I was lucky enough to win a free shave ice selection from Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha (HOPA) on their Instagram. More so since it was on my birthday! We didn’t go until later this month though but this would be our first time going.
*Disclaimer: Though I won free shave ice from them, these are 100% my honest opinions and are not influenced by it being free. Nor is there any compensation for this as I honestly wanted to share our experience.*
Shave Ice the HOPA Way
I’ve heard lots of good things about their shave ice but being out in Aina Haina is a bit far for us. But a good excuse to try them with the giveaway so we made the trip out there. Small and quaint but made me think I was at one of those shave ice stalls outside near a beach. They have a nice selection of Special Creations to choose from or you can Build-Your-Own by choosing a size, flavor, and toppings. Looks like they also have special flavors here and there as well.
Creation Review
For my pick to share with the family I had a hard time picking between two Special Creations, but eventually went with the Choco Coco Paradise. Though they were out of the Haupia Sauce for it, the overall taste was great and just felt more heavy on the chocolate side. The shaved ice is pretty fine and it wasn’t that common to have milk chocolate flavoring for it before at other shops. I may have had it somewhere else but I think I prefer Uncle Clay’s version. Definitely a great combo though if you’re a fan of chocolate and coconut! The regular size is a pretty good size to share with three people too if you had some lunch earlier.
Amongst the famous shave ice places here on Oahu like Matsumoto, Aoki’s, and Waiola Shave Ice to name a few, Uncle Clay’s HOPA is definitely worth the trip! And for those who don’t know, they will open a second location at the new Lanai at Ala Moana Shopping Center sometime next week. A little closer for those who can’t make the drive out there.
We don’t have shaved ice like this where I’m from. It looks delicious!
They used to be really simple before with just the syrup but it’s all fancy now with the ice cream and drizzles. And the tons of candy and other food items you can put on it now. Does make it more interesting I guess, hehe.