Shave Ice - Nectar of the (Hawaiian) Gods!

Shave Ice ( not "shaved ice") is ubiquitious in Hawaii, and for good reason. Nothing like a cold Shave Ice to soothe your sunburned body and windparched throat after a day of surfing and snorkeling.

And what is this thing, you ask. It is kind a like a Slurpee, but better. It starts out with a with a (optional but highly recommended) scoop of vanilla or mac-nut icecream, topped with some finely shaved ice, and topped with your choice of 3 of more syrups ranging from lemon, passionfruit, mango & orange to coffee, bubble gum, cinnamon & chocolate.
Some places also offer more "exotic" add-ons: halo halo, haupia (coconut cream), fresh mango, strawberry or pineapple chunks

Although there's quite a few Shave Ice outposts in Kaui, but let me tell you that not all Shave Ice is created equal. The Ice cream could be freezer burned, the ice shavings too rough or too fine/watery, or the syrups too sweet or synthetic tasting. Lucky for shave ice afficionados, Jo-Jo's Anuenue Shave Ice in Hanapepe (which is different from the Original Jo-Jo's located ON the highway) has none of the above problems, and they serve with a smile to boot! It was started not too long ago by the original owner of Jo-Jo's (the well known outpost right on the highway that is always mobbed by tourists and hard to miss! Note that in spite of the very similar names the one on the highway is the one ) to provide a safe place for her Special Ed (and other local students) to work and to bring back the pure flavors of a good Shave Ice. It was by pure serendipity that we chanced upon Jo-Jo's Anuenue Shave Ice, around the corner from the original venue, as we were looking for parking. We met several locals coming here to get their afternoon treats, and felt we had to give try it for ourselves -- so we got the Halo Halo special topped with Haupia cream. OMG is all I can say!! It blew away the previous ones we had had from the original Jo-Jo's. It was sweet (but not too sweet!), and delicate, and creamy, and the ice had just the right texture.

So, do yourself a favor -- when you are headed to Waimea Canyon, be sure to drive right past the original Jo-Jo's in Hanapepe that is located on the Highway, and make a immediate left on to Pokole St (the Red Dirt Store at that corner is a hard-to-miss landmark) and go to Jo-Jo's Anuenue Shave Ice and taste the best Shave Ice in Kauai for yourself. I promise you - You will not be disappointed!