Ice Garden in Aiea is a true hidden gem that holds a special place in the hearts of locals and regulars alike. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, this charming spot has been my go-to for years, and for good reason. Their array of icy treats is unmatched – from refreshing shaved ice to creamy flan, there's something for every palate. But it's not just the delicious desserts that keep me coming back; it's the cozy ambiance and welcoming atmosphere that make it feel like a home away from home. Whether I'm catching up with friends or treating myself to a solo indulgence, Ice Garden never disappoints. If you're in Aiea and craving a sweet escape, do yourself a favor and uncover the magic of Ice Garden. You'll be glad you did. Always #7
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Flan
Brent & Marilyn Bowcutt
12:15 closed, need to update.
Service: 1
Andrew L.
TLDR: Smooth shaved ice, custard flan topping is a must, cash only, ATM nearby!On almost any day, if my wife and I are craving for a good shave ice, this is the spot! I always get the #5 shave ice w/milk, taro, mochi balls, and custard flan (pudding). The ice is nice and smooth, not crunchy, like some other places. And the custard flan, is like the cherry on top of an ice cream! Every time we go there I try to remind myself to take a photo, but I end up enjoying it and forgetting lolService is always quick, and seating is available around the corner by Koa Pancake House.They are located on the second floor of the Aiea Shopping Plaza, across from McDonald's. Ample free parking, and great options of eateries nearby.
Lara L.
The prices are high for what we get and the overall taste was just OK. I prefer Baldwins in Waimalu over Ice Garden. We were told that this place is really good. We waited about 15 minutes in line and maybe the long hot unorganized wait in line is what turned me off. Didn't try the custard pudding on top, maybe this is what we should've ordered in addition. The mochi balls weren't really much and the syrup was filled 3/4 of the bowl.
Megan Y.
I haven't been here in years, but was happy to see that they are still in business! It's no longer run by the sweet elderly women who ran this shave ice shop for years, but the menu is the same (with a few additions) and the shave ice is still sooo good! It's nearby to the McDonalds and there's tons of parking. When you're ready to order, head up to the outside window as they no longer have the door inside the building to enter the shop. I recommend adding some toppings to your shave ice. The pudding and mochi balls are my favorite!
Jason Wright
The shave ice dishes are creatively overpriced and offer a plethora of custom toppings and flavors. As you can see in the pictures, the shaved ice is basically slopped into a bowl with toppings thrown on; leaving the dish with no texture or consistency like slop. Soon to be mush in the Hawaiian Heat. I've always enjoyed watching my shaved ice be made. The work and effort of shaping the perfect globe always gave me a better feeling about paying good money for frozen water with syrup on top. You won't find that here. No textured globe, just a bowl of mush for $16.I was shocked to hear the cost. Especially how fast these come flying out of the window. The profit margins here must be amazing. While the dish makes an excellent Instagram or Yelp photo, its taste and texture is unmoving. I will not be back.While there is parking, there is no seating available. There are some outside tables around the corner next to the escalator that goes down to Times grocery, but most are not shaded from the hot sun.
Mei Y.
Been coming here since I was a little girl. Expect spending about $20 for two but it's worth it. It is pretty filling. Don't miss the flan. There are some tables around the corners near koa house. Ice garden is a family favorite, so much that it's a must stop for visiting relatives.
Jojo M.
Ice Garden is still my favorite shave ice joint on the island. I have been a patron of Ice Garden for 15+ years. 2 sisters used to run the place, but now their nephew does. The prices have gone up significantly. I don't get anything else but... #5 shave ice, taro milk, and mochi balls or #6 shave ice, taro milk, and ice cream... and always add a flan. Ice Garden is still cash only. The line on the weekend is ridiculous, so it's good to go on a week day.
Laura D.
I've been coming here since high school, let's say mid-2000s hahah and it's still so good! It's no longer the two older ladies running the place. A younger man was working when I went. THE FLAN THE FLAN THE FLAN. I will always go back because of the flan. The texture of the ice is so smooth. CASH ONLY!
Russ Lacuata
One of my favorite stops whenever I'm visiting Honolulu.
The shave ice dishes are creatively overpriced and offer a plethora of custom toppings and flavors. As you can see in the pictures, the shaved ice is basically slopped into a bowl with toppings thrown on; leaving the dish with no texture or consistency like slop. Soon to be mush in the Hawaiian Heat. I've always enjoyed watching my shaved ice be made. The work and effort of shaping the perfect globe always gave me a better feeling about paying good money for frozen water with syrup on top. You won't find that here. No textured globe, just a bowl of mush for $16. I was shocked to hear the cost. Especially how fast these come flying out of the window. The profit margins here must be amazing. While the dish makes an excellent Instagram or Yelp photo, its taste and texture is unmoving. I will not be back.While there is parking, there is no seating available. There are some outside tables around the corner next to the escalator that goes down to Times grocery, but most are not shaded from the hot sun.
Brian Brenhaug
Love all the topping choices beyond just sugary syrups (e.g., oatmeal, taro, custard). Very glad they lasted through the pandemic. Was an old favorite a decade ago. They have raised their prices quite a bit but I feel the value is well worth it. At our visit in August 2023, they stayed open until the closing time (they used to typically close early). Like that they are using biodegradable dishes now.
Lloyd C.
We've been coming here to the Ice Garden ever since the two aunties ran this shop. Not sure if this is a younger brother of one of the aunties who took over. Regardless, I am so glad that it's still in business. As others had mentioned, it's only a window where you order from and pickup. Before you could walk into the tiny shop but no more.The shaved ice is perfect regardless of what flavor(s) you choose. They have interesting toppings like oatmeal. Don't knock it. It works for those who've had it. The syrup flavors can change and now they also have Ube Ice cream - it was only Vanilla before.But, the star is the custard topping. So, don't forget to get that!
Katrina N.
$11 ish dollars for a rainbow shave ice with ice cream, flan, and mochi. I remember loving this place when I was a kid and it's still very delicious, but it got a little too sweet towards the end. They operate through a tiny little window in the shopping plaza and its cash only! I don't know if it's the nostalgic flavor, but I love this place and think it's some of the best shave ice on the island. P.S. ALWAYS GET THE FLAN!!! It's sooooo good!
Wes D.
So this place is in a small shopping center on a busy corner and on the second floor. The line when we got there was 4 long and there is no inside seating at all so if you're a group, snag one of the outdoor tables around the corner. The servings are perfect for one person. The choices of toppings are wide open and the whole dish is tasty. My cousin ordered the #30 substituting flan for mochi. It comes with oatmeal as well as chocolate syrup and ice cream in the shaved ice. Perfect for a hot day!
Ice Garden in Aiea is a true hidden gem that holds a special place in the hearts of locals and regulars alike. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, this charming spot has been my go-to for years, and for good reason. Their array of icy treats is unmatched – from refreshing shaved ice to creamy flan, there's something for every palate. But it's not just the delicious desserts that keep me coming back; it's the cozy ambiance and welcoming atmosphere that make it feel like a home away from home. Whether I'm catching up with friends or treating myself to a solo indulgence, Ice Garden never disappoints. If you're in Aiea and craving a sweet escape, do yourself a favor and uncover the magic of Ice Garden. You'll be glad you did. Always #7
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Flan
12:15 closed, need to update.
Service: 1
TLDR: Smooth shaved ice, custard flan topping is a must, cash only, ATM nearby!On almost any day, if my wife and I are craving for a good shave ice, this is the spot! I always get the #5 shave ice w/milk, taro, mochi balls, and custard flan (pudding). The ice is nice and smooth, not crunchy, like some other places. And the custard flan, is like the cherry on top of an ice cream! Every time we go there I try to remind myself to take a photo, but I end up enjoying it and forgetting lolService is always quick, and seating is available around the corner by Koa Pancake House.They are located on the second floor of the Aiea Shopping Plaza, across from McDonald's. Ample free parking, and great options of eateries nearby.
The prices are high for what we get and the overall taste was just OK. I prefer Baldwins in Waimalu over Ice Garden. We were told that this place is really good. We waited about 15 minutes in line and maybe the long hot unorganized wait in line is what turned me off. Didn't try the custard pudding on top, maybe this is what we should've ordered in addition. The mochi balls weren't really much and the syrup was filled 3/4 of the bowl.
I haven't been here in years, but was happy to see that they are still in business! It's no longer run by the sweet elderly women who ran this shave ice shop for years, but the menu is the same (with a few additions) and the shave ice is still sooo good! It's nearby to the McDonalds and there's tons of parking. When you're ready to order, head up to the outside window as they no longer have the door inside the building to enter the shop. I recommend adding some toppings to your shave ice. The pudding and mochi balls are my favorite!
The shave ice dishes are creatively overpriced and offer a plethora of custom toppings and flavors. As you can see in the pictures, the shaved ice is basically slopped into a bowl with toppings thrown on; leaving the dish with no texture or consistency like slop. Soon to be mush in the Hawaiian Heat. I've always enjoyed watching my shaved ice be made. The work and effort of shaping the perfect globe always gave me a better feeling about paying good money for frozen water with syrup on top. You won't find that here. No textured globe, just a bowl of mush for $16.I was shocked to hear the cost. Especially how fast these come flying out of the window. The profit margins here must be amazing. While the dish makes an excellent Instagram or Yelp photo, its taste and texture is unmoving. I will not be back.While there is parking, there is no seating available. There are some outside tables around the corner next to the escalator that goes down to Times grocery, but most are not shaded from the hot sun.
Been coming here since I was a little girl. Expect spending about $20 for two but it's worth it. It is pretty filling. Don't miss the flan. There are some tables around the corners near koa house. Ice garden is a family favorite, so much that it's a must stop for visiting relatives.
Ice Garden is still my favorite shave ice joint on the island. I have been a patron of Ice Garden for 15+ years. 2 sisters used to run the place, but now their nephew does. The prices have gone up significantly. I don't get anything else but... #5 shave ice, taro milk, and mochi balls or #6 shave ice, taro milk, and ice cream... and always add a flan. Ice Garden is still cash only. The line on the weekend is ridiculous, so it's good to go on a week day.
I've been coming here since high school, let's say mid-2000s hahah and it's still so good! It's no longer the two older ladies running the place. A younger man was working when I went. THE FLAN THE FLAN THE FLAN. I will always go back because of the flan. The texture of the ice is so smooth. CASH ONLY!
One of my favorite stops whenever I'm visiting Honolulu.
Restaurantji Recommends
The shave ice dishes are creatively overpriced and offer a plethora of custom toppings and flavors. As you can see in the pictures, the shaved ice is basically slopped into a bowl with toppings thrown on; leaving the dish with no texture or consistency like slop. Soon to be mush in the Hawaiian Heat. I've always enjoyed watching my shaved ice be made. The work and effort of shaping the perfect globe always gave me a better feeling about paying good money for frozen water with syrup on top. You won't find that here. No textured globe, just a bowl of mush for $16. I was shocked to hear the cost. Especially how fast these come flying out of the window. The profit margins here must be amazing. While the dish makes an excellent Instagram or Yelp photo, its taste and texture is unmoving. I will not be back.While there is parking, there is no seating available. There are some outside tables around the corner next to the escalator that goes down to Times grocery, but most are not shaded from the hot sun.
Love all the topping choices beyond just sugary syrups (e.g., oatmeal, taro, custard). Very glad they lasted through the pandemic. Was an old favorite a decade ago. They have raised their prices quite a bit but I feel the value is well worth it. At our visit in August 2023, they stayed open until the closing time (they used to typically close early). Like that they are using biodegradable dishes now.
We've been coming here to the Ice Garden ever since the two aunties ran this shop. Not sure if this is a younger brother of one of the aunties who took over. Regardless, I am so glad that it's still in business. As others had mentioned, it's only a window where you order from and pickup. Before you could walk into the tiny shop but no more.The shaved ice is perfect regardless of what flavor(s) you choose. They have interesting toppings like oatmeal. Don't knock it. It works for those who've had it. The syrup flavors can change and now they also have Ube Ice cream - it was only Vanilla before.But, the star is the custard topping. So, don't forget to get that!
$11 ish dollars for a rainbow shave ice with ice cream, flan, and mochi. I remember loving this place when I was a kid and it's still very delicious, but it got a little too sweet towards the end. They operate through a tiny little window in the shopping plaza and its cash only! I don't know if it's the nostalgic flavor, but I love this place and think it's some of the best shave ice on the island. P.S. ALWAYS GET THE FLAN!!! It's sooooo good!
So this place is in a small shopping center on a busy corner and on the second floor. The line when we got there was 4 long and there is no inside seating at all so if you're a group, snag one of the outdoor tables around the corner. The servings are perfect for one person. The choices of toppings are wide open and the whole dish is tasty. My cousin ordered the #30 substituting flan for mochi. It comes with oatmeal as well as chocolate syrup and ice cream in the shaved ice. Perfect for a hot day!