Hawaii and the Polynesian culture's influence on food is self-evident. Hawaiin pizza is a thing and eating full meals out of a hollowed-out pineapple has become one of the most Instagrammed food items of all-time. However, Hawaii has mastered one particular food item that is not only delicious but will keep you cool in those sunny and humid Hawaiian temperatures with a dessert known to the locals as 'shave ice.'
Shaved ice isn't your regular snow cone dyed with brightly-colored corn syrup over crushed ice. Shave ice has a consistency that makes the average snow cone texture almost seem barbaric. It's got a fluffy consistency that makes for an unmatched eating experience that is unlike ice cream or snow cones. Shave ice also has an extensive catalog of flavors that you might not ever think to try including pickled mango, Haupia (sweet creamy coconut), POG (passion fruit, orange, and guava), and more. Toppings like custard, azuki beans, and mochi also take shave ice to the next level.