An old-school, no-frills shave ice counter in downtown Hilo, serving soft, finely shaved ice with classic syrups like li hing mui, pineapple, and lilikoʻi.
Why we love it
Simple and unpretentious, it's exactly what you want after a morning at the farmers market just down Mamo Street.
What to expect
Wilson’s is a small shop at 141 Mamo Street in downtown Hilo, up the street from the Hilo Farmers Market and close to the bayfront. It serves shave ice and nothing fancy: pick your syrups at the counter, then wander back toward the bay with your shave ice. On Hawaiʻi Island the treat often goes by “ice shave,” and Hawaii News Now’s 2023 reader poll of the state’s best spots included Wilson’s, noting that Hilo residents love it. A related shop, Wilson Store, now serves Hilo-style shave ice in Kailua on Oʻahu. Plan on a quick stop rather than a sit-down.
Know before you go
- Hours
- Published hours vary, and it’s usually closed Mondays. Call (808) 969-9191 before making a special trip.
- What to order
- Li hing mui (salty dried plum), pineapple, and blue vanilla are the popular picks. Li hing is the sweet, salty, sour local favorite to try if you haven’t.
- Pair it
- It’s on the same street as the Hilo Farmers Market, so plan it as dessert after a Wednesday or Saturday market morning.
- Kids
- Small, simple, and affordable, it’s an easy treat for families walking downtown Hilo.
Illustrative photo — not taken at Wilsons by the Bay.
Photo: Yuika Takamura via Unsplash
