Waiola Shave Ice was not the first place I experienced the authentic island dessert. Months ago, Jeff and I stopped by the famous Matsumoto Shave Ice on the North Shore. It was so fun to go, but the shave ice flavor was simply good, not anything to rave about, especially after waiting in line in the old grocery store to order.
After a couple of other shave ice pit stops, we'd learned that it was meant to be enjoyed with ice cream (in the bottom), condensed milk (on top), and/or with Azuki beans. Shave ice plus ice cream?! Glorious! What a fantastic combination. Also, Waiola's ice is shaved so finely, it's more like shave fluff.
Jeff and I would like to return to Matsumoto's to give the shave ice there a fair try with added ice cream. Sadly, the last time we were in the area, the line was around the building! I don't wait 2 hours for pancakes at Nashville's Pancake Pantry; I'm certainly not willing to wait in the beating sun for shave ice that didn't impress me the first time.
The orange flavor at Waiola is super delicious. Add the sweet orange to the creamy vanilla, and it's the best creamsicle ever. I also love the pineapple, coconut, and cherry syrups. I have yet to venture into the Azuki beans division but plan to test soon.
Waiola Shave Ice is also a small convenience store with a walk-up window, kind of a trend in the business, since selling $2.75 treats mustn't pay all the bills. Did I mention that Waiola is the featured shave ice company on Hawaii 5-0? Fame hasn't changed the place or the 6-foot tall, stuffed, smiling shave ice that guards the door.
Perfect bite!
