A must visit when you are at the North Shore! The lines are line but it does go by fast but plenty of time to decide on your order - definitely know it when it's your turn! Service is friendly, fast, and efficient! They know what they are doing here to keep the line moving and make everyone happy! Inside they also have snacks you can purchase while going through the line but you will have to come back after you finish your shave ice to visit the gift shop area. Their ice is super soft and they LOAD YOU UP with the syrups! The mochi balls are not sweet if that's what you're expecting, they are literally just glutinous rice balls that reminded me a lot of Chinese tang yuan without any fillings. I absolutely love their house-made azuki red beans, you can also add ice cream too! There are plenty of picnic tables and benches to sit in the plaza and a free parking lot in the back if you are feeling lucky!

Came back home for a vacation and we just had to stop by Matsumoto's to get some shave ice. The shop was very clean and I liked how there was outside seating. The system that they have going on is really good because the line moved really quick! The staff were very friendly as well. The shave ice was on point! Super soft, fluffy, and very flavorful with the syrups! You can choose up to 3 flavors (there is a bunch!) and add on other toppings for additional cost. We got mochi balls, ice cream, and condensed milk. I got the guava, lychee, and lilikoi and all were so good together! My husband got the strawberry and cream and blue vanilla, which was also yummy. I can't wait to come back when I visit Oahu again!

OMG! This is perhaps the best desert/guilty pleasure I have ever had. I ordered the tropical flavored shave ice with ice cream and condense milk, and whoa it knocked my socks off. If you know you know! Get it, totally worth it!!

Located in the old Haleiwa town, they have remolded the shopping area and parking. Matsumoto has improved a lot with a system that helps with the long lines which make it moves very smoothly and fast and made separate entrance for the customers shopping for merchandise and the ones just wanting to order shave ice. Their shave ice is still tasty and refreshing with lots of different choices and flavors to choose from. Parking is limited but moves pretty steady, so wait time involved to find a stall. They only have 1 male and female restroom shared by all the retailers there which you need to get a passcode to enter. Wheelchair friendly Pet friendly

Best shaved ice on the island! Don't let the long line scare you! We waited maybe 10-15 minutes. A lot of parking in the back and other shoppes nearby. We were so excited to come back here as we were disappointed with some other shaved ice places we went to. Also, you cannot beat the prices - we paid literally $19 for 4 shaved ice. 1 large and 3 smalls with lots of add ons! The people are super nice and as long as you know your order ahead of time the line moves faster. Also, there is a lot of space for you to sit. The shaved ice is full of flavor! I got the tropical because I love the liliko'i (passion fruit) and the mango! My kids love everything so they usually get crazy flavors. Mimi got watermelon, sour apple and mango with mochi and Gigi got the "rainbow". Hubby got crazy and got the "Hawaiian" with ice cream, condensed milk and mochi. Can't leave Hawaii without our shaved ice! Thanks for being the best and always making your shaved ice like snow! We love it! Until next time! The Trang Family :)

It wouldn't be a trip to the North Shore without stopping by Matsumoto's Shave Ice! Matsumoto's is probably the most iconic shave ice shop on the island (minus maybe Waiola Shave ice in Honolulu which is Obama's favorite stop!) and they have a very loyal following. For as long as I remember, lines have always (and continue to be) literally out the door- think like Disney Land lines. The line does move fast though. They have a good assembly line setup and you can watch them make shave ice right in front of you behind the glass, which the kids in front of me in line enjoyed. I ordered a SMALL SHAVE ICE (+$3.95) which comes with a maximum of three flavors. With over 30 flavors and a multitude of toppings, the combinations are numberless. I chose the strawberry cream, green tea, and coconut cream with condensed milk (aka snow cap!). The small shave ice was more than enough for me, especially since it melted so quickly in the summer heat (they give you a straw for a reason). The syrups were all very flavorful and concentrated and I especially enjoyed the green tea flavor which was just the right amount of sweetness. However, the texture could be better as I had some large ice chunks in my shave ice. For comparison, Waiola has much smoother ice, but the flavors are much more dilute and portions are smaller. Matsumoto's also has a souvenir/retail shop where you can buy Matsumoto playing cards, memorabilia shirts, and everything shave ice related. In terms of seating, there are a limited number of benches in the courtyard. Otherwise, expect to stand. Overall: 4/5 for shave ice, 4/5 for service, 3.5/5 for atmosphere

Shaved ice with ice cream 4/5 - this was pretty good! We added ice cream and mochi to our shaved ice but there was only a bit of ice cream and I wish they have more mochi. We got lilikoi, guava and lychee and they all mixed well together. We came after lunch and there was no line

Although a blast from the past Matsumoto has modernized the shave ice business. No more small mom and pop but essentially a factory that produces good shave iced. When we arrived the line was out the door way outside on the sidewalk. But.. the line moves quickly. Matsumoto has a separate person working on each task. As customers you can scan a QR code to bring up the menu. So many choices. Outside and in the store there's a lot of color that is inviting, clean and fun. Line moves quickly and we ordered our shaved ice with different toppings. A person took our order and gave the bowls to the cashier. Pay by credit card then watch the magic opens. Our selections with different flavors and toppings hit the spot as it was lathered snow cap and syrup. At $8/large bowl this was worth it on a hot afternoon. Seating outside is nice and you end up sitting with random strangers but most everyone is pretty relaxed on vacation mode. The ice cream with snowcap so yummy. We had mango, lychee and vanilla which tasted refreshing and wanting more. Fun to eat and people watch. Definitely will come again as this is Hawai'i.

Played tourist and finally tried this shave ice spot! The line wasn't nearly as long as I've seen it which was great. Decided to get a large to split amongst the two of us and it was still huge! We got the Hawaiian with sweetened condensed milk - WOW. they're so fast and efficient and the flavors were great! It was really sweet but it was creamy with the condensed milk and just made it the perfect treat for a nice hot day in the north shore. Inside it was busy and lively.

I've been wanting to try this place and my wife definitely wanted me too as well. I thoroughly enjoyed the process. The line moves a long because their service is grade-A. As you order, the ice machines are pouring ice while the person is shaping the snow ball, she moves it quickly to the next person to pour the syrups. It's like Starbucks; they move quick but the product is perfect and tastes great! I'm a huge fan of the Tropical combo with Azuki beans! The ice has a nice texture and the Azuki beans are fresh! I also love their house made mochi balls. These mochis definitely taste authentic and the texture is legit. They also have a room full of merch and gifts which is a big plus for tourists. I'll be sure to come back again!