12 Best Shave Ice and other Treats on Kauai
Shave Ice vs. Shaved Ice – what is the difference?
Not much, and the terms are interchangeable, unless you are in Hawaii. In Hawaii, it is traditionally called “shave ice”, not “shaved ice”. Whatever you want to call it, at least call it delicious.
Shave Ice vs. Snow Cones
Although I own a snow cone maker, I prefer shave ice and this is why. Snow Cones take the ice down to a fine mist (rather than a “shaving”) and therefore the flavored syrup can collect at the bottom, whereas, with shave ice, the flavor absorbs more balanced, creating a better taste in my opinion. The ice in a shave ice also doesn’t melt to liquid as quickly. Ideal for that hot Hawaiian weather.
Where do you get the best shave ice in Hawaii?
Now, with so many choices on Kauai for shave ice, where should you go to get shave ice? You can thank me later, as I explored many of these spots. For the 12 best shave ice and other treats on Kauai – here’s my thoughts:
Rainbow Shave Ice
Location: Princeville (outside of Foodland)
My experience: This small spot is located attached to the side of the Foodland grocery store in the heart of Princeville. Not a store in and of itself, but rather a kiosk style.
We stopped here and stood in a long line (gratefully, any of these “long” lines move quickly as it doesn’t take much to prepare shave ice). That said, it was a hot day, and the sunshine made it feel a bit longer. The owner and staff were very friendly and gracious.
Recommendation: There are so many delicious flavors to choose from, that I recommend getting the “Rainbow” and picking up to 5 flavors. My personal favorites were guava, mango, and dragonfruit. My son loved strawberry.
Best tip? Go for the scoop of ice cream underneath the shave ice. Many of these shave ice locations offer that, and it is always worth it!
HeeFat General Store
Location: Kapaa
My experience: This place hits the spot. Located on the main drag and walkable to the beach/parks, we ended up just sitting on the bench outside the store and savoring our enormous shave ice cones.
Recommendation: Rainbow was a hit with the kids, but the POG/Cononut combo was my clear favorite. Get the MacNut or Vanilla ice cream scoop underneath and a coconut cream topping. You’ll be here more than once, I promise! That is why this place easily makes my list of 12 best shave ice and other treats in Kauai.
Fresh Shave
Location: Lawai
My experience: This place wins my list for the 12 best shave ice and other treats in Kauai, for the most ascetically pleasing decor, friendliest staff, and creative flavors. The black and white, crisp and clean interior with mustache themed flavor combos.
They use natural, organic flavoring, and the taste is full and fresh. This location was fairly new when we were there, they had a history of being a food truck for years and recently upgraded to a brick and mortar location.
Picnic tables outside in a courtyard make finding a spot to enjoy, and let littles run around if you have them, ideal.
Recommendation: The Chevron – a combo of coconut, lime, chia seeds and cream. Perfection. www.thefreshshave.com
JoJo’s Shave Ice
Location: Waimea
My experience: JoJo’s has a few locations on Kauai, but we think this location is ideal, as after hiking and exploring on Waimea canyon, you will be desperate for some shave ice on after making back down the hill. At JoJo’s you can pick up to 4 flavors and again get the ice cream on the bottom.
Wildly popular, there always seems to be a crowd and line. I remember it being great because of our long, exhausting hike, but can’t remember the flavors or details. I liked the above spots better, but you can’t go wrong here either. Test them out and let me know which one was your favorite.
I was hopeful to have a spot to eat it, but this place was so packed, we could get a picnic table (hence the photo in the car).
Other Shave Ice locations I haven’t tried…yet
Wailua Shave Ice, Kapaa – elaborate flavors, word has it that the coconut and lava flow might be the best.
Ice Cream & Gelato
Pink’s
Location: Hanalei
My experience: Pink’s is famous on the island for its ice cream and its Hawaiian Grilled Cheese. So of course I had to try both, and both were amazing. The Hawaiian Grilled Cheese is on sweetbread with muenster cheese, shaved Kalua pork, and pineapple. Drool worthy! The ice cream was the creamiest and tastiest, a true treat.
Recommendation: Get the Cherry Brownie if available. The Cold Brew Float with coffee ice cream was ridiculously good – especially if you are experiencing an afternoon slump. Oh, and just get the grilled cheese, whether you are hungry or not. It will not disappoint.
Papalani Gelato
Location: Koloa/Poipu
My experience: Oh, is that decadent! I highly recommend going here if you like gelato. It truly was some of the best gelato I have ever eaten.
Recommendation: The Lilikoi cheesecake was perfection. I’m drooling right now just thinking of it. Other favorites people loved were the mac-nut, coconut, lychee, and pistachio, or just plain vanilla according to my 5 year old.
Other Ice Cream places I haven’t tried
Tropical Dreams, Kapaa – Decadent, high fat ice cream. According to many, this is the best spot for ice cream on the island (wasn’t open when we were in the area and hungry for ice cream)
Skinny Mike’s Ice Cream, Lihue – Close to the famous Duke’s restaurant and Kalapaki Beach, this is a popular spot to grab some ice cream while at the beach. We were stuffed from a great lunch at Duke’s and a Hula Pie (see below), so skipped the ice cream.
Malasadas
Passion Bakery Cafe
Location: Kapaa
My experience: These addictive portuguese donuts that are stuffed with messy, delicious fillings are a must in Kauai. If you even want the chance to try one (or several. Yes, get several), then you’ll need to plan accordingly, and show up 30 minutes before its open and be prepared to wait in line. They sell out shortly after opening time. Well worth it though. http://www.passionbakeries.com
Other Malasada Bakeries
VIP Treats & Sweets, Kapaa
Aloha Sweet Delights, Kaumakani
Hoalima Baking, Lihue
Kauai Bakery & Coffee, Lihue
We became so addicted to the Passion Bakery Cafe’s Malasadas that we just couldn’t bring ourselves to try any where else. I do have the best husband, who woke at the crack of dawn a few days and drove over 1 hour each way to get us some as we woke up. We stayed in 5 different areas of the island on our long trip, and I’m certain he passed a few of the other bakeries along the way.
Taro Chips
Taro Ko Chips Factory
Location: Hanapepe
My experience: Taro is an interesting product. Very historically grounded in Kauai, taro fields are scattered on the island and a mainstay of Hawaiian culture and meals. Many people try taro as the paste like product, poi, at a Luau and there is a definite divide in whether it is enjoyable or even tolerable to visitors.
There’s something magical that happens when the Taro Ko Chips Factory takes taro and turns it into chips with a perfect dusting of salt on it. Its downright addictive in my opinion. They have a small factory in Hanapepe, where you can get taro chips, sweet potato chips, and even breadfruit chips. Luckily, you don’t even have to go all the way out there, and can pick some up at most of the local grocery stores and even shops.
Recommendation: Just don’t miss out on trying these, I’m craving them months later. They can be found on the mainland at some specialty shops and organic groceries, but not the original brand as far as I can tell where I live, but I will continue to hunt, as the original brand is worth finding.
Hula Pie
What is Hula Pie?
If done correctly it is a large, thick, tall slice of macadamia nut ice cream pie, with a chocolate cookie crust, topped with hot fudge, toasted mac nuts and whipped cream.
Duke’s Kauai
Location: Lihue
My experience: The Hula Pie at Duke’s feeds the whole family. Don’t come here for a full meal, drinks and then think you’ll be able to dive into the Hula Pie for a casual dessert. It is an experience all in its own. The beach views, and tropical atmosphere are why you come here – its location on Kalapaki Beach is stellar.
However, I think the Keoki’s had the best Hula Pie by a landslide. Now, I’m not saying it wasn’t good, it was delicious, and has the reputation of having the best Hula Pie in Kauai, but you’ll have to try both like I did and see for yourself.
Keoki’s Paradise
Location: Koloa
My experience: The absolute best Hula Pie (along with all their other food), puts this restaurant up in my top 5 favorites on the island. There is an unparalleled atomosphere, brilliantly done with a fish lagoon, waterfalls, and a very South Pacific Vibe including live music.
It is hard to wow me being inland, (with an ocean view a quick drive away) but they have turned this spot into a destination in and of itself. There is always a long wait, so get reservations, or plan on perusing the many shops on the same property while you wait. It will be worth it. http://www.keokisparadise.com
Juices
Kauai Juice
Location: Kilauea
My experience: This very pretty juice bar has a revolving menu of juice combos depending on the day of the week – Virgin Mary, HulaGirl, Reese’s Pieces, Lava Flow, Minta-Colada, Coffee Cold Brew, special elixirs, etc. It can be overwhelming to pick, and I would say just go for what truly sounds good to you at the time with what they have available. But, don’t go overboard like I did and not be able to get through the ones you bought. They are sold in pretty glass jars with multiple servings.
Recommendation:. Add your favorite liquor, some of these make excellent mixers.
Aloha Juice Bar
Location: Hanalei
My experience: Mixed reviews from Yelp, but our experience was excellent. The dole whip was refreshing and delicious, the smoothies were full of fresh fruits, and the acai bowls are some of the best I’ve had on any Hawaiian trip. Huge servings topped with all the berries, yummy granola, chia seeds, honey, and all the jazz. Definitely try this place out.
Recommendation: Yes. Just try it all.
Pro Tip:
Any roadside stand is a perfect opportunity to try new, exotic fruits, juices, and fresh banana bread. Be sure to have cash on hand to be able to take advantage of a sweet treat when you spot some. One of the best fresh juices and a coconut carved out with a straw with juice inside, was at the parking lot of a waterfall we visited. Be spontaneous and support local.
Need more Kauai? Check out my post on the Top 7 Beaches in Kauai here: Top 7 Best Beaches in Kauai
