When you hear “shave ice” the image of a snow cone may pop into your mind, with a typical course ice texture and fruity flavors. Although shave ice and snow cones are both two yummy icy treats, there is a difference. Shave ice has a softer consistency, ironically giving it a more snowy texture than a snow cone. Shave ice also comes in more flavors than we usually see in snow cones, flavors can range from sweet, to savory, to sour and everything in between! The various options that exist when customizing the perfect shave ice to settle your cravings is one of the reasons why the dessert is such a popular item in Hawaii. Oahu offers a great selection of shave ice hot spots, so the next time you come to Oahu, try out these establishments for the best shave ice on the island:
Matsumoto Shave Ice
Established before Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States, Matsumoto Shave Ice has been serving Oahu’s north shore since 1951. Today, Matsumoto has over 35 shave ice flavors to choose from, including classics like strawberry and lemon. For those looking for a break from the ordinary, try their more adventurous flavors like white cake, pickled mango, and cotton candy. Customers can choose up to 3 flavors for their shave ice, but if you’re looking to let the experts decide for you, consider trying one of their combination shave ice cups for the perfect mix.
Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha
Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha is the place to go if you’re looking for quality fresh, homemade shave ice. Local and hand-crafted is their motto as they mix their syrups in-house and only use real fruits and other natural ingredients for shave ice free of artificial flavors and colors. Top off your shave ice, which you can order in sizes tiny, small, and regular, with one of their delicious toppings, including their Tropical Dreams Ice Cream flavors.
Waialae Shave Ice and Bubble Tea
This colorful little shop will have you smiling as soon as you walk in. Offering a multitude of flavors of shave ice, as well as tea, bubble smoothies, and coffee, Waialae Shave Ice and Bubble Tea is a one-stop shop for all your flavor needs. This is a great place to go for shave ice if you’re bringing children along, as they make shapes like snowmen out of the shave ice for kid size portions.
Come try a Hawaiian staple dessert the next time you come to Oahu at one of these establishments and see what flavors you can create!
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