Hawaiian Shave Ice

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Sweet, delicious, colorful and refreshing Hawaiian shave ice is great for summer and party gatherings. Life is good when you have loco moco or spam musubi for the meal and enjoy this Hawaiian shaved ice for dessert! Let’s learn how to make Hawaiian shaved ice for your treat, dessert or gatherings. Also, this simple and delicious Hawaiian shaved ice recipe has step by step photos and a video.

Love sweets? Check out these Asian shaved ice, honeydew popsicle, taro ice cream, mango popsicles, chocolate strawberries, red bean ice drink, almond jello, papaya milk and lychee slush recipes.

What is Hawaiian shave ice?

Hawaiian shaved ice is a type of shaved ice and popular frozen dessert that originated in Hawaii. It consists of finely shaved or crushed ice topped with various colored and flavored syrups. These syrups come in a variety of flavors such as strawberry, pineapple, blue raspberry, coconut, mango, watermelon and more. Each syrup adds its own distinct taste and vibrant color to the dessert. The flavored syrup can be based on your preference.

Often, Hawaiian shave ice with additional toppings such as sweetened condensed milk, fresh fruit slices, mochi balls, sweet azuki beans and a scoop of ice cream. These toppings provide and add an extra layer of texture, flavor and visual appeal to the dessert.

Hawaiian shaved ice is one of my favorite desserts and I miss the great memories hanging out with friends after going to the beach when I lived in Hawaii.

History and cultural significance of Hawaiian shave ice:

The history and cultural significance of Hawaiian shave ice are deeply rooted in the traditions and multicultural heritage of Hawaii. The concept of shaved ice was introduced to Hawaii by Japanese immigrants who arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Kakigori is a well known dessert in Japan and has been enjoyed for centuries. Because Japanese immigrants brought their ice shaving techniques and blended with Hawaiian flavors, ingredients to create a unique fusion dessert.

Hawaiian shaved ice is commonly associated with festivals and celebrations in Hawaii such as local fairs, cultural festivals, beach parties and family gatherings. Over time, Hawaiian shave ice has become an iconic treat associated with Hawaii. Therefore, visitors and tourists seek out shaved ice during their trips to experience a classic Hawaiian dessert. It embodies the spirit of aloha, reflecting the relaxed and vibrant lifestyle of the islands.

What makes Hawaiian shave ice so good?

Hawaiian shaved ice is so good because of its appeal, texture, flavors, refreshing and cooling. First of all, Hawaiian shave ice is shaved and crushed finely, fluffy, light and almost like snow. The delicate texture allows the ice to absorb and hold the flavors of the syrups and create a delightful mouthfeel.

Also, it offers an extensive range of flavors which allows for customization and personalization. It can be from classic fruit flavors like strawberry, pineapple, and watermelon to more unique options. You can pick the flavor to suit your taste. Besides, you can choose your topping such as sweetened condensed milk, fresh fruit, sweet azuki beans and a scoop of ice cream. This versatility allows you to tailor your preferences. Therefore, people enjoy more and love this treat and dessert.

What is the difference between Asian shaved ice and Hawaiian shaved ice?

Actually, they are very similar. The only main difference is the syrup. Most of the Asian shaved ice do not use colored flavored syrup. The sweetness usually comes from sweet condensed milk and sweet azuki beans. Also, Asian shaved ice usually adds different kinds of fruit, boba, tapioca balls, grass jelly and popping balls. They use fruits and other toppings as a color visual attraction rather than colored flavored syrup.

What are the ingredients in Hawaiian shave ice?

In this Hawaiian shaved rice recipe, I used 5 simple ingredients: ice cubes, colored flavored syrup, sweet azuki beans, sweet condensed milk and ice cream.

Hawaiian shaved ice ingredients top view

Cooking tips for how to make Hawaiian shave ice:

Use a better and powerful shave ice machine, so the ice can be shaved fine and small. You can see the different shave ice machines, the texture is slightly different in this Asian shaved ice recipe.
You can use your preferred colored flavored syrups. Any flavor is ok. Choose better quality syrup.
Add sweet condensed milk according to your sweetness.
Topping ingredients in this Hawaiian shave ice recipe I choose sweet azuki beans and ice cream because they are the best combination in taste and texture.

FAQs:

What kind of colored syrup do you use?

You can use any flavor or type of colored syrups. Personally, I like to use the Torani brand colored flavored syrup because it has great flavor and quality.

Where can I get sweet adzuki beans?

You can buy them at the Asian store, they usually come in a can or a bag. In the package in the bag usually is a paste like. It works fine as well. You can also make your own sweet red bean or paste at home.

What kind of ice cream do you use?

I like to use vanilla flavored ice cream because it tastes great when combined with other flavors. It adds a creamy texture and sweetness to the shaved ice.

What kind of shaved ice machine do you recommend?

I like to use this Snowie shave ice machine because it is smaller in size. Also, it makes fine and small shaved ice. It is great for home use and party gatherings. Only downside of the electronic shave ice machine, they are loud when crushing the ice cubes.

However, it is a good investment to get a better shaved ice machine if you and your kids like shaved ice. If you want a commercial grade shaved ice machine, you can check out this shaved ice machine.

Instructions for how to make Hawaiian shaved ice:

ice cubes in the shaved ice machine top view

1. Put 2 cups of ice cube (11 oz) into the Snowie shaved ice machine, then plug in the power and push the lid.

2. Shaved ice will come out and use a bowl or cup to hold it.

pour colored flavored syrup on the shaved ice

3. Pour your favorite colored syrup on the shaved ice, around 2 tablespoons of each color. (I did strawberry, blueberries, orange and lime.)

sweet red beans paste add into a bowl of colored shave ice

4. After that, add 2 tablespoons of sweet red beans or paste.

a scoop of ice cream and sweet red beans add into the bowl of colored shave ice

5. Put a scoop of vanilla ice cream (2 oz).

drizzled sweet condensed milk on the Hawaiian shave ice

6. Lastly, drizzle 1 tablespoon of sweet condensed milk on the top of shaved ice. You can add more sweet condensed milk to your taste.

Enjoy this refreshing and delicious Hawaiian shaved ice recipe! Also, check out these baked salmon, massaman curry, pho noodle soup, mango pomelo sago, japchae Korean glass noodles, Thai chicken pizza, Thai peanut sauce and cashew shrimp recipes.