CJ’s Shave Ice

Just picked up my shave ice and cotton candy machine, and let me tell you… This place is awesome, and so so sooooo affordable. When I say affordable, I mean more than half the price of every other place I researched. Aunty Cj is the business, she so helpful and very organized. I will DEFINITELY BE back.. Thanks CJs, my son’s party is going to be awesome!

This lady is the truth. Good talker, very helpful, she knows what she is talking about when it comes to the sweets game. I had to hold a fundraiser that dealt with shaved ice. Mind you, I have no clue on how to run a shaved ice stand. I look to Unilocal,find her business that says they rent out ice machines and head out for a visit. Let me tell you CJ is funny and very easy to talk to. I probably stayed there for about an hour just chatting, nothing about shaved ice. Anyway she has all the goods for your party needs: popcorn, cotton candy, balloons, costumes, etc. She helped me plan my shaved ice operation, told me what to buy and even told me to go somewhere else to get some items as they might be cheaper. I was like, what? Yes, she told me where I can get items cheaper, other than her place. Just cause of that I bought everything from her anyway. This simplifies the process and makes it a one stop shop for this project.
I cannot recommend CJ enough. If you are in need oF party supplies please go and check this place out. With CJ’s advice and her hookup we made a hefty profit on shaved Ice, plus the minions helped out a lot. See pics. Thanks CJ. You’re the best!

I’ve used CJ’s for a few years now– we always get the shave ice machine and syrups and she always throws in what seems like a zillion extras at no cost, cause that’s just the type of person she is. Super generous, efficient, helpful– and beautiful :) We’ll keep going back!

I cannot thank CJ enough for my awesome cotton candy and popcorn centerpieces. They were both very cute & delicious and were a big hit at my daughter’s first birthday party. This was the best decision I’ve made throughout my entire party planning and I’m glad to have met such a sweet and welcoming person. Pricing, quality, EVERYTHING was just awesome! My guests enjoyed them and I’m beyond satisfied with the outcome. Thank you CJ & Winnie for helping me put my centerpieces together. I will definitely be back!

I cannot say enough good things about CJ’s Shave Ice. But let me start here:
I went to CJ’s for the first time for my daughter’s first birthday party in 2010. They made her center pieces and I rented the shaved ice machine. I remember it being absolutely fabulous!
As I was cramming to get everything all together last week for my daughter’s 6^th birthday party, I contacted CJ’s again (she remembered me from 5 years ago might I add.) I went by during my lunch break to talk to CJ about what I wanted for the center pieces and by the time I even got my lunch, it was all DONE!!! And I was more than happy with the products.
This shop is a family run business and you can tell in the way that they treat everyone in need of their services like Ohana too! Thank you so much CJ’s for going above and beyond for my baby’s birthday!

Best popcorn for favors and best customer service. Been in the business for more than 20 years and really takes care of her customers.

Wow! Was that the best S… in my lifetime?
No, silly. I’m not talking «that». I’m talking Shave Ice!
Maybe not the best, but definitely the best deal!
This place, hidden in Industrial Kalihi, brings new meaning to a hidden gem! How about is this street even on the map? This wonderful place, that reminds one of a miniature Willy Wonka window is called…
CJ’s SHAVE ICE!
Okay, if the street name is unfamiliar and if you pass it by once, or twice, it’s about 1 block Ewa (West) of Savers. But realize it’s not on Dillingham Blvd, but rather a tiny road that loops, yet runs parallel to Dillingham. Just look for a bunch of 18-​wheeler containers parked in the area and you should be good! I know, it’s hard to find, unless you’re familiar with the Industrial streets. Finding it is one thing, but parking here is zilch, so it’s best to park anywhere (legal) within a one block radius of this place. First parking spot… Grab it. Absolutely NO parking up front! Ok, ok, but now that I got that out of the way… This place is by far…
THE BEST DEAL IN THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE FOR TRUE HAWAIIAN SHAVE ICE!
CJ’s SHAVE ICE!
$ 1 THAT’S ONE DOLLAH SHAVE ICE, BRAH!
Umm. Is this a Unilocal review from the 1950’s? Something err Anything for $ 1? I’m joking, right? Nope, I kid not! That’s ONE DOLLAH IN 2015 — THE INTERNET AGE YO! Srsly. Umm. What else can we buy for a dollah. Nada!
THE BEST DEAL IN THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE FOR TRUE HAWAIIAN SHAVE ICE!
CJ’s SHAVE ICE!
$ 1 THAT’S ONE DOLLAH SHAVE ICE, BRAH!
Okay, after passing by this place once, or twice, and finally realizing there’s really no parking. I secure street parking a half block away. I walk over in the hot Hawaiian sun and arrive expecting syrupy icky stuff. To my pleasant surprise this little spot IS CUTE, COLORFUL and the BEST PART IS THE ONE DOLLAH SHAVE ICE, BRAH! What? $ 1? Yup!
After scanning the typical flavors I start talking to Cheryl (the owner) and her husband. I find out why it’s only a dollar. Basically Cheryl & hubby are from the old school of thought and believe in keeping it the way it was! In fact, I find out that Cheryl once had a Shave Ice truck that cruised Honolulu & Waikiki back in the day. Yes, the cost was $ 1 back then and many years, decades, later… It’s still only $ 1, minus the truck! I’m AMAZED!
So, after deciding on Mango and tossing on a Snow Cap (condensed milk) I whip out $ 2 (expecting to pay extra for the topping). Nope! It’s ONE DOLLAH FOR THE SHAVE ICE WITH THE TOPPING! But was it decent enough? ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! In fact, I was surprised that the ice was almost of «Waiola Shave Ice» texture — like snow! The flavors were limited, but typical, and not as syrupy as I expected. I was so pleased with it being $ 1, I PAID $ 2 JUST OUT OF GUILT! WOW! PLUS, IT WAS ONO!
THE BEST DEAL IN THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE FOR TRUE HAWAIIAN SHAVE ICE!
CJ’s SHAVE ICE!
$ 1 THAT’S ONE DOLLAH SHAVE ICE, BRAH!
Okay, so now you got the secret about the BEST DEAL IN THE UNIVERSE! It wasn’t the best, per se. It wasn’t the biggest, per se. Yet, it was DEFINITELY THE BEST DEAL IN THE UNIVERSE! So grab those 4 quarters and get down here, or if you feel guilty, like I do, pay them the $ 1 and heck tip another 100 pennies just because… Up to you.
CJ’s TIPS:
— CJ’s sell/​rents out shave ice machines and other party stuff too. Apparently it’s quite popular with the locals! CJSHAVE​ICE​.COM or
— CJ’s offers other goodies too, like popcorn and cotton candy! I saw a few bubble gum machines too! Seems like everything is only a dollar!
— CJ’s is limited in flavors (standard), but you can choose multi if you wish, toppings are limited to only snowcap and li hing mui, but remember it’s INCLUDED in the $ 1!
— CJ’s does have a tiny bench and outdoor patio table so you can enjoy it on premises if you so choose.
— CJ’s is open M-​F typical business hours and short hours on Saturday. Closed on Sunday!
After talking story with Cheryl and Hubby I sense a joy for what they do. CJ’s is Kama’aina owned and operated party supply store with over three generations of family experience! They believe in the old school ways of honesty and being kind and kindness will return. I guess sometimes living in the past can be a good thing…
THE BEST DEAL IN THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE FOR TRUE HAWAIIAN SHAVE ICE!
CJ’s SHAVE ICE!
$ 1 THAT’S ONE DOLLAH SHAVE ICE! GET DOWN HERE!
OVERALL GRADE: 4.5-STARS!
Unilocal REVIEW #479/​500

So far so good! I called after hours on Saturday and Idk with whom I spoke to, but she said she’d call me on Monday, but I can see how she forgot, so nothing negative too say about that. I called just before 3pm on Monday (today, 06/​22/​2015) and she had my date available, «Yaaay!!» I told her I wouldn’t be able to make contact until Saturday because of my job and that I REALLY, wanted to book her for my party. She said, «No problem, I have you set for the date so you if want, you can come in on either day to make your payment. Woohoo! I’m so happy! I’ll give an update after the party, but I’m pretty sure I won’t be disappointed, and will update on the stars. For now, it’s a definite 4 stars, just for her understanding and accommodating of my work hours for deposit/​payment.
Ttfn
UPDATE:
They were AWESOME! they showed up early to set up, and their set up was great! My guests really loved them and all of their goodies. The workers were very personable. They we’re so good, even my father, «Mr. I don’t eat cotton candy,» ate popcorn and, cotton candy. We were all so shocked, my daughter’s took a picture of him eating it. After the party, instead of throwing what wasn’t eaten by my guests, was packed up and given to my daughter, the guest of honor. I highly recommend them for your party, and I would definitely use them again!

CJ’s recently hosted the shave iced stand at my twin daughters’ birthday party. They came with all the great flavors — melona, strawberry, dreamsicle, vanilla, banana and more — super ono! They even gave all the kids cotton candy in a jar as an extra — what a nice surprise. They came through on short notice as I almost dropped the ball in booking a shave ice party. I told them they should open up a shop to serve shave ice to customers — it would be a big hit.

I’ve rented the cotton candy machine and I’ve ordered cotton candy pre-​made from here. Cheryl is the best! Super friendly and kind. She’s also honest, I paid for the rental but then my church mistakenly wrote her a check instead of reimbursing me so she got paid twice! I called her up when I found out and she gave me the cash back no problem. For my next party I’m going to get pre-​packaged cotton candy just cause it’s easier than renting the machine.

Cheryl is the sweetest! Her popcorn it’s so flavorful! And her Cotton Candy is Ono! Awesome Service & Highly Recommended!

I’ve never been here before, and my dad sent me in to get popcorn. After three minutes in the store, I can tell I like Aunty Cheryl. She’s awesome. So helpful! Everything is so cute and she’s so nice. Definitely don’t mind coming back for my dad :)

Cheryl is absolutely awesome. I’d have to agree with the other great reviews. She was very helpful and willing to make the cotton candy how I requested to fit my theme for despicable me. Her service was great as she is very friendly. Nice local lady trying her best to run a local best. Buy local support local

absolutely love this place. The owner is awesome and i love her down to earth personality. I could probably stay there for hours just chit chatting. I ordered cotton candy twice from her already and she always gives me a few extra from the kindness of her heart. She also gave me a small bag of her colored popcorn, which I ate all that same day.
Im definitely getting more goodies from here in the future.

Cheryl was VERY VERY helpful and pleasant to me and my husband. She even took the time to show me how to make the cotton candy for my party. She has given me such great customer service for just meeting her for the first time and if I ever need supplies I know exactly who I wanna give my business to :). As we drove home I told my husband wow I can’t believe there are still people out there who have the ALOHA SPIRIT around, and for that sake I am always gonna give Cheryl my business first :). Thank you for the first great impression Cheryl, it means a great deal to me and my ohana.

Just rented a «cube» Shaved Ice machine from here and it was practically brand new, either that or VERY well maintained. Always take into consideration the cleanliness of rental machines. Anyway, from the get go the person over the phone was easy to talk to. She may not be overly friendly, but who cares. Im not calling to make friends so I got over that quickly because she had answers to every question I had. Their website is very self explanatory, I used it for reference when not on the phone with them. I also mailed a check to them and accidentally overpaid. She promptly let me know and wouldn’t accept it as a tip, instead gave me more cotton candy. (Oh yeah, I bought cotton candy from them too. I give them 3 F’s fresh, fluffy, and flavorful!) So upon returning the machine and syrup bottles the lady there was nice enough to give us 2 bags of sweet, warm colored popcorn that was just made. Great service and even better prices. Btw she accommodated our smaller party with smaller size syrups that were not listed on website. Awesome. And the machine is adjustable from coarse to fine shave ice. So you choose what your preference is. Yay that’s it.

Aunty Cheryl is the best! she’s one podagee lady, but she’s super cool. Seriously, she wouldn’t be rude unless you were rude to her first…
I rented a shave ice machine (the authentic kind that uses block ice — like Matsumotos, not the party ice one) and bought some syrups from her as well. She ended up giving me a couple extra flavors and the flower cup holder things for free. I also ordered cotton candy from her, which she packed into containers for me. She also makes the BEST popcorn. Tastes even better then the movie kind.
She also rents out cotton candy machines, popcorn machines… ALL KINDS OF STUFF!!! her prices are really reasonable compared to other places.
If you’re going to visit the shop, i’d suggest calling first just to make sure she’ll be there. She’s the only one there, so if she has to pick up supplies or something, she has to close the shop.

If I can give it a no star, I would. The lady there is rude as hell! No way in hell will I return.