So, you finally booked that flight to Hawai’i. Perhaps you will spend a few days hiking the Napali Coast on the island of Kaua’i. Maybe you will hit up one of the top tourist destinations — Waikiki, and explore the bustling Kalakaua Avenue? OR brave the twists and turns on the Road to Hana in Maui? All of these things are iconic and classic Hawai’i adventures, but no matter which island or adventure you choose, there will always be time for the classic Hawaiian frozen treat- Shave Ice. Now on the mainland some people will refer to it as Shaved Ice, but in Hawai’i’s local language (Pidgin) — — drop the “d” and it’s “Shave Ice”.
I was recently told on a live podcast with Mai that I was saying it wrong. Excuse me for moving back to the mainland! But enough about proper pronunciation, let’s break down the wonders of shave ice and how it came to be. Shave ice is different from your average, run of the mill snow cone or mainland shaved ice. The ice is typically very thin and has a similar consistency to freshly fallen snow. When tightly compacted together, the flavoring or syrup is absorbed and not pooling at the bottom of the cup or cone. Flavored syrups are typically the main ingredient, but in some places, you can add ice cream, nuts, fruit, adzuki beans, mochi, and other delectable treats. One of my favorite toppers is the sweet, condensed milk or coconut milk cap. They are affectionately known as “snow caps”. Delicious and creamy, it is by far the “icing on the cake”, especially if you order wedding or birthday cake flavored syrups.
The origin of shave ice dates all the way back to Japan’s Heian period. The dessert was known as kakigōri and was made from fresh shavings from a block of ice with syrup. Unfortunately, this treat was only for the wealthy as the ice was available during the winter months. In the early 1900s, advances in refrigeration allowed for the expansion of availability for all classes. As more Japanese-Hawaiians began to introduce desserts from their homeland, shave ice became a rooted staple across the state. It could be found in local markets and grocery stores.
With its picturesque landscapes and year-round sunny weather, shave ice is a great addition to the endless adventures that await in the great state of Hawai’i. Enjoy!
