Tom’s Mini-Mart
It’s finally spring. After being confined to your house for what seems like forever, you decide to venture out and brave the strong winds. On your first expedition, I would suggest you head over to Tom’s Mini-Mart for some of the best shave ice the island has to offer. That’s saying something since Maui has a lot of shave ice to offer. At Tom’s, they don’t skimp on the portions; you’re served a mountain of ice, which is drenched with a river of flavoring so plentiful it could solve this nasty drought business we’ve been hearing about. 372 Waiehu Beach Rd., Wailuku, 244-2323.
Stillwell’s Bakery & Cafe
Stillwell’s is one of those mom and pop places where people remember your name when you walk in the door. While their lunch and deli options are scrumptious, it’s their desserts that, ahem, take the cake. I have a soft spot for pastries. This soft spot is my stomach, of course. And with Stillwell’s around, I will never get the rock-hard abs I’ve always wanted. But hey, that’s okay. With fresh pastries like creampuffs and long horns, I don’t need bricks—I need a concrete bag so I can fill it with fresh baked goodness. The cream horns are tunnels of flaky pastry filled with cream, with one end dipped in delectable chocolate and the entire thing covered with powdered sugar. Envision the cream horn as a makeshift thermometer for your spring fever; as you consume it, your fever subsides. 1740 Kaahumanu Ave., Wailuku, 243-2243.
Hali‘imaile General Store
Some places give you desserts that look like they could have been bought at Costco. But the Hali’imaile General Store is a cut above the rest with its original treats that are sure to please the taste buds. My personal favorite is the lilikoi brulee and almond brittle cup. The combination of flavors and textures will leave you weak in the knees. Another thing not to be missed is the chocolate macadamia nut pie, which caused a small riot when it was temporarily taken off the menu. Or maybe you’re looking for a different type of decadence. In that case, the mango margaritas will usher you straight into springtime bliss. 900 Hali‘imaile Rd., Makawao, 572-2666.
Tasaka Guri Guri Shop
Imagine being able to taste a lazy Sunday morning. That’s what guri guri is like. The sweet substance isn’t ice cream and it isn’t sorbet, but it’s undeniably good. Guri guri will kiss your tongue with its light and fruity flavor, instantly reducing your seasonal temperature. I never bother with the cup servings they offer me; instead I go for whole pints of this magical substance. This must happen often with other customers, as the servers don’t even bat an eyelash when I respond to their, “How far are you taking it?” with, “Just to that bench over there.” 70 E. Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului, 871-4513.
Paradise Supermart
If you have a squeamish stomach, try not to wonder what dinardaraan is and just walk yourself up to the counter and order a halo-halo. Halo-halo is a tasty Filipino dessert that is part fruit salad, part shave ice and all delicious. You can order your halo-halo plain, which is tasty enough, or you can splurge a little and go for the halo-halo with ice cream. This isn’t your regular ice cream though, but rather a chance to see and consume bright purple, ube-flavored ice cream. This dessert is colorful and sweet enough to chase away even the most tenacious, lingering winter blues. 207 E. Wakea Ave., Kahului, 877-6767. MTW
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