Exploring O‘ahu: 16 Must-Visit Bakeries

These are a few iconic desserts found at O‘ahu’s bakeries, where treats come from all over the world. From brioche tarts filled with liliko‘i (passionfruit) curd to poi mochi donuts, there’s a lot to explore.

Older places like Liliha Bakery, around for 70 years, bring nostalgia with shortening-based crusts and whipped toppings instead of whipped cream. Even with health trends, fried apple pies still hold a place at places like McDonald’s here. Newer spots, like the Local General Store, offer locally grown fruits in buttery pastries.

Japanese influence is clear, but Filipino flavors quietly shine, reflecting the state’s second-largest ethnicity. Iconic bakeries like Liliha and Paalaa Kai offer ensaimadas, while Filipino bakeshops excel at pandesal. Hawai‘i’s bakery scene used to stick to old favorites, but recent additions bring new flavors and techniques, making life sweeter.

Here’s a glimpse of some noteworthy bakeries:

• Paalaa Kai Bakery Known for its snow puffy, a light puff pastry filled with cold custard and topped with chocolate ganache and powdered sugar.

Locations: 66-935 Kaukonahua Rd, Waialua, HI 96791

Phone: (808) 637-9795

• Valerio’s Tropical Bakeshop Famous for ube cheese pandesal, with a crispy exterior and a cream cheese center.

• The Alley Restaurant at Aiea Bowl Surprisingly, some of O‘ahu’s best cakes come from this bowling alley. Must-tries include lemon crunch cake and Chocolate Insanity, six layers of rich cake and frosting.

Locations: 99-115 Aiea Heights Dr # 310, Aiea, HI 96701

Phone: (808) 488-6854

• Lee’s Bakery & Kitchen Famous for custard pies, especially during Thanksgiving. You can now preorder these pies, but they’re best straight from the oven.

• Liliha Bakery Known for coco puffs and poi mochi donuts, offering a mix of traditional Hawaiian bakery items.

• Artizen by MW Offering a variety of cakes, including unique flavors like strawberry Jell-O chiffon cake and tricolor rainbow cake.

Locations: 888 Kapiolani Blvd #102, Honolulu, HI 96813

Phone: (808) 524-0499

• Brug Bakery Hokkaido-based bakery offering sweet and savory treats, including an pan and curry pan, along with soft shokupan bread.

Locations: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd #1080, Honolulu, HI 96814

Phone: (808) 945-2200

• Patisserie La Palme D’Or Known for Japanese cakes like strawberry shortcake and Mont Blanc, alongside croissant sandwiches and jelly drinks.

Locations: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814

Phone: (808) 941-6161

• Kulu Kulu Famous for the best strawberry roll in town, alongside novel desserts like the playful “loco moco” cream puff.

Locations: United States, Hawaii, Honolulu, Kalakaua Ave, B1b

Phone: (808) 931-0915

• Kona Coffee Purveyors | B. Patisserie Known for kouign amann in flavors like black sesame, along with other pastries like liliko‘i bostock.

Locations: Kuhio Avenue Mall Entrance – International Marketplace, 2330 Kalakaua Ave #160, Honolulu, HI 96815

Phone: (808) 450-2364

• Nanding’s Bakery Famous for Spanish rolls, found in 7-Elevens across the state, but best straight from the bakery.

Locations: 3210 Martha St, Honolulu, HI 96815

Phone: (808) 367-1172

• Diamond Head Market & Grill Loved for blueberry cream cheese scones and lemon crunch cake.

Locations: 3158 Monsarrat Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

Phone: (808) 732-0077

• Breadshop Owned by Chris Sy, known for classic breads and pastries with subtle Hawai‘i flavors.

Locations: 3408 Waialae Ave #104, Honolulu, HI 96816

• The Local General Store Offering meat and pastries, like Kualoa Ranch ham and cheddar pastry, with a weekly changing menu.

Locations: 3458 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816

Phone: (808) 734-7800

• Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery Famous for malassadas and cake bombs, along with pumpkin crunch, a local favorite.

Locations: 3632 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816

Phone: (808) 738-8200

• Nene Goose Bakery Known for spinach shokupan and mochi an pan, among other savory treats like salmon and spinach rolls.

Locations: 1090 Keolu Dr, Kailua, HI 96734

Phone: (808) 262-1080