Lorraine Shave Ice — Restaurant in Maui

Great place to stop, especially while cycling the West Maui loop. I was going to go to Julia's, which gets the attention from guidebooks, but several locals told me to visit Ms. Lorraine instead. Good call. She's got the best shave ice I had the whole time in Hawaii, served in a low-key building that looks like a garage but has a million-dollar view out of the back. Excellent banana bread, too -- wish I had more pockets to carry more food home with me.

She's traveled widely, so wherever you're from, this little lady in this little town will know something about it. She's a genuinely hospitable person to spend some time with while you rest up from the long ride or drive. She's also got some basic bike equipment -- pumps, patches, etc., in case you need some adjustments.

To get to her shop, follow the sings on the street. It looks like it's leading you into someone's back yard, which it is, but that's where...

You must get some shaved ice from Lorraine! Tucked in the middle of nowhere, in the lush, velvet hills of Maui, sits a pale green home with THE BEST SHAVED ICE Maui has to offer! Surely, you feel grateful to be alive, after the zig-zagging 180 degree turns for, what feels like eternity, that bring you to Lorraine's house, but the respite is worth it, GUARANTEED! You get to sit back, with your frozen treat, overlooking the waves. You get to enjoy the sounds of feral chickens being attacked by mongoose, watch turtle doves feasting on their latest catch, and if you're lucky, Lorraine comes out to hang out with you as well. With an astute eye, trained on greeting many tourists, from all walks of life, Lorraine is an old soul you surely know from another life. Her shaved ice was a special treat, and her company was especially gratifying. Make sure to pay her a visit when you're on...

Lorraine Shave Ice is our favorite stop whenever we get to the island of Maui! We hiked the beautiful Waihee Ridge Trail and then headed down the remote county road to the lovely community of Kahakuloa for a shave ice treat and to get away from the crowds. Ask Loraine for her special mix (Mango, Lemonade, and Li-Hing-Mui) of course with ice cream on the bottom. Loraine has a nice parking area and tables in her backyard that over look the bay on land that she grew up on. The views of her papaya, avocado, and banana trees sitting above her creek are the perfect setting. If it’s not busy and you’re nice, :-) Loraine will come out and visit with you and she’ll tell you stories and “how it is!” and point out cool things such as animals in the hillside. We love her and can’t wait to come back. Don’t forget to snag some of her delicious...