Kauai, also known as the “Garden Isle,” is one of the most stunning islands in Hawaii. This beautiful island offers many attractions, including lush tropical forests, scenic beaches, and vibrant culture. There are so many things to do in Kauai! From exciting activities like zip lining to trying local cuisine, there is something for everyone to enjoy when visiting the island.
However, one of the best things about Kauai is its delicious ice cream and shaved ice, which provides a refreshing delight for tourists and locals after a long day of exploring. Kauai’s ice cream and shaved ice shops are a must-visit when staying at one of our fabulous beachfront Kauai rentals.
In this article, we’ll highlight some of Kauai’s best shave ice and ice cream shops that you should visit for a sweet treat.
Ice Cream & Gelato
Ice cream and gelato are among the most popular frozen treats people worldwide enjoy. Kauai ice cream is well-known for its creamy, rich texture and unique flavors inspired by the island’s culture and native fruits.
Some of the best ice cream on Kauai can be found in small mom-and-pop stores that serve everything from traditional vanilla to coconut, passionfruit, and pineapple flavors.
Papalani Gelato
Papalani (meaning “Heaven” in the native Hawaiian language) Gelato is a famous ice cream and gelato shop known for its delicious and unique flavors. Papalani Gelato has become a must-visit spot for anyone visiting the island, and according to their site, their mission is to serve customers with “Heaven on a cone”. This mission is also reflected in their commitment to sustainability in all that they do. From locally sourced ingredients to energy-efficient equipment, Papalani Gelato is focused on providing guests with delicious treats that are made ethically.
At Papalani Gelato, customers can choose from various gelato flavors made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. They also carry dairy-free and gluten-free options such as sorbet and a variety of homemade baked goods. One of their specialties is gelato cake!
Lappert’s
Lappert’s Hawaii is a popular ice cream chain with three locations on the island of Kauai; Hanapepe, Poipu, and Princeville. Each location offers a unique atmosphere and a wide range of delicious and unique ice cream flavors.
Walter Lappert, a California ice cream maker who fell in love with the island during a trip to Kauai, launched the business. Inspired by the flavors of the island, he decided to open an ice cream shop that would reflect the spirit of Hawaii.
Today, Lappert’s offers a wide range of ice cream flavors, sorbets, and baked goods made with high-quality ingredients and a commitment to quality. Some of their specialties include ice creams with coconut, macadamia nut, and fudge. They also carry their own brand of roasted coffee sold by the pound.
Furthermore, Lappert’s offers a unique experience for customers visiting its shops. The shops are decorated with colorful murals and island-inspired decor, making them a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a sweet treat after exploring the island.
Kauai Shave Ice
Kauai shave ice is a popular treat among locals and tourists on the island. Made from finely chipped ice and flavored syrups, the result is a soft and icy treat served piled high in a cup. It is a refreshing and delicious way to cool off on a hot day.
Waikomo Shave Ice
Waikomo Shaved Ice is known for serving up some of the best shave ice on Kauai.
What sets Waikomo Shave Ice apart from other shaved ice shops on the island is its dedication to using high-quality, natural ingredients and creating unique flavor combinations. The shop uses only pure cane sugar in its syrups and has over 50 varieties. Customers can customize their shaved ice by adding toppings such as ice cream, sweetened condensed milk, and mochi balls.
In addition to its delicious shaved ice, Waikomo is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The store is family-owned and run, and the staff is always happy to chat with customers and suggest flavor combinations.
JoJo’s Shave Ice
Originally opened in Waimea in 1992, JoJo’s Shave Ice provides Kauai guests and locals with traditional Hawaiian shave ice. They offer a range of unique flavors, including fresh-squeezed lemonade, passionfruit, and coconut. Their syrups are made with pure cane sugar, and while you won’t find many toppings at JoJo’s, they offer sweetened creams and ice cream as an addition to their ices.
Jo-Jo’s is known for its fun and welcoming atmosphere. The shop features colorful and whimsical decor, and the staff is always happy to chat with customers and recommend the best flavor combinations.
Jo-Jo’s also offers a loyalty program where customers can earn rewards for frequent visits.
Wishing Well Shave Ice
The Wishing Well Shave Ice shop is a family-owned business that has operated for over 30 years and has earned a reputation for providing some of the best shave ice on the island.
It derives its name from the custom of making a wish and throwing a coin into a well. The shop’s owners wanted to provide a similar experience for their customers by offering a unique and memorable treat that would bring joy and happiness into their lives.
The shop uses a machine that produces fine and fluffy shaved ice that is refreshing and delicious for a hot summer day. The ice is shaved perfectly, ensuring every bite is flavorful and enjoyable. Like other shaved ice stores, the Wishing Well is well-known for its vast selection of flavors and toppings.
In addition to its delicious shaved ice, the Wishing Well also serves coffee, smoothies, and acai. The shop is a popular spot for locals and visitors, and its pleasant and inviting ambiance only adds to its allure. For more Kauai coffee recommendations, check out our article on the best Kauai coffee shops located near our rentals.
Plan Your Visit
The shave ice isn’t the only thing that’s sweet in Kauai – check our our luxurious Kauai vacation rentals and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
Uncle’s Shave Ice
Uncle’s Shave Ice is a dessert store that has been in business for over 20 years and has become one of the most popular places to get a refreshing treat.
Uncle’s Shave Ice differs from other shave ice shops in Kauai because they pay close attention to the details and only use the best ingredients. Their shaved ice is produced with purified water, ensuring it is clean and free of impurities that could affect the taste. The syrups used are made from high-quality ingredients and are meticulously combined to produce a bold and refreshing flavor.
In addition to its shaved ice, Uncle’s offers other sweet treats like popsicles and frozen chocolate-covered bananas. Furthermore, the shop also sells a variety of merchandise, including T-shirts, hats, and stickers, which has become popular among customers looking for souvenirs to take home with them.
Book with Kauai Calls
When planning your trip, look no further than Kauai Calls for your Kauai vacation rental. Our beachfront Kauai vacation rentals offer all the comforts of your home while also providing you with breathtaking views. Or maybe you’d like to stay at the Waipouli Beach Resort Kauai condo rentals with access to luxurious amenities such as resort pools and a fitness center. No matter which rental type you choose, don’t settle for a mediocre vacation – book Kauai Calls and experience Kauai’s best!
