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  • Shave ice on a table with gummy bears in Honolulu, Hawaii.
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A Guide to Our Favorite Spots for Ice Cream & Shave Ice in Honolulu
November 10 ,2023

A stay at Prince Waikiki is not only a luxurious experience but also an opportunity to embark on a culinary adventure. From traditional island cuisine with innovative twists at 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar to world-class, ocean-to-table seafood at Katsumidori Sushi Tokyo, our O’ahu hotel invites guests to indulge in an array of incredible dining options

 

After a satisfying meal, it’s time to indulge your sweet tooth with some of the best ice cream and shave ice options near Prince Waikiki. The tropical climate of Hawaii ensures that ice cream can be enjoyed year-round, and the city is brimming with local shops that specialize in crafting this delightful treat.

 

Not sure where to go to for a refreshing treat during your stay at Prince Waikiki? Here are a few ice cream and shave ice spots you’ll definitely want to check out.

 

Young woman hands holding ice cream cone

 

 

Ice Cream in Honolulu

 

Hawaii’s heavenly tropical climate means ice cream can be enjoyed all year round, and there are plenty of local shops scooping and rolling this refreshing treat. Indulge in some of the best ice cream O‘ahu has to offer.

 

Ice Cream Rolls Hawaii

 

Ice Cream Rolls Hawaii is a local company that uses simple ingredients and makes its ice cream to order, right in front of guests. With flavors like matcha green tea, pineapple, and banana caramel, their wide range of offerings is sure to please any palate.

 

Cafe Glace Hawaii

 

After a relaxing day of soaking up the sunshine, stop at Cafe Glace Hawaii on the Waikiki Beach Walk. They offer 32 ice cream flavors, as well as made-to-order crepes, hand-made pastries, and health bowls, using locally sourced, high-quality ingredients.

 

SomiSomi Soft Serve & Taiyaki

 

 

Hand holding taiyaki ice cream

 

 

For a unique experience, visit SomiSomi Soft Serve & Taiyaki inside the Ala Moana Center and try their “Ah-Boong.” This fish-shaped waffle cone is lined with your choice of filling and topped with creamy soft serve, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

 

Wing Ice Cream Parlor

 

In Chinatown, you’ll find Wing Ice Cream Parlor, known for its distinctive flavors and wide variety of non-dairy options. This is the perfect spot for those looking to explore new taste sensations and indulge in creative ice cream creations.

 

Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery

 

Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery has been delighting locals and visitors since its opening in 2016. They take pride in churning out the highest-quality homemade ice cream, made without any pre-made mixes or additives. If you find yourself craving their delicious baked treats after your trip, they offer the convenience of direct shipping to your home.

 

Shave Ice in Hawaii

 

 

A hand holding a shave ice overlooking a beach in Honolulu, Hawaii.

 

 

For many, shave ice is more than just a delicious treat — it’s a symbol of Hawaii’s tropical flavors and refreshing indulgence. Tracing its origins back to Japanese immigrants who introduced the concept to Hawaii, shave ice is a dessert made by shaving a block of ice into fine, delicate flakes and then layering it with an assortment of flavored syrups and toppings. And it’s that unique texture that really sets shave ice apart from other cool treats. The ice is shaved so finely that it takes on a light and fluffy consistency, almost like freshly fallen snow (something you definitely don’t see very often in Hawaii!). This delicate texture allows the flavored syrups to seep into every crevice, ensuring that each bite bursts with flavor.

 

Today, shave ice stands can be found throughout Waikiki and Honolulu, offering a refreshing treat and an authentic taste of Hawaii. Here are a few shave ice spots you must try during your visit. 

 

Island Vintage Shave Ice

 

If you’re out shopping at the Royal Hawaiian Center, be sure to stop by Island Vintage Shave Ice for a unique take on a Hawaiian traditional dessert. Recognized with a 2022 Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Award, this establishment has consistently received great reviews, placing them among the top 10% of businesses on Trip Advisor.

 

Waiola Shave Ice

 

Waiola Shave Ice has been a beloved fixture in Waikiki for over 70 years, serving locals and visitors alike. With an extensive selection of flavors and toppings, there is something to suit every taste. Waiola Shave Ice has also earned a 2022 Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Award, solidifying its status as a favorite among discerning dessert lovers.

 

Looking for an alternative scoop? Try Banan

 

For a healthier — but still delicious — alternative to ice cream, Banan is the perfect choice. Located in a beachside kiosk at the end of the Fort DeRussy boardwalk, Banan offers a dairy-free, plant-based soft serve made from bananas, with no added sugars. Banan prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients fresh from right here in Hawaii, ensuring a delightful and sustainable experience.

 

Get the Scoop on an Amazing Hawaiian Vacation at Prince Wakiki

 

 

Two children share an order of shave ice

 

 

Prince Waikiki is the perfect spot to enjoy your Hawaiian vacation — and an ice cream (or shave ice!). Start planning your trip to paradise today by exploring our exciting offers and vacation packages.

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