Matsumoto Shave Ice

As good as everyone tells you! This shave ice place on the north coast of Oahu is great. Amazingly reasonable prices, but expect a wait. The good thing is the line moves fast. The flavors taste real, not artificial. Well worth the stop if you’re going swimming on one of the north beaches

This is a very busy spot. Line is long but moves surprisingly quick. Picnic tables were sticky and benches fill up quick. Parking can be hard to find. Lots of choices for flavor combinations and add ons. Small is just the right size and decently priced. Gift shop has a bunch of cool T-shirts.

My first shave ice!! The line was long, but they get people through the line pretty quickly! I got a small with all of the toppings and did one flavor. A small is definitely enough from one person. So much depth and flavor to the shave ice since there are different layers to experience! This is known to be one of the best shave ice on the island and I totally see why. Delicious!

Popular shave ice Shop that has plenty of flavor options. Gets definitely busy later in the day. Probably one of the best shave ice shops on the island. Staff was friendly and helped with answering any questions regarding allergies

This was my first time here, and I can tell it's a super popular spot with tourists. The line was pretty long when we got there. Luckily, they have pictures and QR codes for the menu, so you can figure out what you want before you order. They have tons of flavors and combos, and you can add extra toppings if you want. The shave ice was good, but heads up: the condensed milk makes it really sweet. Otherwise, it's a great place to grab a sweet treat. I'll totally go back next time I'm on the island.

Matsumoto Shave Ice is a North Shore legend, and visiting their iconic Haleiwa location feels like stepping into a piece of Hawaiian history. The vibes are unbeatable—colorful, laid-back, and full of aloha spirit. As for the shave ice itself: super refreshing, light, and fluffy with a great selection of tropical flavors. Add-ons like mochi, ice cream, and condensed milk take it up a notch. That said, we’re giving it 4.5 stars for the shave ice alone—while it’s really good, we’ve had slightly finer textures elsewhere. Still, the experience, location, and friendly staff make the whole visit a 5-star moment overall. Definitely worth the drive and the hype!

A trip to Hawaii, especially Oahu's North Shore, simply isn't complete without a stop at the legendary Matsumoto Shave Ice. This isn't just a dessert; it's an iconic Hawaiian experience, and one you absolutely shouldn't miss! First and foremost, a crucial tip for all future customers: arrive early! Matsumoto Shave Ice is incredibly popular, and for good reason. Lines can get quite long, especially during peak hours and on warmer days. Getting there shortly after opening will give you the best chance to snag your delicious treat without a lengthy wait. It's well worth the early start! Once you're at the counter, Don't be shy – this is your chance to experiment and create your perfect custom combination. I highly recommend adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the bottom and a drizzle of condensed milk on top for an extra creamy, dreamy experience. Matsumoto's shave ice itself is perfectly fine and fluffy, almost like freshly fallen snow, which absorbs the vibrant syrups beautifully. It's the ultimate refreshing treat on a warm Hawaiian day and truly a must-have while in Hawaii. Beyond the delicious shave ice, the atmosphere at Matsumoto is part of the charm. It's a bustling, friendly spot that embodies the laid-back, welcoming spirit of the North Shore. So, carve out some time in your itinerary, set your alarm early, and treat yourself to the quintessential Hawaiian delight at Matsumoto Shave Ice. You won't regret it!

We could not believe how long the line was! It was clear out the door, down along the store, and up the sidewalk. They won awards for being the best since 2016 and every year since! Even though they won so many awards, they still make their prices affordable, which makes them even better! It was $3.75 for a small, which is what we got and it was plenty, or $4.50 for a large. We got our shave ice with azuki beans, vanilla ice cream, and condensed milk, which added $2 to the total. You can choose up to 3 flavors and I decided to go with white cake yuzu (my favorite flavor), ramune, and blue raspberry. My husband got the "tropical" which was mango, guava, and lilikoi flavors.

Perfect shaved ice we had been looking for. Ice cream plus azuki under the shaved ice added riched flavored.

We love Matsumoto but always get deterred by the crowds. Come at the right time though and there's no lines and you can enjoy your shaved ice by the beach. Mango is their best flavor don't let your spouse talk you out of getting all mango. Don't forget to get some omiyage for the folks back home!!

I finally had the chance to visit Matsumoto Shave Ice when we were in North Shore this time around. I got a small with yuzu, guava, lilikoi and vanilla ice cream. The shaved ice was very icy and I wished it was softer! The yuzu flavor was my favorite. There is a parking lot for that plaza and a couple benches outside for you to sit and enjoy your icy treat.

The vibes of this area are perfect for relaxing with friends and family, shopping in the cute stores, and enjoying the beautiful nature of north shore. The shaved ice was refreshing in the heat, well flavored (I got lilikoi, mango, li hing) and tasted exactly as shaved ice should. I love my toppings and they had a good set (though I have been to places with even more toppings). I got a vanilla ice cream scoop, mochi balls, and condensed milk. LOVED their mochi balls for their size and texture. I also really loved the efficiency of the line and multiple menus so that everything could flow quickly. There was a huge line but we got ours in no time.

The hype for this place did not disappoint!! For a very long line that went very quickly and tasty shave ice. This pace is a five stars for me! Very cute store in a small shopping center with manly trinkets and goodies to purchase. I also bought a couple of postcards to send out with a chapstick. Highly recommend if you're visiting it's a classic to get while visiting Oahu! Parking wasn't great and took a while to find a spot.

Iconic Matsumoto Shave Ice in the charming town of Haileiwea is a must stop on your visit to the North Shore. I had the Tropical combination flavor, liykoi, guava and mango, a delightful treat on a warm Hawaiian day. Be prepared for a line, but it's well worth the wait. You'll enjoy it. 17

This was the BEST shaved ice I have ever tried. We went here on a Sunday and the line was long, but it goes by pretty fast. I got the tropical shaved ice with vanilla ice cream, mochi, and condensed milk. The mochi is freshly made and super soft. The shaved ice itself was like biting into a cloud full of flavor. Most shaved ice tastes artificial, but here it had a natural taste. The store is located in this little plaza with a really nice grass area and seating area. The parking can be a hassle since the plaza is in a small section

Had to try Matsumoto while I was in the North Shore. Got the ice cream and azuki beans per everyone's recommendations, and I was happy surprised by how perfectly everything came together. Took me a while to decide on which flavor combo to get, but honestly I think you can't go wrong with any of them. I ended up getting the tropical and loved it. Only thing is that the sweet syrup is a little too sweet for my preference. Wish they had a 50% sweet option for some of their flavors! There are only 2 sizes: small and large. The small was already quite large in my opinion and three people barely were able to finish it all. No seating inside but there are some tables in the courtyard of this little outdoor mall area that you can sit at. Huge parking lot behind this mall so parking was very convenient. Haven't tried any other shave ice place so don't have anything to compare this to, but this was overall a great stop and hit the spot on a hot day.

Can't leave Hawaii without stopping by Matsumoto's after the beach. Been so excited to try this place and it was definitely worth the wait. We stopped by before closing-- if you're trying to buy souvenirs/shirts/etc, don't come around closing cause you might not have enough time to casually browse through the whole store. Can't remember what flavor shave ice we got, but I for sure wanted to try their mochi balls. Mochi balls were 10/10 w/ the shaved ice and I wish I had gotten double mochi. The shaved ice really hit the spot after an afternoon at the beach and I still think about it to this day. If you're considering going here, this is your sign!!

It's no secret Matsumoto's is the best Hawaiian shaved ice around. Had a fantastic time visiting with family and we went as often as we could! The flavors pictures below are ramune, yuzu, and blue pineapple - I liked the ramune one the best! We got the house mochi balls and I highly recommend them!! Also added condensed milk drizzled on top and it was delish. There are soo many flavors to choose from but they have great preset combos if you're looking for recs! Be ready to wait in a long line but it's worth the wait. Afterwards, you can check out their extensive gift shop with SO many merch shirts and souvenirs!

There was a line out the door for this shaved ice but it was definitely worth it! I thought the shaved ice was a good portion and the syrup was very flavorful. The ice was nice and fluffy and so good although it melted super quickly in the warm weather. The are of the shaved ice location was also nice as there were lots of shops around so we could check out the local boutique stores after getting shaved ice!

Matsumoto's Shaved Ice is the place to go when in Hawaii. Yes it is shaved ice, but it's Hawaiian shaved ice and they are the place everyone talks about. It's like getting Malasadas at Leonard's. One shaved ice can be shared between two people and it's about $5-7 for one. This location also has a gift shop next to it and is in a spot with other stores in case you're looking for souvenirs, etc. in the end, Matsumoto's is a place to try and know that you won't be disappointed with the flavors they have.

Say what you will about Matsumoto, it's still the GOAT. They've been in business since 1951 so they must know a thing or two about shaved ice: it is fine and cools you off like nothing else does. Their mochi is super soft and their home made syrups are top notch. While the prices have increased since the years have gone by, it's expected for the quality you get. I got the Staff Pick and my kid got the Rainbow flavor. The ice cream is pretty much mandatory for her and the sweet Azuki beans are for me. Take your colorful bowl of shaved ice and enjoy it under the Banyan Tree outside while the chickens peck at your dropped leftovers on the ground. They have undergone a beautiful renovation since I've been here. I like the better flow of the merch store, the efficient lines for ordering and assembly, and well made signage everywhere. These people mean business and they do it amazingly. When you visit the quaint town of Haleiwa, hear the waves calling one name: Matsumoto.

I can remember the first time my friends and I had shaved ice at Matsumoto's. It was magical. You've never heard of Hawaiian Shave Ice??? Well, you have got to go to Matsumoto. The two most popular places back in the day were Matsumoto and Aoki's. They had all these signs and roped off lines to guide people. "Know your order before you get to the front!" Years later, when i saw Jerry Seinfeld's The Soup Natzi, it reminded me of Matsumoto and the imagery. I am only joking, sorta. Fast forward to present day, Matsumoto has remodeled and expanded and has other shops. It's welcoming as always and they run so smoothly to get the orders out! Their shaved ice remains consistently good like always!

Best shaved ice on the island! I got a small sized rainbow combination with condensed milk. Line looked long but went by fairly quick! Busy area with plenty of food options but this is definitely my option for dessert! Everything in this store is very organized and clean. Definitely recommend for a north shore dessert!

Long lines but it moves quick! Its worth the wait! I got a green tea & lilikoi shaved ice with the ice cream, azuki red bean, Mochi, and condensed milk. It was so good! The mochi balls are super fresh and condensed milk w anything is delicious. We also tried a rainbow shaved ice. There is a gift shop connected to the shave ice ordering area so you can shop for some cute souvenirs!

Haven't been here in a while because everytime we're in the area, the line is too long to stand in with two active boys! This time, we lucked out and walked right in! They do provide the menu at multiple places within the line, so if you happen to go during peak time, you're able to view it & make your selections before you get to the order counter. You can choose up to 3 flavors, the size, and the toppings! From there you go to the payment counter & watch your masterpiece be made! This trip was extra special because my son, who has tons of allergies, was able to try it out for the first time & he loved it! They are very allergy friendly! When you notify the worker at the order counter of an allergy, they'll give you a card (which lists your allergy) and will also hand over a copy of the same card to the check out counter. They do switch out the ice cube prior to making yours & only one person is handling your order! It's located in a strip mall in Haleiwa, which has their own parking lot! We'll definitely visit again whenever we're in town BUT I'll ask for them to not be as heavy with the syrup, which makes it taste like medicine!

Food quality: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Cleanliness: N/A - No seating Value: 5/5 Don't skip on: The Ichiban Matsumoto Shave Ice lived up to the hype. Everything is made fresh to order and was amazing! We got the Ichiban, which is their signature item and while I don't normally care for red beans, these azuki beans were delicious! The staff was super nice and helped answer questions while we were ordering. We also grabbed a few pancake mixers to take home too! Can't wait to go back!

If you think all shave ice tastes the same, you haven't been to Matsumoto's, my favorite shave ice on Oahu. This is one of those places that comes with a lot of hype and somehow lives up to it. The flavors are just right. Lines move incredibly fast. And the service is patient and attentive, even with the number of tourists who don't speak any English who stop by this shop. It's simple, but at the same time, there are a ton of flavors. Add the condensed milk, ice cream, beans, and even some mochi to go crazy with it. You won't regret it. You can enjoy your shave ice outside with tons of other people who know this place is special on the island.

Drove an hour to get to the north shore to M. Matsumoto Shave Ice after a day at the beach and swimming with the sea turtles. A cute store with lots of souvenirs. Service was quick and friendly and this was the perfect ending to our day.

Matsumoto shave ice kept being recommended online as a shaved ice place to try, so decided to visit after spending some time at the North Shore. We arrived around 1-2pm, and there was a line out the door. There are menus scattered throughout the line to be more efficient and streamline the ordering process, with the intent that you get to the ordering counter with your order in mind already. Ordered 2 small shaved ice, and it was around $3.75 each (without any toppings). So for the price, it's a steal. However, for everything else, I don't think it was worth it. After trying a few other shaved ice places in Oahu, I think this is my least favorite so far, and not sure why it's so highly rated. The syrup tasted artificial and not fresh, and the shaved ice was more coarse than other places. You are given a spoon and a straw t consume the shaved ice, which I thought was interesting, as no one place had given a straw before. After ordering, there are plenty of seating with tables and benches outside. There is a parking lot for the shops in that plaza, but it does fill up fast.

This line is insane but does move pretty quickly. I ordered the guava coconut and pineapple. I think the guava was the best. Mochi balls were soft. I thought it was ok.

Heard really good things about Matsumoto so I made sure to visit and it didn't disappoint! I would say it was one of the best shave ice I've had during my time in Oahu. We came on a Sunday afternoon and there was a line but it moved quickly and we were in and out within 10 mins. It took us longer to find parking because the lot was completely full and not very large to accommodate all the stores in the area. We had to circle around many times before we got lucky and found someone leaving.   We ordered a small guava, lilikoi, lychee and a large blue pineapple, mango, li hing. Condensed milk is a must have topping! I personally would skip the mochi balls. Pretty for the pics but it was too plain for me and too doughy. I thought it was very smart that they provided a straw so that you can drink the flavored water as it melts. Super refreshing on a hot day. The prices weren't outrageous either given that it is a very popular touristy spot.

Iconic. WHen you think of hawaii you think of this place. I remember when it was just a small shack mixed with a general store, now it's huge, and the lines are huge too. Thankfully the service is still great and they are very organized and optimized the lines so it moves very very quickly. Lots of places to eat around here to enjoy the shaved ice. Its mostly in the shade so your shaved ice won't melt in 20 seconds. Hit's the spot every time. Countless combinations of shaved ice so you never get bored. Pro tip have your order ready BEFORE you get to the workers.

We came 10 mins before closing and there was no line. They have so many flavors that it was so hard to choose only 3. It took less than 5 mins to get my shaved ice. I like that they have the perfect ice to ice cream ratio. The mochi was also super fresh. They are famous for their shaved ice for a reason!

Me and my family were in North Shore and knew we had to stop at Matsumoto's based on all the things we've heard. Parking was a nightmare but its to be expected because well North Shore. After 30 minutes of searching we found something right behind the shop. Line wasn't as bad as expected but it still ended outside. It did give us time to look into the menu. When we got inside it wasn't too big on the shave ice side and seating was non existent but there was plenty of space outside. Both my wife and I got the Tropical in a small with condensed milk and mochi balls. Each bowl came out fast and they got people through the line quickly. The flavors of the shave ice here were good. Larger ice crystals but it was refreshing since it was a hot day. Wasn't a big fan of the mochi here. Not sure what it was but wasn't a typical mochi to me. Me and my wife absolutely LOVED the merch store here. It's almost the same size as the shave ice part and they have so many different tees and other merch that we had to grab a bunch of stuff. If you're in North Shore, you should stop by if you want something sweet but definitely check out the merch.

We were exploring the island today and played tourist. We got the large, with the flavors Lilikoi, Guava and Lychee. The guava and Lilikoi was our fav, and make sure to get condensed milk on it. The service is phenomenal as always. It was $6-7 for the large with condensed milk and ice cream. Parking is a total b though, and make sure to wait in the line. It's such a cute area and definitely worth it both as a local and a tourist. Very small store with casual ambiance.

Matsumoto Shave Ice is an essential stop if you're visiting Hawaii, and the flavors they offer are nothing short of spectacular. I ordered the rainbow shave ice, with strawberry, lemon, and blue pineapple, and it was one of the most delicious things I've ever tasted. From the first bite, I was hooked. The strawberry and lemon were refreshing and sweet without being overpowering, with just the right amount of tartness to keep things interesting. But it was the blue pineapple that stole the show. It was incredibly tasty - a perfect balance of tropical sweetness and a hint of tanginess that made each bite more exciting than the last. What really set it apart was how the flavors melded together. The texture of the shave ice is smooth and fluffy, allowing each flavor to shine without one overpowering the others. The ice just melts in your mouth, releasing the bright, vivid flavors one by one, and it's like a burst of nostalgia. The blue pineapple, in particular, took me back to my childhood in Mexico, where I used to enjoy similar fruity treats during the summer. The flavor was so rich and authentic, I could hardly put it down. Matsumoto Shave Ice takes a simple treat and elevates it to a whole new level. The perfect combination of flavors, the refreshing coolness, and that nostalgic feeling make this experience truly unforgettable. It's more than just a shave ice - it's a delicious, sensory journey you don't want to miss.

Very yummy and fairly priced shave ice! It was my first time visiting Matsumoto's and I can't believe I had't been sooner. It might be my favorite shave ice on the island (so far!) It's nicely located in a small shopping complex with free parking and large bathrooms. There was a bit of a line outside but it went by smoothly as they have fast & friendly service. We all tried a variety of flavors but I definitely recommend getting at least one slightly sour flavor as it can get a bit too sweet. I personally enjoyed the mochi but not all of my party did as it wasn't the sweet kind. Highly recommend !

Tourist trap with merch cute as hell. If you're a tourist, it's worth a pitstop when driving the loop around the island. The line moves fast. If you're not a tourist, you certainly have already tried it. I wasn't wowed by any of the many flavors in our bowl or our friends' and even the fruit flavors were very inorganic and syrupy. But they had a lot of great souvenirs. I'll be taking that smiley face ice cream cone merch, rather than the shave ice, as my Matsumoto memories.

Amazing shave ice! I highly recommend getting the ice cream as well! Not a lot of seating or parking so come on a less busy day to avoid waiting in a long line.

(9/2023): Not sure what more can be said about Matsumoto's that hasn't been said already. We had visited Shark's Cove earlier that day, so of course we had to stop by for some shaved ice after. The line was out the door, but moved quickly. It took about 10-15 minutes to get through. So many flavors to choose from! We each chose three flavors and topped them all off with some condensed milk. Shaved ice isn't complete without the condensed milk in my opinion. Very refreshing and flavorful. I enjoyed the guava, pina colada, yuzu combination and the texture was what I imagine what eating powdered snow would be like. If you're the the area, definitely stop by Matsumoto's for a refreshing sweet treat!

Ok i see why they are so famous LOL this was an awesome experience we got mango guava passion fruit flavors and they are phenomenal the service is so friendly and they move so quickly

I saw really good reviews about this place before our trip and our visit did not disappoint. It's tucked into a little shopping center south a courtyard where you can enjoy your shaved ice and watch chickens run around. There was a good sized line when we arrived that moved very quickly. We ordered and then walked along the area where they made our treats. It was fun to watch the blocks of ice spin and then into ice shavings. I have to say the cherry was better than any cherry shave ice ice ever had. I don't know what it was, but the flavor was just amazing.

Amazing! The line moves pretty quick, the portions are great, and the flavors are fresh! Staff was friendly and happily to helped us choose flavors. Wishing there was more seating, because when they're busy- there's almost no where to sit!

We stopped here because we heard so much about this place and it's been featured on the TV show Hawaii 5-0. It's located in a wonderful spot right on a plaza and shops. There are picnic tables where you can sit and enjoy the shaved ice. The shaved ice is reasonably priced and it's SO good. There are many flavors to choose from. We all enjoyed it very much. It's a must stop if you're anywhere near the area.

A must go in the North Shore area for fans of mochi and red bean. Highly recommend for the quality of the red bean!!! And the Ichiban special has an edible bowl that kind of tastes like rice cracker, imported from Japan. The ice cream itself isn't the best quality. And the snow ice is kind of just existent shaved ice with fruit flavoring. Not a milk like texture or anything like that, really doesn't go with the mochi or red bean at all to be honest. Tons of outdoor seating. Touristy spot so be prepared to wait in a line to order. They do move quickly with the orders.

Cute little plaza of eats and shops, long line goes by fast. + Small Shaved Ice ($3.75 + $1 mochi balls): yuzu, mango, and lilikoi. Yuzu was my favorite, lilikoi wasn't as strong and mango didn't have the fresh mango taste as I'd hope. Still refreshing and cheap! (7.3/10)

If you are in the north shore definitely worth a visit! The line moves fairly quick so don't be intimidated because there is typically always a line! There is also ample seating outside either on benches or the lawn to just eat this quickly before it melts! Highly recommend the tropical with likikoi (passion fruit), mango and guava if you like refreshing and island flavors! Some of the others were overpowering like banana is what my friend said. The blue pineapple, lemon, apple were good too! I was a little bummed by the mochi - they are basically dangos that aren't flavored so don't expect the sweet little mochi bits from froyo places! Eat then go shop at the other cute stores!

Good shaved ice but next time I would not get the condensed milk! It was too sweet for me.

Matsumoto Shaved Ice Food: Not your ordinary shaved ice. Cool and refreshing... delicious!!! Service: These people work like a well oiled machine. Our order was made so fast didn't have an opportunity to converse. Ambiance: Very touristy, fun spot to take pictures.

Haven't been at Matsumoto in a long time because the lines are always present. But this time they totally encouraged everyone to decide on their choices before entering so it definitely helped streamline and allowed faster processing. The shave ice was good but thought it was coarser than i remembered. But definitely still delicious, especially with ice cream and beans!

Always fun coming back to this place for a second time! All shaved ice options are posted for you to choose before and during in line. We got there early so we didn't have to wait that long. Always a good cool down after some walking in hot weather. Plus the gift shop is fun to check out next door. Plus you can get a ten percent off your purchase from the coupon book from local travel ad materials.

What a great place to get some shave ice - I tried the mango, lychee, passionfruit & coconut flavors, and this turned out to be a great combination. The flavors are all just the right balance of sweetness, and the ice is soft and fluffy. The mochi balls also add some nice texture. The service is top notch, all the workers are polite and the line moves amazingly fast, they've definitely got their system down to be efficient

I've never visited Matsumoto during any of my previous visits to Oahu. I thought it would be overhyped, but it was actually pretty good. We visited later in the day as they were closing, so there wasn't a line and there was plenty of seating outside in the shopping center. They also had cool souvenirs available. The shaved ice was fluffy and the toppings were great. I wish we had time to visit again, but maybe next trip.

There are some parking spaces available but can get packed. The place had a decent line, but wasn't too bad as the line went by pretty quickly. They have plenty of flavors and I chose Banana, Guava, and Blue Pineapple with condensed milk. I normally don't like shaved ice, but this shaved ice was very flavorful and the ice wasn't tough to eat. Guava and Blue Pineapple flavors were really good, especially the guava. They don't have indoor seating available, but outdoor seating. Recommendation(s): - Guava - Blue Pineapple Service: 5/5 Tip(s): - Parking lot available - Accept Apple Pay - No indoor seating, but outdoor seating available

Matsumoto Shaved Ice - North Shore Nice treat after the food truck near by. Pina Colada - Li Hing Nui - Passion Fruit - Condenswd Milk and Mochi Balls Strawberry - Guava - Passion Fruit - Condensed Milk Blue Raspberry- Blue Vanilla - Watermelon Lemon - Mango - Strawberry - Condensed milk All flavors were amazing, prices were just right. I would definitely recommend adding the condensed milk! Worth the trip. Was not a fan of the mochi balls. Service was amazing, they let you know how everything works. They are super busy expect lines to be out the door BUT they also work super fast. Love that they have a Nice area outside to enjoy your shaved ice under the shade. To make things fast and easy they have their menu's posted through out the line outside for you to decide on your flavors. Help them, help you make things fast and easy and select your flavorings and extra toppings before getting to the register.

They are legend in the area...wait looked long but it's fast; their system works pretty well. They have two sizes of shave ice, and the small one is under 4 dollars and still pretty big for 2 people to share....however, their ice is not as smooth and soft as I thought it would be and syrups they use taste more artificial with food coloring... But if you are in the area, you still need to stop by bc they are legend and it's still good to have some ice during a hot day. Also, remember to add condensed milk and mochi!

The best shaved ice in Oahu! I was there for a week and tried a few shaved ice places but this one takes the cake. It's the most flavorful and silky shaved ice that doesn't melt so quickly. They even give you a straw which other places don't. I know all shaved ice is water but this one tasted less watery and more syrupy flavors if that makes sense. It is densely packed without tasting chunky or hard to chew. There's add ons like mochi ball and condensed milk - everything blends so well together and it's not too sweet either. It's so refreshing after a sunny beach day! I wish they open up more locations. There is usually a line out the door but it doesn't take long to order. Also the shop is in a very trendy North Shore area with lots of local gift and clothing shops to wander and look around. It's so authentic and worth the drive to get it!