Island Snow Hawaii

We visit Island Snow every Aloha Friday for a treat! Today was especially memorable because of the excellent service. I was leaving with two shaved ice treats when one accidentally fell, but Kylie was incredibly kind and offered to fix it. Her help quickly resolved the situation. Besides having the best shave ice, the staff truly cares. The man taking my order noticed my daughter wanted rainbow, and I was about to order Shannazberry instead of Strawberry. He advised me that the red flavor wouldn’t be as vibrant in the rainbow if I chose the other, and his advice was spot on. My daughter really wanted rainbow shave ice, and thanks to the staff’s care, we got it. The shave ice here is genuinely the best, and the people working here are wonderful.

The shave ice was amazing, but the girl taking orders (in the blue shirt) needs to work on her communication with customers. She kept cutting me off, gave one-word answers when I asked about the menu, and kept contradicting herself while helping the rest of my group order.

If you want Hawai’i shaved ice then this is the spot to go to! The shaved ice here was absolutely amazing! The texture was so light and fluffy, and the fruit syrups actually tasted like real, fresh fruit rather than something artificial. Every bite was refreshing and full of flavor.

Four years later and it’s still as delicious 😋 as our first visit. What’s up enjoy watching the process of watching the ice cone being made. Seeing the block of ice freshly shaved and packed. Our go to is a scoop of vanilla ice cream 🍨 on the bottom of the shaved ice with wacky watermelon flavor and strawberry. Perfect way to end a long day spent on the beach soaking up sun ☀️ and sand. You won’t regret a stop here.

Very good shave ice. Staff is very caring and friendly.

Great location, near the beach. Best shave ice I had. Free scoop of ice-cream on the bottom. I don't think you can go wrong with any flavor. I had the guava with the free scoop of ice-cream. It was absolutely delicious. It was very refreshing after the beach. Service was great. I went on a Saturday afternoon the line was short.

Vast variety of different clothing, bags and sandals. The shave ice is good but the last few times we’ve gotten shave ice only the top half of it has the flavoring.

My first shaved ice and it was wonderful. I got a combo of the natural flavors, and added the snow cap and chose the free icecream option on the bottom of the cup.

Parking is tough to get especially with the local road construction but worth waiting for! The natural flavors are divine! I got mango orange and haiku Haupia ( essentially coconut) I got the keiki (child) size but it was plenty big enough to satisfy on a hot day !

Hard to mess up shaved ice, so just some nit picky reasons for the 4/5. Thoughts: - I generally prefer the ice cream to be a bit more easy to access under the snow; had to dig quite far down to get there. - Some flavors were stronger than others. The classics like cherry, watermelon, etc. were great, but others like lychee and mango were pretty subtle. - Adding mochi is 10/10. The texture is so much fun with the icy and creamy combo. Overall would return if looking for a chill treat in Kailua!

It was shave ice, it was fine. This isn't a local place, it's a mens clothing store that happens to have a shave ice machine in the back. It'll do but it ain't going to be the best.

Lily really made my whole experience at island snow great. Goated employee!!!!!!!! 10/10 would come again!

The consistency was amazing, like big fluffy snow. Flavors were varied and delicious. Service was quick and friendly.

Island Snow Hawaii shaved ice. This stuff is incredible. We had a large Cherry / Pina Colada with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (free) and a small Pina Colada / Pineapple / Orange. Locals say President Obama & family frequent here after a day on the beach. They even named a flavor after him...."Snowbama." Cherry, lime, and guava. Do not miss this place if ever in Kailua, HI.

We were on this side of the island looking for shaved ice and we saw Island Snow Hawaii as a top place. This is also apparently where President Obama visits. This location was combined with a clothing store, which we found interesting. The shaved ice wasn't as memorable as I was hoping. There wasn't a wait and plentiful parking available.

I always love to come here when I visit Oahu. Must stop for tourists. Great merch in the store too.

It's a shave ice in a clothing store! You can get ice cream at the bottom plus mochi (upcharge). Natural flavors are an upcharge. "Snow topping" is also an upcharge. It and the mochi aren't worth it IMO as it was literally 3 pieces of mochi. I got natural flavors but they were only meh. They also hadn't told us it was an upcharge when we ordered so I had to go back to pay the difference. The line was long and the staff seemed quite disenfranchised or full of ennui. I think there are much better places here.

Waited 40 min for this shave ice and it was not worth it. As others have mentioned, they're often out of keiki sized cups. They give you the shave ice in the larger cup, but then don't put it as high, meaning you get a larger bottom of shave ice, but less of the nice top spherical part, which is the best part. Maybe today was an off day, but see the photo of the shave ice when I got it, the top part was so small. One of the aunties in line behind me commented "these look like they're getting smaller and smaller." Halfway through, I had to ask for more syrup because the bottom was all ice. I got a strawberry, li hing, and lychee keiki sized with the ice cream (6.25) - would probably get plain next time, flavors were pretty good with the strawberry being the best. Lots of tourists. If you're around the area and need a shave ice, it'll do the trick, but definitely don't wait in a long line for this.

Really nice vibes with a store for clothing that is outdoors/beach/cool themed with many hats. Had great modern vibes too for the shave ice. The shave ice was pretty good. I loved the flavors I chose and also the ice cream at the bottom made it amazing. I got the kids size at $6.5, and that was more than enough because they really pile it high. I got no toppings because I didn't want to spend too much money. There was no line when I went (saturday afternoon) The service was really nice. I recommend this place.

Good shaved ice spot super close by the beaches! Parking: free lot, easy to find I got the small size and it was a good amount for 1 person. Comes with vanilla ice cream, but it's $1.50 to upgrade to mac nut ice cream. I added mochi toppings and it cane with 4 pieces at the bottom, nice and chewy. Flavors: sweet and flavorful. I got lychee and mango. Mango was just okay. Lychee was very good though! Had little bits of lychee in there and tasted so fresh. Nice staff and took a few mins for them to prepare our shaved ice. Also one of the few places that closes at 7pm!!

The staff was great and friendly, love how close it is we biked from the school, inside was clean and easy to get to. Such a great treat for the kids

The line was long But totally worth it We got the keikei size $17 for both not including tip

This place had a variety of flavors that I enjoyed. You get to pick up to three options, so I got mango, lychee, and melon. They went well together. I especially liked how you get icecream at the bottom if you choose, free of charge. One thing I didn't like was how the employees were. The lady taking the payment was rude, and gave off a negative energy like she doesn't want to be there. Overall I would try this place again.

Rating four stores solely on the customer service. The shaved ice is located inside a store that sold novelties. We decided to come here after a friend said it's one of Obama's favorite shaved iced places on the island. So why not? We love Obama and also shaved ice! We were in the area anyways! The store is a pretty good size walking in and was bright and clean. However, if you want to go the bathrooms, you have to go through the back entrance and into a hallway. The bathrooms weren't clean at all and looked a bit shady. They definitely need to do a deep cleaning for the bathrooms. There were a variety of sizes, flavors, and toppings to choose from! They also give you ice cream as a base. The only critique I have is that I wished they would add the toppings throughout the shaved ice and not at the bottom. I added mochi to mines and I had to finish eating the huge shaved iced before I got to the mochi. It was disappointing as I love to eat mochi with my shaved ice. But the quantity, price, and flavors were great! It was like $6.75 for a large serving of the shaved iced and medium was like $6.25. Only .50 difference? Get the large size. They offer natural flavors too so if you're not into the artificial stuff, then these are a wonderful alternative. My husband and I got the following: Matcha and Melona mixed with condensed milk on top: 10/10 - as my husband finished this without offering me a bite. So I'm guessing he loved it so much that he forgot to share. LOL Lychee/Guava/Pineapple natural flavor with condensed milk and mochi: 8/10 - I enjoyed it very much but after a while, all the flavors kind of just muddled into together. The lychee was the highlight as its flavor was very fruity, bright, and a hint of tartness. I like the vanilla ice cream at the bottom and the mochi balls (they give a decent amount) were chewy (in a good way) and fresh. The mochi balls were both pink and white and I enjoyed them very much. I just wish the mochi balls were scattered around the shaved ice or something because I had to wait until my shaved ice was melted a bit until I could see the bottom of the cup to eat the mochi. The guava flavor wasn't my favorite as it was subtle but the pineapple was good. Definitely get the condensed milk on top! It adds that creamy sweetness and goes so well with any flavor! It makes eating shaved ice more like a dessert too! They have other toppings you can choose from but I would recommend the mochi balls! Wait time was a little long as there was a group in front of us that kept asking questions (not the store's fault) but they made the shaved ice really quick! Overall, would come back again and I can see why Obama loves it!

Lots of delicious flavors including several all natural syrups they make themselves. They don't skimp on portions either! They have all the add ons including my two favorites, ice cream and snow cap. Definitely going back!

We saw this place last minute on Yelp and so glad we made a visit. The workers were so friendly and accommodating. They let us know they ran out of small cups so they hooked everyone up with the larger size which was super generous of them! Price was reasonable for 3 flavors which is unheard of for the small size. The mac nut ice cream was amazing and gave the shave ice a nutty aftertaste. Place is clean and modern looking.. even Obama has visited! Highly recommend!

Still love their shave ice better than any others on the island, but I continue to see poor service with low supervision. Staff of 5 at the shave ice side and operating one machine, not quickly, and other people barely working. Took more than 30 minutes when the line wasn't raven to the door for us to get shave ice.

I had really high hopes for this place, as I had seen that it is Barack Obama's favorite. However, I was left a bit disappointed by the quality of the shave ice. Even though it was freshly shaved, it became chunky very quickly, and it was difficult to scoop. We got some unique flavors like wedding, cake, and honeydew, which tasted good, but the syrups did not evenly distribute throughout the shave ice. I noticed that the ice cream that they used was pre-scooped, so maybe that's why the ice shaved on top of it got so clumpy so quickly. Island snow is in a convenient location, but that would likely be the only reason I return rather than trying other places in searching for smoother shave ice.

Island snow is a place I always like to stop at after I go to lanikai beach. The store always has some nice designs of shirts, hats, sweaters, bags, etc. I love that they have natural flavors for the shave ice. They're so good and not too sweet.

I tried to get shaved ice from a different location every day while on Oahu. This was the only place I wanted again. Macadamia nut ice cream, orange pineapple natural syrup, condensed milk. Really the best I've ever had. How dare someone say "it's just shaved ice."

Employees seemed bored or ready to go home. Not friendly at all, seemed more annoyed to be working. No line so that should have been the first clue. I will say, we liked the store and ended up buying a shirt. Was excited to try this shaved ice, and instead walked away disappointed. The flavors weren't very plentiful on the ice, and they forgot the ice cream. Oh well, it's shaved ice and at this store we overpaid for shaved ice. There's plenty of options, we will be trying others instead of this one.

Quick service and lots of options! Super convenient location with lots of parking. The workers were super nice and helpful with options

Location: next to Kailua adventures in a strip mall Service;: counter people were semi there. Not the best advocates for the place. There are photos of President Obama throughout the place. I guess this was his favorite snow cone. Snow cone: got the Macadamia nut ice cream under the snow cone and went with the natural syrups: mango and lychee. I saw kids outside with blue tongues and I don't like the fake flavors. I asked what they recommended and They did push President Obama favorite flavor but again artificial flavor. I am so glad that I went with natural flavors. The mango and lychee were so delicious and no tongue color change. The snow cone is packed densely and the crunchy ice was so refreshing after long kayak and it really cooled us down. The Macadamia nut ice cream is so good, perfect sweetness with the right amount of nuts. We got a large and split it.

Obama came here. Many flavor choices.. Seemed like efficient setup but line was long and it took a while, shaving the ice the rate limiting step. Can add azuki beans. Ice cream at the bottom a nice touch. Recommended.

We had a great Island Snow with macadamia nut ice cream! Perfect on a hot day after a long kayak trip. We ordered and then sat under the trees outside to eat it. Staff: not very customer service oriented teenagers. We asked to fill a reusable water bottle and they refused. We'd give 5 stars if the staff was better. Overall cleanliness: above average

went here to grab some shaved ice after rhe beach! it comes with 3 flavors and vanilla ice cream. asked them to put the ice cream on the side and they were straight up like "no". pretty rude and not friendly staff. shaved ice was mid, wouldn't go again

This place is definitely worth the hype but if you go at a busy time you may have to wait in line. I tried the macadamia nut ice cream but wasn't too impressed so I was just stick with vanilla. Staff are very friendly and work fast. The fruit flavors are my favorite !

Such a cool spot. Stumbled upon this gem. Awesome shaved ice and clothing shop. Surf shop. Really cool concept and design. I applaud the owner. This place is quality. Their shaved ice is the best I've ever had. It's fresh and natural. They use Dave's ice cream. So dang good. We purchased a few shaved ice and hoodies and tee shirts from them. The staff is cool. Nice guy and girl. I love this place. Couldn't be more pleased. Well done owner. Highly recommended.

I always endeavor to make a trip to Island Snow when I'm on the windward side or in Kailua! They have the softest "snow" or shave ice I've found on Oahu! Yesterday's visit, the ice was packed a little too firmly and it turned kind of crunchy, but usually it melts in your mouth. They have two sizes, keiki and large. I always get the keiki and it's more than enough. It includes ice cream at the bottom (this time there wasn't much, bummer!) They also started charging more for the natural flavors, which I always order. So large and keiki with natural syrups was over $15! Pricey, but worth it. I ordered the natural lilikoi, strawberry, and mango, and it was just the perfect treat after a hot day at the beach. Nothing beats sitting around enjoying my Island Snow shave ice! Definitely recommend checking them out sometime!

When in Kailua this is the place to stop after a day at the beach or anytime! When I lived here 30 years ago it was always a special treat for my daughter growing up. So many flavored syrups to choose from or for a little more you can get the natural juice. We chose the syrups and didn't complain. I had cherry, mango and pineapple as you get up to three flavors. Ice cream on the bottom is optional but oh so ono if you so choose!

The flavors are pretty good and I like coming here. Unfortunately, the staff is so bothered and annoyed all the time. We were the only ones there, yet we were rushed to pick out the size. After that, rushed to pick out the flavors. Staff needs to chill. Sweet treat but salty af workers.

Probably the best spot for Hawaiian Shaved Ice. I'm not even joking, if you're coming South Side like me, the drive is worth it. Sure, it's 30 minutes away but if you order the regular shaved ice with Mango and Watermelon, you'll be sent to Cloud Nine. It's absolute heaven. Their shop is located inside a cool clothing store. The staff is friendly and accommodating. You can choose ice cream in your cup OR you can put Condensed Milk on your cup! Like what?! That's wild! Do yourself a favor and spend your time at this place. Seriously, it's worth the drive.

Island Snow was not the best. In my opinion, it was pricey and the shaved ice didn't taste great. I've tried many places on the island, and this is not one I would return to. However, the location is convenient and could attract customers after the beach due to the lack of other shaved ice options nearby.

Who doesn't want shave ice on a hot day? If you're in Kailua stop by Island Snow for a cool, refreshing treat! Two sizes available, Keiki and Large, and tons of flavors. Add ice crewman for $1.25, and there's a whole bunch of other toppings available too. Seating available outside, and lots of parking.

We LOVE Island Snow! We come here every time we visit Oahu. We've tried all of the so called famous shaved ice places on the island and Island Snow is the best. The shave is so smooth and the perfect consistency. It doesn't thaw or clump up quickly like many others. They have tons of flavors and all of them are good. Highly recommend getting the macadamia nut ice cream on the bottom!

I enjoyed all the flavor selections. I always go with the most natural colors and they have a whole line of natural Hawaiian flavorings. Tasted great. They give you a scoop of ice cream included in price which is a good deal. Walkable to the beach but parking is available too,

November 6, 2022 - Vacation in Hawaii to surprise the grandparents. Grandma I want Shave Ice, by the place by the beach. Island Snow is the place to go. So many flavors we can only get in Hawaii. Vegas doesn't have the flavors Hawaii has. Island Snow has been around for years. I had a Lychee and Guava topped with Condensed Milk. So so delicious! How much more is there to say when it's so delicious and refreshing! As always head on down for a cool treat with cool people and I guarantee you will be happy!

Best thing is the central location of this shave ice place on the Kailua side. Right near the beach area and convenient. They have the option of the all natural house made flavors ( cost 1.25 more) or the tradition syrups. You have the option of M or L and they come with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. All the other toppings/ snow caps are all additional charges. Price is on the steeper side for what you were getting. The flavors of the all natural flavors lacked much punch/flavor. We had to go back in to have them give us more syrup drizzled to add back flavor to the ice. Okay, but not anything to write home about. The best thing about this is the location bc there's not much other shave ice options this far out.

Yummy Shave Ice! The Rainbow with the vanilla ice cream on the bottom, so good! My daughter loves coming back every time!

Go to spot for shave ice when going to Kailua Beach! There's usually a long line but it moves very quickly. So many great flavors to choose from, you can't really go wrong. Stand out flavor from this visit would have to be MELONA though!!! Definitely switch out your vanilla ice cream for the macadamia nut ice cream and get the snow cap!!!

On the pricy side on Oahu by maybe a dollar. Comes standard with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and three flavors. Snowcap is also more expensive. Unfortunately not my favorite shaved ice. They have a consistent process for packing the ice, it's very fine and then packed really tightly, but I'm not sure how consistent the syrup is, and I watched several made, thought the syrup was light, and confirmed that when I tried mine. I ate the top then dumped out a bunch of unflavored ice to try the ice cream, which tasted sort of fluffy/airy and not especially creamy. For the high price and 20-minute (or so) wait, a return trip won't be at the top of my list.

After hiking at Lanikai Pillboxes, my friends and I thought Island Snow would be a nice and refreshing treat. While it did cool us down, the shave ice wasn't that great. I ordered the blue raspberry, mango, and pog. You are allowed to choose up to three flavors, and it comes with one free scoop of ice cream. I came with a few other friends, and one of them did not want ice cream. They did not allow her to give her scoop of ice cream to someone else. The ice was super hard and almost like a popsicle. It was definitely not what I was expecting and was disappointed. NOTE: They charge extra for the natural flavors, which my friends did not know, and they ended up paying a lot just for one bowl. There is a parking lot, and we were lucky enough to get a stall in the afternoon on a Saturday. I like how the inside of the shop is very clean and open.

Great variety of flavors and toppings to choose from! Walking distance from beach. Pricey, but the flavors & shave ice can't be beat! Highly recommend checking out this spot, always a hit when I bring friends and family visiting from out of town.

Visited the beautiful Lanikai beach and was looking for a place to cool down. The place is clean and has huge variety of flavors. Island snow is definitely worth the hype, we came here 3 times on our vacation here. Also learned that it's former President Obamas favorite place. Highly recommend 10/10!!!!

Some rude customers (D.N). Taylor was super sweet under the amount of customers they had. Each girl there was really working and busting out orders. Gave suggestions on shaved ice and really helped me as someone trying it for the first time! Worst part of the experience was hearing how terrible some people can be. Just enjoy Hawaii!

Soo good! Came with a scoop of ice cream at the bottom- get the mango and guava! The flavors taste fresh- not just artificial syrups.

We tried their rainbow shaved ice while waiting for bobs pizzerias order. I believe the shave ice in Hawaii is highly overrated, this place, our 2nd shave ice did not c ga ange the opinion. The place is neat otherwise and the service quick.