Maui’s Best Shave Ice
Nope, it’s not a mis-spelling, there is no “D” in “shave ice”. This delicious treat dates back to the old sugar cane plantation days and was introduced by Japanese immigrants. Not a snow cone, not ice cream, the modern day classic is definitely worth a try and something we take very seriously here in Hawaii! While everyone has their own personal fave, these are absolutely among the top five spots on Maui.
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice: Hand’s down, this seems to be the best of the best, winner of Maui Time “Best Of Maui”, Maui Dish, Trip Advisor’s Top Picks, Urbanspoon and many other awards. Using 100% pure cane sugar, natural fruit juices, extracts, premium fruit purees and carefully selected local ingredient’s, no detail has been missed. As they say in house, “One bite of Ululani’s Shave Ice and we believe you’ll agree that all shave ice is not created equal … ”
Visit them at one of two locations open daily: 819 Front Street in Lahaina and 61 South Kihei Road in Kihei.
Local Boys Save Ice: A VERY close second, Local Boys motto is “The most authentic Hawaiian Shave Ice in Hawaii”. Using the best equipment, they provide a super fluffy, fine, ice texture combined with pure cane sugar, filtered Hawaiian Spring water and premium flavors, Local Boys is always striving to keep you coming back with a great product and the true spirit of Aloha!
Available for catering or just for a frozen treat, also at two locations. Find them at either 624 Front Street in Lahina, near the Historic Banyan Tree (a must see itself!) or 1941 South Kihei Road, in the Kihei Kalama Village Shopping Center. Open daily from 10:00am -9:00pm
Breakwall Shave Ice Co.: Not your regular shave ice stand, Breakwall was conceived by a group of surfers headed home from a day at the beach, just looking for some great “grinds” and something cold. With over forty years of collective restaurant experience, they knew how important it was that they “provide a little more for a little less than their neighbors” and wanted to provide a perfect spot, from Dawn Patrol through Sunset, for people to energize, rehydrate, clean their boards and even check the surf report with free wi-fi.
In addition to the fantastic shave ice and variety of add-ons, they have a pretty complete menu from smoothies, coffees and breakfast to sandwiches, dogs, ceviche and oh so much more! Located in Lahaina Town at 117 Prison Street.
Maui Shave Shack : AKA S & Q Coffee and Shave Ice makes the list of the top five shave ice stands on Maui with visitors and locals alike! Offering up a wonderful selection of delicious shave ice favors, toppings and combos, you can design the tasty concoction of your choice and even enjoy breakfast or lunch with a nice selection of coffees and other beverages. Their motto? “Proud to be serving some of the happiest customers on Earth” since 2002.
Find them at 2439 South Kihei Road, in the Rainbow Mall, daily except “Holidays and Super Rainy Days”.
Surfing Monkey Hawaiian Shave Ice: “Paul and family – Keeping Maui Cool” … with fluffy ice and yummy home-made cane sugar syrups. What started as a small coffee stand has turned into a great place for shave ice offered up at an impressive number of locations! Visit the place with one of the coolest names around at 1881 South Kihei Road (Foodland), #1 Ritz Carlton Drive and at both the Wailea Mariott and the Fairmont Kea Lani hotels.