Surfing Monkey Shave Ice

Surfing Monkey Shave Ice is a compact, family-run dessert stop in Kīhei that does one thing travelers in Maui often want most: deliver a cold, colorful shave ice break with a few smart extras. It stands out for staying focused. Rather than trying to be a full café or a broad dessert shop, it leans into Hawaiian shave ice, Dole Whip, ice cream add-ons, and a handful of easy frozen treats that fit the beach-town setting.

What it does best

The core appeal is classic shave ice with a straightforward build-your-own approach. That means it works well for visitors who want a quick island dessert without a lot of fuss. The shop also gives you useful choices beyond the basics: Maui-made ice cream, vegan coconut ice cream, Dole Whip, and even a Maui Brewing Company root beer float. For travelers with dairy-free preferences, that is a real advantage rather than an afterthought.

The menu is narrow by design, and that is part of the charm. This is a stop for something sweet and refreshing, not a place to plan a meal around. If the goal is a hot-afternoon cooldown or an after-dinner treat, it fits neatly into the rhythm of South Maui.

The feel of the place

Surfing Monkey sits in Kīhei Kalama Village, which makes the experience practical and low-key rather than polished or formal. The setting suits takeout, a quick family stop, or a dessert detour before heading back to the beach or an evening walk. Hours run daily into the evening, so it is especially handy when a late treat sounds better than a full sit-down dessert outing.

The business has a personality rooted in local family ownership. Owner Paul Davies started the original Surfing Monkey after coming to Hawaiʻi from London and taking inspiration from old-school shave ice traditions. The Kīhei operation now carries that family-run identity forward, which helps explain why the shop feels more personal than a generic tourist counter.

Tradeoffs to know

The main caveat is value. This is not the cheapest shave ice stop on the island, and some travelers will compare it unfavorably with other Maui options on price alone. Seating can also be limited, so the experience is best understood as grab-and-go rather than a lingering dessert hangout.

Best for

This is a strong fit for families, shave ice fans, and travelers who want a quick Maui dessert with vegan-friendly choices. It is less ideal for anyone looking for a full café, a sit-down sweet shop, or the absolute bargain shave ice experience.