The Story of Shave Ice

Have you ever wondered what makes Hawaiian Shave Ice, Hawaiian Shave Ice?   Shaved ice is a cool and refreshing Hawaiian treat that dates back to the sugar plantation days of old Hawai'i.  Thousands of Japanese immigrants flocked to Hawai'i to work on the plantations and with them, and they brought a frozen treat that is now known as shave ice.  Outside of the islands, people add an ‘ed to the name - "shaved ice" - which is the more common pronunciation on the United States mainland.

The frozen confection that these Japanese immigrants introduced to the Hawai'ian Islands was not a new concept.  In Japan, shave ice is called Kakigori and it dates back to the Heian period running from 794 to 1185 A.D.  During that time the ice was brought down from the mountains in the winter and stored in a cave called ‘Himuro’ and means ‘Ice room’ in Japanese.  At that time ice was considered rare and shave ice was a luxury, a treat reserved for royalty only.

The modern form of shave ice we know and love today is believed to have been invented in the port town of Yokohama, Japan in 1869.  Due to its popularity, by the 1920’s shave ice was a common attraction in stores throughout Japan.

At Terra Bona,  we craft our syrup base from 100% cane sugar and filtered water and  then add the highest quality of flavor concentrates.  You will never find any high fructose corn syrup in any of our products.  

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