Waiola Shave Ice — Restaurant in Honolulu

Update: Aug 2012: well, after hitting the beach, we headed over to get some shave ice from this location. Just like last year, we had similar feelings. The shave ice is good, but compared to the others on the island, it's just average. First off, the small is $2.15, and the size of a small is not generous at all. I've posted a pic if you're interested. The flavor selection is nothing compared to Shimazu's plus the flavor itself seems to be a little less dazzling. One other thing, at the other places, they pour on the syrup (and condensed milk) to the point where the straw actually serves a purpose. Here, when my mound fell below the cup level, I tried sipping and there was nothing there. If you're in the area, stop by for your fix, but I'd travel elsewhere to get your money's worth.

Aug 2011: On our recent trip to Oahu, we set out to find the best shave ice. Unfortunately, this isn't the one. It's pretty good but we prefer Shimazu's. Wailoa's shave ice has expanded and we didn't go to the original location, but this one seemed to be more commercialized (selling souvenirs, cracked seed, etc) and may have lost some of its focus on shave ice. I posted some pics, but if you want some good shave ice, I'd recommend the...

Disappointing. Lived in Kaimuki years ago and always came here for shave ice…it was amazing back then. Brought my friend who was visiting Hawaii for the first time and never had shave ice. He wanted to go to Matsumoto’s…heard about it and I told him that was for tourists, this place is way better…drove 39 min to get here and …it was sub par. Not even close to before. Out of the first 5 flavors I asked for as well as out of mochi…which was not the end of the world by any means but…the girl behind the counter never smiled once and looked annoyed that she had customers. Worst is the syrup only penetrated like half an inch so almost all of the inside was just white ice which just means she poured it super quick and barely at all…good shave ice soaks through way more. Barely any condensed milk on top compared to before as well. Just a few lines…Paid $15 for two large and after 3 bites threw mine away. All in all disappointing mostly because it was my friends first shave ice and I know the island has waaaaaay better. Should have just taken him to Matsumoto’s like he wanted. In this case the tourist trap is much better than the...

Hands down, Waiola's has the BEST shave ice in Oahu! At most other places the ice is hard & crunchy, but here, it's shaved so fine it melts as smoothly and easily as snowflakes falling on your tongue.

Throw on some super fresh & soft mochi, sweet azuki beans, delicious custard, and/or ice cream toppings, not to mention the numberous flavor options that usually aren't too sweet (my favorites: lychee, haupia, POG, and lilikoi), and fair prices (I think ~$5.50 for a big bowl feeds at least 2), and you'll taste why it's so good.

Do NOT miss this place during your trip to Oahu! It's less than a mile from Leonard's and Waikiki, so it's easily accessible for just about everyone!

Two tips:

1. it's CASH ONLY, no credit cards; stop by the ATM (or if you're really hard up for cash recycle some cans) to get some green before going :-)
2. parking can be tough on a busy day, so if the parking lot is full, you may have to find street parking just a block or two away. Be respectful and do NOT block driveways of locals; if you do, you'll get some local justice coming...