Favorite Treats

We normally go to Maui and stay in the Wailea area, and look forward to picking up our special treats: banana bread with lilikoi cream cheese from the Kihei farmers market, malasadas from sugar beach bake shop, shave ice from Ululanis…

Are there such specialties on the Big Island, anything not to miss? We are staying in the Mauna Kea resort area but don’t mind driving.

Thank you!

The Big Island has a wonderful variety of local treats, similar to what you enjoy on Maui, and staying near the Mauna Kea Resort gives you easy access to several must-try options both on the Kona and Hilo sides.

Some local specialties and spots not to miss include:

• Banana Bread: Try the famous banana bread at Hilo Farmer’s Market if you’re on the east side, or at Island Naturals Market & Deli in Kona for a more local option. Some bakeries even offer lilikoi or macadamia nut variations.
• Malasadas: Tex Drive-In in Kona is a classic spot for fresh, hot malasadas, often with a dusting of sugar or filled with cream flavors. Another option is Pineapple’s Island Fresh Malasadas.
• Shave Ice: Popular Kona locations include Scandinavian Shave Ice in Kona town, known for finely shaved ice and natural syrups, or Uluani’s
• Local Chocolates: Visit Hawaiian Host Chocolate Factory or Kona Coffee Living History Farm for Kona coffee chocolates and fresh coffee beans.
• Tropical Fruits: Drive to farmers markets (Kona, Hilo, or Waimea) for fresh pineapple, papaya, mango, guava, and lilikoi. Some vendors also make lilikoi butter or jams, which are great treats to take home.
• Coffee Treats: Kona coffee is famous worldwide. Many local coffee farms and cafes have pastries, coffee ice cream, or coffee-flavored treats that are worth trying.