OUR STORY
Baking and it’s many wonderful, varied aspects has always been a lifelong love for Maria Short. She discovered the magic of mixing flour, butter, sugar and eggs to create something delicious at an early age. She continued to pursue her interest by attending Baltimore International Culinary College and then graduating from L’Academie de Cuisine’s Pastry Arts program with honors. Maria has worked as a pastry chef in restaurants, catering companies and patisseries. She has also worked as a pastry chef instructor, teaching Merchant Marines how to bake.
It was while Maria was teaching that she met her husband, Dien, a Merchant Marine who worked as a chief steward. Dien was raised in Hawaii and left after high school to travel and see the world. He traveled extensively in Asia, Polynesia, South and Central America, Europe and even Africa, but always considered Hawaii his home.
In 2004, they opened Short N Sweet Bakery & Cafe in Hawi. Then in 2010 Short N Sweet moved to a much larger facility in Hilo. With the extra space they were able to expand their menu and offerings, adding artisan breads, croissants and bagels. They also enjoy being able to hold wine events and afternoon high teas.
They feel very blessed to have the opportunity to create and live in paradise!
PRESS
TRAVEL CHANNEL - 2018
Delicious Destinations host Andrew Zimmern heads to Hawaii's Big Island to take in its laid-back cuisine. From ancient traditions like lau lau and opakapaka fish to new traditions like the loco moco and sweet bread, he dives deep into the island's food culture... MORE
PACIFIC WEDDINGS - 2018
Maria and her husband Dien fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening Short N Sweet Bakery & Cafe in Hilo, Hawaii. They create delicious works of cake art from scratch using the freshest ingredients.... MORE
HAWAIIAN AIRLINES - 2017
A guide to the the best of the Aloha State. The largest of all the islands, Hawaii Island continues to grow in size as lava flows into the sea. Beyond the volcano, there's so much to experience here, from cowboy country, luxury resorts to eco-adventures.... MORE
HAWAII TRIBUNE HERALD - 2016
Short n Sweet Bakery &Café was the top vote-getter, winning the People’s Choice award at the Rotary Club of South Hilo’s 12th annual Hilo Huli.Short n Sweet offered a decadent banana dessert as its winning entry.... MORE
HONOLULU MAGAZINE - 2011
While all our previous sweets can be found on Oahu, an unexpected find in Hilo reveals a high-quality bakery that we wish would move to Honolulu. Short n Sweet makes an assortment of breads, croissants, pies, cupcakes.... MORE