No trip to Oʻahu is complete without indulging in shave ice, a beloved Hawaiian treat perfect for beating the tropical heat. Unlike crunchy snow cones, Hawaiian shave ice is finely shaved, creating a soft, fluffy texture that melts on your tongue. The island’s shave ice scene is diverse, ranging from longtime neighborhood favorites to modern spots that offer creative flavors and toppings. If you’re looking for the best shave ice on Oʻahu, these seven places stand out, each with its own style and loyal following.

1. Gecko Girlz Shave Ice and Ice Cream Shop
Waikīkī
Treat yourself to Gecko Girlz’s delicious shave ice—perfect for cooling down and enjoying a sweet refreshment! Nestled inside the Diamond Head Center in vibrant Waikīkī, Gecko Girlz is famous for its gourmet twist on classic Hawaiian shave ice, creating every recipe with locally sourced ingredients. Their wide range of flavors makes it easy for everyone to find something they love. Many visitors especially appreciate their Artisanal Creations—airy, fluffy ice topped with housemade, all-natural, bespoke syrups free of corn syrup and whole fruit purées, making each treat extra special. You can add your favorite toppings, such as li hing mui powder, strawberry popping pearls, or toasted coconut. They also serve Hawaiian-made ice cream, often layered underneath the shaved ice for a delicious Hawaiian-style treat. To avoid the lines, visit their website to place your order in advance. Drop by this local gem and enjoy a variety of authentic, tasty flavors.

Diamond Head Center, 3045 Monsarrat Ave., Ste. 6, Honolulu; geckogirlz.com; Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

2. Chillest Shave Ice
Kaimukī

A newer addition to the hip Kaimukī neighborhood, Chillest Shave Ice sits just above Island-Boy—a design-forward shop known for stylish gifts, home goods, and cool island vibes. Chillest brings a modern, artisanal approach to shave ice, featuring a smooth, snow-like texture and fresh fruit syrups. Their menu includes classic combinations like mango with lychee and pineapple with passion fruit, as well as add-ons like mochi and sweetened condensed milk. Stylish and satisfying, it’s a favorite among locals looking for something fresh and elevated.

3408 Waialae Ave., #102, Honolulu; Open Thursday through Monday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Tuesday, 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Follow them on Instagram @chillestshaveice.

 

3. Island X Shave Ice 
Waialua

If you find yourself on the North Shore side, take a detour from the freneticism of the central-Haleʻiwa shops by heading to the calm outskirts of Waialua. There are still remnants of old plantation days here, with the old sugar mill structure still standing, now home to shops and maker spaces that showcase some of the talents and tastes of local businesses. Island X is a gift shop housed in an industrial-style warehouse on the site, offering a variety of fun local gifts, including cigars, soaps, keychains, snacks, decor, ice cream, and, of course, chocolate and coffee from the Waialua Coffee & Chocolate Mill, located just outside the shop’s back door. Our favorite part? The little shave ice stand. In addition to your typical range of syrups, the stand offers fresh, natural options, such as coconut milk or lilikoi syrup, which still retains flecks of black seeds from the blending process. Oh, and not feeling shave ice? They have fresh fruit smoothies, the most delicious cookie ice cream sandwiches, and much more! 

67-106 Kealohanui St., Unit C-1, Waialua; islandxhawaii.com; Open Sunday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

4. Waiola Shave Ice 
Honolulu

One of Oʻahu’s oldest shave ice shops (operating since the 1940s!) Waiola is an institution on the island. It’s famous for consistently fine ice and a vast array of flavors. Located in Honolulu, this no-frills spot delivers quality every time with classic syrups like pineapple and cherry, which are favorites, often topped with the go-to creamy sweetened condensed milk or, if you’re feeling like something quite a bit more unusual, custard, chocolate syrup, or mocha Frappuccino toppings. Waiola’s affordability and reliability make it a preferred spot for locals and visitors alike. 

Two locations: 2135 Waiola St., Honolulu—Open daily, 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and 3113 Mokihana Street, Honolulu—Open daily, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; (808) 949-2269; waiolashaveice.co.


 

5. Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice 
Pearl City, Waimanalo, Honolulu 

Founded by Ululani Miyahira Yamashiro, who grew up in Kalihi on Oʻahu, Ululani’s began in 2003 when she started serving authentic shave ice at events in the Pacific Northwest. Returning to Hawaiʻi in 2008, Ululani and her partners opened their first shop in Lahaina, Maui, focusing on premium ingredients, such as purified water and pure cane sugar syrups. The brand quickly grew into a statewide favorite, with locations on Oʻahu, Maui, and the Big Island. Known for its ultra fluffy texture, Ululani’s ice has almost a creamy consistency that soaks up the syrups eagerly, giving you a burst of flavor intensity with every bite. We also love the fun flavor combinations (Party in the Mouth features tamarind, passion fruit, and calamansi, while Rising Sun consists of lychee, green tea, and almond), as well as the brand’s community commitment, including 100% compostable service ware and active support for local causes, such as Maui wildfire relief. 

98-1268 Kaʻahumanu St, Pearl City—Open Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; 41-1537 Kalanianaʻole Hwy., Suite 8, Waimanalo—Open Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Friday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; 909 Kapahulu Ave., Unit 4, Honolulu—Open Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; ululanishawaiianshaveice.com. 

 

6. Ice Garden
‘Aiea 

Talk about off the beaten path! Ice Garden is a hidden gem in the least tourist-y area of O‘ahu, where industrial meets residential ‘Aiea. You’ll have to do a bit of sleuthing to find this hole-in-the-wall (literally, it’s a little window near a Chinese restaurant), but once you do, you’re in for a shave ice experience unlike most others you’re likely to find on O‘ahu (or beyond). These bowls lean more toward a Taiwanese style, being heavy on toppings that make a big impact. Think toppings of two entire flans, ube ice cream, mochi, taro, oatmeal, coffee jelly—come one, come all! Each bowl is a dynamic and eclectic work of art, if you so wish it—the maximalist’s answer to traditional shave ice.

‘Aiea Shopping Center, 99-115 ‘Aiea Heights Dr., ‘Aiea; (808) 488-5154; aieashoppingcenter.com/stores/ice-garden; Open Thursday through Tuesday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

 

7. Frostcity Shave Ice 
Honolulu 

Frostcity in Honolulu offers a unique twist with its signature “snow ice,” a creamy, shaved ice cream that melts in your mouth. Unlike traditional shave ice, which uses syrup over plain ice, Frostcity shaves flavored ice itself, giving it a rich, creamy taste and a smooth texture. Their flavor selection is limited but carefully curated. Another distinctive feature is how Frostcity serves fruit and mochi on the side, rather than as traditional toppings mixed into the shave ice, making for a different and elevated experience. Frostcity’s artistic presentations and house-made syrups, often featuring tropical fruits and local flavors, make it a favorite for foodies and visitors seeking a delicious and visually striking treat.

Continental Building, 1517 S King St., Honolulu; (808) 947-3328; Open Tuesday through Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Follow them on Instagram @frostcityhi.

 

8. Gold Miss Shave Ice 
Downtown Honolulu

Tucked inside Hmart in Honolulu, Gold Miss offers a fusion-forward take on shave ice with Asian-inspired flavors like matcha and taro. Their versions come with creative toppings like red bean or chewy mochi—and while you’re there, grab one of their mochi doughnuts. These chewy little rings come dressed to impress, with flavor themes and playful garnishes like Fruity Pebbles, Pocky, whole cookies, mini chocolate bars, or even macaroons.

H Mart–Kakaʻako, 458 Keawe St., Honolulu; Open daily 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Follow them on Instagram @goldmiss_honolulu.