Known to most people as a snow cone or shaved ice, the locals of Hawaii prefer to call the tasty warm weather treat “shave ice.” Consisting of crushed ice and a sweet, usually fruity-flavored syrup, shave ice has become one of Hawaii’s specialties. A trip to see North shore Oahu real estate will lead visitors pass a number of local shops dedicated to the simple dessert.

Unlike their mainland counterparts, local shave ice is more finely shaved and thus seemingly melts upon touching the tongues of thirsty and hot customers. Many people believe the finer ice helps to retain the syrup better. The Hawaiian touch is furthered with a number of local tastes. Some people opt to have ice cream placed in the middle of their shave ice while many others choose condensed milk or azuki beans to top off their treat. Matsumoto’s, one of the premier shave ice shops on the North Shore, and known throughout the islands as one of the best places to eat the treat, was founded in 1951 and has been serving customers non-stop since then.

Using homemade syrups and a specially modified machine, Matsumoto’s is known for creating shave ice that tastes a little different from competitors. Aoki’s, also on the North Shore, is another popular place. Despite the rivalry between the two shops, both places typically have long lines throughout the day. Waiola Shave Ice, located in Honolulu, is a convenient alternative for people not willing to make the trip out to the northern shores.

If you are a high school student in grades 9-12 and you wish to play an active roll in helping to preserve Hawaii’s environment and future as a sustainable city, consider joining the 21^st Century Ahupua’a Youth Ambassadors. The ambassadors are a group of high school students from all over Oahu created under a program created by Mayor Mufi Hanneman known as the 21^st Century Ahupua’a, a program that pushes for Honolulu becoming an environmentally friendly and sustainable city that will serve as a role model for other cities to follow. By joining this program, youth will learn about numerous environmental issues related to Hawaii including alternative energy, pollution, and other environmental concerns, as well as those related to Hawaii’s water supply.

As a member of this group, ambassadors have the opportunity to take part in community service projects, as well as go on excursions to places such as the Board of Water Supply’s Halawa Shaft, Coconut Island, and much more. Members also have the unique opportunity to share their ideas and knowledge gained from activities with the mayor, as well as the community during the group’s annual Youth Summit. Becoming a member of this group will allow you to become a responsible citizen of Hawaii who will be able to guide Honolulu and the rest of Hawaii to becoming environmentally responsible.