Via Gelato

Via Gelato Local restaurant serving small-batches of handmade ice cream in Hawaii daily, serving up locally inspired flavors and decadent classics.

Making paradise even sweeter since 2011. Vegan and keto friendly options made for you in the ice cream shop too! Via Gelato began as a food truck serving artisanal quality gelato with unique flavors inspired by local Hawaiian tastes. One year later, Via Gelato opened a store in Kaimuki with even more flavors and a brightly-lit, family-friendly ambiance. Each day the gelato makers make sixteen to t

wenty flavors that typically sell out. A board in the store lets customers pin up their ideas ranging from bubble gum to bacon. Not all of the suggestions make the cut, but everyday Via Gelato makes something special that speaks to our fondest childhood memories.

RIZ AU LAITTomorrow | Saturday 10 - 11amAward winning Boston Chef Hana Quon is partnering with me to create this delicio...
08/29/2026

RIZ AU LAIT
Tomorrow | Saturday 10 - 11am

Award winning Boston Chef Hana Quon is partnering with me to create this delicious collaboration pastry tomorrow morning!

Riz (Rice) au Lait is the French version of rice pudding. We've really explored our love for rice; the texture, flavor and its many faces. We all know and love rice, but this Hokkaido top shelf nanatsuboshi (7 stars) rice has been fully loaded with fragrant Tahitian vanilla ice cream.

You get to experience the texture of the rice frozen in the ice cream, the fresh Riz au Lait that Hana Quon is making to stack on the top as well as crispy carmelized puffed rice. It's definitely a lot going on - but it's all very reflective of each other, amplifying the flavor as you taste everything mirroring each other.

You've got the buttery croissant that you can instantly smell as you bring it close to your mouth letting you know what you're in for. Then you get buttery crispy carmelized puffed rice and then as you let the gelato fill your mouth - think soft and smooth like custard - you get that European butter reflected again in the caramel.

It's textural, classic flavors, buttery, aromatic, rich and light at the same time (ALL THE FEELS!) and we're only doing it tomorrow at 10 - 11am. Hana Quon is FAMOUS for selling out, so you should pre-order yours right now because if you snooze you lose!

The Menu

Signature + Unique Flavors
Almond Cookie
Matcha
Black Sesame
Houjicha
Soba Honey Crunch

Fair warning, I think I'm going to sell out of Soba Honey Crunch soon. It's roasted Soba gelato (tastes like roasted buckwheat cereal) with pockets of melted honey crunch and bits of buttery baked buckwheat soba cookies.

Classic + Nostalgic Flavors
Vanilla Bean
Fierce Chocolate
Coffee
Haupia (v)
Mint Chip
Frosted Flakes
Cookies and Cream

Refreshing Flavors
Strawberry (v)
Lilikoi (v)
Guava (v)
Strawberry Ume (LAST CALL!)

Specialties
Brownie Sundae
Affogato
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Soba Cookie Sea Salt Vanilla Gelato Sandwich

Gelato Cakes
Chocolate Haupia (v)
Oreo Chocolate
Tiramisu
Strawberry Shortcake

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MELON CREAMHave you tasted the Sugar Kiss melons that they are selling at Times? They are VERY SWEET and incredibly juic...
08/24/2026

MELON CREAM

Have you tasted the Sugar Kiss melons that they are selling at Times? They are VERY SWEET and incredibly juicy. I feel like they are the melon equivalent of Piried mangos. I bought a bunch of them and turned it into this 1 limited batch of Melon Cream.

Melons are such an important part of the summer fruit season. I feel like eating them makes me feel like summer is truly complete.

The Menu

Signature + Unique Flavors:
Matcha
Black Sesame
Almond Cookie
Melon Cream
Soba Honey Crunch

I also made a roasted Soba ice cream mixed with Soba cookies and Honeycomb crunch - it tastes a little like a roasted honeyed cereal because of the buckwheat.

Nostalgic + Classic Flavors:
Vanilla Bean
Fierce Chocolate
Haupia (v)
Cookies and Cream
Coffee
Frosted Flakes

Refreshing Flavors:
Guava (v)
Lilikoi (v)
Strawberry (v)
Strawberry Ume (v)

Specialties:
Affogato
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Soba Vanilla Sea Salt Ice Cream Sandwich
Brownie Sundae

Gelato Cakes
Chocolate Haupia (v)
Strawberry Shortcake
Oreo Chocolate
Tiramisu

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THROWBACK FLAVORSTRAWBERRY UMEWho doesn't love a good throwback? I was able to get my hands on a bunch of fresh shiso to...
08/10/2026

THROWBACK FLAVOR

STRAWBERRY UME

Who doesn't love a good throwback? I was able to get my hands on a bunch of fresh shiso to make it into Strawberry Ume for you this week.

If this isn't a throwback for you and something totally new - it's fruity, salty, sweet, and acidic all at the same time. Basically giving you a taste of all the flavors plus the herbaceous aroma and flavor of shiso.

The Menu

Classic + Nostalgic Flavors:
Coffee
Cookies and Cream
Frosted Flakes
Vanilla Bean
Haupia (v)
Fierce Chocolate

Signature + Unique Flavors:
Strawberry Ume (v)
Almond Cookie
Black Sesame
Houjicha Honey Milk
Mango Sticky Rice
Kinako Chocolate Waffle

Refreshing Flavors
Lilikoi Sorbetto (v)
Strawberry Sorbetto (v)
Guava Sorbetto (v)

Specialties:
Affogato
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Soba Cookie Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwich
Brownie Sundae

Gelato Cakes
Strawberry Shortcake
Chocolate Haupia (v)
Tiramisu
Chocolate Oreo

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Kinako Chocolate WaffleI made this flavor because I love the gentle nutty roasted flavor of Kinako. If you're not famili...
08/03/2026

Kinako Chocolate Waffle

I made this flavor because I love the gentle nutty roasted flavor of Kinako. If you're not familiar with Kinako - it's roasted soybean that is ground to a fine powder. Usually we roll mochi in it to gently and naturally flavor mochi. It has an earthy roasted flavor that tastes like peanuts. When I make it into ice cream, it has that same peanut butter adjacent flavor which goes so well with the chocolate covered waffle cone pieces that I've mixed inside.

The Menu

Classic + Nostalgic Flavors

Coffee
Cookies and Cream
Frosted Flakes
Vanilla Bean
Haupia (v)
Fierce Chocolate

Unique + Signature Flavors
Almond Cookie
Black Sesame
Houjicha Honey Milk
Kinako Chocolate Waffle
Mango Sticky Rice
Matcha
Halo Halo

It's your LAST CHANCE for Halo Halo!

Refreshing Flavors
Strawberry (v)
Guava (v)
Lilikoi (v)

Specialties
Affogato
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Brownie Sundae
Soba Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich
Halo Halo Sundae (last chance!)

Gelato Cakes
Strawberry Shortcake
Chocolate Haupia (v)
Oreo + Chocolate
Tiramisu

Click here for an update from Via Gelato!

ARE EDIBLEI have been training a new kitchen team this summer and there is so much for them to learn. The easiest part i...
07/26/2026

ARE EDIBLE

I have been training a new kitchen team this summer and there is so much for them to learn. The easiest part is actually the beginning when I tell them and demonstrate exactly what to do, when to do it - the only thing needed is the ability to listen and follow instructions. We're in the much harder phase now, which is the intermediate learner. As an intermediate, they are learning through mistakes what they remember and what they don't. Learning what to pay attention to using all the senses especially smell. I've noticed that people rely too heavily on what things look like - which doesn't tell the whole story; and forget to take into account what they are smelling as well.

A custard flan was made and the caramel was taken too far for the Halo Halo. BUT it's perfect for Creme Brulee.

CREME BRULEE

I've folded this oops custard into a custard gelato that I made and drizzled it with the burnt caramel sauce. This is not only edible - it's incredibly delicious. Burnt caramel which you find on top of creme brulee is the perfect compliment to the rich custard and that's exactly what this flavor is balancing. I've only made enough for this weekend and it will likely sell out very quickly as it's incredibly rich and decadent. Stop in tonight or tomorrow and taste how yummy this mistake has been transformed.

The Menu

Classic + Nostalgic Flavors
Coffee
Cookies and Cream
Fierce Chocolate
Frosted Flakes
Creme Brulee
Vanilla Bean
Haupia (v)

Signature + Unique Flavors
Almond Cookie
Black Sesame
Halo Halo
Houjicha Honey Milk
Matcha
Mango Sticky Rice

Refreshing Flavors
Strawberry (v)
Lilikoi (v)
Guava (v)

Specialties
Affogato
Houjicha Affogato
Matcha-gato
Brownie Sundae
Halo Halo
Soba Cookie Vanilla Sea Salt

I had friends visiting from Japan last week and this was one of their favorites - the Soba Cookie gelato sandwich. He lives in Tokyo and said that he had never eaten anything like this before and he liked it a lot. I felt like that was such a thoughtful compliment. When you live in a big city, there are so many flavors and creativity available everywhere - to come to a small shop in Hawaii and experience something new, I think is quite special.

This sandwich features a soft baked cookie using roasted soba from Japan. The roasted flavor gives the cookie a lot of complexity and pleasing texture and aroma. It complements the salted Vanilla Bean ice cream perfectly to deliver warmth and comfort.

Sugar Free
Pistachio (pre-packed)

Gelato Cakes + Slices
Oreo Chocolate
Chocolate Haupia (v)
Tiramisu
Strawberry Shortcake

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Halo HaloI'm making Halo Halo because it's the perfect time to feature something refreshing. I'm talking about this seas...
07/19/2026

Halo Halo

I'm making Halo Halo because it's the perfect time to feature something refreshing. I'm talking about this season we're in when practically everyday I am craving cold hiyashi chuka and icy naengmyeon.

I was having the hardest time sleeping a couple days ago when it was really still and hot. And when it's summer I feel like that humid heat is what makes Halo Halo taste even better. We've fit a lot of different components inside, like cooling Lychee Black Tea Jelly and contrasting it with azuki beans for that familiar Asian earthy flavor and texture.

There are a whole range of creamy elements from super rich leche flan, to Halo Halo Gelato and our Haupia Coconut sorbet for a refreshing light creamy texture.

And there's plenty of other treasures I've packed in there to find as well. Time to enjoy summer's heat!

The Menu

Classic + Nostalgic Flavors
Almond Cookie
Coffee
Cookies and Cream
Fierce Chocolate
Frosted Flakes
Vanilla Bean
Haupia (v)
Salted Caramel

I received some customer requests to feature Salted Caramel, so here you go! Don't sleep on this - I am only featuring this flavor for this week. What you see here is a French style caramel which means that it's deep in flavor like that bittersweetness you get from the top of a creme brulee.

Unique + Signature Flavors:
Black Sesame
Halo Halo
Houjicha Honey Milk
Matcha
Mango Sticky Rice

It's Mango Season! Time to feature the flavor of our local mangoes in Mango Sticky Rice (https://viagelato.square.site/product/mango-sticky-rice/RY2BHHDD2YZVH6GR26C53HGW?cs=true&cst=custom) . I made it so that it's refreshing and light in texture. I made a local mango cream and offset it the sweet and savory sticky rice coconut custard. It's pretty special ✨I feel like the local mangoes makes it really shine, but honestly I am just loving the rice inside of ice cream combination with the coconut sticky rice.

Refreshing Flavors:
Guava Sorbetto (v)
Lilikoi Sorbetto (v)
Strawberry Sorbetto (v)

Specialties
Affogato
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Brownie Sundae
Halo Halo Sundae
Soba Cookie Vanilla Sea Salt

I recently had a friend visiting from Japan this past week. And for him - this was his favorite thing. The Soba Cookie, Vanilla Sea Salt ice cream sandwich. It's all about the balance of textures from the soba buckwheat grains and the deeply roasted flavor that makes this cookie so craveable. At the same time it's soft and pairs really nicely with the Vanilla Bean ice cream. He told me he's never had anything like that before; and him visiting Hawaii from a big city like Tokyo, I think that's saying something!

Sugar Free Pistachio (pre-packed)

Gelato Cakes
Chocolate Haupia (v)
Oreo Chocolate
Strawberry Shortcake
Tiramisu

Click here for an update from Via Gelato!

When Trends Finally Catch UpWhen Yelp named Via Gelato one of the Top 20 Ice Cream Shops in America, one detail in the a...
07/04/2026

When Trends Finally Catch Up

When Yelp named Via Gelato one of the Top 20 Ice Cream Shops in America, one detail in the article made me smile.

Along with featuring Via, the article pointed out that Black Sesame and Mango Sticky Rice are seeing a surge in popularity across the country, with over 300% more online searches specifically for these flavors.

But, the funny part?...

We've been making these flavors into ice cream this WHOLE TIME.

This is a photo from 2012 of my to-do list and on it are both black sesame and mango...

I also remember when all I had to do was take a picture of my menu board, make 6 flavors and that was the extent of my social media...so much simpler!

Now the level of photography and expectations are so different. Constantly trying to improve and optimize - not just the look of the photos, but also the flavor. I think today's black sesame is definitely better than it was in 2012. It has more going on in the background to compliment it and I've learned how to intensify the black sesame flavor.

Roasted, nutty, slightly savory, and deeply aromatic, it's one of those flavors that surprises first-time customers and keeps longtime regulars coming back.

Mango Sticky Rice is another one that has been part of Via's story long before it became a national trend. This photo was from 2020, during the Mango Season 6 years ago.

Since then, and several iterations later, I like today's version the best.

I like how the local mangoes show up in the mango sherbet and I like how the coconut haupia gelato holds all that coconut soaked rice for that perfect mango-meets-coconut-meets-rice-bite that I've been watching customers all week say "OH MY GOD!" when they try it.

Most days, being an established shop does not gain us any attention. Influencers and many people want to go someplace new. But it's really nice when the new thing is the old thing that I've had years to revise and improve. I feel like you and I have gotten a 10 year headstart on all the newbies chasing the trend.

The Menu

Unique + Signature Flavors:
Matcha
Black Sesame
Mango Sticky Rice
Halo Halo
Houjicha Honey Milk
Soba Chocolate Brownie

This week we had an oops situation with the soba cookies and chocolate brownies. Luckily for you and for us - all our mistakes are deliciously edible. If this looks and sounds like something you're in the mood for, this weekend is the time to grab this because I am not planning on our team making the same mistakes twice!

Classic + Nostalgic Flavors:
Coffee
Cookies and Cream
Fierce Chocolate
Frosted Flakes
Haupia (v)
Vanilla Bean
Rocky Road

If you have been calling us, messaging us, hoping for us to make Rocky Road - this weekend is your chance. It's here and waiting for you in its classic so much going on in there glory.

Refreshing Flavors:
Guava (v)
Lilikoi (v)
Strawberry (v)

Specialties:
Affogato
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Ube Rice Krispie Ice Cream Sandwich
Brownie Sundae
Halo Halo

Gelato Cakes + Slices
Strawberry Shortcake
Oreo + Chocolate
Tiramisu
Chocolate Haupia (v)

Click here for an update from Via Gelato!

Top In the Nation?We have some exciting news to share!Via Gelato was recently ranked  #19 (https://www.khon2.com/sandys-...
06/27/2026

Top In the Nation?

We have some exciting news to share!

Via Gelato was recently ranked #19 (https://www.khon2.com/sandys-suggestions/hawaii-ice-cream-shops-top-50-yelp/) on Yelp's 2026 list of the 50 Most Saved Ice Cream Shops in the United States—and we're incredibly honored.

What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it isn't simply based on ratings. It's based on the places people save because they want to come back or share them with someone else.

As a small, independent gelato shop in Kaimukī, that means the world to us.

This recognition also belongs to all of you.

Thank you for introducing your friends to Via Gelato, bringing your visiting family members to our shop, leaving thoughtful reviews, and choosing to spend your afternoons, evenings and celebrations with us.
Small businesses grow because people tell other people, and we're grateful every time you do.

Mahalo for helping make Via Gelato one of America's most saved ice cream destinations.

Mountain Apple

Just received these gorgeous mountain apples from a generous local family!

A customer wrote: "it was so fabulous; fresh, unique, and really highlighted the true taste of mountain apples!"

Mountain Apple season is ephemerally short and so you'll definitely want to swing by this weekend to get a scoop of refreshing mountain blossoms and rain in the form of this local fruit sorbet.

Unique + Signature Flavors:
Banana Genmaicha
Black Sesame
Halo Halo
Houjicha Honey Milk
Matcha
Almond Cookie

This week, I had the pleasure of meeting a family visiting relatives in Hawaii. They told me this was the 3rd day in a row they've been at the shop. The husband said that Almond Cookie is his favorite flavor and he comes to Via everytime they visit Hawaii. He said the flavor is so nostalgic for him, not too sweet, and nowhere else has he ever seen this flavor featured. I know that when you travel or have family in town every moment and every day is precious - it's an honor that people want to spend not just 1 day of their vacation, but 3 at our shop.

Nostalgic + Classic Flavors:
Coffee
Cookies and Cream
Fierce Chocolate
Frosted Flakes
Vanilla Bean
Haupia (v)
Mint Chip

Refreshing Flavors:
Mountain Apple (v)
Guava Sorbetto (v)
Strawberry Sorbetto (v)

Specialties
Affogato
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Brownie Sundae
Halo Halo Sundae

Gelato Sandwich
Ube Rice Krispie Treat

Gelato Cakes + Slices
Strawberry Shortcake
Tiramisu
Chocolate Haupia
Oreo + Chocolate

Click here for an update from Via Gelato!

Lemon CrunchI don't know how we got here. But, in Hawaii, we enjoy cakes a certain way. We have our own culture and unde...
06/20/2026

Lemon Crunch

I don't know how we got here. But, in Hawaii, we enjoy cakes a certain way. We have our own culture and understanding when it comes to cakes. I'm looking at you Dobash Cake, Chantilly Cake, Lemon Crunch Cake...

I've never seen these cakes anywhere else, but in Hawaii, you can guarantee how these cakes are put together and taste.

In the case right now, is Lemon Crunch - as a limited nostalgic gelato flavor. It's literally Lemon Cake ice cream with a caramel coated crunch inside. Perfect reason to bring Dad and the fam this weekend for Father's Day and this long holiday weekend we're enjoying.

Also, for your pleasure - I made an ice cream cake version and cut it up into slices for you to enjoy. It's lemon soaked lady fingers and the Lemon Crunch gelato layered with Vanilla Bean gelato on top.

What are your guesses for the classic flavor that I'm planning on bringing back next week? 🤔

The Menu

Classic + Nostalgic Flavors:
Lemon Crunch
Vanilla Bean
Coffee
Frosted Flakes
Almond Cookie
Oreo Cookies and Cream
Fierce Chocolate
Haupia (v)

Signature + Unique Flavors:
Matcha
Houjicha Honey Milk
Banana Genmaicha
Halo Halo
Black Sesame

Specialties:
Affogato
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Milkshakes
Brownie Sundae
Halo Halo

Refreshing Flavors:
Lilikoi (v)
Guava (v)
Strawberry (v)

Gelato Sandwiches:
Soba Cookie Sea Salt Vanilla
Ube Rice Krispie Treat

Sugar Free:
Pre-Packed Sugar Free Pistachio

Gelato Cakes:
Strawberry Shortcake
Tiramisu
Chocolate Haupia (v)
Oreo and Chocolate

Gelato Cake Slices:
Strawberry Shortcake
Lemon Crunch Cake
Matcha Cloud Cake

Click here for an update from Via Gelato!

"Is It Traditional?"Yes and No. It's actually the best of both worlds🔥This is the spread that I made for Halo Halo. Ther...
06/14/2026

"Is It Traditional?"

Yes and No. It's actually the best of both worlds🔥

This is the spread that I made for Halo Halo. There are some traditional elements to it and there are some traditional things omitted like the shaved ice which I decided to replace with our Haupia Sorbet. What it's not missing is all best feelings of a Halo Halo: it's light, refreshing, and full of exciting textures that all complement one another. There are plenty of friendly and familiar flavors at their best: handmade azuki beans and my leche flan which might take position as best you've ever eaten. There is ube ice cream with kernels of frozen corn.

It's not as strange as you might think. A lot of people eat corn in ice cream because it's sweet and when it's frozen, it resembles the pleasing easy textural crunch of young coconut.

I could list off all the stuff in it, but that actually wouldn't do it justice or paint the experience that you have when eating it. It's so perfect for right now - summertime because it's super refreshing - each bite is so full of complimentary textures and flavors and you're constantly discovering a new favorite combination of flavors. If you're looking for something not too sweet, jam packed with handmade stuff, and want something rather light and refreshing I think you'll find this very satisfying.

The Menu

Nostalgic and Classic Flavors:
Coffee
Cookies and Cream
Frosted Flakes
Vanilla Bean
Haupia Sorbetto (v)
Almond Cookie
Fierce Chocolate

Unique + Signature Flavors
Banana Genmaicha
Matcha
Horchata + Pumpkin Jam
Halo Halo
Houjicha Honey Milk
Black Sesame

Refreshing Flavors:
Lilikoi (v)
Strawberry (v)
Guava (v)

Specialties:
Affogato
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Halo Halo Sundae
Brownie Sundae

Gelato Sandwiches:
Soba Cookie + Sea Salt Vanilla
Ube Rice Krispie Treat

Pre-Packed Sugar Free:
Pistachio

Gelato Cakes + Slices:
Chocolate Haupia (v)
Oreo + Chocolate
Strawberry Shortcake
Tiramisu

Click here for an update from Via Gelato!

Address

1142 12th Avenue
Honolulu, HI
96816

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 10pm
Tuesday 11am - 10pm
Wednesday 11am - 10pm
Thursday 11am - 10pm
Friday 11am - 11pm
Saturday 11am - 11pm
Sunday 11am - 10pm

Telephone

+18087322800

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