If you are a sucker for sweets, you have got to try malasadas, Hawaii's favorite donuts. Here are my favorites, in no particular order.
Sugar Beach Bake Shop
The Sugar Beach Bake Shop is located in North Kihei between Ululani’s Shave Ice and the ABC store. It is owned by the same people who own Ululani’s and they also have a location in Maui Lani (near the Wailuku Safeway). Their malasadas (and other baking) are delicious and you will always find long lineups here. Skip the line and order online.
Coppa's Maui
Check out Coppa's, a mom-and-pop malasada bakery in Kahului. Pre-order your dozen square malasadas by phone ~ sugar-coated, glazed or filled, and pick up the next day. Amazing malasadas, off the beaten 'tourist' track! And as bonus - no lines! Check out Coppa Maui's instagram for details!
Home Maid Bakery and Cafe
This is our family’s go-to place for birthday and special event malasadas. Located in Azeka (by the Kihei Post Office, Nalus and Ace) this mom-and-pop shop serve up malasadas between 6 and 10 AM (or until they run out, closed Sundays). They make them fresh while you wait. They also serve local-style breakfast and lunch. They serve up two kinds – either covered in sugar or custard-filled.
Komodas
This 100+ year old hole-in-the-wall bakery on the corner of Makawao and Baldwin Avenue. If you happen to be in Makawao one morning, make sure you stop in. Best selection is right at 7 AM, they close once they sell out and are closed Wednesdays, Sundays a few weeks in September and April. My favorites: coconut Danish and guava malasada. My family’s favorites: stick donuts.
Maui Ono Donuts
Not malasadas ~ but very good donuts.... Maui Ono Donuts is a food truck located at Kukui Mall (this is where you find Kihei’s Regency movie theater, Cool Cats, Starbucks etc). . They also have gluten-free donuts! According to their website, they try to be environmentally conscious and are big into recycling. You can pre-order or walk-up to their donut truck.
Did you know.... malasadas are a Portuguese treat, courtesy of Portuguese immigrants brought to Hawaii in the 1800s to work the sugar cane fields.