The snowy treat known as shave ice (not “shaved”) came to Hawaiʻi with Japanese and Okinawan immigrants who started working on the islands’ sugar plantations in the late 1860s. By the mid-20th century, the modern version with its rainbow of flavors and additions such as ice cream and “snowcaps” of sweetened condensed milk was typically found at humble Japanese-American grocery stores such as M. Matsumoto on Oahu’s North Shore. Today, expect even more flavors, gourmet natural syrups, options such as chewy mochi balls or sweet red adzuki beans and of course lines of visitors and locals at popular purveyors such as Matsumoto’s. Here are our favorite spots for Hawaii’s signature cold treat.
But wait, there’s more. We’re here to help demystify some of the unusual words you might see on menus like furikake, laulau and lilikoi — and explain which meat is being served and why. And possibly most importantly of all, provide the fun facts on the origins of local dishes.
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Feature photo credit: M. Matsumoto Shave Ice
North Shore
M. Matsumoto has been serving shave ice on the North Shore since 1951 — this is the shave ice OG! There could be a line but it moves quickly, and on a hot Hawaiian day this shave ice will cool you right off. Located in historic Haleiwa town, M. Matsumoto is surrounded by plenty of shops to check out as you indulge in your shave ice treat! Open daily 10am to 6pm.
This family owned small business on the North Shore sells premium shaved ice. Choose from flavors like lychee, pineapple, lilikoi, acai, and more. Top it with chocolate drizzle, sweet cream, honey, and even add ice cream for the ultimate dessert. Open Monday through Saturday 12pm to 4:30pm. Closed Sundays.
These slushies are delicious — local honey is drizzled on top of your choice of flavors, which are fresh, tropical and just the thing to quench your thirst. This is not your traditional shave ice, but these cups of frosty delights will hit the spot, we promise. Open Wednesday through Monday 9am to 6pm. Closed Tuesday.
Who’s writing these?
Meet our always-hungry team of foodies who compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.
