Penguini Gelato Paia, Maui, Hawaii

Peering in the window of the charming Penguini Gelato, in Pa`ia, laden with plates of bonbons, cookies and chocolates, I can’t help thinking of the movie Chocolat and the passionate shopkeeper who held the sugar-loving locals’ rapt attention with her confections.

Fortunately, Pai`ia is governed by free-spirits rather than heavy-handed preachers and even the most abstemious among us would be tempted by Melissa McKelvey’s home-made gelatos and sorbets.

Crafted from locally grown ingredients in distinctive combinations such as Kafir lime-coconut, lilikoi-mango and Olinda Plum and Ginger one needs no excuse to indulge – after all, the ingredients are all natural.  When her frozen treats are sandwiched between home-made oatmeal, triple chocolate or butterscotch brownie cookies, also sweetened with Haiku raw sugar and natural flavors like Haiku Vanilla Bean, the confection is divinely irresistible! But why stop there? There are cupcakes, too! Each day a new flavor appears, also made with the same consideration for your health and the environment.

Hand crafted chocolates from finest local natural ingredients

Melissa McKelvey, a pastry chef for ten years, worked in such prestigious kitchen’s as Spago’s and Capische! before taking the plunge and opening her own shop this summer (June, 2009). Now she devotes herself to what she loves best, making pastries and treats for your sweet tooth. She also offers delicious drinks – root beer floats, coffee creations and chai –perfect accompaniments to the pastries and gelatos. Melissa also accepts orders for hand-packed quarts of gelato and sorbet and will accommodate special requests and custom pastries orders for parties and events.

Penguini is truly unique and a welcome addition to the Maui restaurant scene. Find it at:

93 Hana Hwy. #3 Paia, Maui, Hawaii 96779
Open Tuesday – Sunday - 12:30p.m. to 8:30pm