Allow us to introduce you to five legendary Maui desserts that are more than just the end of a meal. These are expressions of our island’s culinary creativity, using local ingredients like lilikoi, macadamia nuts, and pineapple to create unforgettable experiences.
Are you ready?
Kimo’s Original Hula Pie at HULA Grill
No discussion of Maui desserts would be complete without the island’s most iconic sweet treat. The Original Hula Pie has been a Hawaii staple since 1977, when it was first created at Kimo’s restaurant in Lahaina with the tagline “what the sailors swam ashore for in Old Lahaina Town.”
This towering creation features macadamia nut ice cream piled high on a chocolate cookie crust, then smothered in hot chocolate fudge, whipped cream, and toasted macadamia nuts. At Hula Grill in Whaler’s Village, you can enjoy this masterpiece while literally having your toes in the sand at their Barefoot Bar.
The presentation is part of the magic: the pie slice always points toward the “I” in “Pie” on the signature plate, and the whipped cream is carefully applied to resemble a hula skirt. It’s sized for sharing, but as the restaurant notes, it “rarely goes unfinished!”
Tip: For special occasions, you can order a whole Hula Pie to take home, complete with serving instructions.
The Polynesian Black Pearl at Mama’s Fish House
This dramatic masterpiece features a glossy chocolate mousse “pearl” filled with tart lilikoi (passion fruit), presented in a delicate pastry seashell.
The contrast is divine: rich chocolate ganache balanced by the fresh tropical tart of passion fruit, all garnished with toasted coconut and whipped cream.
Mama’s Fish House has been serving this one-of-a-kind dessert since the 1970s, and it’s worth every penny. The other huge plus is you’re dining at one of Maui’s most legendary restaurants, where the fish is caught daily by local fishermen and the ambiance transports you to old Hawaii.
Tip: Make your reservation months in advance, and don’t skip the complimentary valet parking. It’s a nice touch for a special evening out.
Baklava Ice Cream Cake at Pita Paradise
Who says you need to travel to Greece for authentic Mediterranean fare? Pita Paradise in Wailea Gateway has been serving their world-famous Baklava Ice Cream Cake to rave reviews, and it’s become something of a local obsession.
This frozen masterpiece transforms traditional baklava’s honey-soaked phyllo pastry and nuts into an irresistible ice cream cake. Every bite gives you those familiar sweet honey and nut flavors, but with a cool, creamy twist that’s just about perfect for Maui’s warm evenings.
The Baklava Ice Cream Cake has become the go-to celebration dessert for locals. The Arabatzis family, who owns the restaurant, sources their seafood daily from their own fishing boat, but it’s this dessert that keeps people coming back.
Tip: You can order one piece or a whole cake for takeout, making it perfect for beach outings or just chilling at your Sunny Maui Vacations condo.
Holy Manoli at Manoli’s Pizza Company
The best desserts are the ones that make you say “Wow!” out loud, which is exactly what happens when the Holy Manoli arrives at your table. This decadent creation starts with a warm, made-to-order chocolate chip cookie topped with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, caramel sauce, and crushed Oreos.
The key is in the timing: each cookie is baked fresh when you order, taking about 15 minutes but arriving warm and gooey.
Located at 100 Wailea Ike Drive with stunning golf course views, Manoli’s has built a reputation for fresh, local ingredients and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. And this dessert steals the show.
Tip: The 15-minute wait for the dessert is worth it, so order early in your meal and enjoy the anticipation as you watch golfers on the adjacent course.
Whole Roasted Pineapple at Koast
The newest character in Maui’s dessert scene is making quite the impression. Koast, which opened in January 2025 in Wailea Village, brings together Top Chef Masters winner Chris Cosentino with local hospitality veterans, and their signature dessert is what you might call pure island magic.
The Whole Roasted Pineapple features a caramelized pineapple stuffed with coconut ice cream and lilikoi frozen custard, topped with toasted meringue. It’s a remarkable presentation that showcases Hawaii’s most iconic fruit in an entirely new way.
Chef Cosentino, known for his nose-to-tail cooking philosophy and acclaimed restaurants in San Francisco and Napa Valley, emphasizes local ingredients from mauka to makai (mountain to sea). Early diners are already calling it the best restaurant on Maui.
Tip: Koast is the new hot spot, so make reservations well in advance to experience this culinary destination.
Need a hand with your next Maui vacation? Please contact the Sunny Maui Vacations team at info@sunnymauivacations.com or call 808-240-1311, ext. 21. We’ll find you the best vacation rental condo or rental home in South Maui and help you with any and all recommendations and activities across Maui.
