sugary. read more

Shaka Shave Ice - Desserts Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Say no to the sugar free flavors! Just say NO!! What a sad let down that was. I thought I would literally start crying from such, yes I know "1st world problem," disappointment on such a very hot summer day, after waiting for so very long, and then I remembered that I was pregnant and my hormones were getting the better of me! But seriously, what's with the SERIOUS LACK OF EMPLOYEES?!?!?! Nah, I'll go to Sonic next time, thanks. read more

Great flavors and shaved ice! They could use a little more staff at busy times, but it's still a really great treat. A lot of places used crushed ice, but here it's actually shaved so it's perfectly soft and melty in your mouth. 12/10 would shove in my face again. read more

Been living here 2 years and can't believe I only just tried this place! It's like a quick trip to Hawaii! I've also never had shaved ice before either and it was delicious! The ice is so light and fluffy and they have about 50 different flavors of syrup. The kids and I loved it!! read more

Wow!! What an amazing surprise find!!! The rainbow, peach/mango with kona cream, and coconut/mango were fabulous!! 10 stars!! read more

Shaka Shave Ice - Desserts Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

See all

Bees! Bees! Everything was great except the place was swarming with bees. At the serving window, on the benches, in the waiting area. The poor staff working in the room actually had bees flying in. Would be great if they could figure out something for the bees. Otherwise, everything was great! read more

I've always missed shave(d) ice after living in Hawaii and was I ecstatic to find Shaka Shave Ice (and One Fish, Two Fish--lots of Hawaiian vibes going on these days). I've been here twice and the shaved ice is fantastic. On one visit there were a lot of wasps but otherwise, it was wonderful! read more

Henry provided me with great service and delicious shave Ice - WHAT A NICE YOUNG MAN! I plan to bring my kids when they are home from school! Thanks Shaka Team, Marge read more

Reminded me of the ones we had in Hawaii. Nice outdoor seating with umbrellas (that's the only seating). There is a bathroom though which is key with kids. You must get the kona cream on top! Small is more than enough for one if not two people (if you can agree on flavors!). read more

Wow!! I've never been one to get excited over snow cones, but Hawaiian shaved ice is COMPLETELY different!! The texture was SO soft like freshly fallen snow and it instantaneously melts in your mouth without sticking, no chewing/crunching necessary! I can't remember the name of the flavor we got, but it was written in blue letters and tasted like blueberries; the syrup wasn't too sweet and it didn't leaving me feeling thirsty afterwards like froyo or ice-cream often does... it was actually quite refreshing! We got the largest size and was able to comfortably split it among 3 people. The tables were cool because the holes in them served as the shaved ice holders, letting you place it in the middle so you and your friends can devour it, if you don't mind double dipping, with your scooper straws (they reminded me of those red icee straws from back in the day). The ball of ice cream (should you choose to get it) is at the bottom of the handle, making it a fun little prize you look forward to discovering! Once the majority of the shaved ice has melted, switch to slurping through the straw for a different way to experience your shaved ice! Will definitely be back for more!! read more

Shaka Shave Ice - Large shaved ice with ice-cream (I can't remember the name of the flavor, but it was written in blue letters) - Desserts Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

See all

It was delicious and the people there were very helpful! Will visit again. Beware of the Bees around the tables, we ate in the car.

Don't like snow cones? You're in luck! Shaka Shave Ice is NOT a snow cone. I've never had such a fluffy, refreshing, perfectly sweet (but not too sweet) treat except on an island vacation. Shaka brings the taste and experience of Hawaii to downtown Carrboro. We'll be going a LOT this summer! read more

So good and reminds me of the shaved ice I had in Hawaii! I am definitely going back all summer long

big yummy big flavor big ice yummy ice cream so good and resfreshing hit the spot gave me brain frezze didnt even need the spoon used my tongue read more

Great place - delicious shave ice flavors - perfect treat for a hot summer day! Try surf's up flavor! read more

Shaka Shave Ice - Desserts Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

So refreshing. So many flavors. So Hawaii Carb-ROH!

We have never had shave ice before so I can't compare to other places, but my kids loved the jumbo portions, bright colors, and fun flavors. Very inexpensive and friendly service. read more

This place is so beautiful and has a really low key vibe. such good prices and really LARGE portions. I noticed they don't have many reviews so I am going to be more thorough than usual. They offer dye free and natural flavors. cater to all major allergies and the place is dedicated gluten free, they were out of Lychee and sometimes other flavors are out. I asked and they told me they make them all in house so it depends on how buys they are and when they can remake flavors. There were still plenty to choose from so its not a complaint just some info. Seating outside and a walk up order window. I have been here 3 times this year this week and we had no problems with bee's or a smell. they have changed the outdoor landscape recently and are adding indoor seating this summer so maybe the have handled the other problems in the process. read more

This place is awesome. Great service and it's sooo good. Not a snow cone. Can't wait to go again.