Your spot to relax
Maui Gelato and Waffles, located in Kihei, HI, is a must-visit for dessert lovers seeking rich, handcrafted gelato and freshly made waffles. Their gelato features unique island-inspired flavors like pineapple and island roots, delivering smooth, creamy textures that truly capture Hawaiian flavors. The waffles, though taking about 15 minutes to prepare, are worth every second—crispy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Friendly staff provide generous samples, enhancing the welcoming vibe. Conveniently near Charlie Young Beach with free shared parking, this spot pairs excellent desserts with strong coffee, making it a perfect casual retreat. Each visit feels like a sweet tropical escape.
About
Maui Gelato and Waffles, nestled in the heart of Kihei at 2395 S Kihei Rd, offers a refreshing island escape through its handcrafted gelato and Belgian-style waffles. This spot stands out not just for its prime location near Charlie Young Beach, but for the thoughtful artistry behind each dish.
The gelato here is a revelation—smooth, creamy, and bursting with locally inspired flavors like pineapple and island roots. Each scoop feels like a vibrant nod to Hawaii’s tropical bounty. The Haleakala blend with cookies & cream is a rich indulgence that lingers on the palate, perfectly balancing sweetness and texture.
Waffles take center stage as well, crafted fresh with patience and precision. Although the wait can extend up to 15 minutes, the result is a warm, golden masterpiece. Varieties such as Banana Nutella and Peanut Butter Banana Chip deliver a comforting, hearty sweetness, perfect to share. Accompanying these waffles is an impressive strong coffee, rivaling the best on the island, creating a harmonious pairing that elevates the entire experience.
What truly enhances the visit is the welcoming atmosphere and attentive service. Staff members offer samples to help you navigate the generous flavor choices, including dairy-free options that don’t compromise on taste or texture. Whether you’re craving a solo gelato scoop or a shared feast of waffles and rich coffee, Maui Gelato and Waffles creates moments worth savoring.
This spot is not only a dessert haven but a cultural touchpoint—a place where quality ingredients and Hawaiian spirit blend seamlessly. It’s easy to see why visitors often return, drawn by the authentic flavors and heartfelt service that make every bite a celebration of the island’s charm.
“ Wow!! Glad we stumbled upon this place. I love gelato. Ordered a small and it was plenty. Tried the pineapple and island roots flavors… both so delicious. (Did not get a photo) Will be back for more. Also ordered the Haleakala with cookies & cream. To die for!!! ”
“ Great spot to grab dairy-free refreshing desserts! They have lots of flavors to choose from and provided samples - which we really appreciated. I went with the pineapple and island roots. Both were great, smooth and delicious... The island roots in particular was a great smooth/creamy consistency. Easy location to pop into from Charlie Young Beach (across the street). Small shared free parking lot. ”
“ Amaaaaazing waffles. They take the time to do it, but it’s 100% worth the wait. Great strong coffee too, better than most of the places on the island ”
“ We enjoyed it so much we came back a second time! We’ve only been for gelato and ice cream in the evening. They make their own gelato and they have a great selection of ice cream and waffle cones. Friendly staff. Highly recommended ”
“ Very good! Be advised they said it takes 15 minutes to make a waffle but it's worth the wait! We had the Banana nutella and the peanut butter banana chip. Both were fabulous. Definitely one waffle is good for two people ”