Ice Garden

This place is a summer necessity or all year long necessity I should say lol! I’m here every weekend. They ladies that work here are just the absolute sweetest! Can’t get Mochi balls like theirs anywhere else

This cute little place is located in Aiea, right under Aiea Bowl, same level as McDonald’s.
This place is owned by cute little Older Asian ladies. They actually make the items, themselves. (So please be patient when they’re making it, when it’s busy).
I like to get the custard one. I believe it’s #11. The custard melts in the mouth & the condensed milk just goes perfectly with the mix! Love it!
The price is great, for what you get. They’re great!

Ice Garden is the place to go on a hot, muggy afternoon if you are in the Pearl City/​Aiea area. Tucked away on the mid level of the Aiea shopping center, this small shop has a loyal following of area residents. The same two ladies have been working the counter since I can remember. cranking out bowl after bowl of cold, frozen, delicious treats. Ice Garden also sells other food. but I’ve only seen people order the shave ice bowls. Go early if you want the custard add on, they only make so many per day and usually run out by early/​mid afternoon.
Food: Great variety of pre designed bowls or design your own. We also go for the #9 Root Beer, Ice Cream with Mochi Balls and the #20 Red Beans, Milk with Mochi Balls. Not a huge portion like some of the other places in town but just enough to satisfy your craving. The ice is shaved down so it melts in your mouth, the syrup ratio is perfect, and the toppings are always fresh.
Service: Two little old ladies run the counter, there is usually a line but it’s worth the wait. No frills service, get to the counter, place your order, and wait for bowl of goodness.
Atmosphere: Small store front, there’s a front window that faces the parking lot that I’ve never seen staffed. Walk into the enclosed mall and get in line to place your order. There are seats at the counter inside the shop or you can grab a seat on one of the benches either indoors or out. Bonus going indoors on hot days as it is comfortably air conditioned.
Value: about $ 4.50 — $ 5.00 per bowl, can get higher the more extras you add on. I personally like that it’s served in a bowl versus other places that serve in a paper cone. keeps the stickiness factor to a minimum. The price seems high versus the cost of raw ingredients but it’s worth it when finish your bowl and drink the remaining melted ice/​syrup at the bottom!
Overall: Of course we’ll be back as summer once again is upon us, the best way to beat the afternoon heat!

Finally got to try Ice Garden!
Not gonna lie… Kind of disappointed. While I did enjoy my shave ice (we had a blue vanilla with ice cream, Mochi balls combo and added a pudding), the price and what I got didn’t seem wrote it. $ 6.28 for a sad lump :(It was delicious, don’t get me wrong. I loved eating it, but for $ 6, I wish it was bigger!
Not on my list of favorite places to get shave ice, but I do appreciate the aunties that work hard there! I recommend Ice Forest in downtown — very similar, bigger portions.

Not open. Closed? Supposedly open til 5p. Not so. No hours posted if it is different.

I LOVE THIS PLACE. I’ve been coming here ever since I was a little kid and no other shave ice place has even come close. The two old ladies are so sweet too! I recommend that you get the number 7 and you won’t regret it. Sometimes they run out of pudding so get it when you can!

WOW. I don’t even remember the last time I went here. I remember coming here all the time when I was in middle school and high school. The same two elderly ladies have been running the shop ever since. I used to love their shave ice and their toppings… Things have changed.
I don’t think I’ve ever experienced the ladies being rude but that’s changed today. We were the only ones in the store (5 of us) and they acted as if they had other customers waiting where we felt rushed and when we asked a question, they started talking in their own language which for sure was about us lol. I hate that I have to say something negative about them because they are really sweet. Maybe they were having a bad day?
I still give them 3 stars because of the flavors they offer and great toppings. I love the pudding and mochi balls on my shave ice. The pudding is pretty much flan, which taste so yummy with shave ice! I wish they would put more syrup though, look at the rainbow shave ice we got, all ice underneath…
Besides the negative part, I still recommend people trying this place out :)

One of our favorite spots for shave ice. The kids love the rainbow and we like #7 (with sweet milk, mochi and custard) and a #8(sweet milk and custard) with chocolate syrup.

What can I say about this place? Shop is ran by two elderly ladies who seem to have a good thing going! Different unique topping as well as your traditional shave ice flavors. Ice is not as fine as I would like it but the toppings are just too great to mind that. Come early to try their pudding that they put on your shave ice, it’s just like a flan. Odd right? Don’t knock it til you try it. Toppings include chocolate drizzle, oatmeal, taro, evaporated milk, and mochi balls to name a few. Pictures are provided which is good because you might order something and expect something else. I hope the two women who own the shop have someone to take over though, it’d be a shame for them to close down due to retiring.

Still my favorite shave ice place on the island! The taro here is the best I’ve had. Add the mochi and it’s the perfect combo! The old ladies who work have gotten slower over the years but are still as hardworking and kind. I do feel bad watching them work and I almost feel the need to jump back there and help. I hope they never close this place. We always come multiple times whenever we’re in Hawaii. They also have new hours that she posted today. 12 – 5 everyday.

What do you do when you roll into town? Go to ice gardens! The best shave ice around!!! The two old ladies behind the counter have been doing this since I was a little girl. They have ALL the condiments. Mochi balls, tapioca, pudding (flan), and more!

Tried this place out and I was disappointed. It’s affordable, but the ice was shaved like mainland style ice cones, not that fine shave ice kind of style. The strawberry syrup was not very tasty and seemed watered down, and the ice cream was so chang and small… The older ladies were friendly though. I wouldn’t go out of my way to come here again and I’ll stick to regular shave ice places.

Haven’t been here in years. Good to see the two little old ladies are still making the shaved ice!
Got here about half an hour after they opened on Sunday and it was already busy!
I had the #14, rainbow with ice cream then I added mochi balls and custard. My gf had the ice milk with azuki beans, mochi balls and custard.
I think this might be the only place that has custard as a topping.
Always good!

I’ve been coming here for years, and I hope they never close! it is run by two older Japanese ladies. Their shave ice is something unique. The ice is soft, the toppings are great, and the syrup is also delicious.
I usually get strawberry with mochi balls and ice cream. I also enjoy the chocolate oatmeal with mochi balls.
If you get there early enough I would recommend adding the pudding/​custard. So yummy!
The prices are very affordable!

Been here for years. The two ladies are practically a landmark here! The best shave ice with the yummiest toppings.

I thought this place would be better, with all the high reviews and recommendations it had. But it was ok! When we walked into the little shop (which is inside the Mini Mall), one of the ladies was cutting raw chicken in plain sight and on the same counter that the shaved ice was being prepared on, which made me slightly lose my appetite. But that didn’t stop me from carrying out my sweet tooth mission– I had the milk shaved ice, with condensed milk, mochi, vanilla ice cream, and pudding. My daughters had the blue ice with mochi and vanilla ice cream. Both were yummy, but the portions were small, and the flavor, texture, and quality of the shaved ice weren’t superior to other places I’ve tried around the island. One thing that I did enjoy, however, was the pudding it came with. It was just like leche flan, and I really liked it with my shaved ice. All in all, the bowls that I tried weren’t spectacular, but they were good.

My first time trying this place with my kids. The portion is kinda small which is why it’s super cheap. The service from the sweet ladies were cool. I don’t know, it just didn’t wow me. I got the classic rainbow flavor with ice cream and mochi balls. My kids too felt it was ok. Maybe I gotta give it another try one day and try the custard that some people here posted about. I still think Shimazu in Kalihi is the best on the island. Their kids size is at least 5 times the size as this place for less than $ 7 with snowcap and ice cream. Just my opinion

Really soft ice.
Really good toppings.
Really cheap prices.
I really LOVE getting rainbow with pudding AND mochi balls! Occasionally, I’ll add vanilla ice cream, too.

5 stars for the the BEST shave ice on Oahu + the sweetest family owned spot.
I always get the strawberry flavor with mochi and vanilla ice cream!
The rainbow flavor is also good so you get a little taste of everything.
Ranging from $ 2-​$ 5 a bowl depending what flavor (s) you get and what you add on (ice cream, pudding, mochi etc)
Their mochi is super soft and chewy, again the BEST! Comparable to magic mountains one although ice gardens mochi balls are bite size lol. I love them!
The vanilla ice cream goes well with literally any flavor. I’m not a custard fan but the custard here is REALLY GOOD! I don’t get it too often but if my friends order it (which they usually do) I’ll always take a bite (or five lol).
You won’t be disappointed with anything you order from here :)

I started frequenting this spot back in 95! It’s a very tight fit in there as the seating is bar style. The have different items to choose from. I think, if not, the first… on the island to have served such style of shave ice. Which is probably why they thrived.
Their shave ice is pretty good! I only frequent two shave ice spots when I am back on the island. This being one of ‘em. I come in not only for nostalgia, but I just love seeing the two sisters working side-​by-​side. I love how they tell me my
what limited English they have. They’re always so pleasant if you are accustomed to such service and demeanor. When you thank them so much, compliment them… they light up and finally break a smile. You can see their genuine gratitude.
I remember as a little girl seeing all the types of shave ice and thinking how they look like mini-​meals but in a dessert fashion. You don’t have to order what is exactly. on the menu. You can definitely create your own deelish. I ALWAYS opt for simple when it comes to my shave ice.
Here, I order the strawberry shave ice with ice cream. Bam. How fun am I! But it is so good. I can’t imagine adding anymore toppings because I feel like you’ll lose out on the shave ice experience. Although, who am I to judge when every person’s shave ice experience is to each their own. Anyway, the one time I tried living life on the edge here was when I opted for the li-​hing mui shave ice. Hated it. I didn’t like the syrup at all. I couldn’t even finish it… just ended up ordering another one.
Maybe my taste buds have changed and it could possibly taste better next time around. This is a place locals should definitely frequent and support. They have been around a long time and I swear they never age. They serve great shave ice! Their mochi balls always taste fresh! The ice is the perfect snow for what they’re doing. Give it a shot! You won’t regret it.
I always go whenever I’m back home. Wouldn’t be a complete trip without making that stop.

Aka the two little old ladies who keep on keeping on. How many years have this pair been serving up fine shave ice with mochi balls? Forever it seems, but the taste is great as ever. Service might have slowed a bit but prices are fair and worth the wait. Seating is sparse inside and outside but turnover is quick.

Tried Ice Garden for the first time yesterday. I ordered a banana shave ice with ice cream and pudding. My friends have raved about this place and I read the pudding was good so I finally decided to stop by.
The shop was tiny and a bit shabby. Two cute elderly ladies were working. After some confusion I managed to put in my custom order and the little old lady sitting at the counter worked out how much I owed by pen and paper.
The other woman quickly put together my order. I asked her for extra syrup and she chided me, «too much syrup no good for you.» But she still poured some for me anyways.
My shave ice was pretty good! The texture wasn’t as fine as Waiola (my favorite) but it wasn’t chunky either. The syrup was decent, the ice cream was of negligible taste and portion size, but the pudding was winner! Creamy and delicious, plus it added a bit of saltiness for extra dimension to my dessert. I will definitely get two orders of pudding next time.
I would recommend Ice Garden if you are in search of a yummy, creamy, shave ice snack served by adorable grandmas.

I remember coming here as a kid, and it was my all time favorite. I usually order something basic — strawberry shave ice with ice cream and mochi balls. The ice is really fine and soft. :) Also, the mochi balls are soft and not hard to chew!
This time I purchased shave ice topped with ice cream, mochi balls, chocolate, and oatmeal. The oatmeal isn’t like breakfast oatmeal. It’s a lot more gooey textured. Makes a great topping for shave ice (who would’ve known).
I’ve read a lot of reviews about their pudding being great, so that’s definitely a must try for next time. (Especially since I’ve never had pudding topped on shave ice ever in my life! Boy. I must be missing out…)

The best shave ice. Better than Matsumoto in Haleiwa. But when I’m in the north shore, I go.
Here, my favorite is the #7 with ice cream.
Very easy to miss, entrance is in the mini mall. & it’s also a really tiny space. They have limited seating. But there are benches in the mall & tables outside to the left near the escalators.
Two little ladies run this joint & I don’t know what they doing here, but whatever is is, they’re doing it right!
Doors open at 12 on a Sunday. We came here at 11:40 & there were a few people waiting already. I’ve never been here when I didn’t have to wait. But I promise you, it’s 110% worth it.
& caution. If you come later in the day, they might not have pudding. & trust me, YOU WANT THE PUDDING!

Though the prices keep rising and the shave ice takes longer to come out, I can’t stop coming to this place!
The ladies working work their little tails off. I am so impressed at them being able to run the shop for so long (my parents have grown up on this shave ice too).
However, the thing that keeps me coming back is the product! I always get 29 with pudding. The pudding is the best custard anything in all of the land that I have ever tried, from flan, to crème brûlée this thing is money. The caramelization is just out of this world. I love it with the chocolate, oatmeal, milk and mochi balls but it is also so tasty with any of the other flavors.
Keiki love the strawberries with mochi balls. My brothers also swear by the li hing and orange flavors. Both have the perfect sweetness and tang.
This place is worth the wait so come by!

In the same parking lot as McDonald’s. There’s plenty of parking. The two Taiwanese owners are sisters and speak Japanese. They are famous for the pudding and mochi balls. You can try the crispy peanuts which surprisingly goes well with shaved ice. Taro and oatmeal are also good.

Ice Garden is by far my favorite shaved ice that I’ve had in Oahu.
The women that work there are very sweet and the ice is delicious!
I’ve gotten numbers 7 and 16, both great choices.
Number 7 has pudding, mochi and milk flavoring. I got this one the first time I came and it was an excellant choice because all toppings were tasty and went well with the ice.
Number 16 has mochi, chocolate syrup, oatmeal, and milk flavoring. This is a good choice if you want something that isn’t too sweet, but still has a lot of flavor.
I highly reccomend this place for its toppings.

Ice Garden is my favorite shave ice place because not only is their shave ice delicious, but so are the toppings they offer. I love, love their mochi and pudding. I have yet to try a place that has better mochi and pudding. You can also get ice cream, azuki bean, taro, condensed milk and much more!
The shave ice comes in one size, but with the extra toppings, the shave ice can run you $ 6+. The little old lady making your shave ice will also take your money and not wash her hands in between. But the risk of getting sick is totally worth it and watching the little old lady make your shave ice will make you want to give her all your money anyway.

Not sure if anyone remembers Gems but these two Cantonese ladies are the original owners from way back when. My dad took me there 25 years ago. The shave ice has never changed still the same homemade goodness. Prices are reasonable. Always a long line but so worth it!
Get the pudding/​flan thing it’s so yummy and I also recommend the Mochi balls, Tapioca, oatmeal, omg now I’m drooling need to drive there pronto.