Scandinavian Shave Ice
Classic Kailua-Kona shave ice counter known for large portions, many flavor choices, and build-your-own toppings like ice cream or coconut cream. The shop’s own website says it is currently off the menu for renovation, so check status before going.
- Shave ice with 65 flavor choices
- Ice cream or frozen yogurt center
- Condensed milk or coconut cream topping
- Walkable Ali‘i Drive location in Kailua-Kona
Scandinavian Shave Ice, often called Scandi’s, is a classic Kailua-Kona dessert counter that has earned its place as a Big Island landmark. It stands out for generous portions, an unusually broad flavor list, and the old-school joy of building a shave ice exactly the way you want it — with ice cream or frozen yogurt in the middle and a finishing layer of condensed milk or coconut cream. That said, the most important traveler note is practical: the shop’s own site currently says it is closed for renovation, so status should be checked before making a detour.
What it does best
This is a Hawaiian shave ice stop in the fullest sense, not a generic snow-cone stand. The signature order format centers on three flavors from a long list, with 65 flavors advertised, plus the option to add a creamy core and a sweet topping. The result is the kind of dessert that feels generous and customizable without being complicated.
The shop’s personality comes from its longevity as much as its menu. It has been part of Kailua Village since 1991, and that history shows in the way it reads as a local institution rather than a passing trend. For many visitors, that makes the stop feel like a Kona rite of passage.
The experience
Scandi’s fits naturally into a walk along Ali‘i Drive. It is a counter-service dessert stop in a highly strollable part of town, close to Kailua Pier and other central Kona sights. The setting is casual and unfussy, which suits the food: this is a place for a quick treat, not a lingering meal.
Expect a straightforward, family-friendly setup with lots of room for customization. It works especially well on a hot Kona afternoon, when something cold and oversized feels exactly right.
Caveats and traveler fit
The main tradeoff is value and certainty. Some visitors love the big, loaded style; others find it pricier than nearby alternatives, especially once add-ons enter the picture. Crowding and slower service have also come up often enough to matter. And because the shop is currently listed as under renovation on its own website, it is not a place to assume is open just because an app says so.
Scandinavian Shave Ice is best for travelers who want a classic Big Island shave ice stop with a long local history. It is less useful for anyone wanting a full meal, a quiet café, or a guaranteed-open dessert stop right now.
