Ono Gelato – Paia
Gelato, or Italian ice cream, is a most virtuous choice for a frozen treat. We will now prove this to you:
Most ice creams have air mixed into the final product to make it “lighter” and therefore “lower in calories” — but the reality is you’re buying and eating air. Super-premium brands have less air, which accounts for their richer, denser texture and flavor (and higher price tag).
Gelato follows this logical process and leaves as much air out of the cream as possible. However, there is much less fat in gelato than in ice cream, and that’s because — despite the dense, creamy texture — gelato is made with more milk (and less cream) and therefore has less fat!
A dense product creates dense flavors. Because the flavors are so strong, it’s a very satisfying dessert, and we find we can barely finish anything larger than a small cup (automatic portion control).
There, that’s our proof. You’re welcome.
If you get the fruit flavored sorbets at Ono Gelato, one of our top dessert places, you’ll be doing even more good for your body. Made with filtered water and local, organic, sustainable fruit, the flavors are intense and hard to find anywhere else. Try the tangerine in season (Molly loves it with vanilla or sour cream to make a creamsicle flavor), or the lilikoi (passion fruit), both of which are only made from local, organic fruit. The Kula strawberry is similarly luscious and usually available year round. We’ve seen dragonfruit, mango, lemon, lime, and raspberry, along with countless other tropical flavors. We never miss the dairy.
The dairy flavors use organic milk as a base, and with the exception of a few traditional Italian flavors that are imported from Italy (hazelnut, etc.) these are made from local ingredients. Try the sultry vanilla, the sour cream (tastes like cheesecake!), and pistachio (James’s favorite). The Quark is another delicious choice. It’s made with Surfing Goat Dairy cheese blended with lilikoi, for a lilikoi cheesecake flavor. We love the dulce de leche and the mint. If you want to combine flavors, they can pack two or three into even the smallest cups or cones, but of course they also have big waffle cones to fill up (if you can handle them). They are generous with samples.
The Kihei store tends to make more adventurous and less traditional flavor combinations — including some with brownies, cakes, and other baked goods made fresh in house. The owner of this store has also opened up a sister store, Maui Gelato, in Dolphin Plaza across from Kamaole Beach Park I. We like these stores in particular for their mini-sized waffle cones, cake popsicles, and “spirited” gelati flavors (try the limoncello, made with the local liqueur Mauicello).
All of the shops are bright, clean, and well stocked with plenty of prepacked pints, gelato cakes (what a way to celebrate a birthday) and nongelato items. In addition to the loose leaf teas, handmade local jelly beans, coffee, and t-shirts, the Lahaina location also serves stuffed croissants and cupcakes with patio seating out back that hangs over the ocean. We rarely pass up an opportunity to visit Ono Gelato.
Address: 115D Hana Hwy, Paia, North Shore
Meals: Snacks & Treats
Hours: Daily 11am – 10pm
Parking: Street
Phone: 808-579-9201
Website: www.onogelatocompany.com
Address: 815 Front St., Lahaina, West Maui
Meals: Snacks & Treats
Hours: Daily 11am – 10pm
Parking: Street Phone: 808-495-0203
Address: 1280 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, South Maui
Meals: Snacks & Treats
Hours: Daily 11am – 10pm
Parking: Lot
Phone: 808-495-0287
