Matsumoto Shaved Ice: Haleiwa (North Shore), Oahu, HI, USA
I really enjoy going to Matsumoto each time that I have been to Oahu. For some reason, I’ve only always been to the North Shore location. Being born in southeast Asia, I’ve always had a fondness for the tropical fruit flavors. We tried the following flavors: lilikoi, yuzu, and guava (combination one). Other flavors were: lychee, matcha (combination two).
Service was very quick and prompt. There is always a line, but it is worth it because the line moves very fast. It is located next to a general store. There is a very large selection of flavors to choose from. Mind you, this is different from Taiwanese shaved ice which is made with milk already frozen into the ice before it is shaved. It is also much more simple than the korean bingsoo shaved ice which comes with ice-cream and multiple toppings. But it is very refreshing, especially on a hot day or after soaking in the sun.
PROS:
– quick and prompt service: fast moving line
– large assortment of flavors
– good amount of shaved ice, even for the price
CONS:
– can be a bit messy but not as messy as the stores that serve Hawaiian shaved ice in a plastic portable cone. (not a real con)

lilikoi, guava, yuzu

lychee, matcha
Definitely check them out. There are other locations that may be more convenient. The north shore is at most an hour drive away so for us coming from major cities on the mainland this is not a big deal. I would almost always make it a point to get Matsumoto’s when I come to Oahu and hope to try out the other locations as well!
66-111 Kamehameha HwySte 605
Haleiwa, HI 96712
R/g