Get Shave Ice for Only One Dollar This Month at Waiola on O‘ahu

Waiola Shave Ice is saying mahalo to customers with a special deal on weekdays through July.

July 10, 2020

Amanda Valiente,

Photos: Mari Taketa

Stop what you’re doing, because we’ve got news that won’t last: Monday through Friday this month, a small shave ice with two syrups, or the rainbow trio, is only $1 at both the McCully and Kapahulu locations of Waiola Shave Ice. An order like this normally costs $2.50. Any add-ons like condensed milk, li hing powder, mochi balls and azuki beans are extra. "We decided to do the $1 special to give back to our community," Waiola messaged us. “We wanted to give everyone a chance to enjoy our shave ice!”

I had never been to Waiola Shave Ice before this month. I know, revoke my local card now. But as someone who lives on the Leeward Side of O‘ahu, I never found a reason to make the trip to town to try the coveted shave ice spot. Then HONOLULU’s contributing dining editor Mari Taketa told me about the $1 special. And I, melting at home in the summer heat, couldn’t resist a cheap way to cool down.

I make my way to the original location on Waiola Street and have a sudden wow moment at the sight of the iconic sky-blue building. I’ve only ever seen this place in pictures. At 2 p.m. on a weekday, there is a line of people keeping their distance as per the tape marks on the ground. Right above the giant shave ice painting on the wall, a big banner reads “$1 SHAVE ICE.” This is exciting.

Before I knew it, I was at the window to order. Mari warned me that there’s a specific system to order the shave ice, and if you don’t get it right then the worker will correct you until you do. Thankfully, there is a sign on how to order. First you say how many shave ices you want, then you give the sizes and, finally, anything you want inside or on top.

Here’s my $1 small cup of rainbow shave ice.

Photo: Amanda Valiente

I decide to go with the classic rainbow shave ice with strawberry, vanilla and banana syrup. At first glance, it looks like your average shave ice. Then I take a bite. Here’s my second wow moment of the day. The ice is shaved so finely, it’s almost as if they scooped up fresh snow into a cup. At that moment, I’m kind of mad at myself for not coming here sooner. I can see why a lot of people think this is the best place to get shave ice on O‘ahu.

Although this deal ends on July 31, I’ll be back even after that to make up for the 20 years I haven’t been.