If you have ever been to Hawaii, you likely have seen shave ice for sale. It may have been out of a small corner store, a little shack by the beach, a destination spot such as the North Shore, or even a mobile food truck at an event. In other words, it’s everywhere. And there is a reason for it… It’s damn tasty!

I had visited Hawaii previously on two other occasions with a friend, who to state it mildly is obsessed with shave ice. Let’s call her Robin – because that’s her name. As I write this, I am sitting on a plane getting ready to leave Oahu (depressed) because I want to live here and not just visit. My wife was nice enough to let me vacation “work” in Hawaii solo while she was home watching over Junior and the boy.

Robin and I were on the same flight to Hawaii a week ago and went directly from the airport to Waiola. Waiola is the premiere shave ice spot on the island if you ask me, Robin, or any of the Lum family who reside in Honolulu. It was also the last place I visited before heading out of town.

Waiola store front

The concept is simple… ice and flavor. Yet, at the same time it’s very complex. According to the resident expert on the island (Allan Lum), it’s all about the blade. What differentiates one shaved ice from another isn’t just the flavors, but how thin the ice is cut. Arguably the most famous shaved ice on Oahu and perhaps all of Hawaii is Matsumoto’s. However, they are fortunate to receive some favorable marketing to propel them into fame and fortune. Adam Sandler has worn a T-shirt with their name on the back in some of his movies, giving them as much credibility as Charles Barkley did driving a Hyundai in their commercials.

nothing but a snow cone

Just looking at Matsumoto’s product, you can see that it’s nothing more than a glorified snow cone, but yet people drive from all over the island to get a taste. It’s the same thing I could get at the Manor Woods swim pool snack bar growing up in suburban Maryland.

What’s unique about shave ice when prepared properly is how it perfectly melts in your mouth (like snow) with no rough edges and has the consistency and texture of soft ice cream. And that is created by a block of ice spinning quickly while being pressed down into a finely sharpened blade. The result is tiny flakes falling into a cup or bowl being compacted by the operator into a ball.

Waiola at it’s finest.. Chocolate and Orange Creme

Without a doubt, Waiola has the technique down to a masterful art, BUT, it is somewhat a hidden gem on the island. Established as a corner store in 1940 and now surrounded by a neighborhood built up around it, it is not advertised and it’s tough to find unless you are a local. When you go, be prepared to order swiftly. While the staff won’t treat you like the soup Nazi, it’s important not to hold up the line. Remember – state the quantity you want, the size(s), any extras you want to add on such as mochi balls, azuki beans, ice cream at the bottom or condensed milk on top, and then tell them the flavors you desire (2 are standard).

At Waiola all the flavors are home made and they even offer a sugar free strawberry. With over 30 flavors to choose from, it will take you a while to figure out which is your favorite, but believe me it’s worth your time.

Coming in a distant second is Shimazu.

all “small” sizes at Shimazu

Not only do they offer a supremely larger product and quality thin ice, but they have some interesting and unique flavors like chocolate peanut butter, red velvet, butter popcorn and creme brulee just to name a few.

We made an effort to get shave ice daily, including one day where we double dipped within a 3 hour time span. I kept convincing myself it was just water. And it is. Frozen water with delicious sugar doused on top. I also love the mochi and added it to every order. I’m still not 100 percent sure what is, but I know I Iike it.

Do yourself a favor and track down Waiola next time your on the island of Oahu. Or if Robin is able to follow thru on her new startup business venture… look out for her traveling wagon around the lower 48 at your local soccer tournament on a hot summer day.

Best Food Truck – Ever?

I just hope I can manage to get more in my mouth than on my shirt with my next bite.