Island Vintage Shave Ice

I remember this place because I had to come back like two or three more times. Island Vintage Shave Ice exceeded all expectations! As a fan of Korean-style bingsoo, I was pleasantly surprised by the deliciousness of their American-style shaved ice. The Pink Island flavor was absolutely divine - I LOVE the lychee and strawberry combo. Despite my initial doubts, I had to give this experience a perfect 5 out of 5. Don't pass up the chance to try it for yourself!

Location is in Royal Hawaiian Center, located in a cute, little stand, and also on the main streets of Waikiki. Service is variable. The vibes are great because you can shop, relax, and then chill with some shaved ice!

Walking around Waikiki, I wanted to try some shaved ice sooo badly, so I found this place on Yelp and stopped by. I was actually kinda surprised it was a kiosk, but it was well-situated in a heavily touristy area.

You order via kiosk, and pick it up at the same window. The price wasn't as bad as you'd think!

I got the Heavenly Lilikoi shaved ice, which came with some passion fruit, seeds, and mochi pieces. My biggest concern was how sweet it would be, but it honestly wasn't too bad! The flavor was great, and it was an amazing treat to have while walking to the beach.

I talked to a visitor who said that the shave ice from here was the highlight of his whole trip, so I decided to try it. Ordered the lilikoi, and I really enjoyed it. I especially loved the mochi that they use-it's different from other places, and I loved the texture.

It's double the cost of the famous shave ice place in Haleiwa, but well worth it, especially for those who don't have time to make it all the way out there.

We stopped by for a quick Treat before the Beach and Babbbeeeee let me tell you lol

The Strawberry Mango Shaved Ice was the Best Shaved Ice I've had! Yum yum!!

It was all Delicious and worth the price!

Check them out!

As our trip wound down, most of my meal checklist places were crossed off. After our final dinner, we took the escalator to the ground floor and found ourselves here.

Coming here just before 9 pm, I didn't expect the line to be that long but the wait wasn't bad (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=ntqsaJLoEeV0WjCHZOpxYg&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q). The two gals in the stands were efficient and the line moved swiftly. After ordering and paying, the customer walks away from the line area and waits for their order number or name to be called.

After about a five minute wait after ordering, I was handed my pineapple and strawberry shave ice, regular size (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Ct1ky-SCQqdOqc74MBvZng&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q). I was happily surprised by the size as I walked over to my friend sitting on the side. Even at 8:50 pm, it was warm enough that it was already melting, dripping down my fingers as frantically licked it up and spooned some ice to stop the overflow. I liked that there were fresh strawberries to top my ice. I enjoyed the flavors which were distinguishable while not overly sweet.

This is a great post meal option if you're dining in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center or nearby and don't see any interesting dessert options where you're dining. Glad I satisfied that craving.

This place is sooo good. Sad, I only had time to eat here once. Really wanted to squeeze in another trip here before we had to leave. It's probably one of my all-time favorite desserts.


I can't remember which one we got, but I'm sure they're all good. There's not too much different, just different combination of flavors and either popping boba or ice cream. I think we got the hawaiian rainbow. The ratio of shave ice to ice cream is great. The mochi was amazing, flavor tasted great. I think they make their flavoring in house, unlike many other places uses torani or some commercial like product.

It's worth the wait, it goes by quick and usually don't need to wait that much longer after ordering. Ordering was all through the big screen, no need to interact with anyone.

This was my favourite shave ice spot of the four I tried during my visit to Ohau. It's a bit more expensive than the others, but the portion is big, and the flavours were delicious. The syrups used in the ones I've tried didn't have that artificial taste, and the shave ice had a delicate fluffy texture. I tried the Heavenly Lilikoi, and Pink Island, but you're free to create your own flavour combinations.

This is a kiosk set up in the bustling heart of Waikiki, where you are required to place your order on the tablet set up at the front, and when your order is ready they will call out your name for pick up. Other than that, there's no real interaction with the people who work here. However, they were quite efficient, and the wait was never too long. I also noticed that they're usually busier in the evening with longer lines compared to the afternoon.

I never knew this shave ice place existed until I watched a YouTube video. I knew I had to visit as soon as possible, especially since it's been a while since I've had shave ice.

Upon arrival, I thought the line was ridiculously long, only to be relieved when I realized the shave ice line was uber short. The long line was for their coffee products, but it did take some time for our order to be ready. Granted, there's only one person working, so please be patient--he takes the time to make each shave ice order look beautiful and taste delicious. Not to mention, he's got the best attitude.

We waited about 15-20 minutes for our order, but it was definitely worth the wait. I've never had a smoother shave ice! Plus, I loved how authentic the flavors were--we got the heavenly lilikoi, which has lilikoi and strawberry flavoring, mochi, popping boba, condensed milk, and frozen yogurt. For the amount you get, I think the price is worth it, especially considering the fact that it's located in Waikiki.

If you're a Hawaii resident and park at the Royal Hawaiian center, don't forget to get your receipt so you can get 3 hrs of free parking. Even if you're only there for over an hour, save yourself that $2. To get your Kama'āina validation, the office is on the first level between buildings B and C--just provide your ID, receipt, and parking ticket. I unfortunately forgot to get my receipt, but was able to show the proof of purchase from my credit card app. Don't make the same mistake I made.

Highly recommend whether you're a local or a tourist.

Island Vintage Shave Ice is one of my favorite places for shave ice in Waikiki. I went there a few times during my stay. Other business sold shave ice with syrups or fruit puree. At Island Vintage they add different kinds of toppings so you get to eat and discover different textures making it a great shave ice experience.

On each visit I ordered the Green Island shave ice. It comes in the shape of a cone with a scoop of frozen sweet cream yogurt inside the coned shaped ice. Matcha syrup is drizzled on top and then small pieces of mochi are placed around the shave ice along with adzuki beans. Next there were bite sized pieces of fresh pineapple sprinkled on top of the shave ice. All of these different toppings paired well. Then as the shave ice melted, the matcha syrup mixed with the sweet cream yogurt and ice. That blended combination was perfect and so refreshing on a hot day in Waikiki.

Shared the heavenly lilikoi and tropical island with three other people. Both were so good! We devoured them. I really enjoyed how there were so many different toppings and textures.