Don’t go to Hawaii without trying shave ice! Find out where to find the best shave ice on Maui (and we’ve tried them ALL!) Scroll down to see our top picks!
This best shave ice on Maui post was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Listen, I’m not going to sugarcoat it. My kids are shave ice obsessed.
Like, we’ve been to Maui 10+ times, and on some trips, we literally go to Ululani’s every single day.
I know that sounds excessive, but once you taste properly made Hawaiian shave ice, you’ll understand why we can’t help ourselves.
And here’s the thing: not all shave ice is created equal. Real Hawaiian shave ice is nothing like those crusty snow cones you get at carnivals on the mainland.
We’re talking ultra-fine, fluffy ice that melts on your tongue, topped with syrups that actually taste like real fruit instead of sugar water.
After years of being a professional tourist and testing shave ice all over the islands, I’ve narrowed down my absolute favorite spots on Maui.
These are the places where I take my kids, where locals line up, and where you’ll actually want to go back every day of your trip.
What Makes Hawaiian Shave Ice Different?
Real quick, let me explain why Hawaiian shave ice is so special. The ice is shaved, not crushed.
That means it comes off the block in these delicate, snow-like flakes that pack together into a fluffy ball.
Good shave ice places pour the syrup as they build your cone, or poke holes with chopsticks to get flavor all the way through.
The result? Every bite tastes amazing, and you’re not left with a cup of colored water at the bottom (which is exactly what happens with snow cones).
It’s honestly more like eating flavored snow.
Most shave ice stands on Maui offer fun toppings like ice cream on the bottom, a “snow cap” of sweetened condensed milk on top, fresh mochi, azuki beans, or li hing mui powder (that salty-sweet dried plum powder that locals love).
My personal favorite topping is the snow cap, which is usually condensed milk drizzled over the top. It adds this creamy sweetness that pairs perfectly with fruity syrups.
My go-to combination is tamarind with passion fruit or mango, but my kids are rainbow shave ice loyalists wherever we go.
The Best Shave Ice Spots on Maui
Ululani’s Shave Ice
Let me be completely honest: Ululani’s is my number one. It’s the shave ice I dream about when we’re home.
The ice is so finely shaved it practically melts on your tongue, and the syrups are made with pure cane sugar and real fruit juices.
They’ve got three locations on Maui now: Kahului (333 Dairy Road), Kihei (61 South Kihei Road), and Wailuku/Maui Lani (50 Maui Lani Parkway). There’s also a Ma’alaea location coming soon.
Unfortunately, their Lahaina location was lost in the 2023 fires.
What makes Ululani’s special: The tables have holes cut out specifically for holding your shave ice cup, which keeps it from melting in your hands.
They use ultra-purified water for the ice and have fresh mochi that’s to die for. Plus, they offer Maui-made Roselani ice cream as a base.
My kids swear by the Hawaiian Rainbow (strawberry, pineapple, and vanilla), but I usually go for something with lilikoi or tamarind.
Whatever you choose, just know there’s usually a line, especially in Kihei. But trust me, it moves pretty fast, and it’s 100% worth the wait.
Pro tip: Thank goodness they have multiple locations, because when my kids are in full shave ice mode, we need options!
Tobi’s Poke and Shave Ice
This Paia spot is a local favorite and honestly one of the best all-around stops on the North Shore.
Tobi’s has been around since 1992, and they’re known for way more than just shave ice. They’ve got some of the best poke on Maui, plate lunches, and other local food.
But the shave ice? It’s fantastic. Super fine texture, tons of flavor options, and they even have natural syrups made in-house. Plus, they use biodegradable cups, which I appreciate.
Why stop here: If you’re heading to the Road to Hana, Tobi’s is the perfect place to grab lunch and shave ice before you start your drive.
Or stop on the way back when you’re exhausted and need something cold and refreshing. The parking is in the back, and they have a mist machine over the outdoor seating that feels amazing on a hot day.
Surfing Monkey Shave Ice
Surfing Monkey has a couple of locations in South Maui, and they’re doing something right.
Their syrups are made with real Maui raw sugar cane (no fake stuff), and they have both regular and all-natural syrup options.
You’ll find them at Foodland Shopping Center (1881 S. Kihei Road) and Kihei Kalama Village (1941 S. Kihei Road). There’s also a location at the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea if you’re staying in that area.
What I love: They have an exclusive Kona coffee flavor that’s made with 100% Kona coffee, which is honestly incredible with vanilla ice cream and sweet cream.
It’s like a fancy frozen coffee drink but better. They also offer vegan coconut milk ice cream, which is great if you have dairy-free family members.
The portions are generous, and the ice is super soft and fluffy. Definitely add the macadamia nut ice cream on the bottom if you’re feeling indulgent.
Halfway to Hana
OK, so technically this isn’t on Maui proper (it’s in Haiku), but if you’re doing the Road to Hana, you absolutely have to stop here.
This place has been a landmark for almost 40 years, and it’s right at the perfect halfway point for taking a break.
They’ve got shave ice with 13 flavors, and you can add ice cream on the bottom, which I highly recommend. They also sell snacks, drinks, banana bread, and lunch items like burgers and sandwiches.
The secret: Get your shave ice with ice cream. It takes the whole experience to another level.
This is one of those quintessential Road to Hana stops that you’ll remember long after your trip. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to stretch your legs and rest before heading back.
If you’re planning your Hana drive, I break down everything you need to know in my Road to Hana guide.
Beach Street Maui
This family-run spot in the Rainbow Mall in Kihei has been serving up excellent shave ice since 2000. It’s conveniently located near Kamaole Beach Park III, so it’s perfect for a post-beach treat.
Their signature combos are the “Hawaii Rainbow” (strawberry, pineapple, and blue vanilla over ice cream with mochi balls or gummy bears) and the “Blue Hawaii” (pina colada and blue vanilla with ice cream, mochi balls, and haupia).
Why I like it: They use organic and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, which shows in the quality.
The shave ice is excellent, and they’ve got other options like acai bowls and sandwiches if you need more than just a sweet treat.
Peace Love Shave Ice
Located at Azeka Plaza in Kihei, Peace Love is a solid choice with a fun vibe.
They use purified water for their ice blocks and organic raw Maui cane sugar for the syrups. You can choose between natural and traditional syrups, and they offer Roselani ice cream too.
What sets them apart: They have unique options like Thai Iced Tea Shave Ice and Coffee Shave Ice, which are perfect if you want something a little different.
They also serve coffee drinks, smoothies, and even gourmet ice cream sandwiches. And yes, they have a Maui-Rita if you need something a bit stronger!
How Much Does Shave Ice Cost on Maui?
Let’s talk money for a second. A regular-size shave ice typically runs about $6-9, depending on where you go and what toppings you add. Larger sizes or extra add-ons like ice cream, mochi, or multiple syrups will increase the price.
Is it cheap? No. But honestly, it’s Hawaii, and for a generous portion of this amazing treat, it’s worth every penny. My kids would probably trade dinner for shave ice if I let them.
Money-saving tip: If you want to learn more ways to save on your Maui trip without sacrificing the fun stuff, check out my free 5-day email course on how to save money in Hawaii.
Shave Ice Tips from a Hawaii Travel Expert
After years of eating shave ice all over the islands, here are my best tips:
Eat it immediately. Seriously, don’t try to drive back to your condo with it unless you want to drink it. Hawaii is hot, and shave ice melts fast. Find a shady spot and enjoy it right there.
Start with classics. If it’s your first time, stick with fruit flavors like strawberry, mango, pineapple, or passion fruit. Once you know what you like, branch out to the more unique flavors.
Don’t skip the li hing mui. OK, I know it sounds weird. Salty-sweet dried plum powder on your shave ice? But it’s actually delicious, especially with pineapple or mango.
Most places have a shaker on the counter so you can add a little and see if you like it.
Ice cream on the bottom is a game-changer. Trust me on this one. The syrup drips down and mixes with the ice cream, and it’s absolutely incredible. Macadamia nut and coconut are my favorite ice cream flavors to add.
Ask about natural syrups. More and more places are offering all-natural, organic syrups made with real fruit. They cost a bit more, but they taste amazing and don’t have artificial colors or flavors.
Planning Your Maui Trip?
Shave ice is just one small part of an amazing Maui vacation. If you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to plan everything, I can help! I offer Hawaii travel consultations where I create custom itineraries based on your family’s interests and travel style.
I’ve also got comprehensive digital guides for every island:
- Maui Travel Guide for Families
- Big Island Travel Guide for Families
- Oahu Travel Guide for Families
- Kauai Travel Guide for Families
And if you want a step-by-step plan for Maui specifically, sign up for my free 7-day email course on how to plan a trip to Maui. I walk you through everything you need to know.
I also talk about Maui planning (including where to eat!) on my podcast Hawaii Travel Made Easy. Check out this episode on How to Plan a Trip to Maui for more insider tips.
Final Thoughts on Maui Shave Ice
Here’s what I want you to remember: eating shave ice isn’t just about the treat itself. It’s about taking a break from the heat, watching your kids get syrup all over their faces, and experiencing something that’s truly Hawaiian.
My kids have tried shave ice all over the world at this point, and they still insist Ululani’s on Maui is the best. I’m inclined to agree with them.
So when you’re on Maui, hot and tired after a morning at the beach or a long hike, find a shave ice stand. Get the rainbow if you can’t decide. Add the snow cap. Sit down and enjoy every melting bite.
That’s the real Maui experience right there.
Aloha!
Looking for where to eat in Maui? Find out the best sushi in Maui and top poke spots!
