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Our Story

Back in 2019, we took a family trip to Maui—and everything changed when we tried real Hawaiian shave ice for the first time. It wasn’t like anything we’d ever had before. The ice was soft like snow, the colors were wild, and the flavors? Totally unforgettable.

From that day on, we made our parents stop for shave ice every single day of the trip. With so many flavors to choose from, we never had the same combo twice (we may have tried to set a record). Somewhere between the first bite and our last stop, we had an idea: Why can’t we have this back home in Batavia?

So we got to work. With help from our parents—Jamie and Bill—we launched Koconuts Shave Ice in 2020 to bring that same island vibe to the Fox Valley. We hope you love it as much as we do!

Is it “shave” or “shaved” ice?

If you’re wondering whether it’s called shave or shaved ice, you’re not alone! While “shaved” ice might sound more grammatically correct, the traditional Hawaiian treat is known as shave ice—no “d.”

The term comes from Japanese immigrants who brought the practice to Hawaii while working in the sugar and pineapple fields. They used hand tools to shave fine flakes off large blocks of ice, then flavored them with sweet syrups. After plantation days, some families opened mom-and-pop shops, and by the 1950s, shave ice had become a staple of island life.

So while your grammar teacher might raise an eyebrow, “shave ice” is the authentic name—and we’re proud to honor that tradition at Koconuts!

What makes Koconuts Shave Ice so delicious?

At Koconuts, we’re obsessed with creating the perfect shave ice experience. Each year, we taste-test flavor options and create the coolest combos around. We use an authentic Japanese ice block shaver. It’s not faster or cheaper, because quality matters. Every shave ice is hand-formed to achieve that soft, fluffy snow-like texture that absorbs flavor and melts in your mouth—not like the crunchy snow cones you might be used to.

Yes, it takes a little longer. But one bite and you’ll taste the difference.

Customize your creation with any of our freshly made cane sugar syrups—never any high fructose corn syrup—and add a drizzle of sweet cream for a truly authentic island treat. Choose a classic, or try one of our signature specials, designed to delight kids and adults alike. Allergy friendly as many flavors are gluten, dairy, and nut free!

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