There’s no shortage of delicious food on Oahu, and dessert is no exception. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, be sure to try these treats during your trip.
1. Shave Ice
Hawaii is known for shave ice. You can’t go to Oahu and not try it! Every guidebook and blog will recommend Matsumoto’s on the North Shore, but I was not impressed. Not only was the line very long, the ice was crunchy instead of soft and snow-like.
Instead, try Aoki’s (across the street from Matsumoto’s), and check out this post for my other favorite spots around the island. There is a parking lot behind the Matsumoto’s shopping center, but unless you’re arriving early in the day, you’ll likely have to wait for a spot.
2. Malasadas
Leonard’s Bakery is famous for these fried pastry/donut-like treats, often filled with chocolate or cream. They are rich, so I only bought one. As soon as I took a bite, I regretted not buying more to enjoy later! The chocolate was even better than cream.
Your best bet for a short line and easy parking is the Malasadamobile (food truck), but the hours are limited. At the Wailea location, if you’re able to snag a parking spot, the line moves quickly. If you’ve got more than one person in your party, drop someone off to make the purchase while you drive around the block.
For a twist, try the Malamode at Pipeline Bakeshop and Creamery. It’s a warm malasada filled with ice cream.
3. Chocolate Haupia Pie
Ted’s Bakery on the North Shore serves this pudding-like dessert made with chocolate, coconut milk, and sugar. It’s soft, creamy, and not overly sweet. While you can find this decadent pie elsewhere, Ted’s Bakery made it famous, and you’ll want to try the original!
Not headed to the North Shore? Ted’s sells packaged pies at grocery stores across the island.
4. Acai Bowls
Pronounced “ah-sah-ee,” these smoothie bowls are deliciously refreshing. Hale’iwa Bowls on the North Shore is a local favorite. The base is frozen enough to keep the treat from melting too quickly, and their creations are like works of art, topped with fruit, coconut, nut butter, granola, or honey.
Look for the stand across the street from Haleiwa Joe’s. The entrance to the parking lot is on the right side of their building.
5. Dole Whip
If you plan to visit the Dole Pineapple Plantation solely to enjoy a Dole Whip, skip the touristy and less-than-impressive plantation visit. Several shops around the island serve these pineapple ice cream treats, like Aloha Whip inside the Queen Kapiolani Hotel and Banan Waikiki Beach Shack. Rest assured they are just as delicious as the “real” ones!
As with anywhere in Waikiki, parking is tough. Your best bet for Banan Waikiki Beach Shack is the International Market Place parking area. For the Queen Kapiolani Hotel, the closest lot is at the Honolulu Zoo.
6. Shortbread Cookies
You’ll likely never see as large a variety of shortbread cookies as you will at Honolulu Cookie Company. From chocolate-dipped to lemon-infused, there are plenty of flavors to please everyone. Plus, their signature pineapple shape is adorable! Choose individual cookies to try all of the flavors or purchase a packaged gift tin as a souvenir.
There are several locations around Waikiki. If you’re out for a day of shopping or strolling, you’re sure to pass at least one.
7. Hula Pie
After a warm day at the beach, cool off with a refreshing ice cream pie. Hula Pie is made with a cookie crust, layered with macadamia nut ice cream, and topped with chocolate syrup. Duke’s Waikiki and Hula Grill both serve this unique treat. As a bonus, both spots also boast breathtaking sunset views, making this a perfect way to end the day.
Validated self-parking for both restaurants is available at Ohana East Hotel for a very reasonable cost ($6 for four hours in 2021).
8. Lilikoi Cream Cheese Bars
If you’re a fan of fruit-infused desserts, you’ll love this sweet yet tart passionfruit treat from Pipeline Bakeshop and Creamery. They are similar to lemon bars, but the company emphatically states theirs are better than lemon!
Parking is very limited, but you can order online for curbside pickup to save time and effort.
Click the “+” and “-” signs in the bottom left corner to zoom in and out. Click and drag the map to change the portion of the map you are viewing on the screen. Select any icon to view more information about that spot.
If You Can Only Pick One
You’re on vacation – that means you should eat dessert with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, right? And maybe as a snack too! But if you’re limited on time and want to choose the best treat on the island, pick between malasadas or any of the pies. You can’t go wrong!
Don’t Waste Your Calories
One dessert that didn’t live up to the hype was the cocoa puff at Liliha Bakery. Several bloggers highly recommended these, but I found them extremely underwhelming. Unless you’re a huge fan of cream puffs, you’re not missing out if you skip this one.
No matter which treats you choose, being on vacation in Hawaii makes everything just a little bit sweeter! Which one are you trying first?
