{"id":123620,"date":"2025-04-10T00:48:12","date_gmt":"2025-04-10T10:48:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/?p=123620"},"modified":"2025-04-11T10:28:57","modified_gmt":"2025-04-11T20:28:57","slug":"the-11-best-hawaiian-desserts-and-where-to-find-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/the-11-best-hawaiian-desserts-and-where-to-find-them\/","title":{"rendered":"The 11 Best Hawaiian Desserts and Where to Find Them"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>We love our sweets here in the islands \u2014 and if you&#8217;ve ever been to a local potluck, you know the best part is the dessert table. What\u2019s often called \u201cHawaiian desserts\u201d are actually a delicious fusion of influences from across the Pacific. Japanese mochi, Portuguese malasadas, Filipino bibingka, and Hawaiian staples like haupia and kulolo all earned their place at the table. These beloved sweets are more than just nostalgic \u2014 they\u2019re part of everyday life in the islands, enjoyed from \u201csmall kid time\u201d through every stage of life.<\/p>\n<p>Each treat has its own fanbase, and every neighborhood likely has its own bakery or mom-and-pop shop serving it best. Here are a few of our favorites, but we challenge you to find your own.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_123127\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-123127\" class=\"wp-image-123127 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Shaved-Ice_2511340335.jpeg\" alt=\"Hawaiian shaved ice\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Shaved-Ice_2511340335.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Shaved-Ice_2511340335-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Shaved-Ice_2511340335-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-123127\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The classic Hawaiian dessert: shaved ice (Shutterstock)<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>1. Shave Ice<\/h2>\n<p>Few things say \u201cyou\u2019re in Hawai\u2018i\u201d quite like a cold, colorful <a href=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/the-best-shave-ice-oahu\/\">shave ice<\/a> on a warm island afternoon. Even President Obama and his family made it a ritual to grab a shave ice every time they returned to O\u2018ahu.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"542\" data-end=\"985\">First things first: to sound like a local, it\u2019s \u201cshave ice,\u201d not \u201cshaved.\u201d And on Hawai\u2018i Island, it\u2019s often called \u201cice shave.\u201d Not to be confused with coarse snow cones on the mainland, authentic shave ice is made by finely shaving a block of ice until it\u2019s soft and fluffy, almost like snow. The delicate texture allows syrups to soak in rather than slide off, resulting in a refreshing flavor in every bite.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"987\" data-end=\"1346\">The choices are as vibrant as the syrups themselves. At many shave ice shops, the menu offers dozens of flavors and customizations. One of the earliest enhancements came from Japan: azuki beans. These sweet red beans are often placed at the bottom of the cup, forming a rich, sugary slush by the time you reach the last spoonful.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1348\" data-end=\"1725\">Other popular add-ons include a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dusting of <strong data-start=\"1421\" data-end=\"1436\">li hing mui<\/strong> (a tangy plum powder), chewy mochi balls, fresh-cut fruit, and a generous drizzle of sweetened condensed milk \u2014 locally dubbed a \u201csnow cap\u201d or \u201csnow on the mountain.\u201d Additionally, many shave ice spots serve syrups made from fresh, locally grown fruit for a more natural variation.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Where to Get It:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ululani\u2019s Hawaiian Shave<\/strong> <strong>Ice<\/strong> <strong>(Multiple Locations) \u2014<\/strong>\u00a0Living by the motto, \u201cAll shave ice is not created equal,\u201d with locations across Hawaii (primarily Maui) and a growing presence in California, Florida, and Texas, Ululani\u2019s earned a reputation for serving some of the softest, most flavorful shave ice around. One of their best-selling flavor combos is No Ka \u2018Oi, which literally means \u201cthe best\u201d in Hawaiian. This tropical trio blends mango, coconut, and passion fruit for a sweet, sunny explosion of flavor. Add a snow cap of sweetened condensed milk and a base of azuki beans, and you&#8217;ve got the perfect treat.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Kula Shave Ice (Hilo) \u2014 <\/strong>Kula serves up shave ice with a fresh twist \u2014 think real island fruit, organic cane sugar, and zero artificial stuff. It\u2019s simple, vibrant, and packed with Big Island flavor.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Matsumoto\u2019s Shave Ice (Haleiwa) \u2014<\/strong>\u00a0A legend since 1951, Matsumoto\u2019s is famous for its ultra-fine shave ice and long lines worth the wait. Grab a rainbow combo and a souvenir tee while you&#8217;re there \u2014 it\u2019s a North Shore rite of passage.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_123050\" style=\"width: 693px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-123050\" class=\"wp-image-123050 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Haupia-Recipe-3-Onolicious-Hawaii.jpg\" alt=\"white coconut squares\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Haupia-Recipe-3-Onolicious-Hawaii.jpg 683w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Haupia-Recipe-3-Onolicious-Hawaii-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-123050\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Haupia coconut dessert. (Photo Credit: Hawaiianscribe)<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>2. Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut Pudding)<\/h2>\n<p>This traditional Hawaiian dessert is made from rich coconut milk and thickened into a smooth, jelly-like consistency. Often cut into chilled squares, haupia is a must-have at local potlucks, l\u016b\u2018aus, and family gatherings. Its flavor is subtly sweet and deeply coconut-forward, with a cool, creamy texture that melts in your mouth \u2014 light, refreshing, and perfect after a savory meal.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Where to Get It:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ted&#8217;s Bakery (Oahu)<\/strong> \u2014 Ted\u2019s is legendary for its Chocolate Haupia Pie \u2014 a decadent layering of silky chocolate custard and creamy haupia in a flaky crust. It\u2019s the kind of dessert you order \u201cjust to try a bite\u201d and end up eating the whole thing.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Helena&#8217;s Hawaiian Food (Honolulu)<\/strong> \u2014 Helena\u2019s serves up traditional Hawaiian food with timeless flavor\u2014 and their classic haupia is the perfect finish. Simple, authentic, and just like grandma used to make.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_123623\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-123623\" class=\"wp-image-123623 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/mochi.jpg\" alt=\"pink pastry balls\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/mochi.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/mochi-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/mochi-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/mochi-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-123623\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Japanese mochi, (Photo Credit: Hawaiianscribe)<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><strong>3. Mochi<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Mochi is a soft, chewy rice cake made from glutinous short-grain rice mixed with water, sugar, and a dusting of cornstarch to keep it from sticking. Originally from Japan, mochi is a beloved treat in Hawai\u2018i, especially around New Year&#8217;s. That&#8217;s when traditional mochi-pounding ceremonies bring communities together to pound the rice into its signature stretchy form. Try it plain or filled with sweet red bean paste.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Where to Get It:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Two Ladies Kitchen (Hilo) \u2014<\/strong>\u00a0With over 20 mochi options on the menu, expect a line out the door and a storefront so tiny only a handful of people fit inside at once. They&#8217;re best known for their strawberry mochi with a whole, juicy strawberry and sweet azuki beans inside.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Nisshodo Candy Store (Honolulu)<\/strong> \u2014 \u00a0For over 100 years, this shop has offered traditional Japanese confections. They&#8217;re known for delicate chichi dango, manju, and mochi in a rainbow of flavors.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_123773\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-123773\" class=\"size-large wp-image-123773\" src=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Common-Hawaiian-treat-delicious-butter-coconut-mochi-1024x699.jpg\" alt=\"Common Hawaiian treat, delicious butter coconut mochihateii hawiia hawaii. hawaiii hawiaii hwaii hawaai hawall hawii hawwai hawwaii hawwii hiwaii haiwaii hawia hawwi 135899792\" width=\"1024\" height=\"699\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Common-Hawaiian-treat-delicious-butter-coconut-mochi-1024x699.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Common-Hawaiian-treat-delicious-butter-coconut-mochi-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Common-Hawaiian-treat-delicious-butter-coconut-mochi-768x524.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Common-Hawaiian-treat-delicious-butter-coconut-mochi-1536x1048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Common-Hawaiian-treat-delicious-butter-coconut-mochi-2048x1397.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-123773\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Common Hawaiian treat, delicious butter coconut mochi (Shutterstock)<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><strong>4. Butter Mochi<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>A delightful twist on traditional mochi, butter mochi blends glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and butter to create a rich, chewy dessert with a golden crust. It\u2019s like a tropical brownie-meets-butter cake. Some variations even mix in coconut flakes for added texture and island flair.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Where to Get It:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Kahuku Farms (Oahu) \u2014<\/strong>\u00a0On the North Shore, they&#8217;re known for their lilikoi butter mochi. Tart passion fruit adds a zesty brightness to the rich, chewy base \u2014 making it a refreshing twist on the farm-fresh dessert.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><em>\u201cDo remember to get there early to be able to experience the mochi before it sells out. Yes, it\u2019s that good.\u201d &#8211;\u00a0Alex D.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><strong>Local Farmers&#8217; Markets (Varies) \u2014 <\/strong>Homemade butter mochi is commonly found at <a href=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/hawaii-farmers-market-guide\/\">farmers markets<\/a> across the islands. You can score everything from classic recipes to creative flavors like matcha or ube.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mceTemp\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_123629\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-123629\" class=\"wp-image-123629 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/kulolo-thumbnail__large__large-1.jpeg\" alt=\"brown squares of taro dessert\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/kulolo-thumbnail__large__large-1.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/kulolo-thumbnail__large__large-1-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/kulolo-thumbnail__large__large-1-768x432.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-123629\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kulolo is made from grated taro root (Photo Credit: Hawaiianscribe)<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>\u00a05<strong>. Kulolo<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Made from grated taro root, coconut milk, and sugar, kulolo is a slow-cooked Hawaiian dessert with a dense, chewy texture \u2014 somewhere between a fudge and a pudding. Its rich, earthy sweetness makes it a favorite at l\u016b\u2018aus and local markets.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Where to Get It:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Waiahole Poi Factory (Oahu) \u2014\u00a0<\/strong> They serve freshly made kulolo alongside other <a href=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/10-traditional-hawaiian-foods-you-must-try\/\">traditional Hawaiian dishes.<\/a> \u200bBut their standout dessert is the Sweet Lady of Waiahole, a warm kulolo topped with creamy haupia (coconut pudding) ice cream.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Hilo Farmers Market (Big Island)<\/strong> \u2014 Vendors often have homemade kulolo for sale and it goes fast.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_123625\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-123625\" class=\"wp-image-123625 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/botan-rice-candy-20-count-2__13303.jpg\" alt=\"Japanese candy &amp; box\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/botan-rice-candy-20-count-2__13303.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/botan-rice-candy-20-count-2__13303-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/botan-rice-candy-20-count-2__13303-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/botan-rice-candy-20-count-2__13303-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/botan-rice-candy-20-count-2__13303-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-123625\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Botan candy. The wrapper melts in your mouth. (Photo Credit: Hawaiian Scribe)<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>6. Botan Candy<\/h2>\n<p>Ask anyone who grew up in Hawai\u2018i, and they\u2019ll probably smile at the mention of Botan Rice Candy. This soft, chewy Japanese treat is wrapped in a unique, edible rice paper that dissolves in your mouth. Lightly flavored with citrus notes like lemon and orange, Botan Candy is as much about the experience as it is the taste. The small box often comes with a toy, making it a favorite amongst children.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Where to Get It:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Local Asian Markets (Varies) \u2014 <\/strong>Local markets specializing in Japanese or Asian products are likely to carry this confection.\u200b<\/p>\n<p><strong>Online Retailers and Grocery Stores) \u2014 <\/strong>Botan Rice Candy is widely available online. Retailers like Amazon, World Market, and Walmart offer everything from single boxes to multi-packs. Some supermarkets, including Safeway, also carry it in-store and online \u2014 check the international or Asian food aisles.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_123499\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-123499\" class=\"wp-image-123499 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/malasadas-recipe.jpg\" alt=\"Sugar coated pastry\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/malasadas-recipe.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/malasadas-recipe-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/malasadas-recipe-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/malasadas-recipe-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/malasadas-recipe-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-123499\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Malasadas (Photo Credit: Leonard&#8217;s Bakery)<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><strong>7. Malasadas<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Brought to the islands by Portuguese immigrants, malasadas are golden, pillowy doughnuts without holes \u2014 crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and rolled in sugar while still warm. While the classic version is plenty tasty on its own, many local spots offer malasadas filled with rich custards, jams, or tropical flavors like lilikoi and haupia. They\u2019re a staple at bakeries across Hawai\u2018i and a must-try for any dessert lover.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Where to Get It:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Leonard&#8217;s Bakery (Honolulu) &#8211;<\/strong> Established in 1952 in Honolulu, Leonard&#8217;s is iconic for its malasadas, offering both traditional and filled varieties like custard, haupia, and dobash (chocolate). Expect a line \u2014 and expect it to be worth the wait.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pipeline Bakeshop &amp; Creamery (Oahu) \u2014<\/strong>\u00a0Made to order, hot from the fryer, add a scoop of their small-batch ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tex Drive-In (Honokaa) \u2014<\/strong>\u00a0On the road between Honoka\u2018a and Waimea, you can watch them being fried through a kitchen window, then choose from a variety of fillings like guava, mango, and Bavarian cream.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_123622\" style=\"width: 204px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-123622\" class=\"wp-image-123622 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/lilikoi-cheesecake.jpg\" alt=\"yellow cheesecake\" width=\"194\" height=\"259\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-123622\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lilikoi cheesecake is always in demand. (Photo Credit: 808 Sweet Shack)<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><strong>8. Lilikoi (Passion Fruit) Cheesecake <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Creamy, rich, and topped with the bright tang of passion fruit, lilikoi cheesecake is where New York-style indulgence meets island flair. The sweet-tart lilikoi adds a refreshing pop of tropical flavor, making this dessert a standout at bakeries, l\u016b\u2018aus, and Sunday brunches across Hawai\u2018i.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Where to Get It:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>The Coffee Shack (Big Island) \u2014 <\/strong>Perched above Kealakekua Bay, this cozy spot is beloved for its lilikoi cheesecake \u2014 creamy, tangy, and served with a side of jaw-dropping coastal views.<\/p>\n<p><strong>808 Sweet Shack (Hilo) \u2014<\/strong>\u00a0A hidden gem in Hilo, this locally owned bakery crafts decadent lilikoi cheesecake alongside cookies and custom cakes. Sweet, tangy, and made with aloha.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><em>\u201cIf you are a fan of Lilikoi Cheesecake you need to try 808 Sweet Shacks version. Different than most that I have tried in a good way. The ratio of Cheesecake to graham cracker crust is perfect and Lilikoi was not too sweet or tart. I also love that the Lilikoi wasn\u2019t just a glaze added after. Consistency more of a gelatin.\u201d\u00a0 Kaipo H.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"attachment_123628\" style=\"width: 613px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-123628\" class=\"wp-image-123628 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Guriguriii.jpg\" alt=\"pink scoop of ice cream\" width=\"603\" height=\"548\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Guriguriii.jpg 603w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Guriguriii-300x273.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 603px) 100vw, 603px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-123628\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Guri guri. (Photo Credit: Hawaiian Scribe)<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><strong><em>\u00a09<\/em>. Guri Guri<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>A cross between sherbet and ice cream, guri guri is a light, refreshing frozen treat with roots in Japanese-Hawaiian culture. Traditionally blending strawberry and pineapple, it\u2019s sweet, tangy, and impossibly smooth \u2014 thanks to a secret family recipe passed down for generations. With a tropical essence and nostalgic charm, guri guri is a must-try on a warm island day.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Where to Get It:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Tasaka Guri Guri (Maui) \u2014<\/strong>\u00a0A Maui institution, this family-run shop has been serving up its signature strawberry-pineapple guri guri for generations. Located in Kahului Maui Mall, it\u2019s a nostalgic stop with a cult following \u2014 and yes, it\u2019s cash only.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_123627\" style=\"width: 510px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-123627\" class=\"wp-image-123627 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Chantilly-Cake-Thumbnail.jpg\" alt=\"chocolate cake\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Chantilly-Cake-Thumbnail.jpg 500w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Chantilly-Cake-Thumbnail-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Chantilly-Cake-Thumbnail-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-123627\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chantilly cake. (Photo Credit: Jackie Rey&#8217;s Hilo)<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><strong>10. Chantilly Cake<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Don\u2019t let the name fool you \u2014 Hawai\u2018i\u2019s Chantilly cake isn\u2019t topped with whipped cream. Instead, it\u2019s layered with a rich, buttery frosting that\u2019s more custard than fluff. The base is typically a moist chocolate cake, but some versions use cream cheese in the frosting for extra richness.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Where to Get It:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Liliha Bakery (O&#8217;ahu) \u2014\u00a0<\/strong>A local institution, <a href=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/from-counter-to-culinary-icon-why-liliha-bakery-is-a-must-taste-on-o%ca%bbahu\/\"><strong data-start=\"170\" data-end=\"187\">Liliha Bakery<\/strong><\/a> is famous for its buttery Chantilly cake, served alongside other island pastries and bread. With multiple locations on O\u2018ahu, it&#8217;s a must-stop for dessert lovers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jackie Rey\u2019s (Hilo)<\/strong> \u2014 Known for its upscale island cuisine, Jackie Rey\u2019s in historic downtown Hilo also earns praise for its decadent Chantilly cake \u2014 a sweet finish to any Big Island evening.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_123624\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-123624\" class=\"wp-image-123624 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pineapple-upside-down-cake-30-l.jpg\" alt=\"pineapple slice on cake\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pineapple-upside-down-cake-30-l.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pineapple-upside-down-cake-30-l-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pineapple-upside-down-cake-30-l-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-123624\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pineapple Upside Down Cake. (Photo Credit: Hawaiian Scribe)<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>11. Pineapple Upside Down Cake<\/h2>\n<p>With Hawai\u2018i\u2019s rich pineapple culture, it\u2019s no surprise that pineapple upside down cake is a favorite local delicacy. Caramelized pineapple rings \u2014 sometimes with a cherry at the center \u2014 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 extra burst of flavor and flair. Basically, it\u2019s a nostalgic taste of <a href=\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/10-traditional-hawaiian-foods-you-must-try\/\">old Hawai\u2018i<\/a> served chilled or warm.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Where to Get It:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Hula Grill (Waikiki) \u2014 <\/strong>This oceanfront spot elevates the classic with a warm pineapple upside down cake, served with a scoop of ice cream for the perfect balance of hot and cold, sweet and buttery.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Duke&#8217;s (Waikiki) \u2014<\/strong>\u00a0At Duke\u2019s, you\u2019ll find a classic take on this island dessert \u2014 moist, caramelized, and best enjoyed with a side of beachfront views and live Hawaiian music.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We love our sweets here in the islands \u2014 and if you&#8217;ve ever been to a local potluck, you know the best part is the dessert table. What\u2019s often called \u201cHawaiian desserts\u201d are actually a delicious fusion of influences from across the Pacific. Japanese mochi, Portuguese malasadas, Filipino bibingka, and Hawaiian staples like haupia and&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":169,"featured_media":114536,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3917,3916,3918,3915,3900],"tags":[4080,4077,4079,4081,4078],"class_list":["post-123620","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-big-island-restaurants","category-kauai-restaurants","category-maui-restaurants","category-oahu-restaurants","category-visiting-hawaii","tag-haupia","tag-hawaiian-desserts","tag-ice-cream","tag-kulolo","tag-shave-ice"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.8 (Yoast SEO v25.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Hawaiian Desserts: Sweet Traditions of the Islands | Hawaii.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore the delicious 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