Shaved ice is a cool and refreshing treat that dates back to the sugar plantation days of old Hawaii, when thousands of Japanese immigrants flocked to the Aloha State to work on the plantations, bringing with them a frozen concoction known as “shave ice” – outside the Hawaiian islands, an “ed” was added to the name, making it “shaved ice,” which has become the more common pronunciation in the remaining 48 states. The modern form of shaved ice we all know and love today is believed to have been invented in the port town of Yokohama, Japan in 1869; due to its overwhelming popularity, shaved ice was a common attraction in shops throughout Japan by the 1920s.

Now that the designer shades, sundresses and strappy heels are on, it’s clear that the very beginning of summer has arrived in Los Angeles, and considering the climate in this “West Coast City That Never Sleeps,” the idea of delectable shaved ice desserts couldn’t come at a better time. We have assembled our favorite spots for refreshing shaved ice in Woodland Hills, and have included them below for your pleasure this summer season.

Brian’s Shave Ice & Boba offers authentic Hawaiian-style shaved ice served in flower cups, with flavors directly imported from Oahu. The shop also sells Dole Whip, a pineapple soft-serve that has previously only been available at such places as Disneyland and the Dole Plantation. From fillings including adzuki beans, mocha balls and ice cream to flavors encompassing Banana, Boysenberry, Blue Bubblegum, Blue Hawaii, Blue Raspberry, Blue Vanilla, Cherry, Cherry Cola, Coconut, Cotton Candy, Guava, Grape, Green Apple and many more, Brian’s is a shaved ice lover’s dream come true. The business boasts three locations throughout the Woodland Hills area, including L.A., Tarzana and Sherman Oaks.

The Italian Ice Shoppe  serves Italian ices made in-house with real fruit and juices in addition to gelato, gelato floats and an assortment of beverages, snacks and retro candies. Established in 2016, the shop now offers some 24 flavors of Italian ice, as well as eight flavors of gelato. The smooth and refreshing ice, as offered by The Italian Ice Shoppe, is constantly being made in rotating flavors including Banana, Blueberry, Blueberry Lemonade, Blue Raspberry, Bubble Gum, Cantaloupe, Cherry, Cherry Limeade, Chocolate, Coconut Cream, Cookies ‘n Cream and many more. The Italian Ice Shoppe is located at 19942 ½ Ventura Boulevard in Woodland Hills.

Get Shaved offers a plethora of shaved ice treats in addition to special combinations, ice cream, cookie sandwiches and even milkshakes. The shop is known for its “choose up to three flavors” policy, enabling customers to select from tongue-tastic selections like Banana, Blue Bubblegum, Blue Hawaii, Green Apple, Green Tea, Cotton Candy, Grape, Guava and more. Meanwhile, all shaved ice concoctions can be supplemented with a roster of goodies like Vanilla ice cream, Macadamia Nut ice cream, Coconut Pineapple ice cream, Toasted Marshmallow ice cream, Cookies n Cream ice cream, Nutella ice cream, Coffee Cookie ice cream, Maui Wowi sherbet, mocha balls and azuki beans. Get Shaved has three locations in the Woodland Hills vicinity, including Northridge, Sherman Oaks and Torrance.

No’Elani’s Pure Drinking Water Store and More has become an L.A. staple for purified and alkaline water, Hawaiian shaved ice, purified ice, bottles, and more, often called “the best place for shaved ice in Woodland Hills.” From the moment you walk in, you’ll be greeted by the husband-and-wife owners who will answer any questions regarding the shop’s long list of syrup flavors – whether it’s Watermelon, Cherry, Grape or one of the more exotic selections. Mix up to three different flavors and add sweet condensed milk over the top of your ice for a really genuine Hawaiian experience. No’Elani’s is located at 23713 Vanowen Street in West Hills.

SweetSnow was established in 2013, originally conceived as a gourmet ice cream shop before the founders fell in love with the concept of “snowcream” – the perfect lovechild of snow and cream that yields something not too creamy and not too icy. SweetSnow’s snowcream is a unique cross between finely-textured Hawaiian shaved ice and creamy ice cream, the shop is regularly freezing blocks made of fresh milk and natural ingredients that are whirled against a sharp blade that produces a shower of soft, beautifully-layered snowcream. If it tickles your craving fancy, add fresh fruits, nuts or a variety of other toppings – you can even add a little condensed milk or any of the shop’s famous “drizzles.” SweetSnow is located at 9420 Reseda Boulevard Suite 7 in Northridge.

Shave It is a Woodland Hills ice shop with an attitude, responsible for making all of its own flavors that are only available at Shave It, using real cane sugar (no HFC) in its syrups. As both a “refreshment and dessert,” Shave It’s ice is carefully shaved into “impossibly soft, fluffy snowballs” that are doused with flavor and topped with something sweet or sour. What’s more, each of the three locations throughout the Woodland Hills area appeals to a diverse range of customers, welcoming those both young and old while offering a “contagious vibe.” Shave It doesn’t just sell ice – it sells an atmosphere of people gathered together, talking and laughing and forgetting about life for a while. If you have never experienced “vacation in a cup,” give Shave It a try. Three locations are ready to serve you in Thousand Oaks, Norwalk and Tarzana.

The next time you’re craving cool, refreshing shaved ice in Woodland Hills, stop in to any of these shops for a healthy, low-calorie alternative to other rich frozen summertime treats.