You'll see this everywhere: shave ice in Hawaii

07.06.2024 - 13:37 / lonelyplanet.com

This article was adapted for digital from the upcoming Hawaii guidebooks: Oahu, Kauai, Maui & Hawaii, The Big Island, all due to be published in August, 2024. Written by Sarah Etinas, Ryan Ver Berkmoes, Ashley Harrell, Jade Bremner, Savannah Dagupion, Malia Yoshioka, Amy Balfour and Megan Minor Murray.

Not to be confused with a Snow Cone, shave ice (translated from Pidgin) is really simply ice shavings (not crushed ice). It's a refreshing, summery treat served in a paper cup or bowl with colorful, syrupy toppings and sold at shave ice shops across the islands of Hawaii. You won't be able to miss it. 

Here's everything you need to know before you dive into the tasty world of Hawaii's favorite import.

That's an interesting question. An ancient version of the dessert, named kakigōri, originated in Japan. Records show blocks of ice being shaved and served with syrup to Japan's aristocracy during the summer months. Later, on the islands of Hawaii, Japanese migrant workers used their plantation tools to shave flakes off large blocks of ice, coating them with sugar or fruit juice to help cool down in the hot sun. By the 1950s, shave ice had become a local staple. 

Over the decades, shave ice creations have evolved to include fillings like anko (sweet red bean) paste or ice cream, while new toppings have been added, like condensed milk, which creates a visually pleasing “snow cap.” Extra toppings, such as coconut shavings, chocolate or mochi (sweet rice cake) chunks, also add texture. Flavored syrups range from a traditional fruit-based syrup to ultra-processed flavors like cola or bubblegum.

First things first: it’s shave ice, not shaved ice. If you see a sign that says shaved ice, it’s likely inauthentic. Skip it and find the real deal. 

Once you’re in a shave ice shop, ordering your treat may seem complicated. Most shave ice places will have a sign with clear steps to guide you. On the off chance they don’t, here’s what you’ll do.

Step 1: Select the size of your shave ice. 

Step 2: Pick any fillings, such as anko (sweet red bean paste) or ice cream. 

Step 3: Choose your shave ice flavors. This is where you’ll find the most options and where your shave ice will get its bright colors. You’ll often find fun, tropical flavors, like li hing mui (salty dried plum) and liliko‘i (passionfruit), alongside more familiar flavors like strawberry and cotton candy. 

Step 4: Pick your toppings. These go on top of the shave ice, often including mochi balls and condensed milk snow caps.

If that seems overwhelming, do note: fillings and toppings are optional (and often come at an added cost). You can keep it simple by sticking to steps 1 and 3. 

Now it's your turn to order a shave ice, which will be served in a cup or bowl with a