Lappert's Hawaii

Lappert’s Hawaii in Wailea is a polished dessert-and-coffee stop that earns its place in South Maui by doing a very specific job well: delivering ice cream, Kona coffee, and bakery treats in an easy counter-service setting at The Shops at Wailea. It is not a full restaurant, and that is part of the appeal. This is the kind of place that fits neatly into a beach day, an after-dinner stroll, or a quick resort-area treat without asking for much time.

What it does best

The draw here is Hawaiian-leaning sweetness with a clear sense of identity. Lappert’s leans into tropical and island flavors—macadamia nut, coconut, pineapple, mango, ube, passion fruit, and Kona coffee show up as recurring themes. Signature scoops like Kauai Pie, Kona Lava Java, Maui Mango Madness, and Heavenly Hana give the shop more personality than a generic ice cream counter. Coffee matters here too, with Kona blends and flavored options that make the place work as a casual caffeine stop as well as a dessert run.

The company’s story adds useful context: Lappert’s began on Kauaʻi in 1983 and grew from small-batch ice cream into coffee and bakery items. That origin helps explain why the shop feels rooted in island flavors rather than just resort convenience.

The experience

Expect a straightforward counter-service setup in a busy retail center, not a linger-all-afternoon café. The setting is casual, tourist-friendly, and convenient for anyone already spending time in Wailea. That makes it especially practical for families, couples on a resort stay, or shoppers who want a quick sweet stop between activities. The format is simple: order, wait, and enjoy something cold, rich, and easy to carry.

Tradeoffs to know

The biggest caveat is value. Portions and prices do not always feel perfectly matched, and some visitors find the scoops small for the cost. Lines can also build during peak resort hours, so this is best approached as a treat stop rather than a spontaneous in-and-out errand. It is also not especially strong for savory options or for diners seeking a wide dairy-free or gluten-free spread.

Best for

Lappert’s Hawaii is best for travelers who want a dependable dessert break with local flavor, especially after the beach or dinner. Those looking for a full café breakfast, a quiet sit-down meal, or the best value in town may prefer to look elsewhere.