Open List Home >> Haleiwa, HI >> Restaurants & Food >> Restaurants >> Matsumoto Shave Ice
Business Summary what's this?
Matsumotos is located in Hawaii. It's known for its dessert.
4.0 of 5 stars.
Folks are right: it's worth the wait, and you should definitely spring for the ice cream at the bottom and the fancy schmancy plastic holder. Now if only they had better seating...
yelp.com - user review - 10/16/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I've tried different shave ice places and this is definitely the best. Got their rainbow shave ice and it's so good! Texture of ice was perfect (finely shaved) and portion was generous (it's firmly...
yelp.com - user review - 10/12/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
We always stop here! It is a institution! If you sit on near the parking lot to eat your shaved ice.. watch for yellow jackets!
yelp.com - user review - 10/11/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Matsumoto's is probably the most famous shave ice place on the planet. Unfortunately it seems the quality and service has gone downhill as their notoriety has gone up up up! When in Hawaii we make it...
yelp.com - user review - 10/05/2009
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2.0 of 5 stars.
We tried three different shaved ice places while on Oahu and while Matsumoto is by far the most popular and probably the most profitable (that could be seen with the mile long line outside of the...
yelp.com - user review - 09/30/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
In one word.....overrated. We spent about 15 minutes waiting in line to sample a large strawberry/coconut shave ice. This was more snow coneish. It was decent but not mind blowing. The price is...
yelp.com - user review - 09/29/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
With ice cream is a must. Eat it fast or get the UFO holders as the ice does not last long in this weather, no matter how windy the North Shore can get. Long lines but speedy service.
yelp.com - user review - 09/27/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Famous for the tshirt that was seen on Adam Sandler in 50 First Dates...I'm not really a fan of shaved ice, but the shaved ice with beans and ice cream is REALLY GOOD. Anything is good with ice cream...
yelp.com - user review - 09/27/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
TOTALLY worth the trek over to get the shaved ice. It's a NORTH SHORE institution... so WHY NOT!?!?!? If you're heading out that way anyway...Get their newest flavor: sour li hing mui. Mix it with...
yelp.com - user review - 09/25/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! Wish I could eat this everyday. Hands down the best shaved ice I've ever had, and I've tried them all around the globe, so hopefully that says something. You must get it with azuki...
yelp.com - user review - 09/25/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Shaved ice so good that my guy who doesn't like sweets finished my cone and insisted we go back for seconds before we left the North Shore. Matsumoto's shaved ice is similar to the crunchy textured...
yelp.com - user review - 09/24/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
A colleague recommended coming to Matsumoto's and I am so glad he did. This was my first time having shaved ice with ice cream. Now I don't think I would have it any other way. I had the Hawaiian -...
yelp.com - user review - 09/19/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
The shave ice isn't that good when you have to stand in line for 20 minutes in the hot @%& sun, sweating like a cow for ice and some syrup.Yes, it is a landmark with every possible famous person...
yelp.com - user review - 09/17/2009
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1.0 of 5 stars.
Wow! Maybe we got a bad batch of flavors but the flavors in their rainbow shaved iced tasted like stinky flowers instead of strawberry, pineapple and lemon. I kept eating it thinking it was going to...
yelp.com - user review - 09/16/2009
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2.0 of 5 stars.
Tourist attraction? Yes.Awesome shave ice? No.Worth the 20 minute wait in line? Maybe, if you happen to be in the area anyway.Worth the drive if you're not already on the Windward side? Probably not....
yelp.com - user review - 09/15/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I absolutely adore the N. Shore of Oahu. It's a lot less crowded than Honolulu and you get a chance to interact with the locals more. Sure there's some controversy on this side, about how the locals...
yelp.com - user review - 09/13/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Seriously, matsumoto's is a must when you come to hawaii! I loveeee their azuki and li-hing moi flavor shaved ice with ice cream! I know weird combo but it really tastes good! They have this certain...
yelp.com - user review - 09/10/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
What could be better than a cone full of shaved ice on a warm sunny day? Try any combination of flavors but be sure to order your shaved ice with azuki beans and ice cream, otherwise you will be very...
yelp.com - user review - 09/10/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
A modernday mecca for shave ice fans. We stopped here after swimming in a cage with some sharks...crazy good shave ice. Get this...I bought a pair of their boardshorts there (made by Hawaiian Island...
yelp.com - user review - 09/08/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Hands down, the best shave ice in Hawaii! Kind of lame how they charge you a quarter for the lipped cups, but you don't really need it anyway. The consistency of the ice here is perfect -- Keneke's...
yelp.com - user review - 09/04/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Worth the wait! I took a nice drive along Oahu's coast starting from Waikiki to the North Shore with Matsumoto Shave Ice in mind. When i got there i notice a nice long line, so i'm thinking "THIS...
yelp.com - user review - 09/02/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Expect a long line, but it moves quickly. We each ordered a rainbow with ice cream on the bottom. It was yummy.
yelp.com - user review - 09/01/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
The best shaved ice I have ever had! Only thing you need to lookout for is the side parking lot area stinks. Dont eat your shaved ice there.
yelp.com - user review - 09/01/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Matusmoto's - Oahu's North Shore shave ice original located in Haleiwa. Everyone goin' have their own views who's be best, numba one, etc. I grew up with Matsumotos since small kine.To try real...
yelp.com - user review - 08/31/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
- 4.5 for the shaved ice flavors and rich vanilla ice cream.- 3.5 for the technology. They should find a way to retain the flavor of the ice so the syrup doesn't seep to the bottom.- 3.5 for the long...
yelp.com - user review - 08/29/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Matsumoto shaved ice is very famous but I find it inconsistent. The line is longer than any other shaved ice places in Haleiwa and apparently tourists love going here. The first time I went there it...
yelp.com - user review - 08/27/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Thank you Matsumotos! You satisfied my post-beach all-day-in-the-sun thirst and cravings for shave ice. To find this little joint, just look for the long line of people waiting. I ordered the guava...
yelp.com - user review - 08/23/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
way overrated. i think people are pulled in by the large amounts of merchandise & the long line. but its really not that good. just like any other shaved ice. i ordered the hawaiian & the flavors all...
yelp.com - user review - 08/23/2009
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2.0 of 5 stars.
this place is too hyped up and honestly it's not worth it. the ice is not finely shaved and they shape it with a ladle which causes it to have a hard shell. you literally have to stab the ice in...
yelp.com - user review - 08/22/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This place is such a treat, best stop on the island if you're visiting. Don't get discouraged by the crazy lines, the wait is totally worth it! My favorite there is the Rainbow (strawberry, pineapple,...
yelp.com - user review - 08/21/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I feel so bad for Aoki's which is another shave ice place on the same street because there is always a looooooooooooooong line of people in front of Matsumoto's. Even though you have to wait 15-20...
yelp.com - user review - 08/21/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
As good as it gets, baby! Although Matsumoto's is over-hyped and everyone says that you have to go when you're in North Shore and the lines are hella long, they have hella good ass shaved ice and can...
yelp.com - user review - 08/18/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
The shave ice wasn't quite as fine as Waiola's and the syrups were a little too sweet for my liking but it was an experience. We went on a day where it happened to rain every once in a while as we...
yelp.com - user review - 08/17/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Me and my boyfriend were in Oahu last week and all of our friends said that the place to go for shaved us is Matsumoto's! We HAD to check it out! Once we got there, the line was already out the door....
yelp.com - user review - 08/16/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Great syrup but the ice was not soft and smoothe. It was great with the vanilla ice cream and Hawaiian combo. 45 minute wait on a Sunday afternoon.
yelp.com - user review - 08/16/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
We heard about this place from friends and I guess if you come to Hawaii, you need to try it. We went on a rainy day and didn't have to stand in the mile long line in hot sweltering heat. It is quite...
yelp.com - user review - 08/15/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
CRAZY GOOD! Had the following:Melona, Lychee, Mango flavors and vanilla ice cream on the bottom. DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!Rent a car and go and get it!Really long line and it does take a little time to get to...
yelp.com - user review - 08/14/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
This place is great!! Old school shaved ice in the cool town of Haleiwa. I love these old school local hangouts (Tourist hangout now)that were started years ago......as hole in the wall dives.We...
yelp.com - user review - 08/12/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Matsumotos is awesome, old time Haleiwa goodness!
yelp.com - user review - 08/11/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
best shave ice in hawaii! love this place! had it three times within a week! we did a lot of drive bys though to see how long the line actually was, just depends. great flavors! lots to choose from!...
yelp.com - user review - 08/11/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I went to the north shore today and my friends stopped by for some shave ice at matsumotos. I'm a fan of shimazu's but we were way outta town to drive to the other side of the island to get shave ice...
yelp.com - user review - 08/10/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
ahhhh... nothing like a perfect shave ice from matsumoto's on a sweltering hot day! we were staying nearby for a week and went to matsumotos 3 times=) i do have to say prepare yourself for the CROWDS...
yelp.com - user review - 08/10/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
2nd rated to Waiola's. The shave ice is not as fine. However, the scene outside Matsumoto's is nicer since it is closer to the beach.
yelp.com - user review - 08/09/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I'm not the greatest fan of shave ice in general, but I definitely prefer this place to Waiola shave ice in Honolulu. Maybe it's the more countryside atmosphere, maybe it's the line leading up to the...
yelp.com - user review - 08/08/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I also had to make this my mission to try during my very 1st trip to Hawaii...I think they are okay. I had better at the Polynesian Cultural CenterNext time I'm in Hawaii...I want to try that Shave...
yelp.com - user review - 08/04/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
My Ratings:Quantity: 5 StarsQuality - 5 StarsPrice - 5 Stars Location - 5 Stars Service - 5 StarsSpeed: 5 StarsMy Opinion/Story:No trip to North Shore is complete without visiting Ted's Bakery and...
yelp.com - user review - 08/03/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
We couldn't resist!. Our sister-in-law had loaned us her convertible while we were in Oahu visiting her. We had decided to drive around the island for the day. I had a few places that I wanted to go,...
yelp.com - user review - 07/30/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
loved the shave ice here, i had guava and strawberry with ice cream! that really hit the spot and they don't skimp on the flavoring or the ice cream........its so good! its a must visit on the north...
yelp.com - user review - 07/29/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
The mecca of shave ice...It's a family tradition to stop here to cool off with shave ice after a sunny day at Haleiwa beach. The line is very long but they got it down to a system and service you...
yelp.com - user review - 07/29/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
The first stop I made in Hawaii was here. Shaved ice on top of ice cream topped off with condensed milk. What more could you ask for? Well worth the 20 minute line I stood in. A must if you are at the...
yelp.com - user review - 07/24/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
EHHHH OVER RATED...sooo over rated... but its cool looking at all the celebrities that have come hereperfect for a hot daynice benches outside for enjoying your shaved ice
yelp.com - user review - 07/23/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
It's tradition that I go here whenever I find myself lucky enough to be in Hawaii. The texture of the ice is alright, but the flavors are delicious. The sizes are reasonable and I can totally see how...
yelp.com - user review - 07/23/2009
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1.0 of 5 stars.
Coarse Ice!Way too sweet coloured syrups!A quarter for that cup holder - rip off!!!!A mega long line to wait for a melting mess running dow my hand and a not too pleasant overly diabetic afternoon...
yelp.com - user review - 07/21/2009
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1.0 of 5 stars.
I was sorely disappointed with everything Matsumoto Shave Ice had to offer. I HAD to know what's so great about this place and now that I know, I won't come again! The shave ice was sub par. Ice is...
yelp.com - user review - 07/18/2009
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2.0 of 5 stars.
Sorry, but I don't get the hype. First, they charge you a quarter if you want that bright little cone saucer. Then, the ice is hard.. snow cone hard to the point that I needed an ice pick to try...
yelp.com - user review - 07/18/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
The infamous Matsumoto Shave Ice - go big or go... back to the mainland.No holds barred, I went the full mile and piled on the three flavors, ice cream, and red azuki beans. It was a refreshing...
yelp.com - user review - 07/17/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I've never had shaved ice like this before, probably because all the shaved ice I've had has been at carnivals or theme parks. Good flavors, and I especially like having ice cream and red bean at...
yelp.com - user review - 07/17/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Neither my new hubby nor I had ever had shaved ice before. This was our first time and it definitely won't be our last. Some yelpers have compared it to Philly water ice (a shout out to Rita's!!),...
yelp.com - user review - 07/14/2009
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1.0 of 5 stars.
Ever notice how all the 5 star reviews are from out of state? and all the local ones are very poor? there's a reason. There are places that BLOW Matsumoto out of the water.. I'm not going to...
yelp.com - user review - 07/13/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
the best. period.
yelp.com - user review - 07/13/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Reviewing Matsumoto is a tricky thing. First off... yes its as silken as advertised.. if your one criteria for Shave ice is a super fine texture.. then this is as good as it gets... 5 stars.On the...
yelp.com - user review - 07/13/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I love this place! So there may be better places, but it was great here so I'm not trippin. We got shaved ice from a few food trucks at random places around Oahu and they were crap compared to...
yelp.com - user review - 07/13/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I'm not a fan of tropical flavors of shave ice...this review is only for the green tea shave ice with ice cream and condensed milk...some would say having condensed milk and ice cream at the same time...
yelp.com - user review - 07/13/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
There were two things I fell in love with on my last trip to Hawaii. Matsumotos and fumi's shrimp shack. I'm not a fan of shaved ice but when my cousin took me here, I ordered a large with mango,...
yelp.com - user review - 07/11/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I am not sure I can capture any emotion or experiences that have not already been said, however, all I will say is that this place brings the heat, and they know it. The line is outside of the door...
yelp.com - user review - 07/08/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This place has the best shaved ice!! No one else can compare!! Definitely get the snow cone holder. Its cheap and makes eating the yummie goodness so much easier! There is usually a line out the door...
yelp.com - user review - 07/08/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Nothing compares to Matsumoto's shave ice. The taste, the consistency, the atmosphere - it's just perfect! I went on a Sunday at about 11:30 and there were only about 10 people in front of us (and the...
yelp.com - user review - 07/02/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
The t-shirt I bought at this place says it all:I love Matsumoto's!We drove an hour to get to this place, waited in a long line and it was still worth it. You should review the menu before you get in...
yelp.com - user review - 06/30/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
When you visit Oahu, take the time to go up the charming little town of Haleiwa, and absolutely go to Matsumoto's! When you order the Shaved Ice, be sure to get it with Ice Cream. What happens is,...
yelp.com - user review - 06/27/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Pineapple, Coconut and Guava with ice cream at the bottom. Grab a large and go to the nearest beach to share with your date:)
yelp.com - user review - 06/26/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
What is the downside of popularity and a well-known name in the shave ice business on an incredibly warm Hawaiian day????Well....a long, long, long, long line...and a 20 minute wait. Is it worth it?...
yelp.com - user review - 06/22/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Nothing quenches dehydration like shaved ice!After some fun in the sun at various North Shore beaches, I stopped by Matsumoto's for a shaved ice along my way back to Waikiki Beach. I got there...
yelp.com - user review - 06/22/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Okay, so Waiola may have the best shaved ice (the ice itself), BUT Matsumoto's has the best syrup! I tried it back to back days, Waiola's one day and Matsumoto's the next. The results were that...
yelp.com - user review - 06/15/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I'm not a big fan of shaved ice so I can't say it was bad or great. There is a difference with shaved ice here and a snow cone here. The ice just melts in your mouth and doesn't have that hard rock...
yelp.com - user review - 06/15/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
* BEST SHAVED ICE EVER HANDSDOWN!!! * VANILLA ICE CREAM AT BOTTOM IS A MUST!!!! * LOVE THEIR TROPICAL FLAVORS...like Lilikoi and Lychee* REASONABLE PRICED AT ONLY AROUND $2-$3* DON'T BE CHEAP GET A...
yelp.com - user review - 06/12/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
What's the deal with the plastic holder? Seriously, people need that? There's a funny episode of Ali G (aka Sacha Baron Cohen, aka Borat) in which Ali G tells Donald Trump about this great new...
yelp.com - user review - 06/12/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Who knew shaved ice could taste this good?! While it is true that this is such a tourist attraction and have to stand in line, but they have a good system down so the line moves pretty fast. And...
yelp.com - user review - 06/11/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
After lunch at Giovanni's shrimp truck, drive down Kamehameha Hwy and stand in line for a delicious treat from Matsumoto. There's usually a line around the building, but it goes by pretty quickly. I...
yelp.com - user review - 06/08/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
The best shaved ice on this side of the island. This really hits the spot after spending a long day out in the sun in north beach. If your going to get shaved ice, I recommend to get the beans and the...
yelp.com - user review - 06/07/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
for those who live nearby or visiting the north shore, matsumoto is the place to go. why? the treat will cool down your body from the humid weather, besides surfing and shrimp trucks there isn't much...
yelp.com - user review - 06/07/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Just so that I don't sound wierd in this review...we locals or expats such as myself, call this stuff that Matsumoto's serves...."shave ice" as opposed to "shaved Ice."Matsumoto Shave Ice has been...
yelp.com - user review - 06/06/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This is thee BEST place for shaved ice on the island of Oahu! My family and I stop by here all the time on our annual trips to Hawaii. This place has never failed me. I always order the rootbeer...
yelp.com - user review - 06/05/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I've never had shaved ice that tasted so good. I've also never had shaved ice in Hawaii after a long day of driving and roasting in the sun, so this could influence my review.It's a great side of the...
yelp.com - user review - 06/03/2009
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2.0 of 5 stars.
Maybe I set my expectations too high due to all the hype, but I wasn't amazed.I got a strawberry banana with azuki, which I thought would be delicious on such a hot day... I was wrong.The ice wasn't...
yelp.com - user review - 06/03/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
This place is okay but a little overratted. I've had better. I expected the shave ice to be really soft like at some other places but it wasn't. They did have a lot of flavors to choose from so that...
yelp.com - user review - 05/31/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
We tried so many shaved ice on Oahu and this is THE BEST. When my bf suggested that we should drive so far to get here, I was like...."come on, it's just shaved ice. how different could it be from...
yelp.com - user review - 05/31/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Having only tried shave ice once in HI, and after a long day sunbathing and playing at Sunset Beach in the North Shore, I only have one experience to go on, but it was far far better than the water...
yelp.com - user review - 05/30/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
The shaved ice is good, but I don't crave it like everyone else. I heard that there is another place that is better called Waiola Shaved Ice. My friend said the ice was softer and it was creamer in...
yelp.com - user review - 05/29/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I'm not a shave ice connsiour but I love them here! Even my parents who rolled their eyes at my desire to wait in a long line agreed it was worth it.Cost to worth it rating: 5 (under $3 for a...
yelp.com - user review - 05/29/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I was all about trying the shave ice here, and even skipped out on eating the shave ice at the General Store. I came to Hawaii knowing that I wanted to eat the best shave ice.So after driving the...
yelp.com - user review - 05/29/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
OK i know people love this place and its known as "the place to get shaved ice" but i have to disagree.. if your in Haleiwa and want shaved ice i recommend going next door to Aoki's. There is not the...
yelp.com - user review - 05/26/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Best shaved Iced I had in my LIFE!! It just melts in your mouth!! seriously!! *Drool*
yelp.com - user review - 05/26/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
A must try if you're in Haleiwa, especially with the heat the shaved ice is so refreshing. A friend had recommended getting condensed milk but i thought it would be gross so while in the long-ass line...
yelp.com - user review - 05/26/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
MUST TRY! This is some seriously good shaved ice. Try it with ice cream too. amazing flavors. Color scheme does not match the flavor so dont expect a flavor with a color. Awesome stuff. Worth...
yelp.com - user review - 05/23/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
My friend recommended this place on the North Shore on my recent visit to Waikiki. Sure we had to rent a car and drive forty minutes to get here but it was WORTH IT. So good. Get the red beans! Sure...
yelp.com - user review - 05/20/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
The shave ice is pretty good, but I am not totally convinced that it is worth wading through the throngs of tourists and standing in the long line. It is an institution more than anything and should...
yelp.com - user review - 05/18/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
If you have the gastronomical fortitude to brave a tsunami size sugar rush and himalayan brain freeze, Matsumoto is the place to go on the North Shore. The long line moves fast and the long list of...
yelp.com - user review - 05/11/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Good shave ice for a reasonable price. Try it with, Ice cream, beans, and condensed milk.
yelp.com - user review - 05/11/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I LOVE MATSUMOTOS...BUT...the line is sooo darn long and parking sucks! Plus, don't they charge you extra for the plastic holder too? shhess. If I can remember, prices is kind of expensive and you can...
yelp.com - user review - 05/10/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
God am I glad I finally got to take this one off the list. I asked the FOH if he'd like to hunt down Matsumotos, and since he never had shaved ice, he was totally down. I was expecting the longest...
yelp.com - user review - 05/08/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I concur with those who say it is the best shave ice ever!!! We tried the others since I read all of the books and reviews that tried to downplay Matsumoto and said go with Aoki or one of the other...
yelp.com - user review - 05/07/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
the first time i had it 5 yrs ago it tasted so good. but this time when i went back, it just didn't taste the same. but it's still good, and cheap, compared to the other places. on a hot and humid...
yelp.com - user review - 05/06/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Mmm....powdery goodness. We had to end the day at North Shore with a cup of shave ice. I got the coffee flavored one w/vanilla ice cream at the bottom. A sugah lovah paradise. Service was quick and...
yelp.com - user review - 05/04/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Believe the hype...Matsumoto's is the greatest Shave Ice place on the island---if not, ever!! :)Headed out to the North Shore for the day, we had to stop off at Matsumoto's for our shave ice fixed....
yelp.com - user review - 05/03/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
A group of friends and I drove around the island, got lost and ended up in this place. Our point of destination was a spot where we can go snorkeling. Unfortunately, North Shores isn't the spot for...
yelp.com - user review - 04/29/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Yeah, I'm a fan but its nothing special. I'd take first timers here, but you can find other places that doesn't have a line down the street. A good place for tourists who don't really know what shave...
yelp.com - user review - 04/29/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
After a gorgeous day at the beach, shave ice was the plan. After hearing people talk about Matsumoto's for years, I finally got my taste... and it. was. good! The place is a very unassuming old style...
yelp.com - user review - 04/26/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
No doubt, shave does not get any better then Matsumoto's! Every time i come to see my family on Oahu i make sure that we stop in at Matsumoto's. The definition of great shave ice starts simply with...
yelp.com - user review - 04/26/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I absolutely love this place. I use to come here as a kid with my family and I use to pick the same flavor, Cherry. haha. I also got to choose 1 t-shirt. It was a tradition. I have a lot of tshirts...
yelp.com - user review - 04/26/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
It didn't even occur to me to review Matsumoto's until I was checking out a Yelp friend's reviews (shout out to Miriam W.).LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Matsumoto's! I first went here the summer of 2003 when I had...
yelp.com - user review - 04/24/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Wow, what enthusiasm these other yelpers have for a place that serves flavored ice in a cone. You scroll down to the other reviews for this joint and you see long drawn out reviews of people...
yelp.com - user review - 04/24/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Matsumoto's is a must stop if you're ever around the North Shore and you've never been before - it's LEGENDARY! Plus shaved ice is the perfect way to cool down during a hot day! There's very limited...
yelp.com - user review - 04/22/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
We had a bunch of shaved ice on our trip to Oahu, but one day decided to make the drive up to the north shore and stop off at Matsumoto because it had been recommended to us by a few people.OMG. I...
yelp.com - user review - 04/22/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Matsumoto Shave Ice is BOMB! I've tasted some other shave ice places on Oahu, but nothing compared to what I had at Matsumoto's. The array of flavors and experience waiting in the long line to get...
yelp.com - user review - 04/22/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Wow - this place was a real eye-opener for me! I had no idea what could be so great about shaved ice. I'd seen it on street stands in NYC often, and it looks awful -- chunky shavings with sugary...
yelp.com - user review - 04/11/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
The shave ice was amazing! Best experience on this island for me. Bomb-diggitty.
yelp.com - user review - 04/07/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
There's just something about the way their ice shaver makes the ice so nice and fluffy that sets their shave ice apart from anywhere else you'll go.Nice souvenir section to the store. We picked up a...
yelp.com - user review - 04/07/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Never plan to come here but it made a good stop while driving the north shore. bought (10) $1.00 Pens for the guys back home should of bought more they were actually very good quality pensoh yah the...
yelp.com - user review - 04/06/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
im only writing this review to off set your review, Jeanie L. i admit the shave ice is just like any other, but when u add ice cream it gets an added boost. im prolly a bigger fan of the t-shirts...
yelp.com - user review - 04/01/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I only know of this place from my BF's beat up, 10 year old t-shirt and I always told myself if I were ever in Hawaii, I would have to try this place. When we arrived at Mastumoto's, there was a long...
yelp.com - user review - 03/31/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Sure.
yelp.com - user review - 03/31/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Hm... I might actually venture to say only 2.5 stars....I was really disappointed. I have heard some great things about Matsumoto's. A friend and I were up on the north shore a few times this week,...
yelp.com - user review - 03/30/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
BEST SHAVE ICE!!! It was the softest and smoothest shaved ice I have ever had! A little smoother, and it will be a sorbet. Tasty beans!!! Combination of beans, ice cream, syrup, shave ice and...
yelp.com - user review - 03/29/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
So sweet! A little too sweet for my tastes. Lychee and coconut with ice cream at the bottom. Service was fast. and they have a fantastic t-shirt selection! i picked up a cute pink one!
yelp.com - user review - 03/28/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I will definitely hit up this place the next time I'm in Hawaii! There's nothing better than some refreshing shave ice on a hot tropical day. I had one with the green tea, mango and grape...
yelp.com - user review - 03/28/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Long lines and waits so avoid when you see a tour bus. The beans are an acquired taste (in other words, avoid). The strawberry flavor doesn't taste like strawberry, and the raspberry is blue. Li Hing...
yelp.com - user review - 03/26/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Based on the fact that Matsumoto's had the longest line I've ever seen I thought the shave ice would be better. The taste was very good, more flavorful than other shave ices I have had but the ice was...
yelp.com - user review - 03/25/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Went here 5 years ago with some friends. It was shaved ice, yummy, but not something that I'd venture far for again.
yelp.com - user review - 03/24/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
This place is crazy. The line is usually pretty long and it doubles as a general store with loads of knick knacks and local touristy goods. They do have the best t-shirt selection though. As for the...
yelp.com - user review - 03/23/2009
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1.0 of 5 stars.
Ugh - !Again, Yelpers giving this place 5 and 4 stars??? (Y'all let me down w/ great reviews of other places in Honolulu that I thought were not good...)I didn't intend to go here (even though I've...
yelp.com - user review - 03/22/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
OK, I had Waiola shave ice twice in the past two days,then Matsumoto shave ice today. Waiola is very good,but Matsumoto is sublime.I can't imagine shave ice being any better. Matsumotois the...
yelp.com - user review - 03/22/2009
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2.0 of 5 stars.
Matsumoto is very overrated. It tastes more like a snow cone than it does a Hawaiian shave(d)* ice, and its texture lacks creaminess... SO not worth driving all the way to Haleiwa for. (While on Oahu,...
yelp.com - user review - 03/20/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I've only had shave ice a handful of times, but this was definitely the best, they make the syrups there and the toppings are delicioso....mmmm lychee squared. It's on north shore though, so you'll...
yelp.com - user review - 03/15/2009
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1.0 of 5 stars.
I didn't see what the big deal was. Maybe Shave ice isn't for me. It was just super sweet, with no fruit flavor. I think all of these places are that way. Don't think this place was any worse than...
yelp.com - user review - 03/15/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
If you're looking for the finest shave ice EVER coupled with a blood glucose level of over 500mg/dl then this is the place to go! Hubby & I ordered 1 large cone each. We figured we weren't going to...
yelp.com - user review - 03/13/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
This is my last shaved ice entry. Matsumoto's was pretty darn good. The shaved ice was probably the best I've had amongst all the places. It was like eating freshly packed snow. I ordeder a...
yelp.com - user review - 03/12/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Not as good as I remembered.... The first time i came here, it was really delicious.... This time it was jsut okay...however, i think it is better than any other shaved ice in the north shore. I...
yelp.com - user review - 03/11/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
mmeh. I wasn't impressed. The ice was really hard and the syrup too sweet when I tried it. It brought back memories of elementary school, munching on the crushed ice of a snow cone. I don't know about...
yelp.com - user review - 03/11/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Living in the main land, you think you know snow cones, right? You grew up with the old school 80's Snoopy Snow Cone Maker thinking you were the ish cranking them out. Or even hitting up the local...
yelp.com - user review - 03/05/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Mmmmm, love their Lilikoi syrup and Strawberry. But if you haven't tried the Lilikoi you HAVE to try it. The Guava syrup is really good also.
yelp.com - user review - 03/04/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
If your in Hawaii, This is a MUST. Enjoy!!!!!!!
yelp.com - user review - 03/03/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I've read about this place for years and thought it would be just some over-hyped tourist trap. Finally made it out here to the North Shore and found it worth the trip from Honolulu. The shave ice...
yelp.com - user review - 03/03/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
So worth the wait and time to drive over here from Honolulu. Being a tourist myself, this is a must stop for all tourists to the island. Large shaved iced with azuki beans and a scoop of ice cream,...
yelp.com - user review - 03/02/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Every summer, my fam would come here for shave ice. It didn't matter that it was 40 mins away from Waikiki, or as soon as we got there we would be hungry for way more than just shave ice, but we...
yelp.com - user review - 03/02/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I hate snow cones. I really, really hate red beans....Don't ask me why I ordered a Hawaiian shaved ice (snow cone) with red beans, but I guess condensed milk and ice cream can make anything taste like...
yelp.com - user review - 03/02/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Yummy huge mound of shave ice and cool t-shirts. After reading reviews on here, I'm itching to try it with ice cream next time. Damn, that sounds so good!The only downside is the long line outside -...
yelp.com - user review - 03/01/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Definitely hit up this place for some shaved ice if you're on this side of the island. MmM...just remember that azuki beans and ice cream are waiting for you at the bottom (if you ask for them). No...
yelp.com - user review - 02/25/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Remember those hot summer days when you were a child and your mom would bring out the snow cone maker and you could pick which flavors you would spray on your cone? Not to disparage your childhood...
yelp.com - user review - 02/24/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Best shave ice ever! this is a must do if you are at the North Shore. And if the line looks long, wait anyway. It goes really fast and the market is just small, so it looks longer from the outside....
yelp.com - user review - 02/24/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
You have to get shave ice with vanilla ice cream and azuki beans.There is always a line, but it moves quickly and it's worth it.
yelp.com - user review - 02/22/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Shave ice is shave ice. There isn't really much differences where ever I've tried it. I didn't find Matsumoto to be anything special out of the group, but it is great. I think it was a bit cheaper...
yelp.com - user review - 02/22/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I love visiting the North Shore of Oahu. I stopped by Matsumoto's and the place was crowded. The line was sooo long. The shave ice here isn't as fine as some shave ice I've tried on the island before....
yelp.com - user review - 02/18/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
this was stop number i lost count a long time ago when arnold took jen and euge around oahu. right to it. its shave ice. good. the weathers hot, youre in shorts, whats not to like about sweet ice?...
yelp.com - user review - 02/18/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I went to Matsumoto's a couple days ago, first time in a LONG while! It was your normal crowded with tourist day in Haleiwa. And the line and parking at Matsumoto's was crazy. Without comparing to...
yelp.com - user review - 02/17/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Sno-Cones are one of those treats that I'll always love. I visited this place back in November (Thanksgiving week) 2000? 2001? What I remember was a gigantic rainbow sno-cone that I ordered with azuki...
yelp.com - user review - 02/07/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
My wife and I rented a car to make sure we hit this local spot. The shaved ice with Azuki is awesome. I think I had the Hawaiian Special and she had the Rainbow. The combo with the read azuki bean and...
yelp.com - user review - 02/06/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Ice is grainier than Waiola's (like the sand at Waimea). Good selection of flavors, and the cone holder da kine is useful for the keiki prone to dropping spoonfuls. Always a line, but it moves...
yelp.com - user review - 02/03/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Me n my kids love stopping by here before the beach!! The only thing that bugs us on the hot days is the very long lines... but its worth every wait!!Everywhere else trys to make their own shaved ice...
yelp.com - user review - 01/30/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Can't go wrong with a classic.The line was super long when we went last May but it was definitely worth the wait. Simple as it may be it was good as hell and i couldnt complain!Cant wait to go back in...
yelp.com - user review - 01/28/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Drove all the way out to north shore to try this. I must say the flavors were great . For two bucks you get a ginormous portion. I have the hawaiian (coconut, banana and pineapple) which was great....
yelp.com - user review - 01/28/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Good shit....gotta get it with ice cream though. Must visit if you're on northshore, as well as Giovannis shrimptruck.
yelp.com - user review - 01/26/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Haleiwa is not too far from the North Shore so we definitely made a stop here. We waited in the rain for this and it was so worth it. The guy ahead of us told us that we must get it with ice cream,...
yelp.com - user review - 01/22/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
If you're spending the day on the North Shore you definitely need to hit up Matsomoto's! Yes, there will be a line, but it will be worth it.The ice is shaved very fine - Like a snowball in a cup....
yelp.com - user review - 01/21/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I wish I could give them 10 Stars. Okay tourist here's da deal. There are Shaved Ice all over O'ahu but this the place to go. Yes there will be a long line but that's because they soooooo gooooood!!!!...
yelp.com - user review - 01/17/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
my first time to hawaii and everyone says "you have to go to matsumotos, at least for your first time" it was pretty exciting. i mean they have this line going out the front and down the side and...
yelp.com - user review - 01/16/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Hey Haole's snowcones suck, it's crushed ice! Hawaiian shaved ice is so much better especially with the ice cream on the bottom. The ice is so fluffy and fine it melts so fast in your piehole. When...
yelp.com - user review - 01/12/2009
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2.0 of 5 stars.
I love shaved ice and I'm still a little sad that my Mom threw out my Snoopy Snow Cone Machine when she cleaned out the attick...oh what good times we had Snoopy! Anyway, I got to try Matsumoto's...
yelp.com - user review - 01/10/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Shaved Ice. I've never had it before trying this place out because of it's popularity and fame, but one thing I can say is that I am a fan of it. It is truly amazing to have a light cold dessert when...
yelp.com - user review - 01/05/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Acclaimed to be the famous shave ice on the island of Oahu. The consistency of the ice base is not to fine, and not to course, its perfect. They also offer a suite of primarily tropical flavors...
yelp.com - user review - 12/28/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Even better than I remembered it to be. We got the "Hawaiian" flavors (pineapple, coconut, banana) with ice cream, azuki beans, and condensed milk drizzled on top. Delicious and refreshing.
yelp.com - user review - 12/28/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
You HAVE to get shaved ice if you're in Hawaii, and Matsumoto's is the best!Fine shaved ice with all sorts of choices for flavors...add vanilla ice cream (or azuki beans which I don't care for) to the...
yelp.com - user review - 12/24/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Matsumoto Shave Ice has a line out the door, even in the rain. This is a sign of a great place! Every time I've been to O'ahu, this has been a MUST. It's awesome to see the line of tourists and...
yelp.com - user review - 12/23/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
You'd never imagine a shave ice place would remain open for 60 years in this day and age. I mean, we are talking about shave ice here. Not even the very first McDonald's stayed open for this long....
yelp.com - user review - 12/11/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
If you want Hawaiian shave ice, and if you are in the northern Oahu, you may as well get it here. It's a 60-year-old classic Oahu institution. Be ready to wait in line since it's packed with...
yelp.com - user review - 12/07/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I heard about this place from several friends that have been to Hawaii. I was staying in Waikiki and thought it was kind of far from where I was staying. I figured I would make the drive out there...
yelp.com - user review - 12/04/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I had a small Hawaiian (coconut, pineapple, and one other flavor which escapes me). These are potent and an explosion of chill flavor. I was able to handle eating about 2/3's of this before the...
yelp.com - user review - 12/04/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
High fructose corn syrup and added rainbow coloring= not for me. Three stars because this place oozes charm and is fun for kids.
yelp.com - user review - 12/03/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Every time I visit the north shore, this is where I go after hitting the beach. No ka oi! My favorite: Rainbow shave ice with ice cream and azuki beansDelicious!
yelp.com - user review - 12/02/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
After eating down the street, we came here for dessert. I had never tried shaved ice with ice cream, and was a bit skeptical about it. It was absolutely AMAZING. I'm no shaved ice connoisseur, but...
yelp.com - user review - 12/01/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I love how the ice is like snow. The flavors were good but they left me with that sticky feeling in my mouth. Like they use corn syrup or something. That I can go without.
yelp.com - user review - 11/26/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Awesome. A must for a Oahu visits. The best shaved ice, every flavor, and crazy stuff like beans can be added. This a a classic Hawaii spot.
yelp.com - user review - 11/26/2008
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This is the best place to get shaved ice when you are in Hawaii. It is located in Haleiwa on the North Shore of the Oahu island. I have to go there everytime I get to visit there. And sometimes we go more than...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/24/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This is NOT a snow cone. it's Shave Ice!The absolute best - ever - anywhere.They've got all the flavors, they've got the beans or ice cream if you like. The way they shave the ice? It's like heaven...
yelp.com - user review - 11/22/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
This place is good place to go to. You're able to make your own combinations and you can add ice cream in the bottom! The customer service is very good because they're fast even when it's really...
yelp.com - user review - 11/21/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I come here each time I'm in Oahu and I don't know why. Probably because it's famous and I like their t-shirts. The shaved ice with ice cream is good but not great. I have to figure out how to eat one...
yelp.com - user review - 11/19/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
The shaved ice is definitely good with a lot of flavors to choose from. I would pay the extra $.50 for the condensed milk!!! FYI: guava wasn't very good. Pineapple and honeydew were pretty good. It's...
yelp.com - user review - 11/18/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Very yummy!Try it with ice cream :-)
yelp.com - user review - 11/17/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
i know this place is famous and everything. . and rachel ray told you that you should like it in her tasty travels but i didn't think it was outright fantastic. it was just ok for me but still a must...
yelp.com - user review - 11/17/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Como'n now. It's flavored ice. How exciting can that be?Flavored ice was never that exciting for me. It's just something I could never get into. I like to have shaved ice with fruit and other...
yelp.com - user review - 11/15/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
As far as the kids were concerned, this was the reason why we took a trip to the North Shore. For most first timers, this is the place for shave ice, Matsumoto's being the most well known.Youngest...
yelp.com - user review - 11/14/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
matsumoto's for first-timers and i brought my bf to try shave ice in local flavors: lilikoi, guava and li hing, with a drizzle of condensed milk. how do you feel about $2.25 for flavored ice? it's...
yelp.com - user review - 11/08/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Started a tour around the island and this was the first stop and I already gotta tell y'all that I'm a fan of Waiola's.The ice here isn't as fine as Waiola's, but the quantity and price can't be beat...
yelp.com - user review - 11/08/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Yes, best shaved ice in my world so far!!I went all out! LARGE...Ice cream, azuki red beans, and shaved ice with guava, honeydew, and mango...no condensed milk. It was super good. I don't regret the...
yelp.com - user review - 11/02/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Matsumoto's was my first and best experience with shaved ice. Whenever I was anywhere close to the North Shore, I made sure to stop by. It was also a great place to take family members and friends...
yelp.com - user review - 11/02/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Yummy! Best shave ice in the world. End of story.I made the mistake of taking my boyfriend here (for his first Shave Ice - Hawaiian Style). After Matsumoto's, he just could not be satisfied with...
yelp.com - user review - 10/28/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
The line was long but moed very fast. The shave ice that I had was nice and sweet. I tasted all the different flavors that I ordered! No complaints form me. My wife's shaved ice was just as good!
yelp.com - user review - 10/20/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
If you're a fan of shave ice -- this is your mecca.. Just check the pictures above..I was a very happy man after visiting here -- the shave ice will bring you back to feeling like a kid again.
yelp.com - user review - 10/14/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
My biggest advice is to not get the hawaiian rainbow and do not add ice cream or azuki beans. Firstly all the flavors run together and they're not all good. Just get the pineapple or blue slushee...
yelp.com - user review - 10/13/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I love their shave ice. I get the hawaiian special with condensed milk. My son and husband get theirs with ice cream. Either way its always tasty and a great refreshing treat after the beach. I...
yelp.com - user review - 10/13/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
it's what you need on a hot steamy day! it's like biting into flavored just-fallen snow. it was so delicate and at the same time so sweet. the line was long but worth it. great with ice cream and...
yelp.com - user review - 10/12/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Had to stop in for shave ice since I was on the North shore...Yes it is soft and fluffy but the flavors all taste the same... I tried mine and my friends and we had differnt flavors but they all...
yelp.com - user review - 09/30/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
matsumoto's is good but not as good as waiola and yeah, i said it, what! althought i do like coming here because it reminds me of being small and their shirt designs kick ass.
yelp.com - user review - 09/26/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Yum, this place is the absolute best shave ice, in the islands or anywhere. So soft and fluffy, nearly the same consistency as fine powdered sugar. Every time I am on Oahu I visit for some.Lines are...
yelp.com - user review - 09/25/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
In order to see a real scene from Hawaii it is necessary to head up to the North Shore. After diving in a cage with about 20 10' sharks I was in dire need for some Matsumoto's Shave Ice. I would...
yelp.com - user review - 09/24/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Yummy! I enjoyed my creamy strawberry and didn't really mind the wait. Luckily for me I just beat the Labor day rush!
yelp.com - user review - 09/22/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
BEST SHAVE ICE on Oahu!We go their every year. Their prices are great! You get a huge shave ice for like $3, compared to $5 at the Ko Olina. Tons of different flavors, azuki beans, ice cream....
yelp.com - user review - 09/19/2008
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1.0 of 5 stars.
Skip this place - long lines for shave ice that tastes like medicine. Try Waiole on Kapahulu or Island Snow in Kailua instead.
yelp.com - user review - 09/16/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I remembered this shave ice tasting much better years ago when I had it the first time. The service was ok, but kind of bordered on Soup Nazi-ish. There are signs telling you exactly how to order. I...
yelp.com - user review - 09/15/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
If you grew up in the heat of Hawaii as a youngster after a long day at the beach (I know, hard life) there is nothing better than a rainbow shave ice with ice cream. And there is no better place to...
yelp.com - user review - 09/10/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Waiola tasted a lot better. But then again, this place had better looking t-shirts, so I bought two of them to go along with the desert I held in my hands. If you get a large, get the optional plastic...
yelp.com - user review - 09/09/2008
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2.0 of 5 stars.
For all the rave reviews I had seen and heard, I was disappointed. So not worth the hype. Tourists flock here why? Because they saw it on the Food Network or some show about where you have to go...
yelp.com - user review - 09/07/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
My hubby LOVES this place for shaved ice. If he could have gone here every day of our trip, he would've. Too bad it's all the way on the west side of the island. Definitely worth the trip, though, if...
yelp.com - user review - 09/06/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
i really like Matsumoto shave ice but its gotta be my 2nd favorite iced dessert after Wetzel's Pretzels ultimate iced mango granita~!
yelp.com - user review - 09/05/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
ah... to do a- round-the-island holoholo drive starting in town... and to end up on a road that lead here! what a nice break from a car ride or beach detour. syrups galore.... my faves are mango......
yelp.com - user review - 08/30/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
everytime i go to oahu's north shore i have to get Matsumoto's shave ice...i always pick pineapple and melon with ice cream on the bottom. for $2.50 it's a really big portion. i love coming here and i...
yelp.com - user review - 08/23/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Nothing better on a hot day than some Matsumoto shaved ice. When I first heard of this place I thought to myself, "How good can shaved ice be? It's ice with artificial flavor?!?!?!" No one told me...
yelp.com - user review - 08/21/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
If you head up to the North Shore of Oahu, stopping by Matsumoto for shaved ice is a must. The line can get long, but just consider it some extra time to make a decision on your order. They have a...
yelp.com - user review - 08/20/2008
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Matsumoto's Shave Ice is a really wonderful place for refreshing shave ice. You can put a bunch of toppings on your order too.
kudzu.com - user review - 08/18/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Omg~ By far the best place for Shaved Ice. I had the Green Tea w/ Condensed Milk. I'm drooling just thinking about it. It was SOOOO GOOD. There was a long line that wrapped around the store. Its so...
yelp.com - user review - 08/14/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I went back a second time, and they screwed up my order AGAIN. It's really good shaved ice, but they don't get a 5 star because they're service sucks. In fact, they get a 3 stars. After waiting in...
yelp.com - user review - 08/13/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
The shave ice here is good, but I'm always afraid of the bees by the trash can.
yelp.com - user review - 08/12/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
The shaved ice was decent. I ordered the "Matsumoto combo" which is supposed to be lemon/coconut/pineapple and ended up with a rainbow shaved ice. Not sure how 3 flavors translate into 6 colors, but...
yelp.com - user review - 08/07/2008
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2.0 of 5 stars.
Whenever I am in Haleiwa with friends, I walk over to Aoki's for shave ice. Matsumoto is definitely overrated. I was dying to try it the first time and decided Waiola is so much better. The ice at...
yelp.com - user review - 08/06/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
We stood in line, we made our choices, we put in our order with some of the blandest local girls I have ever seen working in the food service business, we grabbed our holders, and we got booted to the...
yelp.com - user review - 08/05/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I thought this place had the best shave ice until I went to Waiola. Still not bad, but the wait in line is crazy long. I guess it's something you gotta do if you come to the North Shore. I will...
yelp.com - user review - 08/04/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
as far as shaved ice goes i think matsumoto's is the best i've had. then again it's not like i travel the world to eat shaved ice and by no means am i a shaved ice connoisseur. but i do know that if...
yelp.com - user review - 08/04/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Matsumoto's is all hype.Yeah it's good, but is it good enough to wait in line for 30 minutes and then be rushed by a shave ice nazi because you're still deciding on last minute flavors? Probably not....
yelp.com - user review - 07/30/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Matsumoto's is the best spot for shave ice on Oahu (or anywhere else for that matter). The 'grocery store' part is nowadays a historical misnomer. People don't really buy groceries here anymore. The...
yelp.com - user review - 07/29/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Before my trip to Oahu, several people told me that I had to get some shaved ice from Matsumoto's. I was a little skeptical because shaved ice is shaved ice. Is there really a difference from one...
yelp.com - user review - 07/23/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Love this place! My favorite shave ice place to go to every time we visit Oahu. And believe me I know! My friends and I have gone to almost every place that sells shave ice in Oahu and they're all...
yelp.com - user review - 07/19/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
i always thought snow cones sucked, and i figured shave ice would be about the same thing. Well in a flurry of syrup, condensed milk, and line waiting my beliefs were changed forever. Black is white,...
yelp.com - user review - 07/13/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
We got here at a perfect time because there was just a short line. On our way out of North Shore, we drove by and the line was outside of the store and kind of turning the corner... craziness... We...
yelp.com - user review - 07/12/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Wow, it's a small place. Drove around for almost 90 mins. trying to find it. The shave ice is very good, but I highly recommend have a scoop of vanilla ice cream at the bottom, the combination is...
yelp.com - user review - 07/11/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
They have pretty tasty shave ice, but I still don't get the full hype about it. I still think that Waiola beats them out. Every time I have gone there I waited in a horrendously LONG line wrapping...
yelp.com - user review - 07/09/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
What better way to finish off a long day in the sun than with some delicious shaved ice! Matsumoto's was on our way back from Sharks Cove on the north shore. Nestled in the historic village of...
yelp.com - user review - 07/06/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This is the Mecca of Shave Ice!Everytime I go to Oahu I go and have a large with azuki and ice cream. Trust me I've had tons of shave ice all over the islands and on the mainland. This is the best....
yelp.com - user review - 07/05/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
The line was out the door! Shave ice was excellent, wonderful variety of flavors, good prices, and options such as ice cream or beans in the bottom of your cup put it at the top of the list for me.
yelp.com - user review - 06/30/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I think the T-Shirts & Tanks are the real stars here. If i dont come home with a Matsumoto T-Shirt...then i feel like my trip was incomplete. Oh yeah....shave ice.. GOOD. I would even say Damn Good...
yelp.com - user review - 06/23/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Gosh, nearly 200 reviews for Matsumoto's...but I have to write a review because my wife had never been here before. I think it should be a rite of passage for everyone to eat here at least once in...
yelp.com - user review - 06/23/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Inconsistent ice (sometimes a bit too crunchy for me), great syrups. Long lines...
yelp.com - user review - 06/23/2008
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2.0 of 5 stars.
Tried the shave ice this trip and all 3 of my syrups were artificially flavored. While I was eating the shave ice, the ice cream at the bottom started to overflow and the mixture of syrup and ice...
yelp.com - user review - 06/19/2008
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2.0 of 5 stars.
I also expected more from the hype I got...there are shaved iced places in LA better than this. The ice was like an American snow cone (not very shaved and smooth). The line was long and I just did...
yelp.com - user review - 06/18/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
A bit different that Waiola,yes, but still quite good, tons of options and it is still really good. Pick 3 flavors, have a good time! If you want to get a bunch of t-shirts for taking 'em back to the...
yelp.com - user review - 06/17/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
What's all the hype about... really it's not all that great. Waiola and Tropicana have way better shaved ice than this place. The ice here had the texture of sand.. it wasn't powdery like Waiola or...
yelp.com - user review - 06/16/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
cheap cheap cheap ass delicious shave ice!!! and i heard the price went up recently. really?! two bucks is not bad for the amt you receive, not bad at all.tried the lilikoi and guava flavors, and it...
yelp.com - user review - 06/16/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I've never really been a huge fan of shave ice, but for Matsumoto's, I will wait in the perpetually long lines that wind outside of the quaint little store and throughout the graveled parking lot....
yelp.com - user review - 06/16/2008
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Good shave ice is the perfect thing to have on a sunny day in Hawaii. While the line was long (goes through the store and along the street), the wait is definitely worth it!
kudzu.com - user review - 06/11/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I didn't know shaved ice could be so fricking good.
yelp.com - user review - 06/09/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
if you're doing the touristy but beautiful island drive to the north shore, matsumoto's is the perfect stop for some fresh air and yummy snack! there was a line when we arrived but they're super...
yelp.com - user review - 06/09/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I can't believe that I didn't try this place the first time I went to the North Shore! I knew about it, but the thought of shaved ice, how good can it be?? So last year when I went to HI, I did my...
yelp.com - user review - 06/08/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This place is awesome! We had to go to this famous Shave Ice place on the island. The staff knows how to handle a crowd, so if you get there and there is a line just wait, it will all be worth it....
yelp.com - user review - 06/07/2008
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1.0 of 5 stars.
:oP For ALL the hype, for all the excitement. . . for the freakin' LONG LINE that this place has going, you'd think that they had the best shave ice on the island. . . or anywhere, for that matter....
yelp.com - user review - 06/05/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I've been to this place when I was little, and as far recent as a few years ago. I guess this is "branded" Shave Ice. We were visiting the island with some friends who never really explored the north...
yelp.com - user review - 06/03/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Oh my gosh! Shaved Ice to die for! They have all the exotic flavors and even have a scoop of vanilla ice cream at the bottom to add to the flavors. There's usually a really long line, but it's...
yelp.com - user review - 06/03/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Really long line, but the shave ice is good! They pack the ice very well, doesn't just fall apart like some shave ice you get at other places. The flavors are great. I ended up trying pinapple,...
yelp.com - user review - 06/02/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Famous for their shave ice and for a good reason, too. It's so fine, unlike the typical mainland stuff that is like little pieces of hard ice with some flavor on top that ends up dripping off the top...
yelp.com - user review - 05/31/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Matsumoto's is the benchmark for what shave ice is, enough said. If you have had better shave ice, I'm sure at some point you compared it to Matsumoto's.Say what you want about the place, but it is as...
yelp.com - user review - 05/29/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
So I wanted to go to North Shore for my second visit to the island, saw the place on Food Network. Drove the hour out there for this famous shaved ice, I like the Hawaiian Special and forgot what my...
yelp.com - user review - 05/23/2008
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1.0 of 5 stars.
The shave ice here is a joke. Please try Waiola first before giving this place a 4 or 5. A long wait for hard shave ice doused with costco tasting syrup. One star for the rip off effort of putting...
yelp.com - user review - 05/21/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
This place is not as soft as the shaved ice at Waiola's. It was almost like eating ice cream at Waiola's!Also the little paper cones that Matsumoto's shaved ice comes in are annoying. They are not...
yelp.com - user review - 05/20/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Large Rainbow Shave Ice w/ Ice cream and condense milk please and thank you!!! Scrumptious! Never fails that there is always a fat line out the door at Matsumoto's. I do think they raised there prices...
yelp.com - user review - 05/19/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Now that I live in California, I will NOT order shave ice. It's just not the same...the azuki beans and vanilla ice cream make it. This place is where it's at for good Hawaiian shave ice. Get it!!
yelp.com - user review - 05/16/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
We stopped by Matsumoto on our way to Waimea Bay and PCC later in the day.I had the Hawaiian special which consisted of pineapple,coconut and banana.It was pretty good and my definition of good is...
yelp.com - user review - 05/16/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
One of the best shaved ice i've ever had. I cant wait to go back. I just didnt like the long lines. The have a pretty good selection of flavors and toppings and what not to add to the already...
yelp.com - user review - 05/15/2008
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2.0 of 5 stars.
Once upon a time Matsumoto's was a shack where locals would congregate after hours of catching surf and sun on the beaches of Oahu's North Shore. We would "talk story" in "broken English" with each...
yelp.com - user review - 05/15/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
wasn't sure what to rate this place because of all of the hype it gets now... i remember from small kid time that this was the place to get shaved ice... that was back when there were no long lines or...
yelp.com - user review - 05/14/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
The only shave ice place to go in Hawaii! Love the ice cream and the azuki bean on the bottom. They aren't cheap with the flavorings.. will make you want to experiment with the flavors they have which...
yelp.com - user review - 05/04/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Don't look at the pictures! Those people don't look happy!!If you are visiting from the mainland and you are "getting used to" the humidity of the islands (i.e. "sweating a LOT!!!"), Matsumoto's shave...
yelp.com - user review - 05/01/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Mmmm...my shave ice was nice and slushy with lots of flavoring. I had mine with ice cream on the bottom and lilikoi, pineapple, and coconut flavoring. They also have a great selection of t-shirts...
yelp.com - user review - 04/30/2008
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2.0 of 5 stars.
Chunky ice w/o much flavoring. By conventional means, my spoon was not able to scoop up any of the shave ice. Next I tried jamming my spoon in but just managed to knock more blocks of ice off the...
yelp.com - user review - 04/25/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I have no idea what the fuss is all about. Waiola is so much better (their shave ice is much slushier), and I also go the shaft on the flavoring. I felt like I was chewing on bland ice chunks. Some...
yelp.com - user review - 04/24/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Matsumoto is one of those places that you HAVE to go to at least once. I really prefer Waiola over Matsumoto though. The ice just isn't as fine, and the flavors not as tasty. The flavors just kind...
yelp.com - user review - 04/22/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Ok...I didn't even know what the big hoot about shaved ice was until they took me here. The line was out the door and posted on the windows were the various flavors and ordering instructions. First...
yelp.com - user review - 04/12/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
You're essentially eating your next meal if you order their largest size of shaved ice with beans and ice cream. Keep that in mind if you're going to be eating at a buffet for dinner afterwards which...
yelp.com - user review - 04/10/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I'm a big fan of shave ice - I pursue it. =) So it's not a unique dessert to me and may explain my rating. BTW, shave ice is NOT the hard snow cone concoctions that you get from ice cream trucks...
yelp.com - user review - 04/09/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
How can you NOT visit this place when in Oahu?Reference in 50 First Dates. Recommendation from my lil' bro. So, of course my sis and I checked it out during our visit up in North Shore. The drive...
yelp.com - user review - 04/08/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I lived in Haleiwa as a young girl right around the corner from Matsumoto. I have very fond memories of going there after a long day at the beach and eating shave ice in the back of a pickup truck....
yelp.com - user review - 04/06/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
MMm I'm in love! Matsumoto's was well worth the extended roadtrip out to Waimea Bay. The drive is a pleasant one too through a more town-like setting of Hawaii. Very local.Our really good friend who...
yelp.com - user review - 03/31/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
crowded, it was ok, red bean and ice cream on the other hand..........got the tshirt though to say I have been.
yelp.com - user review - 03/28/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I had to get the whole sha-bang:shaved ice in flower cupwith condensed milkred beanand ice creamGood luck figuring out your flavour combination.
yelp.com - user review - 03/23/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
All the locals insist this is a must, so my wife and I stopped by after a day checking out the beaches of the north shore. While waiting in line for about a half an hour, we chatted with folks who...
yelp.com - user review - 03/22/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This is the only place I get shaved ice at. We drive all the way across the island to get shaved ice here when I visit Hawaii because it's soooo delicious!I always tell all my friends to come here!...
yelp.com - user review - 03/20/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I've only been lucky enough to go to Hawaii once. But I did make sure to get shaved ice at this place (the kind with ice cream on the bottom) about 8 times on my 10 day trip. This stuff is awesome,...
yelp.com - user review - 03/17/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Catch this place busy and expect to wait in a pretty long line, but that gives you more time to send others you're with to look at the different flavors so you're ready when you get to the counter to...
yelp.com - user review - 03/12/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Last time I was in Hawaii I lucked out and got to Matsumoto's 10 minutes before closing. It wasn't crowded at all which was nice. I got my shave ice with lilikoi and mango. It was absolutely great!
yelp.com - user review - 03/10/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I feel something very special for you, Matsumoto. The key is to not drink the syrup too fast or you'll be left with just ice. You drove all the way up here for this. Waited. Waited. Take your time....
yelp.com - user review - 03/10/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I know - toss up between Waiola and Matsumoto - but who says you can't like shaved ice two ways?! I'm not choosing one or the other, I'm choosing BOTH. If you're going to be headed to North Shore,...
yelp.com - user review - 03/08/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Second day on Oahu. Plan was to snorkel in at one of the beaches at North Shore. But a high surf advisory was in effect, and the waves were looking like mini-tsuanmis. Very bummed.Then we got to N....
yelp.com - user review - 03/08/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I reside in San Francisco but everytime I think of Hawaii, Matsumoto's Shaved Ice is the first thing that pops into my mind. Such a wonderful treat on a hot day. The ice is finely shaved and the ice...
yelp.com - user review - 03/07/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Once in a while, a quickie is good. Eating Matsumoto - the shaved ice, not the owner - is one of them. I ditched the ice and the artifically-flavored, radioactive-colored corn syrup altogether and...
yelp.com - user review - 03/05/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Stuff is good. Don't pay the extra quarter for the large or the plastic cup. Not worth it.
yelp.com - user review - 02/29/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Passion fruit, mango, watermelon, red bean and condensed milk. That's all I have to say. Watch out for bees!
yelp.com - user review - 02/21/2008
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2.0 of 5 stars.
Good, but not as good as Waiola's.I saw the owner or an employee on a travel channel tv segment. He said something to the effect that Matsumoto's is the best because the ice is not too fine or too...
yelp.com - user review - 02/17/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I took a two hour bus ride to find this place the first time I trekked out to the North Shore. Unfortunately, I never found it on that bus ride. Ever since then, we've rented a car in Hawaii just to...
yelp.com - user review - 02/17/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
of all the shave ice we had in hawaii.. matsumoto's was my favorite!!!!!!!i got the works:bought the snow cone holdercherry flavor ice creamred beanscondensed milk. BOMB!!!!!!!tasted like filipino...
yelp.com - user review - 02/14/2008
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1.0 of 5 stars.
Aye-yay-yay! I just don't get it. I do not like shaved ice...at all. I feel like I've missed the point and perhaps an opportunity, but I just don't get it. Sorry!
yelp.com - user review - 02/08/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
A must-go destination when you go to Oahu! Maybe it was the fact that the weather was sunny and warm, perfect for shave ice. Or maybe when you see the line that long, you just expect it to be good....
yelp.com - user review - 02/07/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
The best shave ice! Everytime I come back to Hawaii this is always on the things to do list. It's worth the wait. but the downside are the bees! we usually make a mad dash for the car. the ice is...
yelp.com - user review - 01/30/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
A must for any trip to the north shore.I also love the shirts...but that might just be because I'm a Matsumoto myself :o)
yelp.com - user review - 01/27/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Is it really worth driving all the way out to Haleiwa for shaved ice?Yeah, it is.I love the tropical flavors which aren't overly sweet and the creamy vanilla ice cream on the bottom.The only problem...
yelp.com - user review - 01/24/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Everytime I go to north shore my first stop is Matsumoto! Great shave ice but be prepare to wait for it. Long lines are excepted. Trust me its worth the wait!!FYI: it gets pretty messy so make sure...
yelp.com - user review - 01/23/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
As a mainlander, from the North East no less, I guess I was expecting a snow cone. Thus, I didn't see what all the hype was about. Imagine my glee when we arrived at Matsumoto's and I saw all the...
yelp.com - user review - 01/17/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Matsumoto's isn't (at least) top 5 in the Shave-ice category?!Silly me, only us locals call it "shave ice" and not "snow-cones". *har har. You see, we don't have snow here. Instead we have man-made...
yelp.com - user review - 01/15/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Just got back from Hawaii where I had shave ice from Matsumoto and Waiola. We got to Matsumoto's mid afternoon on a Saturday and there was a line about 25 people deep. It took about 20 minutes for...
yelp.com - user review - 01/14/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I got the strawberry and pineapple shaved ice with ice cream. It was sweet but not too overpowering and the vanilla ice cream made it even better. They also have a lot of really cool T-shirt designs...
yelp.com - user review - 01/13/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
This was refreshing after the drive to get to the North Shore. I ordered mine with the condensed milk and ice cream... Too creamy, should have done one or none. I tasted my brothers and it was great!
yelp.com - user review - 01/04/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Don't get me wrong, the shaved ice itself was the best I'd ever had. But oh my goodness, the stench! The whole area near the front door (which is where you stand and eat -- there are no tables or...
yelp.com - user review - 12/31/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
You don't know shave ice till you know Matsumoto's Shave Ice! This is the ONLY place I've ever had it so good. Living here, it's something you know you can go to tomorrow. Now that I don't, I miss...
yelp.com - user review - 12/20/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
On a day like today, I wish I were at Matsumoto Shave Ice! Nothing really compares to it here in Cali except for Teri Hawaii's (which is now under new management, but I won't even go there). Oh! the...
yelp.com - user review - 12/05/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
it's shave ice not shaved ice!! came here with my friend and ex on a trip to hawaii and got the strawberry and pineapple shave ice with ice cream! if you have never had it with ice cream before, you...
yelp.com - user review - 11/29/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
11/20/07: Grabbed this as a quick snack during our road trip up to the north shore. We didn't have this after spending a day on the beach (which I imagine would add to the experience), but did enjoy...
yelp.com - user review - 11/26/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Ahhh - shave ice on a hot humid day is the perfect way to cap off a day at the beach. I have to come here every time I am in Oahu. It is like a staple like Leonard's. I've had the shaved ice with...
yelp.com - user review - 11/14/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
A perfect treat to beat the sun in Hale'iwa! Drove there from our hotel in Waikiki to spend the day in North Shore. Bought ourselves their t-shirts as souveniers and noshed on a large mango shaved ice...
yelp.com - user review - 11/09/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
We drove around Haleiwa and missed this place the first time around. Well, let us tell you how to find them-- LOOK FOR THE HOARD OF PEOPLE standing in front of a general store. The parking is a bit...
yelp.com - user review - 11/09/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
We drove all the way up from Waikiki Beach to Haleiwa 3 days in a row just to have the shave ice while we were vacationing in Oahu...yes that is how freaking awesome it is! Guava, lychee and pineapple...
yelp.com - user review - 11/03/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
when you spent just a little too long in the sun and need to cool off...nothing beats the island fav shave ice...I mean if you go to any beach on between haleiwa to sunset you just have to stop to...
yelp.com - user review - 10/31/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This is one of the more popular shave ice spots on the island. Celebrity photos plaster the walls and there's almost always a line forming out the door. I'm not a fan of having the azuki bean, some...
yelp.com - user review - 10/24/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Shave Ice or Shaved Ice or Kakigori - no matter what you call it, it is good, especially after a long day at the beach.Matsumoto's is an island institution, so many people go there to experience a...
yelp.com - user review - 10/10/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I believe that this place lived up to its hype. The shaved ice flavors were good and fortunately for us, the line was short. Still, it is only shaved ice with syrup.
yelp.com - user review - 10/09/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
the service was friendly and organized. it was everything it's hyped up to be haha. theres also t shirts n tank tops available for sale. theres a cool thai place down the road as well. oh yah, you got...
yelp.com - user review - 10/05/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I went to Matsumoto's after our fun trip to Waimea Bay. One of the locals instructed us to go into Haleiwa Village and just go to the place with 100 people in line. Luckily, we were in Hawaii in the...
yelp.com - user review - 09/24/2007
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1.0 of 5 stars.
Please tell me what the hype is about here. Perhaps I expect more than color sugar syrup on ice. We saw the long lines and waited with all the other tourists. There are stern signs posted everywhere...
yelp.com - user review - 09/16/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Best shave ice I have ever had! The line wasn't too long but even if it was, their shave ice is well worth the wait. The ice is softer than snow! Still craving for their shave ice today!
yelp.com - user review - 09/10/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
By far, THE BEST SHAVE ICE IN THE WORLD!!!! i dont even think you should call it shave ice, we should call it, like, "Heaven on Ice". I swear, ice cream in my shave ice is the best invention of all...
yelp.com - user review - 09/07/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
okay YES the line is 50 blocks out the door. but it moves so fast! plus the shirts are uber cute. you may think they're overpriced. some say it's overrated.. blah blah blah.. i don't care. i've tried...
yelp.com - user review - 09/06/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I had to visit this place twice during my 5 day stay in Oahu. My friends thought the place was ok, but I liked it a lot. The ice was so powdery, it reminded me of eating snow in Tahoe. The syrups...
yelp.com - user review - 09/06/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
so much better than lame snow cones we get back at home. the ice is finer. you can get ice cream added at the bottom. and even top it off with condensed milk (but you really need to mix it in, so...
yelp.com - user review - 09/06/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Just got a chance to visit a few days ago on our little vacation in Hawaii--I've heard rave reviews about this place on Yelp and through friends. The shaved ice was surprisingly good--they used tons...
yelp.com - user review - 09/02/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I actually like Aoki's better. They say that the ice is finer at Matsumoto's but I thought Aoki's gave me bigger portions for the same price. I had the rainbow and it was really good but Aoki's to...
yelp.com - user review - 09/01/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I did a little taste test while in Haleiwa. Went to busy Matsumoto's and ordered a shave ice with red beans and ice cream. went next door to the pitifully empty Aoki's and ordered a similar shave ice....
yelp.com - user review - 08/31/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
okay.. so this place has a lot of history. and the shaved ice is great... you must try it with ice cream!!! thats what made it so good!!! plus it was down the street from giovannis shrimp truck......
yelp.com - user review - 08/22/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Probably the best shave ice in the USA. Their ice texture is so soft, like snow flakes. They have so many flavors and have created flavor combo which are all delicious. Their price is relatively cheap...
yelp.com - user review - 08/21/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
LOVE LOVE LOVE the shave ice! Must get it w/ ice cream. MUST.
yelp.com - user review - 08/20/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
A north shore institution, and the best treat on a hot hawaiian day. Go crazy and get it with the azuki beans and ice cream - if you don't like it go back for another one plain! I mean, where else...
yelp.com - user review - 08/11/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Bomb-diggety bomb man!Mmm...get a shave ice with ice cream and sweet red beans on da bottom and you in shave ice heaven!Used to go to Hawaii every Summer. I'm in New York City now, and when the heat &...
yelp.com - user review - 08/08/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I was in Hawaii last April after being away for about 7 years and I just couldnt leave without going there. An hour before my flight, we drove to Haleiwa from Kunia and got some Shaved Ice then left...
yelp.com - user review - 07/31/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
There aren't enough words to describe how amazing the shave ice is here at Matsumoto's. I had it almost every day I was on the islands last. Their flavor selection ranges from the basics: cherry or...
yelp.com - user review - 07/30/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
there is nothing like it in the world. we try to visit at least 3 times every time we are in hawaii.
yelp.com - user review - 07/27/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Can you say YUM? I liked Matsumoto's more than Waiola's. Even though it's an extra quarter or so for the big plastic holder, if I hadn't gotten one, I totally would've lost mine. It fell on it's side...
yelp.com - user review - 07/20/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Travel tip for the newbie tourist to the Northshore, check this place out about 30 minutes prior to closing, the line is WAY shorter!!My second fav shave ice stand, Waiola,...
yelp.com - user review - 07/18/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
If you evah in the North Shore you have to hit this place up! This place is a landmark. You have so many flavors to choose from. They give you so much shave ice that me and my wife had to share. Best...
yelp.com - user review - 07/09/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Ok, I seriously can't say this is DA BEST anymore. I used and I still do come here everytime I'm on the island. The flavors here are still one of the widest variety I've seen although I've had one...
yelp.com - user review - 07/09/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Of course I'm gonna rate this place high. It's my Auntie's family's store! Great shave ice, and you can get it with anything you want, azuki beans, vanilla ice cream, mochi, etc.!
yelp.com - user review - 07/03/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I drove nearly an hour and half behind the slowest tourist up to the Northshore and beyond to reach Matsumoto. It was exhausting, sometimes enraging, and all together a frustrating road trip.But it...
yelp.com - user review - 07/01/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
The BEST SHAVE ICE EVER!! It's a cool, refreshing and much needed treat for any mood at any time. Their selection of toppings are great, and most importantly, their flavors are great. It seems...
yelp.com - user review - 07/01/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
2$ for a small shaved ice with ice cream on the bottom is all you need for a good relaxing desert. Mango / Guava is my fav!! I've never had too much problem with the lines but i have heard the...
yelp.com - user review - 06/29/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
this place is so awesome. the lilikoi is super refreshing and ice is a great texture. definite north shore must stop.
yelp.com - user review - 06/19/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
What can I say? You can't go to the north shore without stopping for the shaved iced!! Bean? Ice Cream? Condensed Milk? Yes please!! All of it! and a gurnie to carry me away too please. The pics on...
yelp.com - user review - 06/18/2007
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1.0 of 5 stars.
i don't find anything special about matsumoto's shaved ice. i waited a good half hour/ 45 minutes in line expecting pure bliss but after my first bite i was extremely disappointed. i didn't like the...
yelp.com - user review - 06/15/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Yum! Yum! Gimme some! One of the highlights of my Hawaii trip, Matsumoto's is the shiznit. Cool icy goodness surrounding a big ball of creamy ice cream. Why don't we have this stuff out here?Oh yeah,...
yelp.com - user review - 06/15/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Who doesn't love shave ice?
yelp.com - user review - 06/13/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Is there a difference between snow cone and shave ice?YesIs Matsumoto shave ice better than most other kind shave ice?YesIs it a good idea for every tourist that visits Oahu to go there?No. I don't...
yelp.com - user review - 06/09/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
My whole family loved Matsumoto Shave Ice!My family came out for our wedding and my brother Tommy couldn't shut up about going to Matsumoto's. They all had seen it on a PBS TV show about cool things...
yelp.com - user review - 06/07/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Definitely a North Shore landmark and must if you visit this side of the island. I've been here about 4 times my life and must say now that I'm older I can see the difference from when I was young and...
yelp.com - user review - 06/05/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Eh... it's overrated. This place is popular for I don't know what. The shaved ice is just average. They can dump all the syrup they want, but it's still average. I prefer heading down to the...
yelp.com - user review - 06/03/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Sure.. other people make differently, more syrup, less syrup... ice cream on the bottom, paper cup, plastic cup....Matsumoto's is kinda the "return to ground zero" kinda place. It seems as though no...
yelp.com - user review - 06/03/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I love this spot and make multiple trips to North Shore just so I can have one (or two!) of these a day. The ice is really fine and the syrups are homemade. I brought my friends to this place when...
yelp.com - user review - 06/01/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
love the shave ice here! I come back everytime I am in Oahu! make sure you buy the pink plastic cup for 25 cents so it wont drip all over you!
yelp.com - user review - 05/31/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Matsumoto's Grocery gets 5 stars for their superior and friendly service that is so warm. I love Hawaiians, even if they call me a haole (sp?). If you surf the North Shore, or even if you just came...
yelp.com - user review - 05/28/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
The shave ice is a bit chunky, not as fluffy as Waiola on Kapahulu. If you are in the area, you need to go in and see all the pictures on the walls of various celebs as well as buy one of their great...
yelp.com - user review - 05/25/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
A visit to the North Shore is not complete without a stop at Matsumoto's! After gorging on some shrimp truck goodies nearby, we stopped by Matsumoto's and got in line like the rest of the patrons......
yelp.com - user review - 05/16/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I rarely give 5 stars out, but hands down give this to Matsumoto's!!! No wonder that they were featured on the Food Network.After a full day at North Shore, you have to stop by this place for a shave...
yelp.com - user review - 05/11/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
45 minutes! 45 minutes! Where is it? The other side of the island? Are you crazy? For some Shaved Ice? Nothing like Hawaii in March when its raining, but still 80 degrees. After seeing it on...
yelp.com - user review - 05/10/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Yummy shaved ice! You get choice of 3 flavors including mango, lychee, passionfruit, bubblegum, honeydew, to name a few. You can also add vanilla ice cream or red beans to your creation! Personally I...
yelp.com - user review - 05/09/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Not sure if it's the BEST shaved ice on Oahu but it's good enough. Friends have told me of Waiola's (they say the ice is smoother), which I will check out next time I'm in Oahu. And I will also check...
yelp.com - user review - 05/01/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Read my review of Waiola Shave Ice. But if you're rollin' in the North Shore and you want to know why there are tons of people lined up in front of this place, it's because it's super hot and you are...
yelp.com - user review - 04/24/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Don't be deterred by the long line. The shaved ice was a welcome relief after a 45 minute wait. We had the ice cream with pineapple/guava/mango syrup and it was super yummy! I went on the...
yelp.com - user review - 04/17/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Another must do when on Oahu. The shave ice is SO good, especially with ice cream. I love that it's owned by a local family, but again, it loses its charm when inundated by hundreds of people....
yelp.com - user review - 04/07/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
A trip to Hawaii is not complete without getting shaved ice at Matsumoto's. It's a little family owned store but always busy with lots of people. Who knew that ice and syrup can be so good?I love...
yelp.com - user review - 04/05/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
The trail of ants circling the benches in front of Matsumoto's is forgiveable. So are the lines of tourists, as are the cheesy merchandise ( Shut up. I bought a *tee-syert. And a key chain. AND a...
yelp.com - user review - 03/20/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
best shave ice ever. i haven't had anything remotely close to Matsumoto's. its worth braving the long line!
yelp.com - user review - 03/16/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
5.0 For Shaved Ice, i'd say 5 stars. It's in North Shore - just follow the signs and wind your way down into what looks like a little village of shops. You can't miss it cause there's usually a...
yelp.com - user review - 03/14/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Pineapple coconut mango. I felt like I was eating a cold fluffy cloud. The best shave ice I have ever had. I have tried many, since then, in a desperate attempt to recapture that fluffy ice cloud...
yelp.com - user review - 02/27/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
For my 1st visit to the island, I was instructed to head out here for shave ice. I'm a simple guy with simple pleasures and this seemed right up my alley. Ice and fruity syrups on top = cool icy...
yelp.com - user review - 02/27/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I'm tempted to dock a star, because of my high regards for spelling and grammar. However, I know that most of the world has no love for the English language, so I'll leave it at 5 stars. My own...
yelp.com - user review - 02/19/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
There's good shave ice and there's bad shave ice. I've had both. Matsumoto's is definitely on the good side. They have an awesome selection of syrups and they're not uber sweet. Yay for having...
yelp.com - user review - 02/18/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I had my first shaved ice here. After reading all those good reviews on YELP and the guide books this was a must do. I enjoyed every messy bite. Skip the beans though, it takes away from the pleasure.
yelp.com - user review - 02/17/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
At the risk of being flamed, I didn't love Matsumoto's! The ice was rather hard. The most redeeming feature were the azuki beans: perfect texture and not gloopy like at some other shave ice places....
yelp.com - user review - 02/15/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
No, mainlanders.....you don't call it snow cones. It's a shave ice, brah.The stuff of legend. That term applies here.Whenever there's a certain little shop that EVERYONE has to go to if there even...
yelp.com - user review - 02/12/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
back in the mid-90's, i bought a shirt from a thrift store that had matsumoto's shave ice written on it. i had no idea who matsumoto was, much less what this "shave ice" was. i just thought the logo...
yelp.com - user review - 02/08/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I don't like that the pineapple flavor is colored blue. The visual aspect of it messed with my mind so I wasn't that impressed going back this time. I LOVED my friends combo of watermelon and...
yelp.com - user review - 01/15/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
The best shaved ice ever. The vanilla ice cream at the bottom made it even better. We spent a week in hawaii in 2006 and stopped by 3 times. We were lucky that there were no lines when we stopped but...
yelp.com - user review - 01/14/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Great! just awesome! A muust go to place! But, the line is huge and the store is packed! So, i would lose one star, I liked the service, kind and fast!
yelp.com - user review - 01/11/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I had a Mango/Melon combo with ice cream (of course!) and it was deeeelicious. I also tasted the pineapple and lychee flavors from my friends...yum yum yum. When you get down to the ice cream (get the...
yelp.com - user review - 12/30/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
hands down, best shaved ice. period.what you dont know good shaved ice? try matsumotos, taste the softness and shaving of the ice with whatever flavor you pick and then try another spot for shaved ice...
yelp.com - user review - 12/29/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Matsumoto's in Oahu's North Shore is the place to go to for some shave ice when vacationing in Oahu. The current owner, Stanley Matsumoto, who inherited the business from his father, was in front of...
yelp.com - user review - 12/25/2006
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3.0 of 5 stars.
must go here at least once in your hawaiian stay. It's not the best shaved ice in hawaii, but it's well known and you can then say you've gone there before... it's a place to stop off at while going...
yelp.com - user review - 12/10/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I didn't have a chance to write my review right after I completed my pilgrimage to Matsumotos because the next day was the earthquake and subsequent power outage. And then, well, I just didn't have...
yelp.com - user review - 11/08/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars. The must go place in Hawaii. I'm not a great fan of shaved ice, but I do have a sweet tooth. The shaved ice is spectacularly yummy and refreshing especially after lying on the beach for hours....
