Tasaka Guri Guri Shop
About
A Frozen Maui Treasure
Stepping into this modest counter in the Maui Mall feels like taking a trip back to the 1900s. Tasaka Guri Guri is less of a restaurant and more of a mandatory pilgrimage for anyone wandering through Kahului. The shop is famous for a singular, elusive treat: the Guri Guri, a hybrid between sherbet and ice cream that defies simple classification. It’s creamier than a standard sorbet but carries a sharp, refreshing fruit zing that cuts through the tropical heat of Central Maui.
The Secret Behind the Scoop
The shop’s history is rooted in a family recipe brought over by Jokichi Tasaka, who arrived in Hawaii in the early 20th century. The exact technique for achieving that signature velvety, airy texture remains a closely guarded family secret. You will typically find regulars lining up for the strawberry and pineapple varieties, which are scooped into simple paper cups with a wooden spoon—no frills, just cold, sugary nostalgia. The strawberry flavor, in particular, offers a balance of sweetness and tang that remains the gold standard for local island desserts.
What to Expect
Be prepared for a quick, grab-and-go experience. This is not a place for lingering over coffee; it is a high-traffic spot where locals and visitors alike crowd the small storefront. Because the shop is tucked away in the mall, parking is plentiful, though the counter service can get brisk during peak weekend hours. The air inside is cool, contrasting with the humid air outside, and you will hear the rhythmic "thwack" of the scoop hitting the cups as staff work through the queue. If you visit on a hot afternoon, don't be surprised to see a line snaking out into the walkway—it is a clear sign that the Guri Guri is fresh and worth the short wait.
Amenities & Features
Location
70 E Kaahumanu Ave # C13, Kahului, Hawaii, 96732
More to Explore
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 151 community reviewsRizaGoogle Maps
Recently
Must go when on Maui!! Love the ice cream consistency! Strawberry is a favorite, but pineapple is amazing too! Recommend the 5 scooper half strawberry and half pineapple! This is a card-less place, so bring CASH!!
Jenn CruzGoogle Maps
Recently
I have no pictures to share coz I devoured it real quick. First time trying this as recommended by a friend and it was so good! At the time of our visit they only have strawberry and pineapple available but both of them are good!
Ping ChenGoogle Maps
Recently
Awesome ice cream (very soft, almost sherbet like) for incredibly reasonable price. Cash only and very friendly staff. Only 2 flavors, pineapple and strawberry (right now raspberry is available via pints)
C민아Google Maps
Recently
Pineapple and strawberry. 2 scoops, $2 cash. Very refreshing and light. Good portion good price good value. Havent tried something quite like this. Preffered pineapple.
Craig TamuraGoogle Maps
Recently
Tasaka Guri Guri located in the Maui mall one of the best sherbet you’ll find . It’s very creamy and very refreshing 2 flavors to choose from Strawberry, Pineapple
Roy ActualGoogle Maps
Recently
A Maui exclusive treat that's hard to explain. Cold, dense, cream. 2 flavors: strawberry & pineapple. Simplicity. The location is in a corner of the Maui Mall. There is plenty of parking adjacent to the store. All orders are to go and cash is the only form of payment accepted. The family staff is efficient and has been serving up this tasty concoction for decades. This is always my first stop when I arrive on Maui.
MonZterella LeeGoogle Maps
Recently
Stopped by Tasaka Guri Guri for a quick treat and it was totally worth it! This place has been around for over 100 years, and you can feel the history the moment you walk in. The menu is simple—just two flavors, strawberry and pineapple—but that’s all they need. Both are refreshing, light, and not overly sweet, with that creamy yet icy texture that makes guri-guri so unique. It’s the kind of local gem you don’t find everywhere—family-run, full of tradition, and still using their secret recipe that’s been passed down for generations. Perfect for a quick stop while at Maui Mall. Don’t miss it if you’re in Kahului!
Jose LimGoogle Maps
Recently
This one is the best shave ice we have tasted so far. The shave ice is really smooth. There are only two choices, pineapple and strawberry and both flavors are really very good. The tajin powder is an added bonus to improve the taste.
Johnny ChavezGoogle Maps
Recently
What is this, I have no idea. Not ice cream, not shaved ice and not sorbet. We have never had anything like it, very light (not heavy like ice cream) not hard or freezing like shaved ice. I love this because it’s not like a huge dose of sugar, it’s somewhat sweet but not overly sweet. The still wood spoon scoops this desert so easy so it is not a solid frozen cream. Whatever these people have here I wish someone would figure this out and take it National. From what I understand, when these owner time out there is no one to pick up the torch and this recipe will be gone. Very unique and delightful. If you are in the area, I highly recommend trying Guri Guri.
Krishna NarasimhanGoogle Maps
Recently
Went to Tasaka Guri Guri to taste the desserts. We were absolutely not disappointed. Such a great experience. They had two flavors and we got both. The Pineapple flavor was just fantastic. So we went in and got another round of just the pineapple. And the price is unbelievable too. Not sure how they pull it off, keeping the price so low and delivering such an extraordinary product. Overall, highly recommended. In fact, I’d say make a trip here even if not in your plans and out of your way, you won’t regret it!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Tasaka Guri Guri Shop
Common questions from diners about Tasaka Guri Guri Shop in Kahului.
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