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.

Had an Orange Creamsicle?This flavor instantly transports me back to being a kid. I've recreated this nostalgic flavor b...
05/31/2026

Had an Orange Creamsicle?

This flavor instantly transports me back to being a kid. I've recreated this nostalgic flavor by marbling a tart orange sherbet with a creamy vanilla. I've been enjoying watching kids choose this flavor all week long, and sharing a bite with their sister or mom to show off and share what a good flavor it is.

Look closely and you can spot the Cara Cara orange zest in this. It takes soooo many oranges to make this one flavor, so enjoy this while I we have it. It's limited, so make your plans to stop by this weekend.

The Menu

Signature + Unique Flavors:
Black Sesame
Matcha
Houjicha Honey Milk
Pandan + Rice

I watched a woman come back two days in a row for Pandan + Rice. It's that special, and it's on its way out. I think it really says something that I'm making something that lives so strongly in someone's mind that they have to come back the very next day to have it again. It's made with authentic pandan leaves that I picked for the strongest natural aroma of popcorn meets jasmine rice. If you've never had rice mixed in ice cream (an Italian thing) now is your chance to try why people like it - it starts off as a crunch then quickly melts in your mouth to chewy then ends creamy like risotto. This is your last call for this flavor.

Classic + Nostalgic:
Almond Cookie
Coffee
Cookies and Cream
Fierce Chocolate
Haupia (v)
Frosted Flakes
Orange Creamsicle
Vanilla Bean

What makes our vanilla so good? Both the inside of the pod and the outside of the pod has vanilla flavor. I use the whole thing to make vanilla extract from scratch, and then I use the whole thing ground to a powder which are the flecks you see inside. If you're springing for buying a vanilla bean at home, DO NOT just scrape the inside! Don't waste the pod! If you're infusing something, split it in half lengthwise and cook the whole thing - pod as well.

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

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

Gelato Cakes + Slices:
Strawberry Shortcake
Chocolate Oreo

Tiramisu Gelato Cake

Chocolate Haupia (v) Gelato Cake

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Houjicha Honey MilkThis week, I'm featuring Houjicha Honey Milk - and I'm hoping when you taste it you can appreciate th...
05/25/2026

Houjicha Honey Milk

This week, I'm featuring Houjicha Honey Milk - and I'm hoping when you taste it you can appreciate the journey that got me here.

I went to Japan and brought my ice cream maker so that when Japanese companies would send me samples of their tea, I could make ice cream with it to try out which ones to bring back for you.

The ice cream maker took up most of the room in my suitcase. So you might be wondering, why not just drink it to taste it?

It's actually not enough to simply drink it - I have to literally make it into ice cream to know if it's going to be special enough to feature. The tea has to have a strong flavor to really shine through the milk. I've been making Houjicha for awhile now, and I've found that while I love the tea that I always use - it wasn't familiar enough. Typical, regular houjicha often is just the roasted leaves or some roasted green tea leaves and stems. The tea I have been using is stems only. Which personally I love because it has a super unique flavor and aroma. I've picked up another houjicha in Japan and brought it back to Hawaii to blend with what I've been serving and I think you'll really enjoy its familiar flavor and aroma. My friends in Japan tried it and they think it's "way better than what is served even in Japan". Which is a pretty high compliment!

The Menu

Signature + Unique Flavors:
Houjicha Honey Milk
Black Sesame
Matcha
Pandan + Rice

Rice in ice cream? Yes, it totally works. First off - I love the flavor of pandan. It's the most warm comforting aroma to me. And rice goes so well with that comforting flavor. It's in the ice cream mainly for texture. At first bite, you think it's crunchy, but it quickly changes due to the temperture in your mouth to something creamy resembling risotto soaked in ice cream.

Classic + Nostalgic Flavors:
Fierce Chocolate
Cookies and Cream
Coffee
Frosted Flakes
Almond Cookie
Haupia (v)
Pistachio Toffee (limited)

I received a Trader Joe's omiyage gift of pistachio chocolate covered toffee, so I've chopped it up and folded it into Pistachio gelato for this really decadent flavor. Come quick, because I only received 1 omiyage gift - when this sells out, it's all pau.

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

Specialties
Affogato
Milkshakes
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Soba Cookie Sea Salt Ice Cream Sandwiches

Gelato Cakes
Strawberry Shortcake
Chocolate Haupia (v)
Tiramisu
Oreo Chocolate (available whole and in slices too)

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Cherry Chocolate AmarettoI made a limited 1 time batch of this super nostalgic throwback flavor - Cherry Chocolate Amare...
05/16/2026

Cherry Chocolate Amaretto

I made a limited 1 time batch of this super nostalgic throwback flavor - Cherry Chocolate Amaretto. It's got that classic almond creamy gelato flavor with little bits of chocolate covered cacao nibs from our local chocolate maker Manoa Chocolate, and of course the scratch made black cherry reduction. I just put this out, and I wouln't take any chances waiting!

This Week

Classic and Nostalgic Flavors
Fierce Chocolate
Coffee
Vanilla Bean
Cookies and Cream
Haupia (v)
Frosted Flakes
Cherry Chocolate Amaretto
Strawberry Gelato

Signature + Unique Flavors
Black Sesame
Bridgerton Earl Grey Creme Brulee
Thai Tea
Chocolate Pringles
Matcha

Want to taste the matchas that I brought back from Japan? I did about 8 tests in Japan to select these two matchas that I'm using to make our matcha gelato. It has bitterness and tannins that wonderfully balance out the natural sweetness with a hint of that classic matcha umami - perfect for all of you who want something NOT TOO SWEET!

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

Sugar Free Flavor
Coffee (pre-packed)

Specialties
Brownie Sundae
Affogato
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Gelato Cake Slice

I just cut up this Oreo and Chocolate gelato cake into slices - it doesn't have to be your birthday to enjoy an ice cream cake 🍰

Gelato Cakes
Strawberry Shortcake
Chocolate Haupia
Tiramisu
Oreo Chocolate

For when you do have a special occasion you want to celebrate (don't forget it's graduation weekend!)

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Earl Grey Creme BruleeSuch a classy lovely flavor. When I unveiled this Bridgerton flavor, I noticed that it really hit ...
05/10/2026

Earl Grey Creme Brulee

Such a classy lovely flavor. When I unveiled this Bridgerton flavor, I noticed that it really hit a chord 🎹🎶with a lot of women, myself included. I love the flavor of earl grey. The bergamot that I brought back from travelling really flavors this deeply and it's that citrus zest that hits the top notes to balance out the tea tannins and creaminess of the gelato. And the crunchy bits of french brulee just give it some extra interest and wow.

Mother's Day Menu!

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

Signature Flavors:
Matcha
Black Sesame Honey Crunch
Thai Tea
Genmaicha
Bridgerton: Earl Grey Creme Brulee

Specialties:
Affogato
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Milkshakes
Soba Cookie Gelato Sandwich
Brownie Sundae

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

I made lots of ready-made gelato cakes just in case you want to grab something to take home to celebrate this weekend!

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Happy May Day!It's been very lovely seeing all of you come in with leis and your keiki. I love flowers all year round, b...
05/02/2026

Happy May Day!

It's been very lovely seeing all of you come in with leis and your keiki. I love flowers all year round, but it's really lovely to see everyone celebrating the Lei Day spirit!

Genmaicha

The new flavor I made for you to try this week is Genmaicha. It's a roasted brown rice that I brought back from Japan mixed with sencha. I've never had creamy Genmaicha ice cream - have you?? I think you should definitely try it. The roasted brown rice reminds of kakimochi in a really lovely way.

The Menu

Signature Flavors:
Genmaicha
Black Sesame Honey Crunch
Matcha
Thai Tea

The Thai Tea ice cream that I've made is really special - it's Thai Tea yes, but over a base of French Caramel and Vanilla. A Thai Chef Yao, told me that her favorite Thai Tea place is in Bangkok. My friends went specifically to this place and they told me that what makes it special and memorable is the flavor notes of caramel and vanilla; and that's what I've tried to recreate for you here.

Nostalgic & Classic:
Fierce Chocolate
Coffee
Vanilla
Cookies and Cream
Haupia (v)
Frosted Flakes
Salted Caramel
Almond Cookie
Butterbeer

Last chance to grab Butterbeer! I know this was a requested flavor, so time to get this brown butter infused Scotch Whiskey flavor. It's actually quite nice paired with Genmaicha.

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

Specialties:
Chocolate Haupia Sandwich
Soba Cookie Vanilla Sea Salt Sandwich
Brownie Sundae
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Affogato

PRE-PACKED PINTS:
Butterbeer
Coffee
Cookies and Cream
Lemon Sherbet
Thai Tea
Vanilla Bean

PRE-PACKED VEGAN PINTS:
Guava Sorbetto (v)

PRE-PACKED SUGAR-FREE:
Sugar-free Coffee half-pint

GELATO CAKES:
Oreo & Chocolate
Chocolate Haupia (v)
Strawberry Shortcake
Tiramisu (available in slices too)

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Ube Rice Krispy Treat 🍦I love this idea that I've brought to life - combining the textures of Rice Krispy Treat (gooey, ...
04/25/2026

Ube Rice Krispy Treat 🍦

I love this idea that I've brought to life - combining the textures of Rice Krispy Treat (gooey, chewy, light popping of the puffed rice) with the creamy texture of Ube gelato. It's so inventive, but at the same time all familiar elements. I feel like if you're looking for something new to experience this weekend, this is perfect and it's only for this week, so you'll definitely want to swing by if you want to catch this flavor.

The Menu

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

It's back! Also, just for this week - I've brought back Butterbeer - a nostalgic flavor that people have been requesting.

Butterbeer gets its buttery flavor from making caramel using browned butter and malty Scotch Whiskey! So cozy. Pro tip - it also goes exceptionally well with our coffee which someone remarked to me that "Via Gelato has really good coffee" (yes we do! We selected it from a whole lot of different roasters and this one roasted in Hawaii, we think is the best!)

Signature Flavors:
Almond Cookie
Black Sesame Honey Crunch
Matcha
Thai Tea

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

SPECIALTIES:
Brownie Sundae
Milkshakes
Affogato
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Chocolate Haupia Gelato Sandwich
Soba Cookie Gelato Sandwich

PRE-PACKED CLASSIC PINTS:
Birthday Cake
Coffee
Lemon Sherbet
Vanilla Bean
Guava (v)
Lychee (v)
Strawberry (v)

PRE-PACKED SIGNATURE PINTS:
Almond Cookie
Matcha
Thai Tea
Ube
Black Sesame Honey Crunch

SUGAR-FREE:
Sugar-free Coffee half-pint

GELATO CAKES:
Strawberry Shortcake
Oreo & Chocolate
Chocolate Haupia
Tiramisu

Click here for an update from Via Gelato!

Kona Low Storms ImpactWe've been all really going through it with these Kona Low Storms. A few months ago, our glass win...
04/18/2026

Kona Low Storms Impact

We've been all really going through it with these Kona Low Storms. A few months ago, our glass window was pushed so hard by the wind that the glass shattered.

As a small business it's always hard, but honestly when things like this happen, it is even harder. Super grateful for all the people who came together to help get it from this shattered situation to this boarded up situation.

And really relieved that now after three months, the glass has been successfully replaced. And light can come through again both literally and figuratively.

Thanks so much to all of you who keep coming to support my small local business. Honestly it means a great deal that you come and bring your friends and your family to the shop - gotta pay these bills somehow. Because without you coming, we would really not be able to make it. So please keep coming and support having us around in the neighborhood.

The Menu

Classic + Nostalgic Flavors

Fierce Chocolate
Coffee
Vanilla Bean
Haupia (v)
Birthday Cake
Cookies and Cream
Macadamia Nut

Unique + Signature Flavors

Ube
Matcha
Houjicha
Soba Honey Crunch
Lavender Honey Milk
Sakura

Fair warning, we're on the last of Sakura. It's slightly salty, tangy, unique flavors have people from Japan telling us "it's so nostalgic, reminds me of getting a Sakura Latte in Tokyo".

Because it goes from beautiful to over in such a short period of time, that's what makes the moment that much more special...

Refreshing Flavors

Strawberry (v)
Lilikoi (v)
Lychee (v)

I'm going to be taking a break from making Lychee sorbet regularly. Why? Because I'll soon be making all the ice cream by myself as the kitchen team transitions. If Lychee sorbet is your jam, now is the time to come in and stock up!

SPECIALTIES:
Milkshakes
Affogato
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Brownie Sundae

GELATO SANDWICHES:
Chocolate Haupia
Soba Cookie Vanilla Sea Salt

PRE-PACKED CLASSIC PINTS:
Birthday Cake
Coffee
Frosted Flakes
Salted Caramel
Vanilla Bean
Kona Mud Pie

PRE-PACKED SIGNATURE PINTS:
Matcha
Sakura

PRE-PACKED REFRESHING PINTS:
Lemon Sherbet
Guava Sorbetto (v)
Strawberry Sorbetto (v)

SUGAR-FREE PRE-PACKED:
Sugar-free Coffee half-pint

GELATO CAKES
Strawberry Shortcake
Chocolate Haupia (v)
Tiramisu
Oreo + Chocolate (in slices as well)

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Soba Honey CrunchI love the flavor of soba. At some soba restaurants in Japan they have other items featuring soba (buck...
04/11/2026

Soba Honey Crunch

I love the flavor of soba. At some soba restaurants in Japan they have other items featuring soba (buckwheat) like tea, or miso or even ice cream. And I wanted to bring you that truly unique experience of soba (roasted buckwheat) ice cream.

When you taste this flavor, you'll realize it's a lot more familiar than you might think. Buckwheat has the same coarse grain texture as graham and it's texture really reminds me of graham crackers. Paired with the honeycomb - because sweetness and the roasted flavor of grain cereal just go hand in hand, it's a very friendly flavor for something so new.

And if you're really loving the soba experience, you should definitely pick up these limited Soba Cookie ice cream sandwiches. They are only going to be available until the end of this month.

What's Scooping?

CLASSIC + NOSTALGIC FLAVORS
Fierce Chocolate
Coffee
Salted Caramel
Haupia
Vanilla Bean
Cookies and Cream
Pistachio
Mint Chip

UNIQUE + SIGNATURE FLAVORS
Ube
Soba Honey Crunch
Matcha
Sakura
Lavender Honey Milk

REFRESHING FLAVORS
Lemon Sherbet
Lilikoi (v)
Guava (v)

SPECIALTIES
Brownie Sundae
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Affogato
Dubai Sundae

GELATO SANDWICHES
Chocolate Haupia
Soba Cookie
Ube Rice Krispy Treat

PRE-PACKED CLASSIC PINTS:
Birthday Cake
Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Coffee
Fierce Chocolate
Frosted Flakes
Salted Caramel
Vanilla Bean

PRE-PACKED SIGNATURE PINTS:
Sakura
Ube
Houjicha Honey Milk

PRE-PACKED REFRESHING PINTS
Guava Sorbetto (v)
Lilikoi Sorbetto (v)
Lychee Sorbetto (v)
Strawberry Sorbetto (v)

PRE-PACKED SUGAR FREE
Coffee (half-pint)

GELATO CAKES
Oreo Chocolate
Tiramisu
Chocolate Haupia (v)
Strawberry Shortcake

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🍫Chocolate?Every year around Easter and Valentine's Day our suppliers run out of chocolate. Clearly someone is eating al...
04/04/2026

🍫Chocolate?

Every year around Easter and Valentine's Day our suppliers run out of chocolate. Clearly someone is eating all the chocolate or everyone suddenly gets seized by this compulsion that chocolate must be eaten and consumed during these holidays. I've been seeing in the news a lot about the "backlash" 😤and shock surrounding Hershey's and Reese's planning to switch from using real chocolate to something else. But, honestly? Even when it was "real" chocolate, for me eating easter candy just doesn't really satisfy me. And I think it's because if I want to eat chocolate, I want to eat not only the real thing, but a really good version of it. That's the whole reason why our Fierce Chocolate gelato tastes the way it does - I want to eat good chocolate and I assume you do too.

I also totally get the desire to celebrate during the holidays too. And this Dubai Sundae I think is a really nice way to enjoy something full of different textures and flavors (including a healthy dose of chocolate).

I think different textures and flavors is so enjoyable in a parfait and this sundae hits all of that. It has sweet and tangy from strawberry, with rich and heavy chocolate fudge doubling down on the Fierce Chocolate gelato and nutty Pistachio chiming in the background with crunchy buttery kataifi pastry to add interest. I'll take this over a hollow waxy chocolate egg any day. So maybe for 2026, we don't need tons of quantity in the form of a huge basket of hmm🤔💭 candy? and maybe we gather for some quality and spend some QT together while we're at it? See you soon...

THE MENU

Nostalgic + Classic Flavors
Fierce Chocolate
Haupia (v)
Salted Caramel
Cookies and Cream
Frosted Flakes
Birthday Cake
Mint Chip
Sweet Potato Haupia (v)

Did you call? I've been getting lots of requests for this; so here you go. It's Sweet Potato Haupia (yup, it's dairy free) and I'm experimenting with some different types of coconut milk to see which ones you like the best. Come on by and get yours! Here for just 1 week due to demand.

Unique Signature Flavors
Ube
Matcha
Houjicha Honey Milk
Sakura

Are you getting into the mood for Sakura? I've seen so many people posting photos and videos chasing Sakura around Japan.

Kaimuki Shokudo has also gotten into the Sakura mood and they have created this stunning Honey Toast using our Strawberry Sakura flavor.

Refreshing Flavors
Lilikoi (v)
Guava (v)
Lemon Sherbet

Ice Cream Sandwiches
Chocolate Haupia
Ube Rice Krispy Treat

Specialties:
Matcha-gato
Brownie Sundae
Milkshakes
Dubai Sundae
Affogato

PRE-PACKED CLASSIC PINTS:
Birthday Cake
Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Coffee
Frosted Flakes
Macadamia
Salted Caramel
Vanilla Bean
Mint Chip

PRE-PACKED SIGNATURE PINTS:
Almond Cookie
Japanese Cheesecake
Macadamia Honeycomb (v)
Pandan

PRE-PACKED REFRESHING PINTS:
Lemon Sherbet
Guava (v)
Lilikoi (v)
Lychee (v)
Strawberry (v)

PRE-PACKED SUGAR-FREE CUPS:
Sugar-free Coffee half-pint

GELATO CAKES
Strawberry Shortcake
Tiramisu
Chocolate Haupia (v)
Oreo Chocolate (in slices too 🍰)

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Japanese CheesecakeWhat makes a Japanese Cheesecake so special? This is a Japanese cheesecake and what makes it special ...
03/27/2026

Japanese Cheesecake

What makes a Japanese Cheesecake so special?

This is a Japanese cheesecake and what makes it special are the different layers and textures to come up with a balanced total. The top part is a light cheesecake because it's whipped and raw (not baked), the middle is a baked cheesecake and it's rich and thick, the bottom is a cake which also brings lightness and helps to distribute the cheesecake flavor.

I've applied that same principal of using 3 components for this Japanese Cheesecake gelato flavor. The gelato is a creamcheese gelato and inside are pieces of baked cheesecake and pieces of baked cake. Different textures, different degrees of flavor coming together as a balanced whole. That's why we sold out of it in 1 day yesterday and we've made more for today. I'm only making a limited run of this flavor so try it while you can!

The Menu

Classic & Rich Flavors:
Fierce Chocolate
Vanilla Bean
Coffee
Pistachio
Salted Caramel
Haupia (v)
Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Birthday Cake
Cookies and Cream
Macadamia Honeycomb (v)

This Macadamia Honeycomb also sold out in 1 day last week and so we've fully restocked. This is the last week to get your hands on this dairy free gelato. It features Macadamia butter, purple sweet potatoes and aerated caramel which is the honeycomb. The aerated caramel melts into the gelato creating pockets of oozy slighty crunchy goodness.

Signature Flavors
Ube
Matcha
Black Sesame
Sakura

Even this one 👇

It's cherry blossom season in Japan and that was the whole reason why I made Sakura this month. It doesn't taste like cherries because it's not made with cherries or the flower (which a lot of people assume since the season is full of flowers). Sakura has a very distinct flavor that comes the leaf pickled and salted to make this traditional sort of mochi filled with azuki anko flavored with Sakura leaves. If you are curious as to what 🌸Sakura flavor is, now is your chance to try this ephemeral flavor.

Refreshing Flavors
Lychee (v)
Guava (v)

Specialties
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Affogato
Brownie Sundae
Milkshakes
Dubai Sundae

GELATO SANDWICHES:
Chocolate Haupia
Soba Cookie Vanilla Sea Salt
Ube Rice Krispy Treat

PRE-PACKED CLASSIC PINTS
Birthday Cake
Coffee
Cookies and Cream
Macadamia
Haupia (v)
Mint Chip
Salted Caramel
Vanilla Bean

PRE-PACKED SIGNATURE PINTS:
Almond Cookie
Houjicha
Lavender Honey Milk
Matcha
Sakura
Ube
Pandan

REFRESHING PRE-PACKED PINTS
Lemon Sherbet
Guava Sorbetto (v)
Strawberry Sorbetto (v)

SUGAR-FREE:
Sugar-free Coffee pre-packed half-pint

GELATO CAKES
Strawberry Shortcake
Chocolate Haupia (v)
Oreo Chocolate
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

Website

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