The official grand opening of San Diego's Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice in Chula Vista is set for Saturday, May 31, 2025, with festivities running from 12pm to 9pm. Patrons will be able to sample the brand’s signature shave ice, crafted with ultra-purified water, 100% pure cane sugar, and premium fruit purees.
Ululani's was founded in Lahaina, Maui, in 2008 by David and Ululani Yamashiro. What began as a tiny 65-square-foot stand has blossomed into a beloved chain with over a dozen locations across Hawaii, California, Texas, and Florida. The brand is renowned for its commitment to "Alohatude" - a blend of aloha and gratitude that infuses every customer interaction.
The Chula Vista franchise is owned by local residents Marijun Dilay and Jeffrey and Eleanor Short, who first fell in love with Ululani’s during a family trip to Maui in 2013. "We fell in love with the quality and warm aloha spirit," the owners shared. "We can’t wait to bring that same experience to our hometown of San Diego."
The menu features a wide array of flavors, from Hawaiian classics like lilikoi (passion fruit), guava, and coconut to more adventurous options such as the Bonita, a special location-only option with calamansi lime and mango-habanero with Tajín. Customers can customize their shave ice with gourmet toppings like sweetened condensed milk, mochi, and li hing mui (salty dried Chinese plum) powder.
With its emphasis on high-quality ingredients, exceptional customer service, and a genuine aloha spirit, Ululani’s is poised to become a South Bay favorite. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the experience, the Chula Vista location offers a refreshing escape to the islands—no passport required.
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice is located at 736 Otay Lakes Road, across from Bonita Vista High School in the Bonita Point Plaza, in San Diego's South Bay city of Chula Vista. For more information, follow @ululanis.sandiego on Instagram.
Originally published on May 31, 2025. Photos from @ChrisEatsItAll (who you should definitely follow).