Kauai Shave Ice: The Island’s Famous Obsession You’ll Love

A must try when you’re on the island is Kauai Shave Ice. If you haven’t ever experienced shave ice, you’re in for a treat!

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What is Hawaiian Shave Ice?

It’s a tasty dessert made by shaving a block of ice and making fine flakes. Unlike a traditional snow cone, this ice is very light, almost fluffy. Shave ice is then flavored with fruity syrups in a variety of different colors, ice cream, condensed milk, nuts and more.

Is there a specific way to eat shave ice?

I usually use both a spoon and a straw: Usually a spoon is fine but a straw helps get all of the delicious syrup that flows to the bottom…YUM!

How to eat Kauai Shave Ice

Kauai Shave Ice

Here are some places to get the best shave ice on Kauai.

The Fresh Shave

Made with natural ingredients that include farm fresh produce, you could say that The Fresh Shave is considered organic shave ice on Kauai. They are located in Old Koloa Town on the South shore.

Each flavor is named after a popular mustache style to tie in with their barbershop theme. They include options like The Handlebar which is topped with pineapple and fresh coconut, The Caterpillar which is topped with fresh oranges and sweet cream, and The Dirt Squirrel which is Kauai Coffee cold brew plus cream and sugar. They even offer mustache stickers to adorn their straws!

Follow them on Instagram here and Facebook here.


Wishing Well Shave Ice

Located in the heart of Hanalei in a food truck, Wishing Well Shave Ice has been in business since 1983. They offer tropical fruits and syrups that are sourced locally. This creates high quality, organic shave ice served in environmentally friendly materials.

They also offer traditional Kauai shave ice with flavors that include Pina Colada, Rainbow and Da Bomb. You can even build your own and choose either organic or traditional flavors.

Don’t forget to check out their store Slow Yourself Down located directly behind their food truck.

Follow them on Instagram here and Facebook here.


Wailua Shave Ice

Stop by Wailua Shave Ice Kauai in Kapaa to try some popular shave ice flavors: Root Beer float, triple coconut, frozen hot chocolate or my favorite, Almond Joy!

The shave ice is literally so soft and light it melts in your mouth. You can add vanilla ice cream, haupia foam, snowcap, mochi or Lihing mui powder to your dessert. Trust me, it’s delicious!

Follow them on Instagram here and Facebook here.


Hee Fat General Store

In the heart of old town Kapa’a, you might not guess that Hee Fat General Store would have amazing shave ice…but they do! Whether you try Lava Flow, Rainbow or Passion Orange Guava, your taste buds will thank you!

Follow them on Instagram here and Facebook here.


JoJo’s Shave Ice Kauai

With three locations to serve you, JoJo’s shave ice is available all over the island! Visit them in Hanalei, Waimea, or at Coconut Marketplace.

Choose from flavor combinations like Fruity Special (pineapple, papaya and passion orange), Lihing Mui (watermelon and lemon with lihing mui topping) and Lilo and Stitch (blue raspberry and red raspberry). You can get your Kauai shave ice with a scoop of vanilla or macadamia nut ice cream at the bottom, and haupia cream on top. It’s simply delightful!

Many people think it’s the best shave ice on Kauai, myself included.

Follow them on Instagram here and Facebook here.


Can I make shave ice at home?

You most certainly can, but I’m not gonna lie….nothing tastes as good as eating shave ice on Kauai! If you absolutely can’t wait until your next trip, try this out to make your own shave ice at home.


I hope this post on where to find Kauai Shave ice has been helpful! Let me know where you’re planning on trying, or what you think when you do visit. I’d love to hear your experience!

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