There is an endless wave of adjectives that describe the pastel globes of ice that Aaron Wong crafts at Chillest Shave Ice. Fluffy. Cloud-like. Japanesey. The thing was, for the last three years, you could only get his shave ice creations when Wong popped up at Island Boy in Kaimukī, Fishcake in Kaka‘ako or a catered event. That all changed 12 days ago with the opening of Chillest’s permanent new spot in Kaimukī.
The shop is next to The Curb at the corner of Wai‘alae and 8th avenues. With a brick-and-mortar comes a consistent daily schedule, more syrup flavors and toppings. Plus seating and parking (if you’re lucky). No longer will you need to wait until the weekend for your sweet, icy fix or eat it outside in the blistering sun, unless you really want to. I stop by on Chillest’s grand opening day, and the shave ice is identical to what I had on the roof of Island Boy and the sidewalk in front of Fishcake.
Chillest started out as Ailana Shave Ice back in the 2010s on Kona Street by Ala Moana Center and at Waikīkī Shopping Plaza. It remains famous among OG fans for its house-made strawberry milk syrup and other super Japanese-inspired flavors. I’ve always gravitated towards the fruitier flavors of Japanese grape, orange cream and Calpico, all with a drizzled condensed milk snow cap. The hojicha and root beer syrups are also favorites (but not together). This time around, I try the subtly papaya syrup, and it plays well with my other choices of tart mandarin orange and yogurty Calpico.
Depending on the flavors, you can expect to pay $6 to $8 for up to three flavor choices. I add on discs of mochi for $1 more and ask for the complimentary condensed milk snow cap. Flavor and topping selections may change day to day, but the selection is way larger than I remember at any of Wong’s pop-ups.
If you’re wondering if the shave ice machine is the same one he schlepped all over town—it is. It still delivers Chillest’s signature fine snow texture. The gentlest pat smooths out wispy ice edges into a mound that is poked with a stick and flavored generously.
The weather is already heating up, so Chillest’s permanent home and daily schedule are well-timed to keep us well-chilled in the summer ahead…