14 Hawaiian Desserts That Will Tempt You To Break Every Diet Rule
I’ve called Oahu home for over 30 years, but I’ve explored every Hawaiian island countless times, hunting down the sweetest treasures each one holds. From roadside stands to upscale resorts, I’ve sampled so many desserts that my dentist gives me side-eye at checkups. But these 14 Hawaiian treats? Worth every calorie and every minute on the treadmill.
They’re more than just desserts-they’re edible memories of paradise. Ready to ruin your diet in the most delicious way possible? Let’s dig in!
Shave Ice: Not Your Mainland Snow Cone
First things first – in Hawaii, it’s “shave ice” not “shaved ice.” And it’s nothing like the crunchy, syrupy snow cones from the mainland.
Hawaiian shave ice features ice that’s shaved so finely it has the texture of freshly fallen snow. This delicate base soaks up flavored syrups rather than having them pool at the bottom. Traditional toppings include sweetened condensed milk (called “snow cap”), azuki beans, mochi balls, and even a scoop of ice cream at the bottom.
The best shops use natural fruit purees instead of artificial syrups, creating flavors like lilikoi, guava, lychee, and the local favorite, li hing mui (salty dried plum).
Where to find it: Matsumoto Shave Ice on Oahu’s North Shore is perhaps the most famous, but Island Vintage Shave Ice in Waikiki and Shimazu Store in Honolulu are local favorites. For something different, try Waiola Shave Ice, which has been serving the community since 1940.
Malasadas: Portuguese Doughnuts Gone Hawaiian
These Portuguese doughnuts arrived with sugar plantation workers in the late 1800s but have become thoroughly Hawaiian. Malasadas are deep-fried dough balls rolled in sugar while still hot, creating a crunchy exterior that gives way to a pillowy, airy interior.
Traditional malasadas have no hole or filling, but Leonard’s Bakery in Honolulu popularized “malasada puffs” – filled versions with flavors like haupia, custard, and chocolate.
I once made the rookie mistake of visiting Leonard’s at noon on a Saturday. The line wrapped around the block twice! But the warm, sugar-dusted malasada that finally touched my lips was worth every minute of waiting.
Where to try them: Leonard’s Bakery is the gold standard, offering original, cinnamon sugar, and li hing flavors. For the most authentic experience, arrive before 7 am on a weekday when the line is manageable and the malasadas are fresh from the fryer.
Haupia: Coconut Pudding Perfection
Haupia might look simple – a white, jiggly square that resembles tofu – but this traditional Hawaiian coconut pudding delivers pure tropical magic in each bite. Made from coconut milk thickened with cornstarch, haupia has a silky texture that melts on your tongue while delivering a sweet coconut punch.
At every luau and family gathering across Hawaii, you’ll find trays of haupia squares waiting for eager fingers. The dessert is naturally gluten-free and often vegan-friendly, making it accessible for almost everyone.
Where to find amazing haupia: Hawaii’s Best makes a popular mix that lets you create authentic haupia at home by just adding water. For the real deal, Ted’s Bakery on Oahu’s North Shore serves a legendary Chocolate Haupia Pie that combines traditional haupia with rich chocolate custard in a flaky crust.
Insider tip: If you’re visiting Hawaii during the holidays, look for haupia pumpkin squares – a seasonal twist that marries the creamy coconut pudding with spiced pumpkin for a uniquely Hawaiian take on fall flavors.
Hula Pie: The Towering Ice Cream Masterpiece
The first time someone orders Hula Pie, there’s always a moment of wide-eyed shock when it arrives at the table. This dessert is literally the size of your face – a mountain of macadamia nut ice cream on a chocolate cookie crust, drenched in fudge sauce, topped with whipped cream, and finished with more toasted mac nuts.
Born at Kimo’s restaurant in Lahaina, Maui, Hula Pie was originally marketed as “what the sailors swam ashore for in Old Lahaina Town”. One slice is designed for sharing, but I’ve witnessed many determined souls (myself included) tackle one solo.
The whipped cream is artfully applied to resemble a hula skirt, and servers always position the slice with the tip pointing toward the “I” on their signature plate. It’s as much a work of art as it is a dessert.
Where to find it: Kimo’s Maui in Lahaina still serves the original recipe, but you can find versions at all TS Restaurants across the islands. Come hungry – or bring friends!
Butter Mochi: The Chewy Delight
Butter mochi represents the beautiful fusion of cultures that makes Hawaiian cuisine special. This glutinous rice flour cake has Japanese roots but has been embraced and adapted into something uniquely local.
The texture is what makes butter mochi irresistible – chewy, dense, and moist with a slightly crisp exterior. Made with mochiko (sweet rice flour), butter, eggs, sugar, and coconut milk, it’s rich without being overly sweet.
Last summer, I brought a pan of butter mochi to a beach barbecue, cutting it into small squares. People who’d never tried it before kept coming back, unable to put their finger on what made it so addictive. “It’s like a brownie and a marshmallow had a delicious baby,” one friend declared.
In blind taste tests, classic butter mochi recipes often win against fancier versions with added flavors. Sometimes simple really is better!
Where to find it: Look for butter mochi at local bakeries like Pipeline Bakeshop on Oahu, which sometimes offers variations like lilikoi (passion fruit) butter mochi. Many Hawaiian potlucks and farmers’ markets also feature this treat.
Lilikoi Chiffon Pie: Tangy Cloud of Deliciousness
Lilikoi (passion fruit) grows wild across Hawaii, and its bright, tangy flavor makes for incredible desserts. Lilikoi chiffon pie combines this tropical tartness with a light, airy texture that’s like eating sunshine in dessert form.
The bright yellow filling sits atop a graham cracker or pastry crust, creating the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy. The pie offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart that makes your taste buds dance.
Where to find it: Wong’s Restaurant in Hanapepe on Kauai is famous for their version. If you’re exploring the Garden Isle, locals consider this the best place to indulge in this island specialty.
Pro tip: If you’re a true lilikoi lover, visit Auntie Lilikoi’s store in Waimea, Kauai, which sells everything from lilikoi mustard to lilikoi concentrate you can take home.
Kulolo: Taro’s Sweet Transformation
Kulolo might be the most traditional Hawaiian dessert on this list. This dense, fudge-like treat is made from grated taro root, coconut milk, and sugar, traditionally wrapped in ti leaves and steamed.
The flavor is uniquely earthy and sweet, with a texture somewhere between fudge and firm pudding. For those used to mainstream American desserts, kulolo can be an acquired taste – but one worth acquiring!
Many locals enjoy kulolo with a cup of hot tea, as the warmth of the tea beautifully complements the dense texture of this traditional treat.
Where to find it: The best kulolo is often found at farmers markets or Hawaiian food shops like Pomai Kulolo. Recently, some innovative bakers have combined haupia and kulolo into “Haulolo” – a layered dessert featuring haupia on top of kulolo.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: Island Style
While not exclusively Hawaiian, pineapple upside-down cake reaches its full potential in Hawaii, where the pineapples are sweeter and juicier than anywhere else. This golden cake showcases caramelized pineapple rings that bathe the entire dessert in tropical flavor.
The cake portion soaks up all the sweet pineapple juices, creating a moist, flavorful treat that practically transports you to a pineapple plantation. Some island bakers add a splash of rum to the batter for a grown-up twist that enhances the tropical vibes.
A well-made Hawaiian version uses fresh pineapple rather than canned, though even locals admit that the canned version can be delicious in a pinch.
Where to find it: The Dole Plantation on Oahu serves a version worth trying, but many local bakeries and restaurants feature this classic on their dessert menus.
Mochi Ice Cream: Bite-Sized Bliss
Mochi ice cream perfectly represents Hawaii’s Japanese influence. These colorful, chewy balls feature ice cream wrapped in sweet mochi (pounded rice) dough for a textural contrast that’s totally addictive.
Popular flavors include mango, strawberry, green tea, and kona coffee, though creative bakers are always coming up with new combinations. Some locals swear by Bubbies brand, which originated in Hawaii and offers over 20 flavors.
“Sweety brand mochi is delicious. We have tried coffee and vanilla. Outstanding,” notes one enthusiast, while advising to avoid those made with milk substitutes.
Where to find it: Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream on Oahu is famous for their mochi ice cream. You can also find good versions at Sam’s Club, which sells Bubbies in large packs, or at Trader Joe’s, which offers unique flavors like chocolate and peanut butter.
Chantilly Cake: Not Your Mainland Version
Don’t confuse Hawaiian Chantilly cake with the mainland version. In Hawaii, Chantilly refers to a specific type of frosting made from evaporated milk, butter, sugar, and eggs – creating a rich, butterscotch-like topping that’s typically paired with chocolate cake.
Liliha Bakery’s version features four moist layers of chocolate sponge cake with that magical Chantilly frosting between each layer and coating the outside. The result is a perfect balance of flavors and textures that has made this cake a birthday tradition for countless locals.
Where to find it: Liliha Bakery in Honolulu makes the definitive version that locals line up for on special occasions.
Haupia-Sweet Potato Pie: Purple Paradise
This modern Hawaiian dessert layers vibrant purple Okinawan sweet potato with white haupia for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The striking purple and white layers create a visual feast that tastes even better than it looks.
The earthy sweetness of the purple sweet potato complements the coconut flavor of the haupia perfectly. It’s a marriage of traditional Hawaiian ingredients in a contemporary presentation.
Where to find it: Hawaiian Pie Company on Oahu offers an excellent version, as did the now-closed Coffee ‘n Epicurea Patisserie on the Big Island, which was known for its “Okinawan Purple Sweet Potato Haupia Pie”.
Coconut Cream Pie: Island-Style Decadence
Coconut cream pie takes on special meaning in Hawaii, where fresh coconut elevates this classic. The silky coconut custard filling sits in a flaky crust topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes.
Made from scratch with real coconut milk rather than extracts, Hawaiian coconut cream pies offer a true taste of the islands. The filling should be rich but light, and the toasted coconut on top adds a wonderful textural contrast.
“Rich and creamy homemade custard in a flaky crust and topped with toasted coconut, this pie is always a show stopper at family dinners,” as one recipe describes it.
Where to find it: Ted’s Bakery on the North Shore makes an excellent version, and many local restaurants feature this classic on their dessert menus.
Island Pecan Pie: A Tropical Twist
Traditional pecan pie gets a Hawaiian makeover with the addition of pineapple and coconut flakes. This sweet, nutty dessert offers a perfect blend of mainland and island flavors.
“It has all the sweetness of a pecan pie, with the added flavors of pineapple and coconut flakes,” as one baker describes it. The tropical ingredients cut through the richness of the traditional pecan filling, creating a more balanced dessert.
Where to find it: This fusion dessert can be found at some local bakeries and restaurants, especially around the holidays when pie season is in full swing.
Final Thoughts on Hawaiian Desserts
These 14 Hawaiian desserts represent the incredible diversity of the islands’ culinary heritage. From traditional Hawaiian treats like haupia and kulolo to fusion creations that reflect Hawaii’s multicultural history, each sweet offers a taste of aloha.
As we say in Hawaii, these desserts are truly “brok da mout” – so delicious they break your mouth. And while they might break your diet too, I promise they’re 100% worth it!
