Wahine Kai Shave ice, Kona Coffee and Tea Station/ Hawaiian Tea — Restaurant in San Diego

If you know what kakigōri is then Wahine Kai is as close as you can get in San Diego without traveling to Tokyo or Hawaii. What makes it special is the ice and with the shavers that Wahine Kai uses, ice is perfected. The shaved ice is light, fluffy and almost as if you are eating fresh snow like I did as a kid in Lake Tahoe.

We’ve been here a few times and have had Pipeline, Lava Flow, Sunset Beach and other ones I can’t remember. All were delicious.

What’s new is Halo-Halo. Now I have literally been to all the spots in San Diego and Poway and hands down, Wahine Kai’s Halo-Halo is the best! Again, the shaved ice is a major factor especially with Halo-Halo. I don’t want to name the other independently owned shops but I’m sure you know who they are if you’ve been to the ones I’m talking about in San Diego and Poway. This also includes Red Ribbon and Chow King. One of these spots tasted like they used crushed ice from a home refrigerator, but this review is not about them.

Wahine Kai’s Halo-Halo is filled with “all” of the sahog you can think of with a special guest, boba! Traditionally, there is no boba in Halo-Halo but it adds quite the experience in a good way. Of course you can request it without but try it and see if you like it. Everything else is in there, well almost, there’s no pinipig. But ube ice cream (your choice), flan and the rest of the crew from macapuno, langka, etc. makes an appearance. They used to have unlimited condensed milk refills but on our last visit they no longer offer. This is for the shaved ice part of the review.

As far as the shop itself and service-wise… Location is excellent, right off of Scripps Poway Pkwy near Chase Bank. Inside is a bit dated and I have plenty of suggestions to bring the place up to par but then I would need to be paid a consulting fee. Service is so-so, depends who’s working but for the most part, excellent! Keep in mind that you may not receive the red carpet by the owner, remember that he owns the place meaning he works hard to keep the place open for the community so obviously there is some tiredness there. But he is very nice and welcoming, just don’t expect the small talk, he’s busy.

There you have it! Stop by if you haven’t been, continue to support local business and cool off with some awesome shaved ice, Wahine Kai is the best this side of the...

Awful. I had been to this place a couple of times before and the person who is usually at the register (owner?) isn't the nicest but I kept coming back for some reason. Today, I ordered a medium shaved ice and a slushie. The shaved ice was ready right away but the slushie took a long time. A couple of customers ahead of me had been waiting for smoothies, which each took 8-10 min. With all the waiting I noticed the place wasn't very clean in general. Gunk everywhere, wet rags on the counter. I had been waiting ~25 min for the slushie when I looked towards the kitchen (to ask how much longer) and I saw two of the employees struggling with a bag of ice. One threw the bag on the floor repeatedly - I'm guessing to break the ice. After a few poundings, he dragged the bag and passed it to the second employee, who proceeded to put the whole bag inside the ice chest and empty the ice. He even shook the bag in there for good measure. The same bag that had just been pounded and dragged across the floor. So unsanitary. I was so grossed out thinking all of that would be in my food that I left without waiting for a refund. I'd much rather lose 7 dollars than get food poisoning. The employees need to be retrained in safe food prep practices and the whole place needs...

This is the best shave ice I've had anywhere on the mainland. The gentleman who I believe owns and runs it is so incredibly sweet and thoughtful, particularly if you give him basic kindness. It breaks my heart that he feels the need to post a sign reminding people to be patient. Shave ice is time consuming and made to order, which is why it's so good. The portions are very generous! I don't always have full use of one had, so he is consistently thoughtful on how best to serve it to me, which means a lot. This photo shows what's now my favorite way to get it! I order a small with light ice (yes, this is small and light ice!) in a bowl. If you go, please embody the aloha spirit while there, particularity on hot and busy days. Besides it being the right thing to do, it will pay...