When the sun comes out and the temperature goes up, a sweet cold treat always hits the spot. Next time you’re looking for something to cool down on a hot Portland day, take your little sidekicks for shave ice. (And yes, drop the “d” and say shave ice.) With dozens of colorful tasty flavors and a soft snow-like texture, this traditional Hawaiian delight is sure to be a hit with your littles. Read on for five spots that serve this tropical treat.                                                                                           photo: Ono Shave Ice by Tya P. via Yelp

Ono Shave Ice
This popular silver food cart is a Portland favorite for shave ice. Choose up to three flavors, from tasty options like pink lemonade, POG (passionfruit-orange-guava) or blue raspberry, and add a scoop of ice cream for an extra fifty cents. For $6, try it Hawaiian style, with ice cream, mochi, azuki bean and a condensed milk “snow cap.”

Hours/Location vary. Check Facebook page for most current updates and daily location.
503-662-8489
Online: onoshaveiceco.com

Ate-Oh-Ate
Brought into being by the owners of Laurelhurst Market and Simpatica Dining Hall and Catering, start with the delicious Hawaiian food, like plate lunches and Kalua pig sandwiches, and finish your meal with a creamy shave ice for dessert. Let your little ones sample flavors like strawberry or pineapple, and don’t forget to add Ate-Oh-Ate’s homemade coconut ice cream on top. Parents can try a new twist on happy hour and add rum to any shave ice for an additional $4.

2454 E. Burnside St.
503-445-6101
Daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Online: ateoh-ate.com

photo: wikimedia.org via creative commons

Ohana Hawaiian Cafe
Ohana means “family,” and that’s the vibe at this cozy restaurant in the Rose City Park neighborhood. You might want to sample everything on the menu here, but save room for something sweet after dinner. Your pint-sized dining companions will love watching the shave ice machine at work behind the counter. Sample a few different flavors, and add a scoop of Ohana’s homemade coconut ice cream, or try a scoop of vanilla!

6320 NE Sandy Blvd.
503-335-5800
Mon.-Sat. 11a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Online: ohanahawaiiancafe.com

Mauna Kea Shave Ice and Grill
Tucked into the Carts on Foster food pod, Mauna Kea Shave Ice boasts over 22 flavors. Kids will love the towering portions and the wild flavors like Sour Apple, Wedding Cake and the popular Shark’s Blood! (Don’t worry—it’s really cherry and coconut!)

5205 SE Foster Rd.
Tues.-Fri. 1-9 p.m., Sat. & Sun. noon-10 p.m., closed Mondays
Online: facebook.com

photo: Shave Ice by reddit.com via creative commons

Tropical Sno
Although not technically in Portland, this Vancouver-based cart is worth a hop over the river to try. $4 gets you a large cup of any of the tempting flavors, and cream topping can be added for an additional fifty cents. With creative flavor concoctions like Birthday Cake, Creamsicle and Maui Wowee, kids will love tasting all summer to find their new favorite!

2009 NE 117th St.
Vancouver, Wa
Daily, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Online: tropicalsnovancouver.com

What’s your favorite shave ice flavor? Let us know in the comments below!

—Anna Doogan

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