Holo Holo Blog

Ah, the Hawaiian snow cone…a real must for any trip to the islands. There is nothing like a day at the beach (or on the water) paired with a refreshing island-style treat to really lean into the island vibe. Shave (not shaved!) ice came to Hawaiʻi with the help of Japanese immigrants in the mid-to late-1800s and has become a treasured local favorite.

Arriving here to work on sugar cane and/or pineapple plantations, Japanese immigrants introduced the islands to the concept of kakigori, meaning shaved ice. Flakes of ice were shaved off large blocks of ice, then coated with sugar or fruit juice. Melon syrups, matcha, condensed milk, and even red bean are not uncommon flavor profiles of traditional shaved ice. Once established in Hawaiʻi, flavors expanded to include what was available–including lilikoi, pineapple, mango, coconut cream, hibiscus, nut, and coffee flavors.

After generations of local slang (Pidgin) evolution, the “d” in shaved ice was dropped, and Hawaiʻi’s spin on Japan’s icy treat became known officially as shave ice. Here are some great spots to cool off with a delicious shave ice while on Kauaʻi:

• THE FRESH SHAVE – KŌLOA

This all-natural and delicious shave ice shop is family-owned and run, and now in their brick-and-mortar after years of operating as a food truck. Their ice is hand-cranked, and the syrups are homemade, so each shave ice treat is truly handcrafted. Try The Caterpillar – an orange creamsicle shave ice. Yum! BONUS: The Fresh Shave is located in the courtyard in Old Kōloa Town and is often the center of community gatherings. Monthly music and evening markets often take place in and around the courtyard, as well as storytimes with Little Miso Bookmobile, a mobile early literacy nonprofit. 

Coconut cold brew topped with Haupia foam and roasted coconut flakes.

• WAILUA SHAVE ICE – KAPAʻA

Hawaiian style shave ice made with fresh fruit is always a good idea. A fan favorite is the Lava Flow – Pineapple juice, strawberry puree, fresh strawberries and pineapple, and their famous haupia foam. 

• JOJO’S SHAVE ICE – HANALEI, KAPAʻA, WAIMEA

Serving Kauaʻi since 1992, Jojo’s extensive menu is up to 30+ flavors, plus the option to add a scoop of ice cream at the bottom of a fluffy traditional shave ice.

Fun fact: JoJo donates profits to fund free camps for Hawaiian youths!

• UNCLE’S SHAVE ICE – LĪHUʻE +  POʻIPŪ

Voted “Best of the Best” by Kauaʻi Garden Island Newspaper readers, Uncle’s Shave Ice offers delicious authentic Hawaiian shave ice and shave snow dairy treats. You can also find tasty caramel apples and frozen chocolate-dipped bananas!

• WAIKOMO SHAVE ICE – KŌLOA

Waikomo Shave Ice uses all-natural ingredients and tops each ice with fresh fruit, homemade coconut cream sauce, and local honey. If you like ice cream with your shave ice they offer a scoop of vanilla or macadamia nut ice cream to the bottom of your treat as well. Waikomo’s shave ice does not use any plastic. Ice is served in compostable cups with environmentally-friendly spoons and straws. Reusable options are available for purchase as well.

• WISHING WELL SHAVE ICE – HANALEI

Wishing Well Shave Ice has been serving shave ice from a vintage truck in Hanalei town for 40 years. A popular and funky hot spot on the North Shore, they serve shave ice, acai bowls, coffee, smoothies, and more. Coffee lovers won’t want to miss the Caffeine Monkey – an organic option with cold brew coffee and banana syrup over vanilla ice cream, topped with sweetened condensed milk. They locally source their ingredients and are a real staple of the North Shore community.

E ʻai kākou – Enjoy!