JKH
- Mar 11, 2021

Malasadas, Shave Ice, Acai Bowls & More!-Adventures On The Move

Recapping our favorite SWEET spots on Oahu

Hawaii is home to some of the best sweet treats across the world! From malasadas to acai bowls, shave ice, and butter mochi, below we will recap our favorite places to enjoy a delicious treat on Oahu.

MALASADAS

Let us begin with malasadas! A malasada, occasionally referred to as Portuguese fried dough, is a fried type of donut made of dough and coated with granulated sugar and sometimes cinnamon. These little dough balls of delightfulness may be flavored or be stuffed with fillings such as chocolate, haupia (coconut), guava, custard, macadamia nut, banana, and occasional other flavors. The dough is soft, pillowy, puffy, and once you take that first bite, you will not be able to stop eating.

Now that we have sold you on trying one of these fantastic pastries, below are some of our favorite bakeries with the best tasting malasadas:

Leonard's Bakery

Leonard's Bakery is probably one of Hawaii's most famous bakeries. Their primary location is in Honolulu; however, they also have four Malasada Mobile (food truck) locations. While it is an experience to visit their Honolulu location, be prepared to wait a very long time. If you are not interested in the main bakery and are just looking to get your hands on some of their tasty malasadas, we highly recommend stopping by one of their food trucks; the same great taste for little to no wait time. We have tried several of their malasada fillings and agree that the original malasada is by far the best option; less is certainly more when it comes to this tasty treat.

Kamehameha Bakery

Kamehameha Bakery is a less touristy bakery located in the industrial area of Honolulu. Most infamously known for their poi malasadas, they also have a large variety of some of the tastiest baked goods we have tried. Although this bakery is more of a local/word-of-mouth spot, we recommend getting there early to beat the crowd and be sure they do not sell out. In addition to trying their poi malasadas (yes, this is a must!), their cinnamon rolls, plain malasadas, and donuts are equally as scrumptious. You can thank us later!

* Be sure to bring cash to avoid the credit card surcharge.

Agnes' Portuguese Bake Shop

Agnes' Portuguese Bake Shop serves their tasty baked goods from their bright red and orange food truck conveniently parked off Ho'olai Street in Kailua. Their tasty malasadas can be distinguished by their donut appearance with a small hole in the middle. Freshly made in the truck and placed in a brown paper bag, these authentic malasadas are undoubtedly worth a try! Be sure to follow their social media pages as they frequently post when they have sold out or any weather concerns preventing them from opening.

Nene Goose Bakery

Last but certainly not least, wrapping up our top malasada picks is Nene Goose Bakery in Kailua. This small mom and pops shop located in the Keolu Shopping Center is our favorite bakery for all things sweet and delectable!

Be sure to visit early to have the best selection of their amazing pastries and baked goods. Their menu?...whatever the baker decides to make that morning. Our recommendation? Just get one of everything; we promise you will not be disappointed, and if they still have some left, be sure to snag a loaf of their walnut bread. Nevertheless, if we had to choose, their malasadas, donuts, and animal pastries are to die for!

***Cash only and pastries are typically $2-$4 each***

ACAI BOWLS

Now that your mouth is watering let's switch gears to a popular treat that is a little more refreshing. Acai bowls originated in Brazil, where the açaí berry is grown; however, they have quickly gained popularity in Hawaii, California and are becoming a growing trend across the mainland.

If you are not familiar with what an açaí bowl is, think a healthy, purple ice cream topped with goodies, it is what breakfast dreams are made of. An açaí bowl is a very thick smoothie typically topped with oats or granola, fruit or peanut butter, sometimes honey, and will leave you feeling full and satisfied for hours. The açaí berry has an array of health benefits, so not only does it taste delicious, but you can rest assure you are also providing your body with a healthy food option...win win!

There are endless places to grab an açaí bowl in Hawaii; below are some of our local favorites:

Lanikai Juice

Lanikai Juice was established in 1997 and has seven locations across Oahu. In addition to açaí bowls, they offer fresh juices and smoothies. With over eight bowl options, there is something for everyone on their menu. Our personal favorites are Açaí Extravaganza, Pitaya Bowl, and Monkey Bowl. Lanikai Juice is one of our favorite post-beach snack spots!

Nalu Health Bar & Cafe

Nalu Health Bar & Cafe was established in 2019 and has three locations on Oahu. In addition to açaí bowls, they offer juices, smoothies, salads, sandwiches and wraps, coffee, and breakfast foods. Nalu Health Bar & Cafe is a great spot to grab a healthy bite to eat and a healthy treat afterward. Our personal favorite açaí bowls are the Nalu Bowl and the Ala Moana Bowl. Be sure to check out some of the neighboring shops along the strip at their Kailua location; Twin Islands is an awesome local clothing spot.

Banzai Bowls

Banzai Bowls was established in 1997 and currently has locations across California and two locations in Haleiwa, HI. Banzai Bowls offers a variety of acai bowls, pitaya bowls, and an array of smoothies. Their bowls are large and filling, so be sure you have worked up an appetite before giving them a try. Our personal favorites are Sharks Cove and V-Land.

Banan

Banan is a farm-to-table-style cafe that turns Hawaii-grown bananas into plant-based frozen goodness. Banan focuses on healthy options featuring locally grown foods without sugar added. They have three locations on Oahu and were initially established as a food truck in 2017. In addition to delicious bowls, they serve smoothies, coffee, and delicious waffle creations.

SHAVE ICE

Sticking to the refreshing theme, next up are our favorite shave ice locations. Shave Ice, often referred to as Hawaiian Shave Ice, is an ice-based dessert made from shaving a block of ice, often resembling a snow cone. Like a snow cone, various flavoring is added to the shave ice, often served with ice cream at the bottom and sweetened condensed milk drizzled over the top. So essentially, snow cones have nothing on shave ice!

Shave Ice can be located all over the Hawaiian Islands and is the perfect treat to complement a hot day in paradise. Below are some of our top choices for shave ice on Oahu:

Matsumato's Shave Ice

Matsumato's Shave Ice is located in the heart of Haleiwa town and has been serving the North Shore since 1951. Matsumato's is most certainly one of Oahu's most famous shave ice spots. Known for their endless flavor list, large portion sizes, and fun shop, it is easy to see why it is a fan favorite. Matsumato's is certainly worth a visit at least once; be prepared to have a bit of a wait time since it is such a popular spot.

Island Shave Ice & Creamery

Island Shave Ice & Creamery was established in 2016 and is located on Oahu's west side in Kapolei. Island Shave Ice & Creamery was our first experience with shave ice and is probably our favorite! Their shave ice is a little smoother than some of the others we have tried, and they also offer a variety of homemade ice cream if shave ice is not your thing. They are located in a small shopping center and are not typically too crowded.

Milky Way Hawaii Ice Truck

Milky Way Hawaii Ice Truck is is a mobile truck located in the Kaka'ako District of Honolulu next to Mother Waldron Park. They offer the most delicious pineapple shave ice, a variety of mixed tea drinks and smoothies, and unique boba tea options. Enjoy a fun afternoon walking around and viewing all of the Kaka'ako murals while enjoying your sweet treat!

Island Snow Hawaii

Island Snow has two locations in Kailua and is a storefront that additionally offers shave ice. A somewhat weird combination, but if you are in the market for some new Hawaii attire and are looking for a refreshing treat, Island Snow is your spot. Although tasty, it is not our first choice for shave ice. They do offer natural flavors without dye for those that are interested.

ICE CREAM

While we typically go for more of the island's local dessert options, such as shave ice and acai bowls, we have discovered a few ice cream spots worth trying.

Black Sheep Cream Co.

Black Sheep Cream Co. has three locations on Oahu and specializes in homemade ice cream, fudge, and cones. Best known for their unique mixtures and entertaining flavor names, Black Sheep Cream Co. has some of the most creamy ice cream we have ever tried.

Double Three

Double Three has two locations in Kailua and Honolulu, and is best known for its fantastic bubble waffle cones and spectacular toppings. They have endless flavor and topping options, and you can mix and match as you please!

Uncle's Ice Cream Sandwiches

Uncle's Ice Cream Sandwiches, made in Hawaii, are some of the best ice cream sandwiches we have ever had! Although they do not have an actual storefront, their sandwiches can be found at over forty locations across the island. When you come across them in a local market or at Whole Foods, be sure to try a few of their flavors, you will not regret it! Some of our favorites are Hawaiian Host, Mint Chocolate Chip, It's A Party, and North Shore Coffee.

Dole Whip From Dole Plantation

Although the Dole Plantation experience was not our favorite due to covid restrictions, their infamous Dole Whip did not disappoint! If you plan to visit the plantation, be sure to splurge on the Dole Whip, but we certainly would not recommend visiting just for the ice cream since there are many other excellent options on the island!

HAWAIIAN BUTTER MOCHI

Last up on our sweets list is Hawaiian Butter Mochi. Butter Mochi is a classic Hawaiian treat made with coconut milk and mochiko (glutinous rice flour). It is a mix between Japanese Mochi and cake; think of it as Hawaii's version of a blondie/brownie; chewy and sweet with a perfect, smooth texture. Butter Mochi can be found in stores and farmers' markets across the island, and premade mixes can often be found in grocery stores. Below are our two favorite bakers that sell their butter mochi locally.

Lanikai Mochi

Lanikai Mochi can be found at various farmers' markets on the island, and they also accept custom orders. They always have delicious flavors to try and often make seasonal flavors such as pumpkin, cinnamon roll, gingerbread, and candy cane. Some of our favorites are ube, banana nut, macadamia nut, and peanut butter. Be sure to follow them on Instagram to get their latest flavors and see where they will be next!

Kaya's Store

Kaya's Store is a small market located off Kamehameha Highway in Hauula and has been around since 1946. KAYA'S STORE MOCHI IS HANDS DOWN THE BEST MOCHI WE HAVE EVER HAD! They offer plain butter mochi that can be found by the register in a small basket. They do not have fancy wrapping and portion sizes can vary, but take it from us, after trying Kaya's, you will not want mochi from anyplace else. If you only get to try butter mochi one time while in Hawaii, Kaya's Store is the place to do it! The store is also a great place to grab snacks & food plates on your way up to the North Shore. If you are craving shrimp, be sure to check out the Aloha Shrimp Truck right next door!

This list could seriously go on and on with all of the unique treats across this island. If you live on Oahu or are just visiting, be sure to try some of these authentic Hawaiian goodies and let us know what you think!