A truly great shave ice (like the one served at Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice on Maui) requires quite a bit more skill and care than pouring syrup over crushed ice for, say, a snow cone. The light, fluffy flakes of shaved ice absorb more of the flavoring than crushed ice does, and with the proper cuddling and patting motions the server uses to shape the dessert, the syrup should flow through the loosely woven ice, keeping every bite equally flavored. A poorly made shave ice is a sad sight, leaving the eater with wide swaths of unflavored ice.

Not only is it the best vegan shave ice in Hilo – it’s the best shave ice in Hilo, period. Even though they couldn’t be located in a more busy and touristy spot in town, Kula Shave Ice takes great care of their ingredients and pride themselves in serving quality desserts to the Hilo community and visitors alike. Their handcrafted syrups are made without dyes and preservatives, they make their own ice creams and toppings, and reduce waste and encourage their customers to BYO bowls!

Situated right next to the bustling Hilo Farmers’ Market, Kula Shave Ice is a must-visit gem in town. Offering a delightful array of flavors for their syrups, including the tantalizing Lilikoi Dreamsicle and the refreshing Lava Flow, this spot is a paradise for shave ice enthusiasts. The haupia cream topping adds a creamy touch that is simply divine.

If you’re on Hilo side, Kula Shave Ice is a favorite thanks to their organic and natural syrups, as well as their vegan ice cream options. Nicoco Hawaiian Gelato (in Hilo and Pahoa) is also a great choice for Big Island vegan desserts thanks to their handmade gelato featuring unique, local flavors.

You’ll find Kula Shave Ice at the Hilo Farmers Market and is arguable the best shave ice on the island. The is ice is fluffy with a creamy texture. Their flavorful homemade syrups use organic and locally sourced fruits; none of that food coloring, pure sugar stuff.

Shave Ice – Shave ice or Hawaiian shave ice is an ice-based dessert made by shaving a block of ice. To be correct, it’s ‘Shave Ice’ not Shaved Ice!. While the product can resemble a snow cone, snow cones are made with crushed, rather than shaved, ice.

Kula Shave Ice in Hilo Hawaii Island offers a more health-conscious and sustainable version of shave ice. They say they handcraft their flavors with organically grown/locally-sourced fruit, organic cane sugar, and ultra-filtered water.

Unlike normal shave ice, which uses gross artificial syrups, Kula uses local organic fruit to make theirs. The ice is perfectly shaved and all of the toppings are amazing too. I always get two flavors with coconut haupia cream on top.

Next to the market, enjoy a sweet snow cone at Kula Shave Ice, or if you are feeling like something savory try the fresh island fish at Poke n Sides; the perfect hangout spot that feeds visitors and locals alike.

We also wanted to try One Aloha Shave Ice, Kula Shave Ice, and Wilson’s By the Bay, but we were too full to eat anymore.