Matsumoto Shave Ice — Restaurant in Oʻahu

I am thrilled to share my five-star review for Matsumoto Shave Ice Cream. This iconic establishment in Haleiwa, Hawaii, is an absolute gem that delivers an unforgettable experience.

From the moment you step foot into Matsumoto Shave Ice Cream, you are greeted with a vibrant and lively atmosphere. The staff is friendly, welcoming, and eager to assist you in creating the perfect shave ice creation. Their passion for their craft is evident, and it adds to the overall enjoyable experience.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show - the shave ice. Matsumoto's shave ice is unlike any other I have ever tasted. The ice is finely shaved, creating a delicate and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth. Each bite is a burst of refreshing flavors that transport you to a tropical paradise. With a wide array of flavors to choose from, including unique options like lilikoi and lychee, there is something to satisfy every palate.

What sets Matsumoto Shave Ice Cream apart is their attention to detail and commitment to quality. The shave ice is generously topped with your choice of syrup flavors, and you can even add extras like sweet azuki beans or a scoop of ice cream. The combinations are endless, allowing you to create a personalized masterpiece that suits your taste preferences.

In addition to their exceptional shave ice, Matsumoto Shave Ice Cream also offers a selection of delicious snacks and treats. From their mouthwatering mochi ice cream to their refreshing fruit smoothies, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The prices at Matsumoto Shave Ice Cream are reasonable, and the portion sizes are generous. You get great value for your money, especially considering the high quality and attention to detail that goes into each creation.

Whether you're a local or a visitor to Haleiwa, a trip to Matsumoto Shave Ice Cream is an absolute must. It's a delightful and refreshing treat that captures the essence of Hawaii's tropical flavors. The friendly staff, incredible shave ice, and overall experience make Matsumoto Shave Ice Cream deserving of a five-star rating. Don't miss out on this iconic...

Matsumoto Shave Ice in Haleiwa, Hawaii, deserves every bit of its five-star rating and then some! From the moment you step up to the counter, you know you're in for a treat. The quality of their syrups is simply unmatched – each flavor bursting with authentic, tropical goodness. Whether you go for classic favorites or adventurous combinations, every shave ice is a delightful explosion of flavor that will transport you straight to paradise.And let's talk about the service – despite the long lines snaking out the door, the staff at Matsumoto's are like shave ice ninjas, swiftly and skillfully crafting each order with lightning speed. You'll have your icy masterpiece in hand before you even have time to decide which Instagram filter to use! The prices are at least 50% of what you would pay for a subpar shave ice at Waikiki Beach.

After you've satisfied your craving for shave ice bliss, don't forget to stop by the gift shop for a little slice of Matsumoto heaven to take home with you. From t-shirts to keychains, the shelves are stocked with all sorts of souvenirs to commemorate your visit. But fair warning: while the merchandise is undeniably cute and tempting, the prices might cause a bit of sticker shock. It's like they've bottled up the Aloha spirit and slapped a hefty price tag on it. But hey, can you really put a price on memories of sipping shave ice under the Hawaiian sun? Maybe not, but just be prepared to dig a little deeper into your wallet for that adorable Matsumoto mug or surfboard-shaped fridge magnet. It's all part of the experience – and hey, you deserve a little splurge after treating yourself to the best shave ice on the island!

Sure, finding parking in Haleiwa can be a bit of a challenge, but fear not – with a little patience and perseverance, a spot always opens up eventually. And trust me, it's well worth the effort. So if you find yourself on the North Shore craving a cool, refreshing treat, do yourself a favor and head straight to Matsumoto Shave Ice. Your taste buds – and your Instagram feed – will...

This is my wife and my favorite shave ice place on Oahu. We come almost daily every time we visit.

The staff is always super friendly and super efficient. The shave ice is beautiful and always very well put together. There is always a line but it goes really quick. The slowest part of the process is finding a parking spot in the square’s tiny lot.

Current prices for November 2024 are $3.75 for a small and $4.25 for a large. +$1 for additional add ons. This is a really great price for what you get compared to other places on the island.

Getting into a big breakdown of flavors, please note these are personal preferences and what my wife and I think of each flavor. Keep in mind I LOVE SUPER SWEET. — ✅I’d Recommend ⚠️I’d Consider Again ❌I Won’t Reorder Any flavors not listed, we have not tried. — ❌Strawberry, Strawberry Cream & Cherry: Tastes like medicine ✅Blue Pineapple, Coconut, & Pina Colada: Great basic go-to’s ✅Banana: Super sweet fake banana flavor ⚠️Mango: Tastes like mango flavoring ⚠️Orange & Mango: Sweet and saturated ⚠️Watermelon & Peach: Very accurate taste but not super sweet ❌Guava: Tastes slightly off but I don’t know why ✅Lychee: Tastes just like fresh lychee ✅Melon: Super sweet and delicious ✅Honeydew: Less sweet but incredible ❌Coconut Cream: Seems like the “cream” flavors just aren’t as good

TLDR; if you love super sweet flavors like me, the go-to is Melon, Banana, Pina Colada. If you like sweet but more refreshing, the play is Lychee, Honeydew, Watermelon.

If you have multiple days on the island, I’d strongly recommend coming and trying different...