Playing it Cool

Waiola Shave Icehttp://www.waiolashaveice.com/Yelp Rating (Ward Warehouse Location): 4 stars [$]Location: Ward Warehouse                 1050 Ala Moana Blvd                 Honolulu, HI 96814Hours (Ward Warehouse Location): M-Sat. 10:30AM-8:30PM                                             &nbsp [...]

Waiola Shave Ice
http://www.waiolashaveice.com/
Yelp Rating (Ward Warehouse Location): 4 stars [$]
Location: Ward Warehouse
                 1050 Ala Moana Blvd
                 Honolulu, HI 96814
Hours (Ward Warehouse Location): M-Sat. 10:30AM-8:30PM 
                                                              Sunday: 10AM-6PMVideo Link HereDespite varying climates, from rainy valleys to dry beach front, one common trait all areas in Hawai'i share is temperature; HOT. While not all areas are scorching, at some point in the year they would become a little warmer than comfortable. Due to this, people crave things such as ice cream and popsicles to help cool them down. Luckily, here in Hawai'i we have Shave Ice! This awesome cooling agent was created from the Japanese Kakigori (meaning Shaved Ice) which originated way back in the Heian period (794-1185). Don't get it confused with snow cones! Instead of crunchy ice crystals, Shave Ice is much finer and softer. Traditionally, flavors would be tropical and fruity, but now the range of choices has grown to include anything from creamsicle to chocolate.
Waiola Shave Ice is an old family store that within the past few years has expanded to three locations. The store gets its name from its original location on Waiola Street. Along with stores like Matsumoto's, and Shimazu's, Waiola has become much more popular among tourists. Advertising in travel magazines has boosted their sales tremendously and allowed for Shave Ice to become more well known. At the particular location we visited this episode, the store offered bowls with toppings that resembled Taiwanese Shave Ice. These were only available at the Ward location and advertised as best sellers. Stores are easily recognizable by the adorable cone characters outside each store. As far as ease of access goes, Waiola has spread to different parts of town, offer cheap grinds, private parking lots, and is always a close drive from the beach. Check out the rest of the post for a map, and of course our episode!

​Ward Warehouse location: