When you’re in Hawaii, you’ve gotta have Shave Ice, a treat made with shaved ice, flavored syrups, and other sweet items. I’ve had shave ice several times during my many trips to the Hawaiian islands, but last month was my first time visiting Waiola Shave Ice per the recommendation of our local friend and from a CT foodie, Elizabeth Dorney.
Waiola Shave Ice displays their menu above the ‘order window.’ Thankfully the cashier was patient with me as I couldn’t decide what to get – my usual shave ice with mango and coconut, or shave ice with ice cream, or shave ice with custard (leche flan). Never had the latter, so I opted for that…with lilikoi (passion fruit), mochi, and azuki beans.
While they were preparing my shave ice, I walked inside the store to see tons of candy on display. Of course, I resisted because I didn’t want to spoil my appetite. A couple minutes later, my shave ice was ready: a heaping mound of perfectly shaved ice with orange and yellow sections. The happy camper I was decided to grab a seat at one of the picnic tables to the side of the building.
The shave ice was perfect, cool and sweet. Midway through, I forgot I had ordered it with flan until I saw a chunk of it on my spoon. And then the mochi and azuki beans on the bottom – heavenly.
Waiola Shave Ice
2135 Waiola St
Honolulu, HI 96826
Tel: (808) 949-2269