Where To Get The Best Shave Ice On Oahu In Each Area Of The Island

UPDATED FEB 2020. There is nothing quite like shave ice after a long day of fun in the sun. They just go together. Luckily for us, Hawaii has no shortage of wonderful shave ice stores for us to enjoy. Lucky for you, today’s post is the best shave ice Oahu edition. Here’s where you can find all the best spots for shave ice no matter where you are on the island. I hope it can help you find new places to go on your adventure days.

Where To Get The Best Shave Ice On Oahu In Each Area Of The Island

My choices for the best shave ice on Oahu

I am always adventuring all over the island and I have favorite shave ice places in each area.

Here is a collection of my go-to places and I’ve organized them by the part of the island they’re in.

I’ve also added some adventure suggestions which I hope can help you plan your days out.

Best shave ice on the westside

Maili Shave Ice and Snacks

This is a great hidden gem on the west side of the island. It’s a local mom & pop style store that is hidden away a little but it will blow you away with their shave ice and other treats.

The friendly staff serve up big portions of the icy treats and are so friendly as well.

If you’re looking to get away from the more well known, touristy options, then this is the one for you.

Visit them at 87-139 Hookele St, Waianae.

Get a shave ice from Maili Shave Ice after these adventures:

• Snorkeling at Electric Beach
• Kaena Point Trail
• Hiking the Upper Makua Cave
• Or beach hopping along the beautiful coast to visit the gorgeous Makua and Makaha beaches and/or Yokohama Bay.

Best shave ice in the south-east shore

Island Snow

Island Snow is known as President Obama’s favorite shave ice on the island and he has excellent taste! Thanks, Obama.

It is close to the beaches so makes for the perfect post-beach shave ice.

If you rented kayaks to go out to the Mokes you’re in luck because it is right by the kayak rentals store.

The modern and energetic store boasts a wide variety of flavors so you will never run out of combinations to create. Just in case you do though, the staff have created their own favorite combinations and listed them on the wall.

Visit them at Kailua Beach Shopping Center 130 Kailua Road #115, Kailua. Island Snow is open 10am – 7pm every day.

Get a shave ice from Island Snow after these adventures:

• A beach day at Lanikai Beach or hike to the Lanikai Pillbox Trail
• Makapuu Tide Pools and Lighthouse
• Maunawili Demonstration Trail
• Maunawili Falls

Best shave ice on the north shore

Matsumoto Shave Ice

What started in 1951 as a grocery store, has now changed into a souvenir and shave ice store and become a North Shore icon.

Easily one of the most famous shave ice locations in Hawaii, Matsumoto’s produces approximately 1000 shave ice a day.

The popularity does mean that there is usually a line up of people waiting for their sweet treats so be prepared to wait. Rest assured, it’s worth it.

Once you get to the front of the line there are lots of options available to you with a wide variety of flavors as well and toppings like condensed milk and azuki beans.

Visit them at 66-087 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa. Matsumoto’s is open from 9am – 6pm every day.

Island X Hawaii

I have visited Island X a few times and loved it!

Like Uncle Clays, they offer real fruit syrups which taste so fresh and they also have a range of regular syrups as well.

It’s a great place to buy unique souvenirs with a lot of different goodies on offer to look at while you enjoy your sweet treat.

Visit them at 67-106 Kealohanui St, Waialua, HI 96791, USA. Island X Hawaii is open from 9am – 5pm on most days.

Get a shave ice from Matsumoto’s or Island X after these adventures:

• Hiking to Kaena Point from the North Shore
• Cliff jumping (or just swimming) at Waimea Bay
• Hiking the Ehukai Pillbox Trail
• Kealia Trail
• Snorkeling at Sharks Cove or Three Tables

Best shave ice in Honolulu

Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha

Uncle Clay’s has 5 stars on Yelp and that is no accident. If I had to pick one, I think this would be my favorite on the island.

This is high quality shave ice. The store welcomes you in with, dare I say, pure aloha then you get to create your treat from a range of fresh and natural syrups.

The fruit syrups taste like actual fruit because they are handmade from just that – fresh fruit, which makes them taste refreshing and flavorful.

Add in some Tahitian Vanilla ice cream and whatever toppings you like and you have yourself a divine shave ice.

Visit them at Aina Haina Shopping Center 820 W Hind Drive #116, Honolulu. Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha is open from 11am – 6pm Monday – Thursday and 10:30am – 8pm  Friday – Sunday.

Get a shave ice from Uncle Clay’s after these adventures:

• Hiking the Kuliouou Ridge Trail
• Conquering The Koko Head Stairs of Doom
• Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
• Hiking the Kamiloiki Trail
• Beach hopping to places like Sandy’s Beach, Halona Cove, and Alan Davis Beach.

I hope this best shave ice Oahu edition will help you to find places to stop at during your adventure days.

There are so many places to choose from all over the island and the most important thing is to make sure you have some during your time on Oahu.

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