a snow cone? The primary difference between Hawaiian shave ice and snow cones is the texture of the ice. Snow cones are crunchy and made with crushed ice that's molded into a ball before being topped with flavored syrups. Hawaiian shaved ice is made by ice that has been shaved into a fine, powdery consistency.

Shaved ice can be a healthier dessert option compared to ice cream or other high-calorie treats. It is low in fat, cholesterol-free, and can be a good source of hydration. However, it is important to be mindful of the added syrups and toppings which can increase the calorie and sugar content.

Learn about the colorful history of shave ice in Hawaii. There's often a line of people out the door waiting to get a bowl of mounded, finely shaved ice, covered with rainbow-hued syrups. In fact, on a busy day the store sells more than 1,000 shave ice treats!

In Italy, a variation is called grattachecca in Rome, or Granita in Sicily. In France, this dessert is called granité hawaïen. In Spain, they are called granizado and are served as a drink with lemon juice. In Britain, the term snowball is sometimes used, however it refers to a different treat.