Waiola Shave Ice
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This is a spot I go to whenever I am in Honolulu. It's a great price with so much flavors! I love their tigers Blood with lychee, ice cream and condensed milk! I would give more but the people serving you are not very friendly. But hey, you're just there for some shaved ice so it's ok! Haha! They also have a little store in the back to get some li hing candies or other goodies! Super small location in a neighborhood. Parking is ok too it all depends how busy they are during the day but they do have street parking and parking to the right of their store if you're facing it. But definitely one of my go to spots! Must try!
I've been going to Waiola's the past 20 yrs and have tried other shaved ice places but...This is best shaved ice in town! The consistency and finely shaved ice makes it my the best. My go to is the rainbow shaved ice with vanilla ice cream. It can get packed at times but parking is super easy, and rarely is it hard to find a spot. Lastly, they have super cute merch. I would put this on top of the list of shaved ice spots to visit when in town in Oahu!
I've had my fair share of shave ice on the Hawaiian islands, and this one was just so disappointing. Yes the ice is soft, but the syrup flavors all tasted the same and was just meh. Also, if you ask for mochi they put it on the bottom so you have to dig it up and save it for your last bites which makes no sense. The service was super strange too. The workers don't greet you they just stare at you and you just have to talk and say your order to them. Not a fan, go to Ululani's (the goat).
I can see why this shave ice is so well loved and rated very high. Waiola is in a residential area but has a parking lot and some street parking. Theres also a cute store inside with tote bags, stickers, and tee shirts, and some other snacks too. As for the shave ice, the ice is really fine and soaks up all of the syrup. I got a small POG and lychee with condensed milk. My boyfriend and I ordered really quick and got our order within 5 minutes. Even though the ice is really good, I felt like their syrups were a bit lackluster and it tasted more artificial to me. My boyfriend really liked his, since he tried their melon and Thai tea flavors, which I thought were decent, but I couldn't help but notice the artificial taste for all of the syrups. I like how affordable this place is, and maybe I should've tried something else, but POG and lychee were one of their popular flavors.
This is my favorite place to get shave ice in Hawaii! I usually get lililkoi and guava syrup which is always really fresh tasting! I always get ice cream on the bottom and li hing mui powder on top. If you're not local, you should give that a try. Its s popular crack seed in Hawaii from plum seed so it hint of bitterness with the sweetness of the fruit syrup. Delicious!!! Or ONO we say in the islands ! There are a couple benches out front so you can hang out and eat without making a mess in the car. Also check out the store which has lots of other snacks. The lady and keiki's that work there are always so nice, so be kind back to them!
A fairly popular shaved ice place recommended to many. You can get an affordable shaved ice for $4-8 depending on the size and topping. As we wanted to get to another place quickly, we opted to pay a little more for DoorDash pickup which came by pretty fast, but you lose a lot on the presentation as it is like an ice plate instead of shaved ice pile on top. This won't be my first and last time trying shaved ice, but it is something worthwhile to consider if you want the presentation. As for the shaved ice, I wish the texture was more smooth. I bit several chunks of fairly large ice and the liquid syrup tasted a bit artificial. We got the Obama rainbow which had cherry, lemon-lime, and passionfruit, and the passionfruit was my favorite while the lemon-lime tasted like cleaning liquid.
This is where the locals go to get their shaved ice! I love the flavor combinations variety and the branding of this place. They're also one of few places that carry good ahhh flan (they called it custard). Service was very quick, they have a small window to take your order, and a shop to buy merch/candy/toy.
Waiola Shave Ice is an old-school spot that feels authentic and classic. Shave ice is very cold and refreshing, perfect for the weather, with a good variety of flavors and great taste. Prices are decent, and there's plenty of parking, which is a plus. The place definitely shows its age -- the restroom is old, and there were quite a few flies around, which can be distracting. Still, if you're looking for traditional, old-style shave ice, this place delivers.
Really is the best shave ice in Hawaii. The texture of the ice can't be beat and the syrups are not too sweet. Prices are also very reasonable. A small cup (perfect size for me) is $4 + toppings. The service is always quick. Parking is difficult though as it's only street parking. read more
17 days ago
Waiola Shave Ice has been operating for at least 20 years now, and located in a residential neighborhood away from shopping centers and malls. I remember my father taking me when I was in Elementary School, and for nostalgia sake, I decided to return after work. Open everyday from 11a-6:30p, its rare to see a local mom and pop shave ice shop open that late. The shave ice was as good as I remembered it 20 years ago. Can't wait to get the azuki bean one next. read more
2 months ago
This is a spot I go to whenever I am in Honolulu. It's a great price with so much flavors! I love their tigers Blood with lychee, ice cream and condensed milk! I would give more but the people serving you are not very friendly. But hey, you're just there for some shaved ice so it's ok! Haha! They also have a little store in the back to get some li hing candies or other goodies! Super small location in a neighborhood. Parking is ok too it all depends how busy they are during the day but they do have street parking and parking to the right of their store if you're facing it. But definitely one of my go to spots! Must try! read more
I've been going to Waiola's the past 20 yrs and have tried other shaved ice places but...This is best shaved ice in town! The consistency and finely shaved ice makes it my the best. My go to is the rainbow shaved ice with vanilla ice cream. It can get packed at times but parking is super easy, and rarely is it hard to find a spot. Lastly, they have super cute merch. I would put this on top of the list of shaved ice spots to visit when in town in Oahu! read more
I've had my fair share of shave ice on the Hawaiian islands, and this one was just so disappointing. Yes the ice is soft, but the syrup flavors all tasted the same and was just meh. Also, if you ask for mochi they put it on the bottom so you have to dig it up and save it for your last bites which makes no sense. The service was super strange too. The workers don't greet you they just stare at you and you just have to talk and say your order to them. Not a fan, go to Ululani's (the goat). read more
I can see why this shave ice is so well loved and rated very high. Waiola is in a residential area but has a parking lot and some street parking. Theres also a cute store inside with tote bags, stickers, and tee shirts, and some other snacks too. As for the shave ice, the ice is really fine and soaks up all of the syrup. I got a small POG and lychee with condensed milk. My boyfriend and I ordered really quick and got our order within 5 minutes. Even though the ice is really good, I felt like their syrups were a bit lackluster and it tasted more artificial to me. My boyfriend really liked his, since he tried their melon and Thai tea flavors, which I thought were decent, but I couldn't help but notice the artificial taste for all of the syrups. I like how affordable this place is, and maybe I should've tried something else, but POG and lychee were one of their popular flavors. read more
This is my favorite place to get shave ice in Hawaii! I usually get lililkoi and guava syrup which is always really fresh tasting! I always get ice cream on the bottom and li hing mui powder on top. If you're not local, you should give that a try. Its s popular crack seed in Hawaii from plum seed so it hint of bitterness with the sweetness of the fruit syrup. Delicious!!! Or ONO we say in the islands ! There are a couple benches out front so you can hang out and eat without making a mess in the car. Also check out the store which has lots of other snacks. The lady and keiki's that work there are always so nice, so be kind back to them! read more
A fairly popular shaved ice place recommended to many. You can get an affordable shaved ice for $4-8 depending on the size and topping. As we wanted to get to another place quickly, we opted to pay a little more for DoorDash pickup which came by pretty fast, but you lose a lot on the presentation as it is like an ice plate instead of shaved ice pile on top. This won't be my first and last time trying shaved ice, but it is something worthwhile to consider if you want the presentation. As for the shaved ice, I wish the texture was more smooth. I bit several chunks of fairly large ice and the liquid syrup tasted a bit artificial. We got the Obama rainbow which had cherry, lemon-lime, and passionfruit, and the passionfruit was my favorite while the lemon-lime tasted like cleaning liquid. read more
2 days ago
Highly suggest going to Waiola shave ice! This was a local rec and it did not disappoint. Staff were so friendly and welcoming. The options were endless! read more
This is where the locals go to get their shaved ice! I love the flavor combinations variety and the branding of this place. They're also one of few places that carry good ahhh flan (they called it custard). Service was very quick, they have a small window to take your order, and a shop to buy merch/candy/toy. read more
Waiola Shave Ice is an old-school spot that feels authentic and classic. Shave ice is very cold and refreshing, perfect for the weather, with a good variety of flavors and great taste. Prices are decent, and there's plenty of parking, which is a plus. The place definitely shows its age -- the restroom is old, and there were quite a few flies around, which can be distracting. Still, if you're looking for traditional, old-style shave ice, this place delivers. read more
If you are looking for a shaved ice place then this is the right spot. Not only do they have everything, Waiola is probably more affordable than all your other shaved ice places in the area. Their menu is also easy. You can customize your own or you can get one of their popular combinations. And you can get it with ice cream! For sizes Waiola offers a small, medium, large, or jumbo size. For a small you can get up to 2 flavors which is nice. I love that they have so many options of flavors, toppings, and drizzles. They even have azuki beans if you like that. I got their $4 small with two flavors: li hing and lychee. I topped it off with li hing and condense milk and it was heavenly. Every bite was delicious and the small size was perfect for me. The shaved ice was soft and perfect. It was definitely worth it and I recommend it if you are in the area and are looking for an affordable sweet treat. This place also has a store that sells snacks and candies as well. There isn't a spot to sit inside and eat your treat but they have benches outside. read more
7 days ago
24 days ago
This shop reminds me of small corner stores in Japan that cater to children and the young at heart. Lots of sweet and colorful choices in shave ice and ice cream to enjoy on a warm day. My orange creamsicle shave ice was more orange than cream but it was nice and snowy and I enjoyed watching what people ordered out of the tiny window. The vibe was mellow and everyone can use a neighborhood hangout like this. read more
Such a diamond in the rough away from the crazy traffic of Waikiki. If you want a non-touristy place that is super authentic, look no further. We arrived with a party of 7, each ordering something different. The shop owners were super nice and we didn't feel rushed. I tried the one with the custard in the middle just because it was something new to me. It was delicious! I love how the kids can order mini sizes since the regular ones are usually too big. We enjoyed our shaved ice on the benches right outside. Couldn't ask for a better afternoon break. read more
Waiola is a longtime favorite of mine for shave ice. Super nostalgic, and perfect if you love the soft ice shave ice (more like slushy). Can't beat their prices at $6 for a special bowl. My bf got the Obama Bowl, still delicious even if they were out of mochi. I always get a small POG, so refreshing, and they'll add more syrup for free. There are tables around the side and a small shop. Staff are always very friendly. We love coming after the beach. Waiola has some parking, but it fills up quickly, and also clears quickly. We had no problem on a Wednesday at 4pm getting a spot nearby. read more
Love coming to this place for shaved ice. Made more popular by the TV series Hawaii 5-0. There's always a line but the line moves quickly. The shaved ice is soft and the flavors are great - my favs are the lychee and pineapple flavors. On this particular visit, I discovered that they also offer lychee jelly as an added option. I had this and I am sold! They are quite generous with their syrup and they taste very natural and not made with articifical flavors. The staff there are usually friendly but they are so busy most times that they don't have time for plesantries! -Can't really blame them. The price listed is for cash payment. If you want to use your credit card, there is a surcharge. There are some seats available to sit and enjoy the shaved ice. There's a parking lot next to the store but it's not very big - can probably accomodate about 8-10 cars, I think. read more
This is an unassuming & wonderful shave ice spot. It was busy this afternoon, but the line moved quickly. The prices are very fair and the icy sweet treats come out fast. Service is friendly. Order at the window counter outside but be sure to check out the little store inside for some trinkets & souvenirs. There tons of flavors and add ons to customize your shave ice. It's so much fun! I highly recommend this cute spot for anyone craving the softest and most delicious shave ice in Waikiki! Mahalo! read more
This is a super popular and well-loved shave ice spot in the Waikiki! It's a cute little spot located in a neighborhood. Parking can be a little hard to find close to the shop, but if you don't mind a little walk or maybe a loop or two, it's not too difficult to find a spot. They move very quickly, so the wait is not too long, and they have a large variety of flavors! I think this is a decent spot, but the ice itself does clump and is a little inconsistent. The ube flavor that I ordered was also not very strong so it tasted a little diluted. read more
A little hole in the wall place in a cute neighborhood! I love the vibes!! We got large size shave ice with mochi balls and ice cream base. They really soaked it with juice!! The ice was super soft like snow!! Loved it! My only complaint is that compared to Ululani's, the syrup isn't as intensely flavored. The flavor was more dilute. read more
1 month ago
WORTH IT. Support local business! Their Shane ice was soft and subtle flavors. I got haupia and illikoi with condense milk. Both flavors complement each other well. Parking depends on the time you go but if the line isn't long, you'll have parking. They got candy shops inside~ read more
10 days ago
Best shave ice on the island!! The ice was so light and thin and melts in your mouth. The syrups were delicious and the condense milk brings everything together. The mochi was a little harder than I would've liked so I wouldn't add it next time but the ice was perfect! They were quick with their service and no line when we went. Cute shop inside as well! read more
Waiola Shave Ice is a staple, a classic in Honolulu. Growing up, we would often visit Waiola when visiting town. Their shave ice is always so soft, and their prices are affordable. With plenty of flavors, sides, and toppings, you'll find this classic shave ice spot has more variety than meets the eye. The service is fast, and there's plenty of seating on the benches outside in the shade. Don't forget to check out the inside of the store for some delicious local snacks and candies! read more
Waiola shave ice, second trip here. It's my last day so I'm crushing my top 2, Waiola and Shimazu before I fly home to the 9th island. Waiola is by far one of the best shave ice establishments on Oahu. Their ice is shaved thin and their syrups are full of flavor. They are friendly and they make a quick desert for you to enjoy. Come give Waiola a try if you're in the mood for a delicious treat on Oahu read more
Small shaved ice spot tucked away in the outskirts of waikiki. We took a Lyft here to try their shaved ice since my husband said this spot is Obama's favorite in Honolulu. There was a short line when we arrived at around 2 pm but it moved very quickly. You order at the window and wait for your shaved ice. I got the azuki mochi bowl and swapped the sweet milk shaved ice with the coconut shaved ice. The shaved ice is not as smooth as Ululani's and the mochi were a bit hard. In my opinion, it's better to keep the mochi a white color than adding artificial coloring to it (I had some pink and purple mochi in my bowl). The condensed milk and the azuki beans were tied well together and I think it exemplified the coconut flavor. Unfortunately, my shaved ice melted super fast, it transformed into water within 5 minutes of my order which was a disappointment. Prices were very affordable though considering what they give you. If you are in the area, this is a good spot to check out but I wouldn't go out of my way to eat their shaved ice. read more
I think the environment just makes the shave ice taste better. On a hot humid day on the side of the street getting a bowl of shave ice is just the cherry on top. The rustic decoration and the old school looking menu. I like these kinda vintage vibe. Its a very good photo spot too like holding a bowl of shave ice standing in front of the worn down mascot. Its a vibe for sure. also its technically a grocery store that sells shave ice. I don't think you need to expect any customer service from them. Like they're not in need to please anyone lol. read more
Visited Waiola Shaved Ice after hearing great things about it. When we arrived, there were only a few parties ahead of us, so the wait was pretty quick. They're a small storefront with outdoor tables for seating. We ordered Da Works, which came with POG, mango, and lychee flavored shaved ice, topped with ice cream, mochi balls, lychee jelly, and condensed milk. Delicious! read more
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More info about Waiola Shave Ice
2135 Waiola St
Honolulu, HI 96826
Mo'ili'ili
Directions
(808) 949-2269
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http://waiolashaveice.co
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Ask the Community - Waiola Shave Ice
Do they have any sugar free things?
They have sugar free syrup for their shave ice.
Are the syrups made of actual fruit?
I don't believe so. The syrups don't taste like the fruits they are supposed to resemble.
What are the prices for sizes?
Keiki $6 (Kid's size) and Small $6.75. They currently aren't serving other sizes due to low supply of ice.
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Waiola Shave Ice - icecream - Updated July 2026
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