Shave (Ice): the Best for Last

As I’ve noted before, the memories of our travels are forged by the foods we consumed while away. Given our specific food needs/preferences—vegetarian, sometimes gluten-free, lots of local sweets—I researched our island options ahead of time. Nothing obsessive about that—right?

Here are a couple requisite food shots:

Maui’s food gem is Ululani’s shave ice, which is apparently immune to the law of diminishing returns. We frequented Ululani’s every day of our vacation, sampling their many flavors—grape, mango, pina colada, green tea, and tiger’s blood (vegetarian!)—and toppings such as ice cream, snow cap, azuki beans, tapioca pearls, and mochi balls. As they say, not all shave ice is created equal—and we concur. I could go on and on, but . . . actually, I will.

Ululani’s ability to get the finest shave of ice—so fine, in fact, that some (read: I) suggest they’ve created a fourth state of water, one that’s between solid ice and liquid water—and their commitment to use only finest, often local, ingredients for their purees and toppings mean this: In the future, when we tell you we’re planning a trip to Maui again, this time with the kids, please disregard our stated reasons for wanting to go back—the incredible beaches, breathtaking views, and fantastic outdoor activities—because they’re all lies. Well, maybe not lies as much as obstructions of truth. Because it’s mostly about the Ululani’s.