Sweet Omiyage From Maui
Going to Maui? Here’s what you need to get!
I grew up going to visit family in Kahului, Maui once a year, so I love the old school sweets and pastries I grew up with in the community. They are still my favorite same choice omiyage to bring home today!
Most of this is best enjoyed fresh the same day, but if you’re one flight way, you can bring it home and eat it the next day or two too!
The below are conveniently all in Kahului/Wailuku so just a 20 minute drive or so drive from the airport. I usually spend the last few hours of my time on Maui, driving around to pick up all of these things that are pre-ordered ahead.
Maui Specialty Chocolates Mochi
Hands down my favorite mochi because it’s stuffed with crunchy peanut butter and chocolate! This small mom and pop shop of chocolate snacks, is probably most well known for its chocolate and peanut butter mochi that comes in a 5 pack. This definitely sells out so you must order in advance. It’s perishable, but sooooo worth bringing back.
Stillwells Cream Horns
My favorite pastry on Maui are these cream horns in Wailuku! Ask for it frozen so you can fly home with it and then pop them in your refrigerator. This powdered sugar pastry dipped in chocolate and filled with some kind of custard is delightful!!! Messy to eat, but will have you saying “Mmmmmmm” while powdered sugar covers your face and flaky bits of the cream horn falls on your lap. The chocolate eclairs are good too. I ALWAYS have to get their cream horns when we go to Maui.
Sam Sato’s Turnovers & Manju
This is the restaurant in Wailuku that everyone meets at and you have to bring back the turnovers and manju for the aunties, uncles, grandma’s and grandpa’s. They’re sooooooo ono! I particularly love the apple turnover and lima white bean manju. Their manju is small, delicate, and sweet!
Home Maid Bakery Manju
If you love more of a crispy and flaky manju, then I love this one too! I especially love the sweet potato and apple flavor, but really, all of their flavors are sooo good!
Maui Upcountry Jams & Jellies
For something not perishable to share beyond the next day or something that can preserve for months to remind you of your sweet time on Maui, check out Maui Upcountry James & Jellies. I love this brand that can be found in gift shops and markets around the island or direct from their website. Lilikoi, Jaboticaba, and Kula Black Raspberry are some of my favorites. This company grows the fruits, picks them from their little farm in Kula, Maui, and the girls make it in small batches on-site! I’ve seen the process which makes me super appreciate these jars and they taste delicious! Authentically made in Hawai`i and led by an aunty who really reminds me of a ton of my aunties I grew up with on Maui! Love you Aunty Jan of the Jams!
So there you go! Some of the sweet omiyage favorites from Maui! Disclaimer: I know there are so many more things I love from Maui, but this is what came to mind in my most recent visit! :p
erin’s tip
Plan ahead. Call ahead and reserve. Everyone who knows Maui, loves the same things and they sell out, so don’t assume you can just swing by and get it. You don’t want to regret not getting your goodies from Maui!
