The Best Ice Cream in Maui: by a Mama and her Kids
Enjoying a sweet treat on a hot day while on vacation is one of my favorite things! The ice cream on Maui does not disappoint. After living in Maui for 6 months my kids and I have had ample opportunities to sample many of the local ice cream and shave ice shops, and are happy to share our recommendations!
#1. Maui Gelato & Waffles- Located at Dolphin Plaza in Kihei (Across from Kam I)
This ice cream shop has it all, and it's the only one we found that serves gelato! There is just something extra delicious about homemade ice cream! The gelato is excellent and is made with fresh local ingredients. Since it is made in-house the flavors change quite frequently and there is always something new and delicious to try.
Maui Gelato & Waffles also serves Roselani Ice Cream with all the favorite Hawaiian flavors (like ube, macadamia nut ice cream, passion fruit, coconut ice cream, kona coffee ice cream and other unique Hawaiian flavors). They also serve the usual ice cream flavor favorites (chocolate, vanilla, cotton candy, mint chocolate chip) to keep the picky ice cream eaters happy!
It doesn't stop here though....they also make AMAZING waffles that are bigger than your head. For my daughter's birthday we came to Maui Gelato to get a birthday waffle. She was served an impressive dessert piled high with birthday cake ice cream and sparklers. So delicious!
My husband and I shared a peanut butter chocolate waffle with fresh banana cream and chocolate syrup. Wowza!
This local joint doesn't get as much foot traffic as some of the other popular ice cream stores so we hardly ever wait in line. They have a great loyalty program, so we get a free ice cream every 4th visit. There is a nice local souvenir shop next door and 808 Clothing is a few doors down, so you can do some shopping after your ice cream cone break.
If that's not enough, there is truly something for everyone at Maui Gelato because they also serve excellent shave ice! Keep reading for tips on ordering shave ice.
Maui Gelato & Waffles is a great place for a treat, and #1 favorite South Maui ice cream shop!
#2. Island Cream Co. - Located in the Lahaina gateway center
This ice cream store is amazing! They have the biggest selection of unique flavors, they serve huge portions, and have fresh delicious waffle cones. There is often a line up, but they move quickly and are always very friendly. The staff are happy to combine different flavors, accommodate requests, and were very helpful when my son dropped half his ice cream. They came over to offer a replacement without being asked. What great service! Island Cream Co. in Lahaina is our usual stop on the way home from a beach day in West Maui. There are a few indoor places to sit, and one outdoor picnic table.
#3. Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice - There are a few different locations but our favorite is the first location in the heart of Paia. There is another location in North Kihei close to Sugar Beach. Both are very busy and typically have a line up out the door! There is no parking lot at the Paia location so make sure to a park in the public parking lot and walk into town where you will find Ululani's shave ice.
Ululani's shave ice has the shaved ice process down to a science and is a local favorite.
Shave ice is a perfect treat on a hot afternoon because it is designed to get even more delicious as it melts! If you haven't tried it before, it is a must do! It is a lot like a snow cone, but it has some extra pizzazz!
When you order shave ice it is a four-step process. First, you will pick the size. Second, you decide whether you want ice cream (and choose the flavor if they have options at your location). Third, choose your syrup flavor, and fourth you decide whether you want any topping. It has to be ordered all at once so it took me a few tries to get the optimal shave ice. It was worth the effort though! :)
The secret to shave ice (in my humble opinion) is to two things:
Make sure to order ice cream. Without the ice cream, shave ice is just a snow cone and it makes my mouth go numb to quickly! I usually go with the coconut cream ice cream or plain vanilla.
Always get the snowcap!!
There are so many great flavors to try, but choosing one of the most popular flavors for the first time is my suggestion. They have a delicious blue raspberry and pina colada flavour mix that is to die for! My daughter loves to order the “rainbow” which is a combination of blue raspberry, strawberry, and pineapple. My husband enjoys the root beer flavor, and my son sticks to the tried and true plain chocolate ice cream.
Shave ice is served with a spoon, AND a straw. What a brilliant way to continue to enjoy the melty goodness in the summer heat!
#4 Cones on Kihei- Location is South Kihei across from Kam III, in the same complex as coconut's fish cafe (where you can get the BEST fish tacos)
This is a small ice cream parlor with good variety of tropical flavors as well as your standard favorite ice cream flavors.
Cones on Kihei serves Dole Whip which is an excellent tropical treat that I've only come across on the Hawaiian Islands. Dole whip is the consistency and look of soft serve ice cream, but it is made with pineapple and often is made dairy-free.
To complete the options, Cones on Kihei also serves shave ice, so there is something for everyone! The only downside to me is that every time I take my kids here the server warns us not to drop the ice cream. It makes me chuckle because no one has ever intentionally dropped an ice cream. They just made it clear that they would not be replacing a dropped ice cream. It never happened to us at this store, so we didn't test it, but it's weird and no one else on the island ever says that. We laugh about it, and wonder if we look like a particularly clumsy group, but if you have chronic ice cream droppers in your crew, give this place a miss!
#5 Kimo's Maui: For those with an extreme sweet tooth, it's important to give mention to the Hula Pie. Although Kimo's is a restaurant, and not just an ice cream shop, they serve the famous Hula Pie. The original recipe was developed in Maui and well known by the local community. Hula Pie combines macadamia nut ice cream on a chocolate cookie crust, topped with a layer of cool chocolate fudge and drizzled with hot chocolate fudge and toasted macadamia nuts. It is the ultimate Hawaiian dessert to be shared with the family.
If this is something that calls to you, you can visit one of the T S restaurants on Maui to enjoy!
I hope you enjoy many delicious sweet treats and more more in Maui!
The Hawaiian Island have so much beauty and adventure, once you sort out your ice cream destination, check out my other blog posts to plan your trip!
7 Days in Maui with Kids: Planning your Ultimate Family Vacation
Packing for your Vacation in Maui
The Best Beaches for Swimming in Maui
The #1 Snorkeling Spot with Kids in Maui
The #1 Hike in Maui with Kids: Pipiwai Trail
15 Best Hikes in Maui near Kaanapali
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