Preheat Oven to 350 °F (177 °C) spray muffin pans with non-stick spray, line pans.
In a large bowl, sift flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mix together with a spatula.
In a separate large bowl, whisk egg, melted butter, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and coconut essence for about 1 minute.
Combine wet and dry ingredients in one bowl, fold with a spatula from the bottom up.
Add pineapple and shredded coconut and fold in with the spatula from the bottom up until they combine thoroughly into the mixture. Stop mixing.
Using an ice cream scoop, scoop out muffins into the already greased and lined pans. Place some crushed pineapple and shredded coconut on the top of each muffin.
Bake in preheated oven at 350 °F (177 °C) for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted in the center and come out clean.
Leave to cool in pan for a few minutes. Remove from muffin pan and leave to cool thoroughly on a baking rack.
Store in an air-tight container. Place paper towel in the bottom of the container and over the muffins since it tends to get a little liquid when covered. These can last for up to two days at room temperature.