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Maui is a foodie paradise and that certainly includes desserts and sweet treats! I never really thought of myself as much of a sweets person, but as I started writing this post, I found that I do, in fact, have a big sweet tooth.
On this list of must-try desserts on Maui, I’ve included some traditional treats that you could find variations of across the islands, as well as some unique goodies specific to spots on Maui. And spoiler alert – if you love lilikoi (passion fruit), this is the list for you! It’s one of my favorite flavors of any sweet treat, and it pops up frequently throughout this list.
If you’re looking for desserts and sweet treats to try on Maui, here’s a list of what I think are some of the best!
Also Read: The Ultimate Maui Food Guide
Best Desserts & Sweets on Maui
1. Pies from Leoda’s
Leoda’s | 820 Olowalu Village Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761
If you’re heading out to West Maui, you absolutely have to stop at Leoda’s and pick up a couple of their mini sweet pies. The chocolate mac nut pie is a dream for chocolate lovers and if you like passion fruit, get the lilikoi (one of my all-time flavors of anything really)! Pie flavors do vary so be sure to check out their menu or call ahead if there’s something specific you want.
2. Guri Guri from Tasaka
70 E Kaahumanu Ave # C13, Kahului, HI 96732
One of my favorite childhood treats is a unique find called guri guri (originally called goodie goodie), which is sort of like a cross between sherbet and ice cream. The recipe for this one-of-a-kind frozen treat is known only by the Tasaka family themselves, making this the only place in the world you can get a true guri guri. They only serve two flavors here – pineapple and strawberry. I always get a mix of both! It’s a simple, affordable, and refreshing treat.
Important: Bring cash! They do not accept credit cards here.
3. Cream Puffs, Malasadas & Donuts from Komoda
3674 Baldwin Ave, Makawao, HI 96768
Another favorite spot from my childhood is Komoda Bakery in Makawao, located in the Upcountry region of Maui. My favorite treat from the bakery are the cream puffs (one of their most popular items), but they also make fantastic stick donuts and malasadas too (and their malasadas come with guava filling – so yum!).
Pro Tip: Get there early as there can often be a long line, and they will sell out of their popular items. You can also call your order in ahead of time for pickup!
4. Ululani’s Shave Ice
Ululani’s | Multiple Locations
Shave ice (and yes, it is “shave” and not “shaved”) is a well-known refreshing island treat. While there are numerous places to get it around the island, Ululani’s is one of the best! Their finely shaved ice and locally-made syrups are worth the visit.
Shave ice was originally brought to the Hawaiian Islands by Japanese plantation workers who would chip ice off blocks and cover it with syrup or juice for a refreshing treat (called kakigori). With all those hot Hawaiian days, I can definitely see why shave ice made its mark and stuck around all these years.
You can get real fancy with toppings, such as adding ice cream, Azuki beans, condensed milk, toasted coconut, mochi…you name it – the list goes on! I like to keep mine simple with ice, syrup and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. With six locations on the island, you can easily get your shave ice fix practically anywhere!
5. Gelato from Paia Gelato
Paia Gelato | 99 Hana Hwy #C, Paia, HI 96779
Gelato is always a good idea, but I love that Paia Gelato sources as many ingredients from local farms as they can. It’s some of the most creamy and delicious gelato I’ve had outside of Italy! My personal favorites here are the Lilikoi and Kula Strawberry – I’m just a sucker for fruity flavors. It’s also a great hand-held dessert that you can take to go while you wander through Paia town.
6. Sugar Beach Malasadas
Sugar Beach | 61 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Malasadas are actually a Portuguese treat that were brought to Hawaii by migrant workers back in the late 1800’s and I am forever thankful. They are now engrained in Hawaii’s food landscape! Malasadas come in different shapes and sizes, can be plain or filled, and are usually dusted with granulated or powdered sugar. Truly an indulgent treat!
Sugar Beach Bake Shop makes one of the best custard-filled malasadas I’ve ever had. They are light and fluffy and not too big (which can be dangerous I guess because it’s easy to eat multiple at a time). If you get there early enough, you can also get the lilikoi-filled malasadas (I am on a mission to do this next time I’m on the island!).
7. Hula Pie
TS Restaurants | Multiple locations
One of my all-time favorite desserts, Hula Pie is a giant slice of macadamia nut ice cream with a cookie crust and topped with fudge, whipped cream, and macadamia nuts. This dessert is so decadent and is the perfect treat for macadamia nut-lovers. I highly recommend sharing this one!
Kimo’s was the original creator of this famed dessert, which sadly burned in the Lahaina fire. However, TS Restaurant group also includes Hula Grill, Duke’s, and Leilani’s – all of which you can get a slice of Hula Pie at.
8. Kitoko Lilikoi Meringue Pie
Kitoko | 35 Auhana Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
One of my favorite food trucks on Maui serving the most beautiful food around is Kitoko, located in South Maui Gardens in Kihei. The chef behind Kitoko is brilliant when it comes to the art of pastry, and I highly recommend the Lilikoi Meringue Pie. When I visited, this variation was served layered in a jar – a beautiful presentation for a tasty treat highlighting one of my favorite fruit flavors. There are so many other lovely desserts I can’t wait to try to add to my list here!
9. Coconut Glen’s
Coconut Glen’s | 1200 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708
If you’re heading out on the Road to Hana, check out the Coconut Glen’s stand for some homemade coconut ice cream! Everything here is vegan, meaning no dairy in any of the ice creams, but that doesn’t deter from the flavor one bit. Of course, my favorite is the lilikoi but I also really like the chili chocolate as it had a spice kick to it. I think it is a little pricey for what you get, but I guarantee it will hit the spot when you need a break from the drive.
Make sure you bring cash!
10. Stuffed French Toast from Nalu’s
Nalu’s Kihei | 1280 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
While I would classify the stuffed French toast from Nalu’s as a breakfast/brunch item, it’s sweet enough to make this list. This Cornflake Crusted French Toast is made up of Hawaiian sweet bread stuffed with pineapple-lilikoi marmalade cream, topped with pineapple, bananas, and toasted mac nuts. Tell me that doesn’t sound like an amazing sweet treat!
11. Lilikoi Cheesecake at Kula Bistro
Kula Bistro | 4566 Lower Kula Rd, Kula, HI 96790
I absolutely love Kula Bistro, located in the Upcountry area. They have delicious food for lunch or dinner, but they also stock their bakery case daily with all sorts of cakes, pies, and other sweet treats! One of the best cheesecakes I’ve ever had is their lilikoi cheesecake. I am honestly not a huge cheesecake person, but this won me over.
Their baked goods do change, so you’ll just have to call ahead to see what’s in the case for the day. Even if this particular cheesecake flavor isn’t available, there will be plenty of sweet alternatives to satisfy your cravings.
12. POG Bread
Maui Bread Co. | 2395 S Kihei Rd #117, Kihei, HI 96753
Maui Bread Co. in Kihei has the most delicious POG bread (aka Passion Orange Guava) – another favorite flavor combo of mine! This “bread” is more like a sweet POG-flavored pound cake, comparable to banana bread or pumpkin bread texture, with just the right amount of sweetness. Slice this up and have it with your morning coffee or tea while on the island!
*Note that Maui Bread Co. is closed on Wednesdays & Thursdays
Will you be trying any of these desserts and sweet treats on Maui? Is there anything you think I should try that’s not on this list?
For more foodie inspiration when visiting Maui, check out these posts:
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