There's Nothing Better Than This Mouthwatering Shave Ice Trail In Hawaii

Ah, Shave Ice: the quintessential Hawaiian treat, the perfect snack for a quick sugar rush after a day spent in the ocean. Is there really any better dessert on a hot Hawaiian afternoon? We sure don’t think so. In honor of Hawaii’s favorite dessert, we’ve created the ultimate shave ice trail across the island of Oahu. This is the perfect weekend road trip to take with as many friends will fit in one vehicle: purchase only one shave ice from each establishment and share amongst yourselves so you don’t get sick.

The entire trip clocks in at approximately 62 miles and two hours of drive time perfect for a lazy Saturday spent eating shave ice with your favorite people. Your day starts in Kailua, before heading to Waimanalo, Hawaii Kai, Honolulu, Aiea, and Waipahu, and finally ending in Haleiwa at one of the most famous shave ice spots in Hawaii: Matsumoto’s. Don’t forget to rank your favorites so you know which place to hit up the next time you’re craving shave ice. We suggest comparing each shop by the consistency of the shave ice, flavor and topping offerings, ease of access, and maybe even Instagram-worthiness.

Google Maps/Screenshot

Malia H./Yelp

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Siqi H./Yelp

Made from fruit grown locally in Hawaii, The Local Hawaii serves up delicious shave ice in a hip, eclectic setting.

138 Hekili St, Kailua, HI 96734

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Steph L./Yelp

Quyen N./Yelp

In Hawaii, some of the best food comes from the most unexpected places. Nowhere is this more true than this small roadside shack selling scrumptious shave ice sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Kalanianaole Hwy & Wailea Street, Waimanalo, HI 96795

Kimberly J./Yelp

Uncle Clay’s House Of Pure Aloha/Yelp

Using only locally sourced artisanal syrups, the all-natural Hawaiian shave ice served at Uncle Clay’s is certainly a step above the rest.

820 W Hind Dr, Honolulu, HI 96821

Chris B./Yelp

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Connie M./Yelp

Forgo artificially-flavored syrups for all-natural ones at this charming little shop on Monsarrat Avenue. For a little added sweetness, add condensed milk to the top of your shave ice.

3046 Monsarrat Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815

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Daniel T./Yelp

Emily M./Yelp

This quint grocery story is said to be the best shave ice in Honolulu, but don’t take our word – look to the 1,500 hundred individuals who have left an average 4.5-star review on Yelp, or just try it for yourself.

2135 Waiola St, Honolulu, HI 96826

Tim L./Yelp

Yoko Y./Yelp

This popular neighborhood shop may not look like much, but the shave ice is absolute perfection – and they have some pretty interesting flavor choices as well… Are you brave enough to try their Chili flavored shave ice?

330 N School St, Honolulu, HI 96817

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Maryrose Q./Yelp

Kimberly E./Yelp

This local favorite has been serving up mouthwatering shave ice concoctions for decades. For a unique twist, order your shave ice with pudding, tapioca, mochi balls, or azuki beans.

99-115 Aiea Heights Drive, Aiea, HI 96701

Ben J./Yelp

Roz M./Yelp

Located in the Waikele Shopping Center, Mountain Magic serves up huge portions of shave ice with delectable flavor combinations. They even offer mochi balls and a kids size!

94-809 Lumiaina St, Waipahu, HI 96797

Greg F./Yelp

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Bryan R./Yelp

Located in the historic surfing town of Haleiwa, on Oahu’s north shore, is this famous shop. What once began as a small grocery story has transformed into so much more – t-shirts, souvenirs, snacks and, of course, their famous shave ice. On a hot summer day, the store produces more than 1,000 shave ices!

66-087 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712

So, who’s up for a Saturday trip across Oahu to sample some of Hawaii’s best shave ice? If you have a sweet tooth like I do, you’ll want to add these 10 Hawaiian desserts to your Aloha bucket list as soon as possible.