Look. THIS PLACE. I'm telling you, it's more than a restaurant. It's more than perfectly made food that will change the way you experience food. It's more than just a heartfelt story of a family that set out to take incredible Hawaiian favorites and elevate them to something more (more sustainable, more natural, more flavorful... I could go on).
Kula Shave Ice is one of those magical places where the entire experience is TRANSCENDENT. As a foodie, you're lucky to come across a place like this once or twice in a decade (and that's being generous). And when you do get that lucky, you have absolutely no choice but to write a review worthy of said restaurant.
Honestly, I just want to write a love letter to Kula Shave Ice, so that's what I'm going to do:
Dear Kula Shave Ice,
Thank you. Our [too brief] time together was unforgettable. You changed the way I view the world. It's not just your all natural shave ice that are just bursting with REAL breath-taking flavors like guava or lilikoi or soursop (a personal favorite). Nor is your robust acai bowls that bring together the perfect balance of sweet and salty, and keep me satisfied for hours. No, it's not even your delicous beverages ilke the maple cinnamon latte with their distinctly handcrafted elegance.
No - you are so much more than the sum of these delicious parts. You are ohana to me. You are the embodiment of family - your commitment to local fresh ingredients, natural flavors, and eco friendly products show your loyalty to our beautiful planet and to the community at large. The hardwork that must go into handmaking all of the many moving components - the all natural fruit syrups, the macnut ice cream bursting with crushed macnuts, the acai bowls that are blended so perfectly the consistently is nearly reminiscent of ice cream, and so much more - show the love you have for food, and for your customers. I felt that love with every perfect bite.
I will miss you dearly every day we are apart. I know you'll have to see other people (how could you not share your gifts with the world) but I myself cannot bear to see anyone else. No longer will Bahama Bucks or Jamba Juice be able to fill the Shave Ice and Acai Bowl voids you have left in my stomach (and heart). Instead I will dream of the day when we are reunited and I can once again bask in the glow of lilikoi dreamsicles, haupia cream, fresh chewy mochi, and papaya topped acai bowls. They will dance in my dreams, and the memory of you will tide me over until my definite return to paradise (and you).
All of my love, Cait, One Very Happy Foodie
Seriously, guys, if this hasn't already convinced you - there is NO BETTER ESTABLISHMENT on The Big Island (or, in my opinion, anywhere in Hawaii, or the mainland or quite probably the world). Get The Local, add fresh mochi,or go with the Lilikoi Dreamsicle and be prepared to never enjoy a regular dreamsicle the same way again. Grab an acai bowl (the kula is my personal favorite, but the poi is a close second if you want a more savory acai bowl experience). Sip on a latte. Enjoy every single second of it for me and then return again and again and again.
You won't regret it. It'll...
Read moreKula Shave Ice is the best! Not only is the shave ice wonderful with delicious organic fruit options. They also have an amazing vegan peanut butter caramel sauce and a chocolate topping too! My partner and I met both owners over the past two days and they are wonderful people who are working hard to create all kinds of additions to their already amazing menu! I've heard they will have waffle cones soon and already have an amazing coconut gelato! The staff were friendly and welcoming. On Saturday, there was live music that we enjoyed. I can't say enough good things about this place and the people who own and operate it. Thank you both for our favorite shave ice while in Hilo! Oh, and another great thing is that they use containers, utensils, and even straws that are good for our environment! You are quite the...
Read moreKula Shave Ice: A Refreshing Taste of Aloha in Hilo
Kula Shave Ice in Hilo is hands down one of the best places to cool down and indulge in some authentic Hawaiian shave ice. Nestled in a charming corner of Hilo, this spot is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, with its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
The shave ice here is exceptionally smooth and fluffy, far superior to the typical crushed ice you might find elsewhere. Each serving is like a cloud of icy goodness that melts perfectly in your mouth. The syrups are what truly set Kula apart – they are all-natural, made from real fruit, and bursting with flavor. Whether you go for a classic flavor like lilikoi or try something unique like their signature coconut or...
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