We love our sweets right here within the islands — and in case you’ve ever been to an area potluck, you recognize one of the best half is the dessert desk. What’s usually referred to as “Hawaiian desserts” are literally a scrumptious fusion of influences from throughout the Pacific. Japanese mochi, Portuguese malasadas, Filipino bibingka, and Hawaiian staples like haupia and kulolo all earned their place on the desk. These beloved sweets are extra than simply nostalgic — they’re a part of on a regular basis life within the islands, loved from “small child time” via each stage of life.
Every deal with has its personal fanbase, and each neighborhood doubtless has its personal bakery or mom-and-pop store serving it finest. Listed here are a couple of of our favorites, however we problem you to seek out your individual.
The basic Hawaiian dessert: shaved ice (Shutterstock)
1. Shave Ice
Few issues say “you’re in Hawai‘i” fairly like a chilly, colourful shave ice on a heat island afternoon. Even President Obama and his household made it a ritual to seize a shave ice each time they returned to O‘ahu.
First issues first: to sound like an area, it’s “shave ice,” not “shaved.” And on Hawai‘i Island, it’s usually referred to as “ice shave.” To not be confused with coarse snow cones on the mainland, genuine shave ice is made by finely shaving a block of ice till it’s mushy and fluffy, nearly like snow. The fragile texture permits syrups to soak in moderately than slide off, leading to a refreshing taste in each chunk.
The alternatives are as vibrant because the syrups themselves. At many shave ice retailers, the menu gives dozens of flavors and customizations. One of many earliest enhancements got here from Japan: azuki beans. These candy pink beans are sometimes positioned on the backside of the cup, forming a wealthy, sugary slush by the point you attain the final spoonful.
Different well-liked add-ons embrace a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dusting of li hing mui (a tangy plum powder), chewy mochi balls, fresh-cut fruit, and a beneficiant drizzle of sweetened condensed milk — domestically dubbed a “snow cap” or “snow on the mountain.” Moreover, many shave ice spots serve syrups produced from contemporary, domestically grown fruit for a extra pure variation.
The place to Get It:
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice (A number of Places) — Residing by the motto, “All shave ice isn’t created equal,” with places throughout Hawaii (primarily Maui) and a rising presence in California, Florida, and Texas, Ululani’s earned a repute for serving a number of the softest, most flavorful shave ice round. One among their best-selling taste combos is No Ka ‘Oi, which accurately means “one of the best” in Hawaiian. This tropical trio blends mango, coconut, and fervour fruit for a candy, sunny explosion of taste. Add a snow cap of sweetened condensed milk and a base of azuki beans, and also you’ve received the proper deal with.
Kula Shave Ice (Hilo) — Kula serves up shave ice with a contemporary twist — assume actual island fruit, natural cane sugar, and 0 synthetic stuff. It’s easy, vibrant, and filled with Huge Island taste.
Matsumoto’s Shave Ice (Haleiwa) — A legend since 1951, Matsumoto’s is known for its ultra-fine shave ice and lengthy strains definitely worth the wait. Seize a rainbow combo and a memento tee whilst you’re there — it’s a North Shore ceremony of passage.
Haupia coconut dessert. (Photograph Credit score: Hawaiianscribe)
2. Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut Pudding)
This conventional Hawaiian dessert is produced from wealthy coconut milk and thickened right into a clean, jelly-like consistency. Typically lower into chilled squares, haupia is a must have at native potlucks, lū‘aus, and household gatherings. Its taste is subtly candy and deeply coconut-forward, with a cool, creamy texture that melts in your mouth — mild, refreshing, and ideal after a savory meal.
The place to Get It:
Ted’s Bakery (Oahu) — Ted’s is famous for its Chocolate Haupia Pie — a decadent layering of silky chocolate custard and creamy haupia in a flaky crust. It’s the form of dessert you order “simply to strive a chunk” and find yourself consuming the entire thing.
Helena’s Hawaiian Meals (Honolulu) — Helena’s serves up conventional Hawaiian meals with timeless taste— and their basic haupia is the proper end. Easy, genuine, and identical to grandma used to make.
Japanese mochi, (Photograph Credit score: Hawaiianscribe)
3. Mochi
Mochi is a mushy, chewy rice cake produced from glutinous short-grain rice blended with water, sugar, and a dusting of cornstarch to maintain it from sticking. Initially from Japan, mochi is a beloved deal with in Hawai‘i, particularly round New Yr’s. That’s when conventional mochi-pounding ceremonies carry communities collectively to pound the rice into its signature stretchy kind. Attempt it plain or stuffed with candy pink bean paste.
The place to Get It:
Two Women Kitchen (Hilo) — With over 20 mochi choices on the menu, count on a line out the door and a storefront so tiny solely a handful of individuals match inside directly. They’re finest recognized for his or her strawberry mochi with an entire, juicy strawberry and candy azuki beans inside.
Nisshodo Sweet Retailer (Honolulu) — For over 100 years, this store has supplied conventional Japanese confections. They’re recognized for delicate chichi dango, manju, and mochi in a rainbow of flavors.
Frequent Hawaiian deal with, scrumptious butter coconut mochi (Shutterstock)
4. Butter Mochi
A pleasant twist on conventional mochi, butter mochi blends glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and butter to create a wealthy, chewy dessert with a golden crust. It’s like a tropical brownie-meets-butter cake. Some variations even combine in coconut flakes for added texture and island aptitude.
The place to Get It:
Kahuku Farms (Oahu) — On the North Shore, they’re recognized for his or her lilikoi butter mochi. Tart ardour fruit provides a zesty brightness to the wealthy, chewy base — making it a refreshing twist on the farm-fresh dessert.
“Do keep in mind to get there early to have the ability to expertise the mochi earlier than it sells out. Sure, it’s that good.” – Alex D.
Native Farmers’ Markets (Varies) — Selfmade butter mochi is usually discovered at farmers markets throughout the islands. You may rating every little thing from basic recipes to inventive flavors like matcha or ube.
Kulolo is produced from grated taro root (Photograph Credit score: Hawaiianscribe)
5. Kulolo
Made out of grated taro root, coconut milk, and sugar, kulolo is a slow-cooked Hawaiian dessert with a dense, chewy texture — someplace between a fudge and a pudding. Its wealthy, earthy sweetness makes it a favourite at lū‘aus and native markets.
The place to Get It:
Waiahole Poi Manufacturing unit (Oahu) — They serve freshly made kulolo alongside different traditional Hawaiian dishes. However their standout dessert is the Candy Woman of Waiahole, a heat kulolo topped with creamy haupia (coconut pudding) ice cream.
Hilo Farmers Market (Huge Island) — Distributors usually have do-it-yourself kulolo on the market and it goes quick.
Botan sweet. The wrapper melts in your mouth. (Photograph Credit score: Hawaiian Scribe)
6. Botan Sweet
Ask anybody who grew up in Hawai‘i, they usually’ll most likely smile on the point out of Botan Rice Sweet. This mushy, chewy Japanese deal with is wrapped in a singular, edible rice paper that dissolves in your mouth. Calmly flavored with citrus notes like lemon and orange, Botan Sweet is as a lot in regards to the expertise as it’s the style. The small field usually comes with a toy, making it a favourite amongst youngsters.
The place to Get It:
Native Asian Markets (Varies) — Native markets specializing in Japanese or Asian merchandise are more likely to carry this confection.
On-line Retailers and Grocery Shops) — Botan Rice Sweet is extensively obtainable on-line. Retailers like Amazon, World Market, and Walmart provide every little thing from single bins to multi-packs. Some supermarkets, together with Safeway, additionally carry it in-store and on-line — test the worldwide or Asian meals aisles.
Malasadas (Photograph Credit score: Leonard’s Bakery)
7. Malasadas
Delivered to the islands by Portuguese immigrants, malasadas are golden, pillowy doughnuts with out holes — crispy on the surface, mushy on the within, and rolled in sugar whereas nonetheless heat. Whereas the basic model is a lot tasty by itself, many native spots provide malasadas stuffed with wealthy custards, jams, or tropical flavors like lilikoi and haupia. They’re a staple at bakeries throughout Hawai‘i and a must-try for any dessert lover.
The place to Get It:
Leonard’s Bakery (Honolulu) – Established in 1952 in Honolulu, Leonard’s is iconic for its malasadas, providing each conventional and stuffed varieties like custard, haupia, and dobash (chocolate). Anticipate a line — and count on it to be definitely worth the wait.
Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery (Oahu) — Made to order, sizzling from the fryer, add a scoop of their small-batch ice cream for the last word indulgence.
Tex Drive-In (Honokaa) — On the street between Honoka‘a and Waimea, you’ll be able to watch them being fried via a kitchen window, then select from quite a lot of fillings like guava, mango, and Bavarian cream.
Lilikoi cheesecake is all the time in demand. (Photograph Credit score: 808 Candy Shack)
8. Lilikoi (Ardour Fruit) Cheesecake
Creamy, wealthy, and topped with the brilliant tang of ardour fruit, lilikoi cheesecake is the place New York-style indulgence meets island aptitude. The sweet-tart lilikoi provides a refreshing pop of tropical taste, making this dessert a standout at bakeries, lū‘aus, and Sunday brunches throughout Hawai‘i.
The place to Get It:
The Espresso Shack (Huge Island) — Perched above Kealakekua Bay, this cozy spot is beloved for its lilikoi cheesecake — creamy, tangy, and served with a facet of jaw-dropping coastal views.
808 Candy Shack (Hilo) — A hidden gem in Hilo, this domestically owned bakery crafts decadent lilikoi cheesecake alongside cookies and customized truffles. Candy, tangy, and made with aloha.
“If you’re a fan of Lilikoi Cheesecake you could strive 808 Candy Shacks model. Completely different than most that I’ve tried in a great way. The ratio of Cheesecake to graham cracker crust is ideal and Lilikoi was not too candy or tart. I additionally love that the Lilikoi wasn’t only a glaze added after. Consistency extra of a gelatin.” Kaipo H.
Guri guri. (Photograph Credit score: Hawaiian Scribe)
9. Guri Guri
A cross between sherbet and ice cream, guri guri is a light-weight, refreshing frozen deal with with roots in Japanese-Hawaiian tradition. Historically mixing strawberry and pineapple, it’s candy, tangy, and impossibly clean — because of a secret household recipe handed down for generations. With a tropical essence and nostalgic allure, guri guri is a must-try on a heat island day.
The place to Get It:
Tasaka Guri Guri (Maui) — A Maui establishment, this family-run store has been serving up its signature strawberry-pineapple guri guri for generations. Situated in Kahului Maui Mall, it’s a nostalgic cease with a cult following — and sure, it’s money solely.
Chantilly cake. (Photograph Credit score: Jackie Rey’s Hilo)
10. Chantilly Cake
Don’t let the title idiot you — Hawai‘i’s Chantilly cake isn’t topped with whipped cream. As a substitute, it’s layered with a wealthy, buttery frosting that’s extra custard than fluff. The bottom is usually a moist chocolate cake, however some variations use cream cheese within the frosting for additional richness.
The place to Get It:
Liliha Bakery (O’ahu) — An area establishment, Liliha Bakery is known for its buttery Chantilly cake, served alongside different island pastries and bread. With a number of places on O‘ahu, it’s a must-stop for dessert lovers.
Jackie Rey’s (Hilo) — Identified for its upscale island delicacies, Jackie Rey’s in historic downtown Hilo additionally earns reward for its decadent Chantilly cake — a candy end to any Huge Island night.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake. (Photograph Credit score: Hawaiian Scribe)
11. Pineapple Upside Down Cake
With Hawai‘i’s wealthy pineapple tradition, it’s no shock that pineapple the other way up cake is a favourite native delicacy. Caramelized pineapple rings — generally with a cherry on the heart — sit atop a buttery, moist cake that soaks up all that golden, tropical sweetness. Some bakers even fold crushed pineapple into the batter for an additional burst of taste and aptitude. Mainly, it’s a nostalgic style of old Hawai‘i served chilled or heat.
The place to Get It:
Hula Grill (Waikiki) — This oceanfront spot elevates the basic with a heat pineapple the other way up cake, served with a scoop of ice cream for the proper stability of cold and warm, candy and buttery.
Duke’s (Waikiki) — At Duke’s, you’ll discover a basic tackle this island dessert — moist, caramelized, and finest loved with a facet of beachfront views and dwell Hawaiian music.
