If you’ve spent any time in Hawaii, you’ve likely had at least one, if not several, shave ice treats. Once you try a true Hawaiian shave ice, you know immediately this ain’t your Mama’s typical snow cone!
Maui is full of shave ice options, and all of them are great! When we have family and friends visit the island, there are a few special places that they want to go to again and again.
Here are our Top 4 Picks for Shave Ice on Maui:
ULULANI’S HAWAIIAN SHAVE ICE (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS)
Locals and all probably agree that their favorite shave ice on Maui, if not in all of Hawaii, is at Ululani’s. The texture of the ice causes it to melt in your mouth! Straws are not necessary because you’re rarely left with a sugary bowl of colored water, unless you just let it sit out a while. There’s the option of Maui-made Roselani ice cream in the bottom of your bowl. Ululani’s has 6 locations on Maui and one in Kona. My pick: No Ka Oi with snow cap (coconut, mango, lilikoi). https://www.ululanishawaiianshaveice.com/
GUS HAWAIIAN SHAVE ICE (KIHEI)
Gus serves up traditional Hawaiian shave ice, but our family goes for the shave fruit! Owners James and Cheryl take locally sourced fruit and freeze it into blocks, some with a coconut cream base, and shave the blocks just like shave ice. It’s naturally sweet and so delicious! One of my favorites is the Kona Mac Nut Coffee shave – made with their own cold brew coffee. Jonathan, our no-fruit-eating-coconut-hating son, shares his favorite. That’s how good it is! Jonathan’s pick: Strawberry and pineapple with coconut cream base with drizzle. https://www.instagram.com/gushawaiianshaveice/
AUNTY SANDY’S (KEANAE)
We ALWAYS stop for the warm banana bread, but most of the time we also pick up a shave ice at Aunty Sandy’s. Located in Keanae, just off the Hana Highway, it’s nearly halfway to Hana. It’s the perfect pit stop to stretch your legs and enjoy a cold treat next to a dramatic, beautiful coastline. My pick: Vanilla, mango, and strawberry. https://auntysandys.com/
WAIKOMO SHAVE ICE (PAIA)
Newer to the Maui shave ice scene, Waikomo is worth a mention for it’s 100% natural syrups made from fresh fruit and organic sugar. With toppings like fresh fruit, local honey and coconut cream, it’s a paradise party for the taste buds. Owner Thomas Oliver brings the aloha to every bowl, creating not only a shave ice oasis in Paia town, but an atmosphere where you feel like ohana. https://waikomoice.com/
Warmest aloha,
Leslie