Komoda Store & Bakery
A historic Maui bakery since 1916, famous for its legendary cream puffs, donuts on a stick, and butter rolls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest pastries, fewer crowds
Komoda Store & Bakery
Best Time
Freshest pastries, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Maui bakery since 1916, famous for its legendary cream puffs, donuts on a stick, and butter rolls.
"Komoda's isn't just a bakery — it's a tradition, a taste of aloha that lives on in every crumb."
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Selection
Popular items sell out fast! Get there right when they open to guarantee your favorites.
💰 Bring Cash for Purchases
There's a minimum for card payments. Cash makes transactions quicker and easier.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 1,011 reviews
Type
Bakery
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Legendary Cream Puffs
Bakery Counter
Pillowy soft pastry filled with a sweet, creamy vanilla custard. A true taste of Maui tradition.
Donuts on a Stick
Display Case
Golden, perfectly fried donuts served on a convenient stick. Simple, classic, and utterly delicious.
Malasadas
Display Case
Warm, fluffy Portuguese-style donuts, often filled with guava jam or vanilla cream. A must-try island treat.
Butter Rolls
Display Case
Soft, slightly sweet rolls with a rich, buttery flavor. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Get There Early for Freshness
Cash is King (Mostly)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Komoda Bakery - closed?
On the 8th day of our 9 day Maui vacation and has big dreams of getting a stick donut or two from Komoda Bakery in Makawao but we’ve gone there twice (both times around 8am) and, despite Google saying it was”temporarily closed,” we went anyway because I saw people posting…
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Selection
Popular items sell out fast! Get there right when they open to guarantee your favorites.
💰 Bring Cash for Purchases
There's a minimum for card payments. Cash makes transactions quicker and easier.
A day in upcountry
My family is looking to spend a day in upcountry area. I was wondering what the must do/stops are. Currently have: - Kula botanical garden - Strawberry Farm - Mahalo Ale Works - Surfing Goat Really appreciate any insights/advice.
Is Makawao worth visiting?
Looking for odds and ends things to do
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Street parking is available but can fill up. Be patient or consider a short walk. 🚗
😋 Don't Skip the Malasadas
Especially the guava-filled ones – they're a local favorite! ⭐
Banana bread & Lilikoi?
I hear these are a must, where is the best place to buy them? Something between Kahului & Kihei would be fantastic!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Selection
Popular items sell out fast! Get there right when they open to guarantee your favorites.
💰 Bring Cash for Purchases
There's a minimum for card payments. Cash makes transactions quicker and easier.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Street parking is available but can fill up. Be patient or consider a short walk. 🚗
😋 Don't Skip the Malasadas
Especially the guava-filled ones – they're a local favorite! ⭐
🧐 Ask About Daily Specials
They sometimes have unique seasonal treats that aren't on the main menu. ✨
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Komoda Store & Bakery is a cherished Maui institution, celebrated for its incredibly fresh, traditional pastries like cream puffs and donuts on a stick. While service can be brisk, the delicious, time-tested flavors make it a must-visit for an authentic taste of local history. Many visitors find the early morning rush and cash-only preference a small price to pay for such iconic treats.
"A must-visit spot when you're in or passing through Kula.
They serve traditional pastries with a exquisite and unique flavor.
The PUFF CREAM PASTRY and the MALASADAS are their signature items.
The service isn't the most friendly, but the food is absolutely worth it, 100% recommended."
Victor Valdez
"Desserts aren't my forte, so I'm not one to get excited by bakeries and confectionaries. Put an ice cream shop in front of me and we have a different story. So why am I reviewing the infamous bakery of Makawao and a popular island wide establishment? Because cupcakes hold a strong second place in my heart. Read on...
Whenever I'm eating something from Komoda's, its because someone brought them to work or a party. I will not make a special trip up to Makawao to buy sweets. But after what I recently tried this past Halloween at a friend's house, I honestly would make the drive up.
ATMOSPHERE:
I've been inside maybe twice, over a decade ago, so I can't comment on the inside digs, but the outside is just what a mom & pop place looks like: Plain, simple, and looks at home in a western movie.
DESSERTS:
Chantilly Cupcakes
I had no idea that chantilly was a local recipe until I Googled it. The specifics are that its a German chocolate cake without coconut. Great for me because I'm not a huge coconut fan. So what does it taste like? The chocolate cupcakes are super moist and just melts in your mouth. The inside is filled with a small amount of the cream that makes a chantilly cake, a true chantilly cake. The flavor is similar to caramel, a bit sweet and a bit salty, and really damn good. The cupcake is topped with the same cream and a maraschino cherry. Wow. This cupcake guy is a total fan. This would definitely kick some Cupcake War ass!
Cream Puffs
Meh, I've never been a fan of these. I don't care for the texture of the cream puff which reminds me of stale bread, or the flavor of the cream which has a chemical-like taste. Pass.
Butter Rolls
Four Sisters Bakery does the best job at these because they put an obscene amount of butter in theirs. Here, they go light on the artery clogging. The trick is to zap them for 20 seconds in the micro to soften up the dough and warm the butter. Delish!
French Apple Pie
A co-worker ordered a whole pie because she absolutely loves it. The slice I tried was absolutely delish! The crust was flaky with that great homemade baked taste, the filling was full of chunky apples and not overly sweet, and the whole thing is topped with a mixture of crumbled crust and possibly a dusting of sugar crystals which gave it a slight crunch. Yowza! This guy may be turning into a dessert lover...
OVERALL:
Must try cupcakes for the cupcake fan."
Maui World Travelers
"Pretty much if they are open I'm stopping for some malasadas for the road. I'm partial to the guava, also like the vanilla cream and the turnovers. Lots of nearby parks, beaches, scenic drives and road trips nearby, so basically lots of reasons to buy a bag of malasadas. Also sold individually. $10 minimum for card pay."
Lisa Mahan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Komoda Store & Bakery is located in Makawao on the island of Maui. If you're driving from Kahului Airport, take Highway 37 towards Pukalani and then Highway 377 up to Makawao. Parking is available on the street, but it can be limited, especially during peak hours.
Street parking is available in front of and around the bakery. However, it can get quite busy, particularly on weekends and mornings. Be prepared to circle for a spot or walk a short distance. 🚗
Public transportation options on Maui are limited, especially to Makawao. The Maui Bus does have routes that go near Makawao town, but it may require transfers and a significant walk to reach the bakery. Renting a car is generally the most convenient way to visit. 🚌
From Lahaina or Ka'anapali, take Highway 30 East towards Kahului, then follow the directions above for Highway 37 and 377. The drive can take over an hour depending on traffic. :road:
The bakery is a historic building with a small storefront. While there are no stairs to enter, the space inside can be tight. Parking directly in front might be challenging. ♿
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Komoda Store & Bakery does not require tickets for entry. It's a walk-in bakery where you purchase pastries directly.
Their hours can vary, but they typically open early in the morning and close in the afternoon. It's best to check their most current hours before visiting, as popular items sell out quickly.
There is no admission fee to enter Komoda Store & Bakery. You only pay for the delicious pastries you choose to buy. :moneybag:
Komoda Store & Bakery does not take reservations. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and they do not accept pre-orders for most items.
There is a minimum purchase amount required if you wish to pay with a credit or debit card. It's advisable to have cash on hand to avoid any issues, especially for smaller purchases.
🎫 😋 Onsite Experience
The absolute must-tries are their legendary cream puffs and donuts on a stick. Many also rave about their malasadas (especially guava-filled), butter rolls, and Chantilly cupcakes.
Yes, they are renowned for their freshness! Items are baked daily, and popular treats often sell out by late morning. Arriving early is key to experiencing them at their best.
The atmosphere is that of a classic, no-frills local bakery. It's simple, historic, and focused on serving delicious, traditional pastries. Don't expect a fancy cafe setting.
Reviews on service can be mixed. Some find it efficient and to-the-point, while others mention it's not overly warm. The focus is on the quality of the baked goods.
Komoda Store & Bakery is primarily a take-out establishment. There isn't dedicated seating for dining in. You'll likely want to take your treats to a nearby park or scenic spot to enjoy them. :picnic_table:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
They offer a range of traditional Hawaiian and American pastries, including cream puffs, donuts on a stick, malasadas, butter rolls, Chantilly cupcakes, turnovers, Danishes, and pies.
Komoda Store & Bakery focuses on traditional recipes, and they do not typically offer specific gluten-free or vegan options. Their menu is centered around classic baked goods made with flour, dairy, and eggs. ⚠️
The signature items are undoubtedly their cream puffs and donuts on a stick. Malasadas, especially those filled with guava, are also highly celebrated.
Yes, they do offer whole pies and cakes, but these often need to be ordered in advance due to their popularity. Inquire directly with the bakery about availability and ordering for larger items.
Classic vanilla cream is standard for cream puffs. Malasadas are often available with fillings like guava jam, vanilla cream, or sometimes other fruit flavors. It's best to check what's available on the day of your visit. :tropical_fish:
📸 📸 Photography
The most photogenic items are the pastries themselves – the golden donuts, the perfectly filled cream puffs, and colorful malasadas. The historic exterior of the bakery also makes for a charming shot. 📷
Generally, taking photos of the pastries and the storefront is acceptable. However, be mindful of other customers and staff, and avoid intrusive photography. :iphone:
Morning light is often best for capturing the golden hues of the pastries and the charm of the bakery. Early hours also mean fewer crowds, making for cleaner shots. 🌅
Yes! Makawao town itself has a charming, old-west feel. You can also take your treats to nearby scenic lookouts or beaches for beautiful backdrops. ⛰️
Popular hashtags include #KomodaStore, #KomodaBakery, #MauiSweets, #CreamPuffs, #Malasadas, #DonutsOnAStick, #Makawao, and #TasteOfMaui. :speech_balloon:
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit