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Though known for my ice cream, enthusiasm, I am also a fan of shave ice. While traveling around Hawaii, our plan, try as many icy treats as possible. As I research, I learn no shave ice tour is complete, without visiting Hawaii’s most famous shave ice shop, Matsumoto Shave Ice. 

Matsumoto Shave Ice, is located on the island of Oahu, in the North Shore town, of Haleiwa. The shave ice shop is part of the Haleiwa Store Lots, shopping/eating complex. There is a free parking lot, behind the complex, as well as public restrooms.  

The line wraps around the building. While some approach the line, shrug, and claim that the shave ice, “can’t be that good,” we join the masses. 

Like our experience at Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, this Shave Ice icon, is a well-oiled machine.

Menus and signs, line the queue. The sign implores customers to know exactly what they want, before stepping up to the order counter. 

We try a lot of shave ice in Hawaii. Matsumoto Shave Ice is our #1. The three things that make Matsumoto Shave Ice the best…

Ice Texture-To qualify as shave ice, the ice texture, must be fine. If the ice is chunky, it’s a snow cone, not shave ice. There are some places that have extra, extra, fine ice. The texture then becomes creamy. It’s more like ice cream. Matsumoto Shave Ice has the most traditional, powdery, shave ice, texture. The ice is not so fine, that it is no longer icy, nor is it chunky. 

Syrup-The best shave ice shops/trucks, use homemade, flavor, syrups. They taste more like fresh juice, and less like, sugary, thick, corn syrup. Matsumoto’s individual syrup flavors really pop. You can taste the freshness of the fruit. 

The menu choices are numerous and daunting. Thankfully, Matsumoto has combination suggestions, for the indecisive, or shave ice newbies. We pick their Tropical Combo. The Tropical Combo includes three syrups, passion fruit, guava, and mango. We add a traditional, condensed milk, topping. 

The Show– At some of the shave ice shops, in Hawaii, you order at a counter, have a seat, and wait to be called to claim your order. Your icy treat is made behind the scenes. Some shops have areas at the counter, where you can have a peak at the shave ice making process. At Matsumoto, watching the art of shave ice, makes this visit, an event. I enjoy places that include preparation viewing. 

At Matsumoto, you order at the counter on one side of the room, then continue in line, until you reach the side, where you pick-up your order.  While you wait, behind plexi-glass, are staff, on full display. They are preforming a complex, beautiful, shave ice-making ballet.

My only regret, despite the length of the line, in moves fast. We only get a few minutes to see the ice-making show, before our orders are in hand.

Matsumoto Shave Ice’s outdoor seating area, is large. There are no issues finding a seat. Some of Hawaii’s most recognized residents, saunter around the tables.  

Family-owned, Matsumoto Shave Ice, is one of the most renowned, shave ice shops, in Hawaii. The ice is fine and powdery, the syrups are fresh, and the customer service is top-notch. It’s a must for shave ice and/or icy treat lovers.

Don’t be deterred by the line, their organization is exceptional, and it moves quickly. If like us, you are spending a day driving around Oahu’s North Shore, or even if you are staying in Waikiki, and have a car, be sure to make a stop at Matsumoto Shave Ice. 

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