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We went here after a long cruise to the Na Pali Coast and it hit the spot. My wife loved the snow cone with the ice cream at the bottom. We split a medium Rainbow; which is a number 1 on there menu. I was over the treat after a few bites, but my wife continued to indulge.
Overall, Jo Jo's is cheap and yummy after a long adventure through Kauai. Jo Jo's gives you many options to create your master snow cone which will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Food: A little too much syrup
Service: Slow, only one worker
Price: Extremely reasonable
Yes, they have a ton of flavors and the mac ice cream underneath is a must try. But I think they smother the shaved ice with the syrup, and pack down the ice just a little too much so that it isn't as fluffy as is should be.
Ono Ono Shaved Ice (adjacent to the Ono Restaurant) in Waimea is an excellent must try!
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Jo Jo's shave ice is the cherry on top of a hot Kauai day. Alot of the time it's overrun with tourists (like me) and it's hot and stuffy inside, but the shave ice is pretty good. I ordered a shave ice with lilikoi, mango, coconut and wonderfully tasty macadamia nut ice cream settled at the bottom.
Cons: the shave ice was really chunky towards the bottom, and the ice wasn't shaved finely enough for me to spoon it out without accidently dropping some. Service was more like 'ainokea' and she almost seemed annoyed at us. The location itself was rickety and a little smelly.
I'd opt for the other location around the corner. The employees said it's basically the same thing as the one on the main street, and the one around the corner is airconditioned and doesn't smell. Otherwise, Jo Jo's is a gem.
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This is NOT the original JoJo's Shave Ice. The original is located in the back which is not visible to the main road.
My friends and I went to this one because the service is supposed to be faster but when we got there only one guy was working and eventually a huge line formed. Poor guy.
The shave ice was good. Lots of flavors to choose from.
The macadamia nut ice cream has actual bits of nut so it's only for those who like chunkyness in their ice cream.
Don't understand the big buzz. Standard ice - kinda rough (almost snow cone like), not finely shaven as at Wailoa shave ice in Oahu but better than the other shave ice i've had so far. They over syrup the cups so they're super sticky sweet until you get to the ice cream at the bottom (if you choose the kind with ice cream, which I'd recommend). We had the tropical flavor combo with mac nut ice cream + azuki bean. large for $6.50. Over all a great combo, but for the reasons stated above plus the super slow service -- 3 stars. The gal even walked out the door and went down the street with store un-manned for ~10min.
There's a sign on the door that says the hours of operation are pretty much whenever they feel like working, which I thought was a cute joke, but I guess thats their mission statement. Tolerable on the island when you're on vacation. Would drive me nuts at home.
People thought this was:
JoJo's Shave is the BOMB!!!
We got a travel guide from Barnes and Noble and it was voted as one of the best places eat shave ice on the island - we had to check it out!
When we got there, we didn't expect to see such a tiny building for such a well known spot, but the line that wrapped around the building sparked our interested and we marked our spot in line.
They've got quite a large selection to choose from, a bunch of different flavors for your shave ice and ice cream at the bottom of it. I ended up getting some rainbow stuff for my shave ice with the macadamian nut ice cream on the bottom. My hubby got the halo halo, and all I can say is that I was in shave ice heaven. The fruity flavors blended with the ice and combined with that creamy and delicious macadamian nut ice cream is just to die for. I didn't even have a taste of my husband's halo halo because I wanted to eat my shave ice. It was mine! ALL MINE!!!
When I go back to Kauai, one of the first stops we're making is at Jo Jo's Shave Ice because to have some of that in my belly is just pure bliss!!
Best shave ice I've ever had!
Tropical Rainbow over Macnut YUM!!!! I love lilikoi!
I can't say if it is the best since I am inexperienced in the shave ice dept. But this sure did hit the spot and I loved the dive-y shack-ness of the place. I enjoy the DIY painted, handwritten signs and the surf kids working the counter. I guess that means I like Hawaii in general.
Yummy, sweet, refreshing. I got the macadamia ice cream just because it was offered and i don't think I refused anything macadamia flavored in Hawaii.
We ate a bit at the shack then walked a bit down the street. pace yourself to avoid the brainfreeze.
People thought this was:
The best shaved ice in Hawaii! When we go to Kauai we always make a stop at jo jo's before heading to the canyon. You can't go wrong with any of them. I had the banana split shaved ice and it was great.
It can be busy but worth the wait.
I honestly tried this before Matsumoto's and i still believe it knocks it out the water!! Secret ingredient: Macadamia nut ice cream! We went to several different shave ice stands on both Kauai and Oahu..NO ONE serves this ice cream with their shave ice!!
I had the Mac Nut Ice Cream with Coconut and Pineapple flavoring..very simple but maaaaan.. I made trip allll the way from Kapaa just to get another dose before i left!
Was not impressed with shave ice. VERY small scoop of ice cream on the bottom. The flavors were not that good, the ice was in bigger chunks than other places.
My husband tried halo halo and had never had it before - they did not explain what it was and he didn't really like it that much. I've had better halo halo in California.
Yet again differing opinions between Jason S and I. He thinks this place ROCKS, 5 stars+. I think the one round the corner is better.
So here are why we differ;
- The syrup... 'Clubhouse' ladles it on. The other shop, Originals, syruping was generous but not overpowering, sugar headache ish. The syrup selection for Clubhouse, which guide books rave about, is not that amazing. In fact out of the three flavours I ordered, two weren't available that day (it was Kiwi and another obscure fruit).
- The ice... I am no connoisseur of shaved ice, I do know that it isn't suppose to clump especially on a colder day. On this occasion, I had clumping
- The service... none to speak of in this store. But then should I be expecting much service when I'm just walking in for a $3.50 treat? So he is one guy trying to churn out 8 ices at a time (for real - he takes down 8 orders and then makes them all together)... but how about a little smile?
You know what... these guys gave me some syrupy goodness at a decent price. Can't fault them for it.
3.5 stars.
I've had shaved ice before (at much affordable prices!) so this is not a novelty to me.
I had the jojo's special and was surprised to find so many treasures buried within the ice. I especially loved the "atap chee"s and nata de coco found within :)
Serving was a little too large for me to handle. If only they have half sizes.
People seem to like this place on Yelp, but were really disappointed.
The shave ice wasn't smooth enough, making it more like the consistency of a snow cone. Also, the amount of flavoring was off too. Some parts had too much, others had way too little.
There are many shave ice places, so I 'd have to suggest skipping this one.
Not sure how this place ever gets anything higher than * or **. Good selection of flavors but the ice is more crushed than shaved, the service is poor, and the smells are a bit off. Find another shave ice place until they can get this back on track.
I had NO idea there was a 'original' Jo Jo's...! Now I feel like such a tourist. The shaved ice here was still pretty good.... perfect texture, lots of flavors and wasn't crowded at all.
They ran out of azuki beans though. No azuki beans = minus one star
People thought this was:
It's a refreshing joint to get a cool shave ice in Kauai. They do have a lot of selections and they also serve halo halo. It's a shack looking place that is packed with locals and tourists. I tried to enjoy my shave ice, but all these flies kept buzzing around me. Parking was a pain too. I've had better shave ice in Honolulu.
Shave ice was good, dude was kind of a chode...
I wanted to like Jo Jo's more, really I did. Rated number one on the island on various lists, the line out the door and the 30-40 different flavors; surely sold me that it was gonna be a hit. I opted to make my own combination of flavors: mango, lychee and passion fruit with macadamia ice cream. Doesn't that sound like a piece of Hawaiian heaven? I was however, a bit disappointed as the syrups were too sweet, and almost had a chemically charged taste and the ice was chunky (more crushed than shaved). There's just one guy running the show and he has to be one patient guy cause he made orders like fiver or so at time, and the line seemed relentless.
We wondered if we should have opted to go to the Original Jo Jo's. The shaved ice stand near the Big Save in Kapaa is way way better.
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they definately have the best shave ice on Kauai......do not go for any other reason besides the flavor. the service, as most places on the island, is rude. Once you are finally helped by the girl who is looking you up and down like she has never seen a tourist before.....try the banana or the lilikoi....or both! I think those two flavors taste the best with the ice cream at the bottom!
Close your eye and picture this (or read this, then close your eyes):
MacNut ice cream topped with shave ice that is topped with stickiest, sweetest, most sugar-filled syrups of grape, lychee, and tamarind. You, my friend, have just envisioned a supreme concoction from JoJo's parlor of diabetic doom (TM).
We're not done though. Get back to your euphoric state of sugary bliss. Picture sweet jelly fruits topped with loads of coconut cream, syrup, adzuki beans and more coconut cream. You've just visually tasted the delicious Holo Holo, a treat sweet enough to crack your teeth and have you coming back for more.
To say JoJo's shave ice is good is an understatement. If this place were any tastier it would be illegal.
FIRST OF ALL, this is NOT the "real" Jo-Jo's mentioned in the Ultimate Kauai book. The writer must be updated. . . And I will do that soon.
We wanted the Halo-halo..... the guy said they were out and have been for a while and dont know when they will be getting more
We then wanted shave ice with ice cream and Azuki beans....... no azuki beans...... he doesnt know when he will be getting some because he said the azuki bean distributors havent been by for months.
We just settled for regular shave ice with ice cream
I overhear the person behind me get denied for peach flavor because they ran out of that flavor.......
Started eating and practically halfway done when We notice "The original Jo-Jo's" around the corner...... check in there and they have Azuki beans AND Halo Halo..... wtf?
Here's my issues with this place:
1) the guy lied to us because he probably didnt know what halo halo and azuki beans were, even they are the staples of REAL ORIGINAL Shave ice.
2) Take the things off the menu if you dont plan on serving things.....
3) Chill the syrups because the syrups were poured on and the shave ice just melted into one BIG chunk of ice...... not so fun to eat..... plus 20% of it melted before the exchange from his hands to mine, because of the warm syrup.....
HK's Advice:
SKIP IT..... dont fall for the trickery here. Go around the corner to the REAL place. If you dont believe me.... try both. You will thank me later.
Marginal. Large portions which is nice, but the attendant was so unhappy to be there I was getting second hand depression from him. They have 60 flavors which is cool, and after coming back from a hot day at Poli'hale anything would have tasted great!
The best hands down.... the shack reminded me of Kenya-- colorful outside and super small and cramped..... super dump... open it up and in front of you is a rack of Hawaiian Nudie Calendars and some ginger fudge-- am I in heaven?? The ice is shaved so thin and perfect its like nothing I have had on my tongue... 60 flavors are you serious!! They are like the Peet's coffee of shaved ice and mean serious biz--
"more than three flavors will dilute and ruin the taste" --
All I have to say is AMEN!
A whopping 60 flavors available and counting. This was my first shaved ice stop of many. A little pricey. I had a passion/orange and guava. The macadamia nut ice cream at the bottom was a surprise. Service is super slow, but they goods were delivered.
People thought this was:
This is the first shave ice place I tried on my trip to Hawaii and it was delicious.
I tried two different flavors:
rainbow: strawberry, vanilla, banana with macadamia nut ("macnut") ice cream
tropical rainbow: mango, lilikoi (passion fruit), guava and "macnut" ice cream
The ice was soft and finely shaven. It definitely melts in your mouth. The flavoring was just right and not too sweet.
The "macnut" ice cream did it for me. It was such a nice treat to have it on the bottom of the shave ice. The mixture of the shave ice and ice cream was a perfect combo.
I tried a few other shave ice places in Oahu and it just wasn't as good.
After a beautiful day of sightseeing at Waimea Canyon, we decided to search for Jo Jo's for some shave ice.
I ordered a small, which was more like a large, with 3 flavors: lychee, guava and mango. The ice was shaved perfectly and it was so smooth and melted in your mouth. I loved the lychee and guava the best. Remember to eat fast cause it'll melt in no time!
They make their own flavors
They take their time, perfecting their work of shave ice art
They are friendly, mellow and full of aloha
Maybe they like Bob Marley a little too much...
but hey, you are on vacation- you aren't in a hurry to get anywherez
and you are warm with the tropical sun.
Chillax on the benches and enjoy some shave ice with ice cream, brah.
One Love:
grape and pineapple with mac nut ice cream.
Peace.
FOUR 1/2 PAWS UP
People thought this was:
I don't really know what makes for good shave ice, but I imagine this is it. The thing is, there's a little too much syrup for me -- it's a bit too sweet. But it's also cool and refreshing. Getting it with ice cream on the bottom (mac nut, please) makes it especially yummy.
I like a frozen treats shack named after my woman. Sells a few souvenirs but is generally way down-to-earth. Stop on your way to or from Waimea Canyon. Kids will like it, too.
nice!
It was a perfect break from site seeing. I ordered the shave ice with 3 different flavors AND with MACADAMIA ice cream on the bottom. Wife still talks about Jo Jo's even after we're back home in So Cal.
While eating we took a walk around the back of the shop to a pier. Black sand...pretty interesting.
Everyone else has reviewed the Original JoJo's around the corner from this place, but we went here because it was highly recommended by The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook.
The shave ice was great! Over 60 flavors were to be had. We chose mango, watermleon, passion fruit, and guava. And, for another fifty cents, we each had a scoop of vanilla ice cream at the bottom of each cup. It sounds odd, but the vanilla ice cream actually softened the intense sweetness of the syrups. All of this for $2.50. It was a fun treat!
If you're into shave ice, then this is THE place to go on Kauai. The brightly painted door leads you into a shack of a place and inside you can get shave ice with a combination of any flavors you want, and there are more than 60 here to choose from.
Most people get the small as it's rather large already. It comes with 3 flavors with or without ice cream.
Very popular on the weekends so be prepared to wait because on the Sunday of our visit, only ONE person was working.
They have tshirts also for kids and those are $12 each.
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Shaved ice and ice cream?! Genius! We had the tropical rainbow #2. The shaved ice part kind of tasted like the big stick popsicle but if you combine it with the ice cream, it tastes great. It was very good and I was tempted to buy another one.
Once you get past the fact that this shave ice shop is a stinky little shack with no circulation and the guy making your shave ice looks like a reject from Metallica, no he's not that cool, Iron Maiden, you can appreciate the shave ice. The vanilla ice cream, lychee, and lilikoi shave ice was just what I needed on the way back from Waimea Canyon.
NB: It's shave ice. Shaved ice is so haole, brah.
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My fiance and I scheduled an action packed vacation last year in Kauai. We paddled the 17 miles down the Na Poli coast, snorkeled and were planning to to hike parts of the Waimea canyon. However a small spec of sand ended up scratching her cornea and forced her to be hotel bound for our last day on the island. What a bummer for what should have been a great weekend get away.
I ended up driving by myself into the canyon to take some pictures for her. On the way back, I stopped by Jo Jo's as recommended by our guidebooks and bought two shaved ices with ice cream. The line was long and the drive back to Lihue from Jo Jo's was tricky while trying to keep two shaved ices cold in the hot summer.
But the look of pure joy on her face when she dug into the ices and eventually found the surprise ice cream on the bottle was priceless. That really turned our last day into a total high point.
People thought this was:
I feel kinda bad giving this place 3 stars, as I'm sure the owners are resentful that they bought this popular store only to have the original owner open up a better one around the corner. Ladies and gentlemen, I hate to reveal this secret, but the original Jo Jo's (called Jo Jo's Anueanue Shave Ice) around the corner on Pokole Road is so much better. Most guidebooks mention this location on Kaumualii Highway, as evidenced by a constant string of clueless tourists lining up outside. This location serves decent shave ice, but the ice is on the chunkier side and the syrup is too sweet. If you absolutely have to try out this place i.e. your friend's friend's friend said he had the best shave ice here, I recommend the haupia shave ice with macadamia nut ice cream. It's topped with coconut syrup, fresh shaved coconut, and coconut milk. The menu variety is great, but I usually can't help but turn a blind eye (and the corner).
1 star off: chunky ice
1 star off: super-sweet syrup
1 star extra: haupia shave ice
1 star off: the whole place looks like a front for a brothel or something
People thought this was:
a few of the places that so many of my friends told me i absolutely _had_ to eat at while on kaua'i included: hamura's saimin stand, the shrimp station, puka dog, and jo jo's shave ice. i think jo jo's shave ice was almost a bit of a letdown. i mean, it wasn't bad, but people hyped it up so much, and i really didn't find it to be all that it was hyped up to be. personally, i found the shave ice at hamura's saimin stand to be probably better. i guess one of the draws of jo jo's though is that they boast 60 different flavours. i guess that's nice. however, i personally don't really love the syrup part of shave ice anyway. if i could, i would have my shave ice without syrup, with just pat/azuki and aisukuriimu. maybe that just isn't hawai'ian. i realise that's really just asian style. maybe i'm just not qualified to be reviewing a hawai'ian style shave ice stand when i seem to want to turn hawai'ian shave ice into korean patbingsoo or taiwanese tsua bing. anyway, i can only give jo jo's like three stars or so. they're cash only. that's one annoying thing about kaua'i, all the cash only stuff... especially since i can't even find an atm for my bank.
Went July 2007. Just amazing! The vanilla ice cream surprise at the bottom... Perfect finish for a hot sunny day. The line was crazy, waited like 20 minutes or more.
A cheap tasty treat. What a variety of flavors. I think I read about 60 on the board they had affixed over the counter. Went here after a hike and dang that was a tasty treat. Unfortunately there was only one guy doing everything. He was taking orders, making the orders and quelling the crowd.
This family owned small shack on the side of the road is not easy to miss when you have small crowd munching on this cold tasty treat. Well worth the wait. Service is slow so Be patient!
Ordered:
Pineapple, Honeydew, Lycee and vanilla ice cream
(The flavors were excellent so refreshing and flavorful)
Halo Halo
Excellent as well
Service:3
Food:5
Decor:2
Would I go back? You bet your pastrami I would!
Dull blade left a chuncka ice in my mac nut ice cream. Boo.
Too much syrup made it killer sweet at the end and I had to THROW AWAY the normally tasty juice! So sweet that it made me cough.
Waimea, HI
Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Kilauea, HI
Category: Restaurants
Koloa, HI
Category: Seafood
Kapaa, HI
Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Lihue, HI
Category: Japanese
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