Whether you’re staying in a luxury villa in Hawaii, a hotel or resort, or with friends and family, no Hawaiian vacation would be complete without indulging in our famous “Shave Ice”.
Originally brought to Hawaii by Japanese plantation workers in the early 1900’s, Hawaiian Shave Ice can now be found throughout the islands and is a favorite snack amongst tourists and locals alike.
Although they resemble each other in appearance, Shave Ice is not to be confused with the snow cone. While they are both made of ice and syrup, this is where the similarities end. As its name implies, the tasty Hawaiian treat is made of shaved ice giving it a nice fluffy texture which absorbs the syrup rather than allowing it to sink to the bottom. Such is the life of the common snow cone.
Now we know that it may seem odd to call it “Shave Ice” instead of the more obvious “Shaved Ice”, but that’s just the way that it is. Shave ice machines employ a sharp blade to shave down blocks of ice, producing powdery flakes which are then packed in to cones or cups. Perhaps the best part of Hawaii’s Shave Ice is the syrup flavors. This is the tropical “Paradise of the Pacific” after all so you can expect to find syrups in flavors like guava, mango, coconut and pineapple to name just a handful of the favorites.
If that weren’t enough to set it apart from the run-of-the-mill snow cone, Hawaiian shave ice cements its status as a true dessert with all of its extras. It’s often served with ice cream, whipped cream, sweetened condensed milk, and the popular Adzuki bean paste. Depending on your preference, this can be added to the bottom, the middle, or as a dollop on top of the frozen treat.
You won’t have any trouble finding shave ice in Hawaii as it’s available in many of our shops, restaurants, and even on our food trucks. If you’re on vacation in Hawaii, we recommend you put Shave Ice on your list of things to try before you leave our beautiful state – your taste buds will thank-you! To read about some of Hawaii’s other culinary treasures, see our post on Hawaii’s best restaurants.
We had a wonderful time at Sail Away and I recommended Hawaii Hideaway to dozens of people. You were a delight to work with and I will definitely use you again the next time we rent a home in the islands.
Roseville, CA
Like a Dream
Bliss doesn’t even describe our experience. It was almost like a dream. We are ready to do this again with Hawaii Hideaways – you guys are the best. Everything was perfect!!!
Amarillo, TX
Outstanding Experience From Beginning to End
It was in an outstanding experience from beginning to end, I would work with Hawaii hideaways again in the future unquestionably. Sunny Madeiros was terrific with her recommendations of everything from leisure activities to restaurants and even equipment rentals.
Coral Gables, FL
Perfect Combination of Elegance and Comfort
First time to Maui (and Hawaii). This is a spectacular setting and the home is a perfect combination of elegance and comfort. I could stay on the lanai all day long and be happy. Of course there’s a ton of fun activities, but it was great to have Gull Cottage as our base to come back to!
Arlington Heights, IL
You’re Going to Want to Stay
Our family spent a splendid week in Kauai in early 2017, basing ourselves out of the Touching Green house. It’s in a great location, has everything you need, and is just lovely. The pictures don’t do it justice. You’re going to want to stay!
We had a wonderful time in Kauai! We remained in awe at the unimaginable beauty, both of the rental home, as well as Kauai itself. It will be a treasured memory for life. I hope we can come back and make more memories.