Best Bakeries in Honolulu

Honolulu contains many of Hawaii’s most beautiful scenery and amazing attractions, but ask any of the locals and you’ll know their bakeries are also not to be missed. From Japanese bakeries that offer delectable anpan sweet rolls with red bean paste to Hawaiian eateries that boast their famous malaasadas doughnuts, no trip to Hawaii can be considered complete without first sampling the best pastries their local cuisine has to offer.

Want to come prepared for your journey through Honolulu’s top bakeries? Then get a GiftYa electronic gift card. With this e-gift card that’s uploaded directly onto your debit card, you’ll be able to pop into any of the bakeries on this list and enjoy their delicious selection of baked goods. GiftYa electronic gift cards can also be applied to many of Hawaii’s other restaurants and attractions, giving you full access to many of the island’s best spots.    

Raintree Bakery Coffeehouse

Delicious organic food, handcrafted drinks, and amazing pastries for breakfast, brunch, and lunch

1110 Pensacola St. | Honolulu

If you’re looking for a relaxing spot to come in for breakfast or lunch, look no farther than Raintree Bakery Coffeehouse. This eatery doesn’t stop with delicious baked goods like chocolate cheesecake or vanilla egg creams but also offers more substantial meals like their pastrami panini and a variety of other sandwiches. You can also find vegetarian options. All of the dishes are created with quality ingredients, including organic foods.

You’ll also want to sample the coffeehouse’s delicious drinks, including their flavored iced coffees, lattes, cappuccinos, sodas and more. And be sure to try a lilikoi bar or cheesecake muffin during your visit. Be aware that while their spacious atmosphere does allow for social distancing, groups of three or more should call for reservations.

“Fantastic organic food! Their handmade sodas and pastries are outstanding. Great service.” — Yelp Review

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Honu Bakery

Enjoy light and moist Asian cakes with adorable designs!

1620 N. School St. | Kalihi/ honubakery.com

If you love Asian treats, be sure to pay a visit to Honu Bakery, located in the Kamehameha Shopping Center in Kalihi. This bakery offers a selection of Asian European breads, pastries, and cakes. You can also enjoy popular drinks like milk tea and espresso. And don’t forget their Bubbies ice cream!

Cakes and cupcakes here tend to be on the lighter side and are very moist. You can also order birthday cakes for special occasions and have them designed to resemble Hello Kitty, bears, dogs, and other adorable creations. Fruit topped cakes with kiwi and strawberries are another popular choice. Be sure to order ahead for convenience.

“Their cakes and cupcakes are absolutely adorable and the cake itself is great quality.” — Yelp Review

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Leonard’s Bakery

Visit the original home of Hawaii’s Malasada doughnut!

933 Kapahulu Ave. | Kaimuki/ leonardshawaii.com

If you want to try some fresh malasada doughnuts, don’t leave without stopping by Leonard’s Bakery. Established in 1952, Leonard’s Bakery began offering Hawaiians malasadas — a Portuguese doughnut without a hole — on Shrove Tuesday. The tasty golden-brown treats became a huge hit and today, this bakery makes malasadas every day. Even so, you may want to get to this bakery early since there can be a line of people waiting to pick up their malasadas.

Leonard’s Bakery is also famous for its Pao Doce sweet bread, available as large or mini loafs as well as dinner rolls. You can also order Pao Doce wraps consisting of Portuguese sausages wrapped in the sweet bread. There are also a fine selection of pastries, cookies, pies, and cakes (including coffee cake). Vegan options are also available, making this bakery an easy go-to when you need a delicious dessert.    

“Very tasty, fresh and hot fried malasadas!” — Yelp Review

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Brug Bakery

Enjoy authentic Japanese treats at Brug Bakery

1450 Ala Moana Blvd Ste 1080 | Ala Moana/ brugbakery.com

Originally established in 1977 by master baker Hidekatsu Takemura in Hokkaido, Japan, Brug Bakery uses patented flours, unique mixing techniques and slow rise proofing to make their special doughs. The result are some very delicious Japanese baked goods with a German influence.

Try their Takemura loaf, regarded as their signature bread. Raisin bread and golden bread are also popular sellers. And you can’t go wrong with Japanese melon pan or anpan or an organic strawberry Danish. Folks in the mood for a savory pastry might want to try the Kalua pork curry pan or Arabiki roll.

If you’re in the mood for soup, Brug Bakery also offers delicious Boston clam chowder, French onion soup, and Portuguese beans soup. With so many different ethnic cuisines, it’s easy to find something you’ll love.    

“I’ve tried just about everything they offer and they haven’t missed the mark once. In particular, the anpan is really good!” — Yelp Review

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Nanding’s Bakery

Taste delicious Filipino baked products at Nanding’s Bakery

918 Gulick Ave. | Honolulu

Do yourself a favor and enjoy the Filipino baked products offered at Nanding’s Bakery. Established in 2001, this bakery specializes in Spanish rolls, Ube loaf, Pianono Rolls, Cheese mamon and more. If you’re in the mood for a delicious pie, try the local favorite Paul’s Custard Pie or Pumpkin Pie (or the mixed Custard/Pumpkin Pie). Baked goods are served fresh, meaning you can enjoy them warm or piping hot.

“This place never disappoints with their onolicious baked goods. Can’t go wrong with their Spanish rolls!” — Yelp Review

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Kamehameha Bakery

Taste handcrafted Hawaiian pastries at Kamehameha Bakery

1284 Kalani St. Unit D106 | Honolulu

Since 1978, Kamehameha Bakery has been serving up authentic Hawaiian pastries and favorites like malasada doughnuts. However, tourists and natives tend to find their poi doughnuts particularly delicious. You can also enjoy traditional doughnuts here as well as banana fritters, Danishes, haupia malasadas and cookies — baked fresh every day. This family-owned business opens at three in the morning, giving you plenty of time to order your favorite baked goods. Be sure to make time for some repeat visits — with all the choices here, you’ll want to try multiple items on their pastry menu.

“I had no idea how amazing the baked goods were going to be. I have never had anything like the soft, chewy melt in your mouth dough. Wow.” — Yelp Review

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Elvin’s Bakery

Treat your taste buds to Japanese pastries at Elvin’s Bakery

1210 Dillingham Blvd Ste 23 | Kalihi/ elvinsbakery.com

Located in Kapalama Shopping Center in Kalihi, Elvin’s Bakery offers a delicious selection of cakes, baked goods, and Japanese style pastries. You’ll find Sapporo bread here along with tiramisu, strawberry shortcake, banana bread, and cookies. Cakes are light and sweet and can be ordered in a variety of sizes, making them appropriate for many special occasions.

“All of their desserts are light and perfectly sweet.” — Yelp Review

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Nene Goose Bakery

Spinach bread and mochi anpan are just the beginning at this popular bakery

1090 Keolu Dr. Ste 111 | Kailua

Order Japanese style breads and pastries at Nene Goose Bakery, one of the most popular places to go to for mochi anpan, spinach bread, and chocolate covered cinnamon rolls. You can also order fresh bread and custard pies as well as breakfast pizzas and muffins if you want to enjoy an early meal. Be sure to get here early and bring cash — it’s a popular destination.

“Been going here since I was a child. The lady that runs this place is sweet and patient and puts in a lot of effort to her work.” — Yelp Review

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Lee’s Bakery & Kitchen

Home to one of the most delicious custard pies you’ll ever taste

125 N. King St. | Chinatown

Lee’s Bakery & Kitchen offers many favorite Chinese treats, including pork buns, Hong Kong rolls, sesame rolls, and Chinese cookies. However, many customers agree that their custard pies are their most delicious offering. You can also order a pumpkin custard pie which will make a great option during holidays.

“You can find all of the classic Chinese cookies here as well. Looks like this bakery is a staple of Honolulu Chinatown.” — Yelp Review

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