Hawaiian Desserts: Candy Traditions of the Islands

We love our sweets right here within the islands — and for those who’ve ever been to a neighborhood potluck, you already know the most effective 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” by means of each stage of life.

Every deal with has its personal fanbase, and each neighborhood seemingly has its personal bakery or mom-and-pop store serving it greatest. Listed here are a number of of our favorites, however we problem you to search 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 a neighborhood, 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 tender and fluffy, nearly like snow. Principally, this delicate texture permits syrups to soak in moderately than slide off, leading to a refreshingly flavorful expertise with each chew.

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 native 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 standard 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 comprised of recent, domestically grown fruit for a extra pure variation.

The place to Get It:

Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice (A number of Areas) – Residing by the motto, “All shave ice isn’t created equal,” with areas throughout Hawaii (primarily Maui) and a rising presence in California, Florida, and Texas, Ululani’s has earned a fame for serving a few of the softest, most flavorful shave ice round. Certainly one of their best-selling taste combos is No Ka ‘Oi, which accurately means “the most effective” in Hawaiian. This tropical trio blends mango, coconut, and fervour fruit syrups 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 recent twist — assume actual island fruit, natural cane sugar, and 0 synthetic stuff. It’s easy, vibrant, and full of Huge Island taste.

Matsumoto’s Shave Ice (Haleiwa) – A legend since 1951, Matsumoto’s is legendary for its ultra-fine shave ice and lengthy traces 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: Hawaiianscribe

2. Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut Pudding)

This conventional Hawaiian dessert is comprised of wealthy coconut milk and thickened to a easy, jelly-like consistency. Usually reduce 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 on the tongue — gentle, refreshing, and excellent after a savory meal.

The place to Get It:

Ted’s Bakery (Oahu) – Ted’s is known for its Chocolate Haupia Pie — a decadent layering of silky chocolate custard and creamy haupia in a flaky crust. It’s the sort of dessert you order “simply to attempt” and find yourself ending solo.

Helena’s Hawaiian Meals (Honolulu) – Helena’s serves up conventional Hawaiian meals with timeless taste— and their basic haupia is the proper candy end. Easy, genuine, and identical to grandma used to make.

Japanese mochi, Hawaiianscribe photograph

3. Mochi

Mochi is a tender, chewy rice cake comprised of glutinous short-grain rice, mixed with water, sugar, and a dusting of cornstarch to maintain it from sticking. Initially from Japan, mochi has change into a beloved deal with in Hawai‘i, particularly round New Yr’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 Girls Kitchen (Hilo) – With over 20 mochi choices on the menu, count on a line out the door and a storefront so tiny that solely a handful of individuals can match inside without delay. They’re greatest identified for the strawberry mochi with a complete, juicy strawberry and candy azuki beans inside.

Nisshodo Sweet Retailer (Honolulu) –  For over 100 years, this store has provided conventional Japanese confections. They’re identified for delicate chichi dango, manju, and mochi in a rainbow of flavors.

Butter mochi

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 combine in coconut flakes for added texture and island aptitude.

The place to Get It:

Kahuku Farms (Oahu) – Situated on the North Shore, they’re identified 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) – Home made butter mochi is often discovered at farmers’ markets throughout the islands. You’ll discover the whole lot from basic recipes to artistic flavors like matcha or ube.

Kulolo is comprised of grated taro root, photograph by Hawaiianscribe

 5. Kulolo

Produced from grated taro root, coconut milk, and sugar, kulolo is a slow-cooked Hawaiian dessert with a dense, chewy texture — someplace between fudge and pudding. Its wealthy, earthy sweetness makes it a favourite at lū‘aus and native markets.

The place to Get It:

Waiahole Poi Manufacturing facility (Oahu) –  They serve freshly made kulolo alongside different traditional Hawaiian dishes. ​However their standout dessert is the Candy Girl of Waiahole, a heat kulolo topped with creamy haupia (coconut pudding) ice cream.

Hilo Farmers Market (Huge Island) – Distributors usually have selfmade kulolo on the market and it goes quick.

Botan sweet. The wrapper melts in your mouth.

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 tender, 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 because the style. A small field usually got here with a toy, making it a favourite with kids.

The place to Get It:

Native Asian Markets (Varies) –  Many Asian grocery shops inventory Botan Rice Sweet. 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 accessible on-line. Retailers like Amazon, World Market, and Walmart provide the whole lot from single packing containers to multi-packs. Some supermarkets, together with Safeway, additionally carry it in-store and on-line — simply verify the worldwide or Asian meals aisle.

Malasadas. Photograph by Leonard’s Bakery.

7. Malasadas

Dropped at the islands by Portuguese immigrants, malasadas are golden, pillowy doughnuts with out holes—crispy on the skin, tender on the within, and rolled in sugar whereas nonetheless heat. Whereas the basic model is lots 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 value it.

Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery (Oahu) – Served made to order, sizzling from the fryer, add a scoop of their small-batch ice cream for the final word indulgence.

Tex Drive-In (Honokaa) – On the street between Honoka‘a and Waimea, you possibly can watch them being fried by means of a kitchen window, then select from quite a lot of fillings like guava, mango, and Bavarian cream.

Lilikoi cheesecake is at all times in demand.

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 desserts. Candy, tangy, and made with aloha.

“If you’re a fan of Lilikoi Cheesecake you want to attempt 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

 9. Guri Guri

A cross between sherbet and ice cream, guri guri is a lightweight, refreshing frozen deal with with roots in Japanese-Hawaiian tradition. Historically mixing strawberry and pineapple flavors, it’s candy, tangy, and impossibly easy—because of a secret household recipe handed down for generations. With its tropical essence and nostalgic attraction, 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’s Maui Mall, it’s a nostalgic cease with a cult following—and sure, it’s money solely.

Chantilly cake

10. Chantilly Cake

Don’t let the identify idiot you — Hawai‘i’s Chantilly cake isn’t topped with whipped cream. As an alternative, it’s layered with a wealthy, buttery frosting that’s extra custard than fluff. The bottom is usually a moist chocolate cake, and a few variations embrace cream cheese within the frosting for further depth.

The place to Get It:

Liliha Bakery (O’ahu) – An area establishment, Liliha Bakery is legendary for its buttery Chantilly cake, served alongside different island-style pastries and bread. With a number of areas on O‘ahu, it’s a must-stop for dessert lovers.

Jackie Rey’s (Hilo) – Recognized for its upscale island delicacies, Jackie Rey’s in historic downtown Hilo additionally earns reward for its decadent Chantilly cake—a candy end to a Huge Island night.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

11. Pineapple Upside Down Cake

With Hawai‘i’s wealthy pineapple tradition, it’s no shock that pineapple the wrong way up cake is a favourite native dessert. Caramelized pineapple rings—typically with a cherry within the middle—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 island aptitude. Principally, it’s a nostalgic style of old-school 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 wrong way up cake, served with a scoop of ice cream for the proper steadiness 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 greatest loved with a facet of beachfront views and reside Hawaiian music.