As a small Maui business, supporting local companies is important to us and something we like to practice, especially during the holidays. If you feel like you’re running out of time to get your Christmas presents, we’ve got a solution to make it easier: get something edible! Below are some of our favorite goodies that would make great Christmas (or anytime) presents for loved ones near or far.
Chocolate
Did you know Hawaii is the only state that grows cacao? Sweet Paradise Chocolatier incorporates locally grown cacao nibs to produce a signature Hawaiian chocolate, which Master Chocolatier Melanie Boudar then creates into beautiful flavors like passionfruit, fresh coconut, Kona coffee, and Hawaiian vanilla.
Chocolate Mochi
For the chocolate lover who is open to something different, the Dark Chocolate Truffle Mochi or Peanut Butter & Milk Chocolate Mochi from Maui Specialty Chocolates has been made fresh every morning by the owner since 1990 and is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Fresh Pineapples
Imagine how pleasantly surprised your loved ones would be if they received a sweet, ripe pineapple right in the midst of winter. Maui Gold Pineapple Company offers boxes containing one, two, or six fresh Maui-grown pineapples.
Fruit Paste Confections
Want a burst of tropical flavor that would fit in a stocking? Maui Fruit Jewels are modeled after the French confection Pates de Fruits and can be ordered in single flavor boxes such as banana, coconut, ginger pineapple, guava, lilikoi (passion fruit), mango, and papaya or in collections containing popular flavors. These healthy candies are vegan, gluten-free, and most are made with Maui-grown fruit.
Maui in a Bottle
True to its name, Maui Preserved bottles Maui farm produce so the flavors of the island can be enjoyed all year round. Pickled pohole ferns, Maui onion pepper jam, and sweet and spicy pineapple are some of our picks.
Goat Cheese
Surfing Goat Dairy is home to over 100 goats who get to enjoy life on the lush green pastures of Upcountry Maui. These happy goats enable the dairy to create an assortment of award-winning gourmet cheeses, truffles, gift baskets, and goat’s milk soap.
Go Ahead, Go Nuts
Truth be told, we tried to make our own seasoned nuts at home and haven’t been able to get it perfect. Save yourself the time and buy some from No Ka Oi Nut Company. Just do yourself a favor: get a bag for yourself, but don’t open it until you’ve already wrapped or mailed the nuts you’re gifting. They are addicting!
Hot Sauce
We’ve definitely saved one of our favorites for last. Adoboloco is a family-run business that all began as a happy accident. The Parsons family started a homeschooling garden project and planted a bunch of Jalapeño peppers. Not wanting the peppers to go to waste, a sauce was developed and it quickly became a hit. Today, their sauces range from mild to extremely hot with focus on hot sauce flavor without fillers and additives.
Mele Kalikimaka from our family to yours this holiday season. Hope your hearts are filled with love and your bellies are filled with ono food!
Did we leave out one of your favorite Maui treats? Let us know in the comments!
