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Wahine Kai

4.5 (658 reviews)
Closed 12:00 pm - 8:00 PM
Updated 2 months ago

Wahine Kai Photos

Business Info

WAHINE KAI ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - Wahine Kai

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Reviews With Photos

Wahine Kai shave snow
Andrea R.

I'm unfamiliar with shave snow so I definitely didn't realize how big the portion size would be. It's massive! I mean an entire family can share it!!! The Thai tea flavor was delicious and milky as usual, not a big fan of mochi myself but they did seem fresh and perfectly soft. Such a fun beach interior. I was surprised it was empty as we popped in for dessert after dinner on a Friday night. They have SO many flavors, but definitely go hungry since the portions are so large. I could see this being a fun stop after sports games!

Mango Kakigori + strawberries
Nancy T.

Local mom & pop shop with many new added menus such as Korean Bingsu, Kakigori, & a few others since I've last visited. Service is quick, and my favorite part is the amount that you get for what you pay! The shaved ice is soooo fluffy. The atmosphere is simple & island vibes. Nothing extravagant. It was perfect for a hot day!

Bird of Paradise
Annie T.

Wahine Kai is hands down the closest thing to authentic Hawaiian shaved ice you'll find in San Diego. From the moment you walk in, the laid-back island vibes hit--great Hawaiian music always playing and comfortable indoor seating that makes you want to slow down and enjoy every bite. They offer so many delicious flavor options, but our go-to will always be the Bird of Paradise--perfectly balanced, refreshing, and full of tropical flavor of pineapple, mango and coconut ice cream. The ice is soft and fluffy, just like in Hawaii, and every visit is consistently great. If you're craving a true taste of the islands, Wahine Kai is a must-try. Highly recommend!

Strawberry kakigori shave ice with mochi, condense milk, and coconut pineapple ice cream
Jimmy T.

Summer is around the corner and if u want authentic Hawaiian shaved ice, look no further than Wahine Kai Shave Ice in Scripps Ranch. A family business, this is a favorite spot for cooling down. There are numerous eateries around like sushi, so right after a meal, come here for dessert. You might be overwhelmed a little with their menu, cause trust me, the menu is all over the shop. So take your time and decide what u want. But anything u choose, you're gonna love what u get! They have tons of flavors and u can add ice cream to it. Lots of toppings to choose from like mochi, Li Hing Mui powder, and fresh fruits. I haven't tried anything I haven't disliked. Come give it a try and bring the Island to u.

12oz size with two flavors- honeydew/ guava, condensed milk and li hing powder
Giena L.

Craving shave ice, specifically hawaiian shave ice. This was a perfect summer afternoon treat. There are so many options, there is something for everyone. Definitely hit the spot.

Coconut pineapple smoothie
Daniel V.

Wahine Kai Shave Ice is a tropical dream come true! I ordered the coconut/pineapple smoothie, and it was absolute paradise in a cup. The flavors were fresh, perfectly balanced, and incredibly refreshing -- like a Hawaiian vacation with every sip. The texture was smooth and creamy, not icy or watered down. Shoutout to the lovely worker who helped me with my drink selection this past Memorial Day. She was polite, helpful and professional. Great interior design which makes this spot nice for a quick sit while enjoying your beverages. Mahalo

Wow!! This our to go!  Thanks Mike!
Nana M.

Another great visit to my favorite shave ice spot. This place is clean and really reminds me of being back in Hawaii. I really enjoy my Maui Wowwie shave ice & chatting with the super nice owner Mike when I visit. This time I ended up buying the syrups to make my own shave ice at home & to share their delicious flavors to family & friends. Until next time Mike!

Big Kahuna with lilikoi and tigers blood syrup, condensed milk on top and pineapple coconut ice cream on the bottom
Brittany A.

Been coming here for YEARS and they have always been consistent. The portions are a good shareable size. A perfect place to come on a nice sunny day. They have so many different flavors and assortment to choose from and the staff is always friendly.

Cristina A.

Just what I needed on a warm day - something cold, refreshing and so tasty! It hit the spot. I was at a party and the truck pulled up and right away I ordered the strawberry and cream It was shaved ice with strawberry flavor, fresh strawberry's on top and a nice surprise of ice-cream in the center. It only took a few minutes to make and I was able to watch each step. Anyways point of my story everything they gave us do good and if you see this place or truck...give it a try!

Shave Ice with POG
Kirsten K.

Busy little shop with endless options!! Felt like I was back in Hawaii!! Highly recommend it! My shave ice was enormous!!! The picture doesn't do it justice!! Definitely will return!

Maurine S.

Rushed here after a meal to catch the place before it closed. Upon walking in with 7 minutes to spare, the guy says, "to go only". I get it, no one wants to stay all day. Sorry but we were so rushed I forgot what we ordered was called but it was huge! I think the small would have been fine for the 2 of us. Maybe even for 4 of us! It was pretty finely shaved and it's tough to find a good real shaved ice place that has smooth ice. I will definitely have to come back again when I can sit and enjoy the space and order properly. For sure I'll be back to see if I can give it a 5 star rating.

Wedding cake (vanilla almond ish) shaved ice with condensed milk
Amy M.

I LOVE Hawaiian Shaved Ice, and this shop has so many choices. It can be pretty difficult to decide because there are so many wonderful flavors and concoctions here. Daughter and I stopped by on a very hot day and she decided that we should have a Wedding Cake flavored ice, and I decided that it needed so very much sweetened condensed milk. Teamwork! It was delicious and we devoured every drop. I can't wait to go back to try something with root beer flavor next. I really love how they have the best shaved ice, it is so soft because of how tiny it gets shaved. No big crystal chunks here, it is so fine and snow-like. YUM!!! The shop is a little small with only about 4 or 5 tables, and it can get pretty warm. Luckily, shaved ice cools you down pretty quickly. I LOVE the shaved ices here!

Kahuna size- Cherry
Mary G.

Lucky to have tried this establishment today. Did not disappoint. Got straight cherry- Kahuna size and it was more than enough. A sweet treat on a hot day definitely hit the spot. With so many flavor options, I can't wait to come back.

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8 months ago

Delicious giant shaved ice. A lot of great choices of flavors. Like a taste of Hawaii!

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9 months ago

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9 months ago

Choices are available and the ice cream/shaved ice tasty. The seating is not that great when busy. Needs a/c to be active.

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8 months ago

Great place great food the service was excellent the staff friendly and helpful. I recommend this place

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Ask the Community - Wahine Kai

Is this business kanaka owned?

Yes

Is the taro milk tea with boba supposed to have white waxy bits in it?

The owner makes the taro milk tea with powdered taro and real taro. The white bits are the taro chunks. It gives the milk tea a thicker consistency because of the starch from the taro. Most places in SD make their taro milk tea out of powder.

View All 3 Questions

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So many Filipino flavors I love at this coffee shop! My favorite is the bibinka latte, so…read moreauthentic with the ingredients used. The turon latte is an easy second favorite. Inside is cute and love the seating areas. They have pick up/mobile order, makes for convenient ordering! I always recommend this place and love when I see their coffee at other restaurants like Common Theory!

First of all, I want to say this has been one of my favorite coffee spots in san diego for years…read more The campfire mocha is amazing and worth every penny. Ive brought friends here in the past and have always gotten positive feedback afterwards. Recently though, it feels like it's lost a little of its charm. The menu needs updating because with all the crossed out items on the board, it looks a little low end and like they're out of things. But they also always seem to be out of multiple items when I come these days. There's no food options any more most of the time, but the display cases remain. And seating... it feels like they got rid of 1-2 tables and the tables that were outside. There never seems to be enough seating so it's both cramped while also empty looking now. They have these side benches to sit on, but no one ever uses them because they're not super comfortable or good to chat with anyone with. Also, the bathroom. It's usually open, but twice now Ive been in there where there's zero toilet paper or the paper towel dispenser is out, but someone has just put a roll on top to tear at your own will. I loved this place so I hate saying more negative than good. The drinks remain amazing, but for a spot that is so popular, it's losing some of its own charm.

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Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe - Spicy corned beef hash (not spicy) but So Good!

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4.2(1.7k reviews)
0.9 miScripps Ranch
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Friendly staff with lots of gluten free options. Banana coconut muffins are moist and delicious…read more My friend had the snickerdoodle pancakes and ate every bite.

Had brunch here yesterday on a Wednesday. Literally, middle of the week, and it was packed! Line…read moreout the door, but inside, it was surprisingly spacious...and LOUD. You order and pay up at the counter, they hand you a number stand, then hunt for a place to sit. There were groups of people hanging out and "brunching", while others were alone working in laptops. Honestly, I wouldn't be able to concentrate in there with all the noise. Anyhoo, I ordered the benedict, which came with a side of potatoes. Looked very appetizing! Unfortunately, I found everything to be on the salty side, especially the potatoes. My friend ordered their breakfast "burrito" filled with veggies and a protein of sorts (please look up the menu to find out what is inside). The burrito was more like a wrap, so not your typical burrito, but it was tasty! It came with a spicy sauce on the side and fruit. It didn't really need the sauce because the burrito was pretty flavorful; but if you wanted a extremely slight kick, add the sauce. I also took home a rolled Nutella pastry. It was very rich, flaky, and drizzling with Nutella. I ate it (only half) when I got home and I remembered the guy asking if I wanted it warmed up. I should have done that. Overall, it is a great place to meet up with friends and chat up a storm. Trust me, no one will hear your conversations. Would I come back? Sure. Although it is pretty far, I would probably try one of their drinks and something else on the menu, and maybe ask for no salt on the potatoes.

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Hinar always SLAPS. Their matcha is consistently amazing, easily one of my TOP 5 spots in San…read moreDiego. I absolutely love their Earl Grey matcha with the foam on top. The Biscoff matcha and regular matcha are both delicious too. The service is always incredible as well! Everyone is super friendly, and the drinks come out FAST. I also can't forget to mention their beautiful interior. The seats are almost always filled with people studying or friends chatting. One of my favorite spots to hang out, I envy the people who live nearby and can grab this whenever they please.

Hinar has been on my list for awhile, and I'm glad I got to finally check them out. Upon arrival, I…read moresaw that the spot is super cute, and it was very busy even though I was there on a Thursday afternoon. All the seating was taken. What I got: - Brown Sugar Latte with Biscoff Foam: this was good, although it was a lot of sweets, it was still balanced with the coffee flavor. I believe the biscoff foam is seasonal. - White Chocolate Raspberry Cake: the cake was fluffy and moist while the raspberries added the perfect tartness to the cake. I will say, the cake isn't overly sweet, which is good, but I do wish there was just a little more cake than the pink cream. This spot is on the pricier side because both items did cost me $18.75 total. Which to me is a little steep.

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Wahine Kai - shavedice - Updated May 2026

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