Waiola Shave Ice is an exquisite shave ice shop located in an area close to Waikiki.
Among the many shave ice shops, it is so popular that it was ranked number one in the shave ice category of the “Best of the Best” chosen by Hawaii locals!
Founded in 1940, this long-established shop has a rich history and is said to be a place that former President Obama frequently visited.
Hawaii’s crisp and dry climate makes shave ice taste even more delicious, so it might be a great idea to enjoy it as a dessert with a slightly different vibe from your usual sweets.
You might not immediately associate Hawaii with shave ice, but it is so delicious that you will definitely want to come back again and again!
Azuki Bowl at Waiola Shave Ice
When it comes to Hawaiian shave ice, the tropical-looking “Rainbow” is popular, but the most popular item at Waiola Shave Ice is the Azuki Bowl!
It is a classic Asian-inspired flavor combination featuring sweet red beans, condensed milk, and mochi.
The exterior of the shop also has a calming presence, somewhat reminiscent of an old-fashioned nostalgic candy store.
The ice is not crunchy but has a fine, powdery snow-like texture that melts softly in your mouth, which is quite rare in Hawaii!
Other popular menu items include the Obama Rainbow, which features a combination of lime, cherry, and lilikoi that the former president loved, as well as the Matcha Bowl, Green Tea Bowl, and the very Hawaiian Mango Milk Ice.
Menu and How to Order at Waiola Shave Ice
Ordering is easy if you choose a set menu item like the Azuki Bowl or the Rainbow, but it can be a bit challenging if you want to select each flavor individually.
In fact, Waiola Shave Ice offers about 40 different syrups, and a variety of toppings such as ice cream, mochi, pudding, and mango.
You can also add chocolate sauce or condensed milk on top.
So, we would like to introduce how you can order smoothly!
1. Choose Your Size
You can choose from three sizes: Small, Large, and Extra Large.
For some reason, there is no Medium size, so be careful not to make a mistake!
By the way, even the Small size might feel like quite a large portion for first-time visitors.
You will likely see other people eating around the shop, so taking a look at their portions is the easiest way to understand the sizes.
To distinguish them, the ice cream cone-shaped one is “Small,” the drink cup-shaped one is “Large,” and the bowl-shaped one is “Extra Large.”
2. Choose Your Toppings
If you order your flavors first, they might think your order is complete, so be sure to tell them your toppings first!
Any additional topping costs only 50 cents, so feel free to add them.
However, when choosing specific syrups, mixing too many flavors might not be a good idea, so many people just add ice cream and skip the rest.
As for the “Special Bowls,” which are made with popular combinations, they are already preset, so you do not need to make detailed requests!
3. Choose Your Flavors
At Waiola Shave Ice, you can generally choose your favorite two flavors.
As for the Rainbow, it is like a value set where you can choose three flavors for the same price.
By the way, there are several types of Rainbow options besides the Obama Rainbow, so we recommend ordering a preset Rainbow because it is easier and you will not make a mistake with the flavor combinations.
Basic Information about Waiola Shave Ice
| Name | Waiola Shave Ice |
| Address | 2135 Waiola St, Honolulu, HI 96826 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Closed | None |
| Restroom | None |
| Parking | Available (Free) |
| Number of Stores | 2 stores in total (Moiliili Store, Kapahulu Store) |
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