Four Sisters Bakery & Catering, Wailuku
There’s already a line outside this tiny bakery in the heart of Wailuku—and it’s not even open yet. While Four Sisters is also a catering company, the folks in line are here for one thing: pastries. Buttery butter rolls, sugar-coated yeast doughnuts, moist banana bread, gooey cinnamon rolls—everything here is soft, buttery and super fresh. Pro tip: Get a container of pineapple-flavored cream cheese from the fridge to smear on your butter rolls. (There’s also pimento-flavored cream cheese and pickled mango.) 1968 E. Vineyard St., Wailuku, (808) 244-9333, foursisterskitchen.com
Maui Specialty Chocolate, Kahului
As the name suggests, this family-run shop is known for its handmade artisanal chocolates and chocolate confections, like rocky road, chocolate-covered Oreos and chocolates in the shape of dolphins, humpback whales and even the island of Maui. But what locals really come here for is the mochi—delicate, soft Japanese rice cakes filled with peanut butter and milk chocolate, dark chocolate truffle or traditional azuki (sweet red bean paste). The mochi is made fresh every day and sells out fast. Best to order ahead. 180 E .Wakea Ave., Kahului, (808) 871-1222, mauispecialtychocolates.com
Vida by Sip Me, Makawao
For those who can’t resist a cozy café, make sure to stroll down Baldwin Avenue to Vida by Sip Me. Regular visitors to Makawao recall Sip Me, the town’s community coffee hub. It was heartbreaking when the café closed in November 2021 after seven years in business. But it was a comforting and encouraging sight for owner Laura Night to see her customers return when she opened the doors to Vida by Sip Me in November 2022. While still preserving the spirit of Sip Me, Night and her business partner restyled the business with a fresh name and appearance. At Vida by Sip Me, expect to find beverages spanning high-quality third-wave coffees, herbal lattes, cold-pressed juices and locally crafted kombucha. Of course, customers can still order Sip Me’s popular cinnamon rolls, along with a daily assortment of fresh pastries, too. 3671 Baldwin Ave., Makawao, vidabysipmemaui.com
Kitoko Maui, Kīhei
Kitoko Maui is an exquisite establishment. Parked in South Maui Gardens, a 7-acre plant nursery and community space in Kīhei, the food truck serves beautiful bento boxes packed with braised beef, seared swordfish and tofu that taste as delicious as they look. The same impressive intention of flavor pairings goes into the dessert menu, which includes macadamia nut caramel tiramisu, liliko‘i (passion fruit) meringue pie and homemade sorbet. 35 Auhana Road, Kīhei, @kitokomaui
You can rent a car for one day or 100 days at Kihei Rent A Car. On Maui, the cost of your rental will definitely be less than your accommodations, maybe even your food budget!
