Written by the Maui Snorkeling team, operating Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, and Coral Gardens tours out of Maalaea (Māʻalaea) Harbor since 1985. Tours are led by USCG‑licensed captains aboard a
USCG‑inspected passenger vessel. We spend more days in these waters than on land.
Quick Answer: If you’re looking for the best shave ice in Maui, our can’t-miss stops are Waikomo, Ululani’s, Tobi’s, Beach Street, and Da Sweet Spot by Bling Bing if you want something a little different. Waikomo is our top pick for all-natural flavors, while Ululani’s is the classic Maui favorite for first-timers and families.
Main Takeaways:
- Best All-Natural Flavors: Waikomo
- Best Classic Shave Ice: Ululani’s
- Best Paʻia Stop: Tobi’s
- Best Coffee + Shave Ice Combo: Beach Street
- Most Unique Option: Da Sweet Spot by Bling Bing for a different texture and topping style
Aloha! When you explore the beautiful landscapes and beaches of Maui, there is one cool treat you can't miss: Hawaiian shave ice. This Maui treat offers a cultural experience, helps you cool down, and packs a burst of flavor. But where can you find the best shave ice in Maui? Don't worry, we’ve got you covered with this guide to five must-try spots!
Why Hawaiian Shave Ice is a Maui Must-Try
Before we get into the details, let's discuss why Hawaiian shave ice is a favorite treat in Maui and all of Hawaii. The origins of shave ice can be traced back to Japan, where it's known as kakigori. Japanese immigrants brought this tradition to Hawaii, and it quickly became a local favorite.
Hawaiian shave ice is made with finely shave ice, creating a light and fluffy texture. It's then drenched in flavorful ice syrups, often made with local fruits like pineapple, mango, and lilikoi (passion fruit). Some places even offer unique creations with add-ins like mochi balls, ice cream, and condensed milk.
5 Best Shave Ice Spots in Maui
Get ready to embark on a flavor-filled adventure as we explore five of the best shave ice spots in Maui:
1. Waikomo Shave Ice
Location: Paʻia (North Shore) + Lahaina area | Type: Shave ice shop | Price: $
Address: 43 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779 | 200 Nohea Kai Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761
- Best For: a quick sweet stop on the North Shore (or West Maui if you’re over there).
- Must-try: go fruit-forward (lilikoi/mango/etc.) and add a creamy topping if you want it richer. Some toppings include fresh fruit, coconut cream, and even local honey sourced from Maui beekeepers.
- Pro Tip: hours can be shorter than you expect; check before you drive over, especially in Paʻia.
- All-Natural Ingredients: Waikomo Shave Ice takes pride in using only natural ingredients in its shave ice. Their syrups are made with organic cane sugar and real fruit, without artificial flavors or colors.
If you want a refreshing and natural Hawaiian shave ice on Maui, visit Waikomo Shave Ice.
Paʻia planning note: Paʻia is a classic “fuel up + treat” stop before you drive the Hāna Highway; use our Road to Hāna planning guide. If you’re deciding whether Paʻia/North Shore fits your trip style, see our Where to Stay in Maui guide.
2. Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice
Location: Kahului, Kihei, Wailuku + Māʻalaea (Maui Ocean Center) | Type: Classic Hawaiian shave ice | Price: $
Addresses: 333 Dairy Rd, Kahului, HI 96732 | 61 South Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753 | 50 Maui Lani Parkway, Unit E1, Wailuku, HI 96793 | 192 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793
- Best For: first-timers, families, and anyone who wants a classic Maui shave ice stop.
- Must-try: pick a classic fruit combo and add condensed milk (sweet cream) if you like it extra decadent.
- Pro Tip: If one shop has a line, use a different Maui location since there are several options.
- High-Quality Ingredients: Ululani's is committed to using top-notch ingredients. Their syrups are made with pure cane sugar and real fruit juices, which help create bright flavors and a refreshing taste.
- Wide Variety of Flavors: Ululani's has a large menu of flavors, including classics like pineapple and mango, along with options like pickled mango, lychee, and Melona.
- Local Favorite: Ululani's has a loyal following among both locals and visitors and is often considered one of the best shave ice spots in Maui.
Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice is an authentic Hawaiian favorite with multiple convenient Maui locations, making it an easy stop for a cool, classic treat.
3. Tobi’s Poke & Shave Ice
Location: Paʻia + Kihei | Type: Poke + shave ice | Price: $–$$
Addresses: 137 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779 | 1819 South Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
- Best For: a one-stop lunch + treat stop, especially on a drive-heavy day.
- Must-try: grab a poke bowl, then finish with shave ice.
- Pro Tip: use Paʻia on North Shore days and Kihei when you’re staying in South Maui.
- Shave Ice: Tobi's shave ice comes in small and large sizes, with options for ice cream or mochi balls at the bottom. You can choose up to three syrup flavors and top it off with li hing mui powder or a snow cap.
Overall, Tobi's Poke & Shave Ice is a great option for a casual meal or a quick shave ice stop while you're in Paʻia or Kihei.
Routing tip: If you’re building your days by area, our Kihei guide helps you plan South Maui food stops, and our Road to Hāna guide helps you plan Paʻia and the Hāna Highway without overstuffing your itinerary.
4. Beach Street Maui Shave Ice
Location: Kihei (Rainbow Mall) | Type: Shave ice + coffee stand | Price: $
Address: 2439 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
- Best For: a quick walk-up stop when you want coffee and a cold treat in the same place.
- Must-try: shave ice plus an iced coffee or cold drink.
- Pro Tip: It opens early, which makes it a great pre-beach stop. Double-check hours if the weather is rough.
- Family-Owned and Operated: Beach Street Maui Shave Ice is a long-running family-owned Kihei favorite.
- Generous Portions: They are known for generous portions, so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.
Beach Street Maui Shave Ice is a great choice if you’re looking for a quick, refreshing stop in Kihei.
5. Bonus Pick: Da Sweet Spot by Bling Bing
Location: Kihei | Type: BàoBīng (Taiwanese shave ice) + desserts | Price: $–$$
Address: 30 Alahele Pl, Kihei, HI 96753
- Best For: something different from classic shave ice, especially if you want a different texture and topping style or need dairy-free options.
- Must-try: their BàoBīng, which they describe as their signature specialty.
- Pro Tip: They offer vegan and sugar-free condensed coconut milk options, so ask for those if needed.
- Why It Stands Out: Da Sweet Spot by Bling Bing is popular for its creative presentation, unique texture, and dessert options that feel different from a classic Hawaiian shave ice stop.
If you want a fun twist on a frozen dessert, stop in Kihei. Da Sweet Spot by Bling Bing is worth adding to your list.
Tips for Finding Your Perfect Shave Ice
- Ask the locals: Don't be afraid to ask the locals for recommendations. They often know hidden gems that might not be on the tourist radar.
- Try something new: Don't just stick to the classic flavors. Experiment with unique combinations or local specialties.
- Consider the toppings: Many shave ice shops offer a variety of toppings, from fresh fruit to mochi balls. Don't be afraid to get creative!
- Enjoy the experience: Shave ice is more than a sweet treat. It's a taste of Hawaiian history and a fun way to enjoy the island spirit. So, take a moment to unwind and enjoy the flavors of aloha.
- Traveling with kids? Shave ice is one of the easiest “everyone wins” stops. See our Things to Do in Maui With Kids guide for more family-friendly ideas.
Shave Ice vs. Snow Cones: What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference between Hawaiian shave ice and a snow cone is the texture. Shave ice is made with ice that is shaved very finely, so it turns out soft, fluffy, and light. A snow cone is usually made with crunchier, chunkier ice that stays more crystal-like.
That texture changes the whole experience. With shave ice, the syrup soaks into the ice instead of sitting mostly on top, so each bite tastes more evenly flavored from start to finish. Snow cones are still refreshing, but they usually have a firmer, icier bite and can end up with extra syrup at the bottom of the cup.
Hawaiian shave ice also tends to come with more topping options. On Maui, you’ll often see extras like snow cap, condensed milk, mochi, ice cream on the bottom, or fresh fruit. That is part of what makes it feel more like a local treat than just a quick frozen snack.
If you have never tried it before, think of it this way: a snow cone is icier and crunchier, while shave ice is smoother, softer, and better at holding flavor. That soft texture is exactly why shave ice is such a Maui favorite after a beach day, snorkeling trip, or afternoon exploring the island.
Final Thoughts: Best Shave Ice in Maui
There you have it - our top picks for the best shave ice in Maui are Waikomo Shave Ice, Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice, Tobi’s Poke & Shave Ice, and Beach Street Maui, plus Da Sweet Spot by Bling Bing as a fun bonus pick if you want something a little different.
We also help guests plan Maui beach days by area, so we regularly recommend shave ice stops before and after tours, road trips, and South Maui beach days.
Want more Maui food planning? Pair this list with our Best Restaurants in Maui guide.
Sources & Updates: We recommend confirming current locations, hours, menu details, and seasonal updates using the official business pages below before you go.
