Matsumoto's Shave Ice

One of Oahu’s most popular shave ice shops, Matsumoto’s Shave Ice serves colorful, cool Hawaiian treats to nearly one thousand people every day. Stop by the M. Matsumoto Grocery Store in the heart of Haleiwa Town for a syrupy delight some people call “snow cones”. You’ll find groups of people slurping shave ice on the sidewalks outside on any given day. Walk indoors and you’ll see a menu with a near innumerable amount of flavors (okay, there’s about 40) to choose from. Shave ice is best after a day at the beach!

History

Opened in 1951, the M. Matsumoto Grocery Store didn’t feature shave ice at first. But in the 1960s, store owners Mamoru and Helen Momoyo Matsumoto welcomed three children to their lives—and they needed to expand their business to support their growing family. Delicious homemade syrup and the perfect location helped Matsumoto’s attract “carloads of racing enthusiasts” and “waves of surfers” to the shop. Matsumoto’s has remained a favorite for locals and visitors ever since.

• Location: Haleiwa Town, Oahu.
• Amenities: Groceries, souvenirs, clothing, gifts, lots of shave ice, snacks, beach goods.
• Insider Tip: If you don’t know which flavors to choose, try one of the combinations like The Rainbow.
• Fun Fact: Try the azuki beans---a sweet, red bean treat that’s added under your shave ice. It’s a nod to the owners’ Japanese roots!
• What To Expect: Colorful flavors of all kinds. Benches filled with happy, syrup slurping customers. Local musicians jamming outside. Tons of Matsumoto-branded materials like shirts and mugs. Beautiful Haleiwa Town.
• Pop Culture: You’ll find snapshots of celebrities like Tom Hanks, Konishiki, and many others who enjoy Matsumoto’s Shave Ice.