Posted on 2/28/2023

Dessert Island-Style

Vacation is a time to treat yourself, and although many Maui restaurants have a great selection of mouthwatering, sweet treats, these dessert-specific spots are worth a separate trip and guaranteed to satisfy that sweet tooth!

Shave Ice

Stopping for shave ice is a must on any trip to Maui, but there are far too many shops to try in just a single vacation. Ululani’s shave ice is probably the most well know and popular shave ice shop on the island, with locations all over Maui. 

This fame has been well earned through consistent service and quality ice (pro tip- if your shave ice ever needs more flavor/ has white spots, be sure to ask for a bit more syrup, they are more than happy to help out!). 

Our other favorite is Gus’ Hawaiian shave ice in Kihei. This cute shop runs out of a VW Bus right next to Kamaole 1 Beach. The combination of real frozen fruit and stunning sunsets draws in locals and tourists alike (not to mention a great photo op)!

Ice Cream

Lappert’s Hawaii lures in many customers with the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. 

They pair perfectly with their famous ice cream (it might be a better combo than cookies and milk, honestly). 

Lappert’s is a great place to beat the heat while shopping at the Shops at Wailea or on Front Street in Lahaina. 

Maui Sweet Shop in Kihei is another local favorite that has plenty of flavor options for their homemade ice cream. The rotating seasonal flavors and high-quality ice cream keep us coming back for more. 

If you don’t want to stop by an actual ice cream shop, you can pick up a quart of Rosalani Ice Cream in most grocery stores to enjoy some of the finest ice cream made on Maui!

Baked Goods and Pastries

Baked on Maui in Haiku is the best pre-Hana pastry stop, but their cinnamon rolls alone are worth the trip. 

Kamoda Bakery in Makawao is beloved for its light and fluffy donuts on a stick. 

Limiting this list to just two places was impossible, so we added a bonus stop. One of our favorite new cafes has been providing baked goods to local shops for a while, but Momona Bakery has recently opened its own shop in Kahului. 

They opened as a Bakery, but their coffee, provided by local roaster Social Hour, is some of the best on Maui. One recommendation that applies to all three of these shops is to come early, because everything sells quickly!!


Maui After Dark Must Try Local Foods