Oahu's BEST 10 recommended sweets

Oahu, Hawaii's most popular resort island

Hawaii, a paradise of everlasting summer, is a beautiful land that has always been the envy and admiration of people around the world.

Hawaii is actually an archipelago of more than 130 islands, and although there is an island called Hawaii Island, it does not function much as the center of the Hawaiian Islands.

Serving as the center of the archipelago is the island of Oahu, where Honolulu, the capital of the state of Hawaii, is located.

Most of the famous tourist attractions, including Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, are on Oahu.

Most of the scenes of Hawaii that you have seen on TV or in magazines are actually scenes from the island of Oahu.

The island of Oahu, which includes Honolulu, also offers many gourmet treats, the most popular of which are sweets.

In this issue, we would like to provide information on Oahu's exciting sweets in a ranking format!

 

What is Oahu like?

Now, I would like to quickly introduce the sweets, but first let's look at some basic information about Oahu.

Oahu is a large island with an area of 1,545 square kilometers and a population of approximately 980,000, and is a very prosperous island with Honolulu at its center.

In addition to Honolulu, there are many other popular tourist destinations, such as the northern North Shore area, which offer a variety of ways to spend your time depending on your preferences.

Although now part of the United States, the island has developed its own culture and is blessed with many tourist resources.

 

How to get to Oahu

To get to Oahu, an island in the Pacific Ocean, take a flight.

As one of the world's leading tourist destinations, a very large number of flights to Oahu are operated from Japan.

Honolulu Airport, the gateway to Oahu, is served by direct flights from Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, Fukuoka, and New Chitose airports, offering a wide choice of airlines.

With many flights available, from major companies to LCCs, you can freely choose the time of day and pricing.

The trip takes about 7 hours for the outbound and about 9 hours for the inbound.

The difference in travel time between outbound and inbound is due to the jet stream.

Of course, there is a time difference of about 19 hours between Japan and Oahu, so be sure to take this into account when planning your time schedule upon arrival.

 

Attractions of Oahu

Oahu is an island full of many attractions, including sweets, the subject of this article.

If one were to mention one particular attraction of Oahu, it would have to be its mild climate.

Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean in an area called Polynesia, Oahu is at its coldest around January, but even then the average maximum temperature is a whopping 25 degrees Celsius.

Most of the sunny days record an astonishingly warm temperature, which is equivalent to a summer day in Japan, and many people love it not only for its location and cultural attractions, but also as a place to escape the cold.

 

Beautiful beaches and vast wilderness

The warm environment inevitably increases the demand for the sea as a tourist resource.

Because of Oahu's warm ocean temperatures, coral and tropical fish are abundant in the ocean, creating a vivid tropical marine landscape.

The positive effects on the sea due to coral colonies are particularly significant.

Corals are living organisms that purify seawater and increase its clarity by circulating carbon dioxide and oxygen through photosynthesis in the sea.

The coral has also given Oahu's waters a sparkling blue beauty that contrasts with the sparkling white sandy beaches like a painting, attracting people from all over the world.

Winter brings many surfers to Oahu, and it is a tradition to hold several large world surfing competitions in quick succession.

Oahu also has a rich land environment.

Volcanic mountains such as Diamond Head and Koko Head are popular trekking trails, and extremely beautiful tropical plants can be seen thriving in some of the canyons.

Some tourist destinations have a jungle-like aspect, and their natural scenery never bores us.

 

One of the world's leading resorts

In some years, more than 10 million tourists visit Oahu each year to enjoy this blessed environment.

Oahu has developed a seaside resort environment over the years in order to provide the best conditions for visitors seeking leisure time.

The beach is beautifully maintained and is a great environment for strolling, swimming, and activities that will surely satisfy your heart no matter how you choose to spend your time.

Numerous world-class hotel chains are lined up along such a seaside area, and they have improved the quality of their services in competition with each other.

As a resort destination that offers the best service in the best environment, Oahu enjoys worldwide popularity.

 

Shopping and restaurants are also recommended

Another major feature of Oahu is its greatly enhanced shopping environment.

Oahu is characterized by large shopping centers that are far out of proportion to the size of the island.

Kalakaua Avenue, the main street in Waikiki, is lined with the International Marketplace and the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, creating a glittering mood.

A short distance west of Waikiki is the famous Ala Moana Shopping Center, and there are too many other large commercial facilities on the island to count on the fingers of two hands.

This is made possible by the large number of people who visit the island for sightseeing, and it is a sight that can be seen only on Oahu.

World-renowned high brands, familiar local fashion and goods, and even a supermarket used by local residents are all together to make you feel excited when you visit.

Oahu also has a rich culinary environment that is sure to satisfy tourists.

The gourmet experience is one of its own, with delicious Hawaiian cuisine such as loco moco, garlic shrimp, and a variety of other foods from all over the world.

 

Enjoy Sweets on Oahu!

And as part of such gourmet foods, a full lineup of sweets is also part of the theme of this year's event!

From tropical treats that take advantage of Oahu's tropical environment to cutting-edge photojournalism, these sweets are sure to make your heart skip a beat.

Many of the menus are well-known in Japan, and touring the sweets stores is a fun part of sightseeing on Oahu.

 

Oahu's BEST 10 recommended sweets

Let's check out the main topic of this issue, the BEST 10 sweets stores on Oahu.

All of the stores are so attractive that you are sure to find something to suit your tastes!

 

No. 10: Pipeline

In tenth place is Pipeline, which offers an exquisite malasada that has been called the ultimate malasada.

Malasada is a Hawaiian-style fried doughnut-like pastry, characterized by its round shape rather than a circle like a doughnut.

Many malasadas are stuffed with cream or other filling, but Pipeline's malasadas are not stuffed with cream or other filling, but rather are simply made to taste the deliciousness of the dough.

 

Recommendations

The fact that the malasada is served in a simple form, without filling, is a sign of the pipeline's confidence in its quality.

The pipeline's popular malasadas include classic, cocoa and coffee flavors sprinkled with sugar.

Another flavor that we recommend is LiHing, which is unfamiliar in Japan. This flavor, based on dried plums, also has a unique sour taste that is very appealing.

Other popular items include cakes and ice cream, so be sure to try a variety of items.

 

Store Information

Hours of operation are Wednesday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Sundays only from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Please note that the office is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

 

Access

The pipeline is located in the town of Kaimuki, about 15 minutes east of Waikiki on the H1 freeway.

The store is located at the intersection of Waialae Avenue and 12th Street, so keep going there.

If you are heading from Waikiki by bus, first board the number 13.

If you transfer to the #1 or #9 bus at the Kapiolani Avenue + Wai'alae Avenue bus stop, you can then go directly to Wai'alae Avenue.

 

No. 9: Yogurtland Waikiki

 

In ninth place is Yogurtland Waikiki, which has a store in the heart of Waikiki.

In recent years, many frozen yogurt stores have sprung up on the island of Oahu, and many people love them because they go well with the mild climate and refreshing taste.

One of the best places to visit is Yogurtland Waikiki.

The natural taste, fat-free and free of additives, is perfect for keeping your body in good shape while traveling.

 

Recommendations

The main feature of this store is its style, with a variety of more than 20 flavors and more than 30 toppings that can be added on a self-service basis.

Aside from the cool, sweet and sour and healthy taste, the fun of being able to customize the product is also a great point of interest.

Don't worry if you have a hard time deciding, because you can also taste it in a free mini cup.

The high quality ingredients used are nutritious and low in calories, making it a great place to go every day.

 

Store Information

Hours of operation are 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.

Friday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 24:00 p.m.

 

Access

Yogurtland Waikiki is located on Kalakaua Avenue, the main street in Waikiki.

It is located on the first floor of a large hotel called the Pacific Beach Hotel and is a very accessible spot by any route.

 

No. 8: Scratch Kitchen and Meatery

Next on our list, at No. 8, is Scratch Kitchen and Meatery, located in the Kaka'ako district.

This is a restaurant where you can enjoy hearty meals in a stylish setting, but it is also known for its sweets.

We would especially like to introduce our French toast and pancakes, which are served in a unique style.

 

Recommendations

The brûlée French toast served here is characterized by a browned and savory surface, and has been introduced on Japanese television.

The crunchy outer texture and the sweetness that seeps out of the cake gradually make you feel blissful with just one bite.

The other item on the menu is a milk and cereal pancake, which is a pancake topped with berry fruit and cereal.

Known for its unique style of eating while pouring and dipping sweetened milk on top, it is a sweet yet hearty and satisfying treat.

We also have a full menu of sandwiches and other meals with plenty of meat sandwiched in between, so we highly recommend a visit to the restaurant!

 

Store Information

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm with a break.

Saturdays from 7:30 am to 3 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm.

The restaurant is closed for dinner on Sundays only from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

Access

Scratch Kitchen and Meatery is located in a fashionable shopping mall called South Shore Market in Kakaako.

If you are traveling by bus from Waikiki, board the No. 19, 20, or 42 at the Kuhio Street bus stop.

If you get off at Ala Moana Boulevard and Queen Street, it is a short walk from there to the South Shore Market.

 

No. 7: Royal Hawaiian

Introduced to you as No. 7 are the prestigious sweets offered at the resort hotels that Oahu is proud to be a part of.

The Royal Hawaiian Luxury Collection Resort Waikiki is one of the oldest hotels that has led the tourism environment on Oahu since 1927.

At such a Royal Hawaiian, you can enjoy cakes that are skillfully crafted and delicately flavored.

 

Recommendations

The Royal Hawaiian offers a variety of cakes, but one of the most typical is called the Pink Haupia Cake.

Haupia is a word that refers to coconut, and the surface of this cake is coated with light red coconut flakes, just as the name suggests.

The fluffy texture and lovely colors, reminiscent of a dressed-up figure, will surely make you want to capture it in a photo.

Royal Hawaiian cakes can be ordered at the hotel's Surf Lanai restaurant, or taken out at the Royal Hawaiian Bakery, also in the hotel.

Of course, it is open to non-guests as well, so please visit us!

 

Store Information

Hours of operation are breakfast from 6:30 am to 11:00 am and lunch from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm.

Keep in mind that the restaurant is located in a hotel, so it is not closed on regular holidays, but keep in mind that the hours of operation are limited.

 

Access

The Royal Hawaiian Luxury Collection Resort Waikiki is located right in front of Waikiki Beach, as the name "Waikiki" implies.

It is also bordered by Kalakaua Avenue, the main street, and is in one of the best locations in Waikiki, making it easily accessible by any means of transportation!

 

No. 6: Mariposa

Next, let me introduce another sweet that looks rich and resort-like.

No. 6 Mariposa is the pride of Neiman Marcus, an upscale department store located in the Ala Moana Center, a very large shopping center.

While everything at the restaurant is delicious, we would like to focus on the frozen lilikoi soufflé, a cake that has been introduced in the Japanese media.

 

Recommendations

Frozen lilikoi soufflé is an extremely beautiful sweet treat.

The dough is topped with a fine sorbet of lilikoi (passion fruit), and colorful fruits and flowers are arranged next to it, as if to resemble a flower garden.

And on top of the sorbet-like cake is a butterfly of delicately baked cookies, so thin you can see through the underside, like a work of art appearing on a plate.

The name "Mariposa" refers to a butterfly, and this cake, decorated with a butterfly-shaped ornament, is the pride of this popular store.

Of course, the taste is also excellent, so why not enjoy the sweets at Mariposa when you visit Ala Moana Center?

 

Store Information

Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Sundays only from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 

Access

The Ala Moana Center, where Mariposa is located, is a very conspicuous large building located west along the ocean from Waikiki Beach, so you will not get lost driving or walking around.

If you are traveling from Waikiki by bus, you can take the #8, #19, #20, #23, #24, #42, or Route E to Ala Moana Center.

 

No. 5: Island Vintage Shave Ice

Have you ever heard of shave ice, Oahu's signature sweet treat?

Shave (shave) ice refers to shaved ice.

The fifth most popular shave ice store is Island Vintage Shave Ice!

 

Recommendations

Even though a bite of shaved ice may sound similar to that of Japan, Oahu's shave ice is actually very photogenic beyond compare.

The syrups, rich in lilikoi and coconut, are brightly colored and provide plenty of pleasure to our eyes even before we eat them.

Island Vintage's shave ice is a work of art, with toppings such as red beans and mochi (rice cakes), and yogurt ice cream hidden within the layers of ice, depending on the menu.

The texture is also very creative, and the syrup is plentiful, so you don't have to eat a layer of ice with little to no flavor in the second half, as is often the case with shaved ice.

The exquisite sweetness combined with Oahu's mild climate will surely make you finish the plate in one sitting!

 

Store Information

Hours of operation are from 10:00 to 23:00.

It is basically open every day, so it is a recommended spot for this purpose.

 

Access

This spot is located on Kalakaua Avenue, a major street in Waikiki, across from the Royal Hawaiian Center.

The location is very easy to find, so no matter which means of transportation you use, you will be able to get there without getting lost.

 

No. 4: Dole Plantation

Introduced as No. 4 are sweets offered at Dole plantations, which are famous in Japan as a distributor of bananas, pineapples, and other fruits.

This large plantation was opened in 1989 and has gained tremendous popularity as not just a plantation, but a major theme park-like tourist attraction.

And this is also a spot where you can enjoy fresh sweets made lavishly from cultivated pineapples.

 

Recommendations

One of the most popular sweets available at Dole Plantation is the Dole Whip.

This is a tropical dish with a large amount of cut pineapple served with soft-serve ice cream, allowing you to fully enjoy the direct taste of the ingredients!

The bright sweetness and tartness of the fresh pineapple will surely make your mouth water.

It is a pleasant surprise to find that the taste is very well-balanced, as it provides a much more refreshing aftertaste than just eating soft-serve ice cream.

The dazzling yellow color of pineapples is very Instagram-worthy, so we recommend enjoying it with plantation sightseeing!

 

Store Information

Hours of operation are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Dole Plantation is open on all days except Christmas, so you can visit without worrying about regular holidays.

 

Access

If you are accessing by rental car from Waikiki, first head west on the H1 freeway.

From H2, head toward Wahiawa and drive down Kamehameha Highway, and you will eventually reach Dole Plantation.

If you are traveling by bus, you can take the 52 from Ala Moana Center and it will take you directly to Dole Plantation in a straight line.

 

No. 3: Liliha Bakery

The ranking has progressed, and now it is time to announce the top three.

The third-ranked sweet store is Liliha Bakery, a longtime favorite of Oahu locals!

In addition to the delicious bread, the store's main attraction is its delicious cakes, malasadas, and other tasty treats.

And the product we would like to highlight this time is our signature product, Coco Puffs!

 

Recommendations

Even if you only hear the name coco puff, it is not a very familiar food in Japan.

It looks almost like a cream puff, and is identical to cream puffs in that the fluffy, light-textured dough is filled with cream.

However, when you hold the Coco Puff in your hand, you will feel its hefty weight, and if you take a bite, you will be surprised to find that it is filled with a lot more cream than you expected.

In addition to the normal cream, there are also flavors such as chocolate and green tea, all of which are very popular with both locals and tourists alike for their delicious taste.

It may be no exaggeration to say that you cannot talk about Oahu sweets without trying Coco Puffs!

 

Store Information

Hours of operation are 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The restaurant is open basically every day of the week, making it easy to visit.

 

Access

Liliha Bakery is located in Ala Moana Center, the same location as Mariposa mentioned above.

The access method is the same.

 

No. 2: Matsumoto Shave Ice

The next winner of the ranking, at an impressive No. 2, is Matsumoto Shave Ice, a longtime favorite on Oahu's North Shore, the northern coastal area of the island!

Located in Haleiwa, the heart of the North Shore, known as a sacred place for surfing, this store offers a great location to enjoy shave ice with the ocean breeze and sun.

The restaurant was started by a Japanese-American, Mamoru Matsumoto, who has ties to Japan, which is also a nice touch.

 

Recommendations

The basic style at Matsumoto Shave Ice is to pour three kinds of syrups on the ice cream at once, and it is often difficult to decide which one to choose.

The flavors are diverse and include lilikoi, coconut, and other exotic flavors such as guava, papaya, lime, and raspberry.

There are also some oddities, such as lihimui (dried plums) and pina coladas, which are sure to satisfy any curiosity piqued at the resort.

Of course, there are also standard flavors such as strawberry and melon, so anyone, young or old, can enjoy the delicious taste.

The best cool and thirst-quenching sweets are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face!

 

Store Information

Hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

It is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day, so feel free to visit.

 

Access

If you are traveling by rental car from Waikiki, take the H1 freeway, H2, and Kamehameha Highway, and the store is located across the street from Riuokalani Church.

If you are traveling by bus, you can take the No. 52 bus from Ala Moana Center to Haleiwa without having to make any connections.

 

No. 1: Boots & Kimos

The number one on our list of Oahu sweets is Boots & Kimos, a renowned Hawaiian pancake restaurant!

Hawaiian pancakes have become popular in Japan, so you may know that they are a highly popular sweet treat.

Here you can enjoy Hawaiian pancakes, one of the most popular among tourists and locals alike.

 

Recommendations

Boots & Kimos offers a variety of delicious menu items, but this time we're going to pick up their signature item, the macadamia nut pancakes!

This is Hawaii's famous macadamia nut-laden sauce, which is poured over the pancakes so that it hides them, and then sprinkled with more nuts on top.

The macadamia sauce is rich and smooth, yet not cloyingly sweet, and the light dough is a perfect balance.

While pancakes in Oahu can sometimes be a bit too sweet for the Japanese palate, Boots & Kimos pancakes have an elegant flavor that eliminates such concerns.

In addition to plain pancakes, there are also banana pancakes with macadamia sauce, etc. This is a sweet store that everyone should visit at least once!

 

Store Information

Hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Note that the restaurant is closed on Tuesdays, so please be careful when visiting.

 

Access

To get to Boots & Kimos, you must first go to Kailua Town.

To get to Kailua Town, take bus 56, 57, or 57A from the Ala Moana Shopping Center.

Get off at the bus stop "Kailua Rd + Hamakua Dr" and walk for 7 minutes.

However, they are planning to relocate in the city of Kailua by August 2021, so we recommend that you check the location again if you plan to visit.

 

After enjoying the sweets, join the activity experience!

The delicious taste of sweets can get you in the mood, but calories are a bit of a concern even when you are traveling.

To burn off those calories, why not take part in one of the many activities that Oahu has to offer?

From marine activities such as snorkeling and SUP, where you can enjoy the beautiful blue ocean, to horseback riding and skydiving, where you can enjoy the land and sky!

 

Three recommended tours

Enjoying activities in overseas destinations involves many hassles, but a good tour can help ease the burden.

Therefore, we would like to recommend three activity tours!

 

Kualoa Ranch Package Tour

This package tour allows you to feel the magnificent nature of Kualoa Ranch, a power spot that was once considered sacred in the former Kingdom of Hawaii.

Kualoa Ranch, where the tour will take place, is famous for being the location where the movie Jurassic Park was filmed, and you can visit the location in the tour.

This tour plan is a great way to enjoy activities such as horseback riding, baby carriage riding, and ziplining.

 

Sandbar Snorkeling & Sea Turtle Watch Cruise

On this tour, you will be able to land on Sandbar, one of the most beautiful spots on Oahu, a fantastic island that appears only at low tide.

Sandbar is a small island formed entirely of white coral sand, which contrasts with the surrounding blue ocean, creating a paradise.

There, you can enjoy snorkeling, SUP, and the possibility of seeing sea turtles, which is guaranteed to be very satisfying.

 

skydiving

Skydiving is one of the most popular activities on Oahu, offering a panoramic view of the beautiful island from the sky.

Of course, courage is required since the free fall is from an altitude of more than 4,000 meters, but this tour has a record of many years of accident-free and accident-free climbing, so the level of safety is exceptionally high.

A skilled instructor will dive with you, so you can enjoy the great view without feeling self-conscious!

 

summary

In this issue, we have provided information on Oahu's glittering sweets in a ranking format.

The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, from familiar Japanese favorites to those with an exotic flair.

Oahu is an island with many sightseeing attractions, so after eating your sweets, enjoy walking around and doing activities as you expend your energy.

Please visit the stores we have introduced and refuel your energy with delicious sweets!