As
history goes, Hawaiian sweetbread originated from sweetbread recipes of Portuguese
sugar plantation workers in the 19th century. Punalu’u Bake Shop’s
recipe is an adapted family recipe once prepared at a resort in Punalu’u (Ka’u
District on the Big Island of Hawaii). In the 1970s, it became an instant hit
with visitors and kama’aina. The Punalu’u Bake Shop opened in 1991 with on-site
bakery and visitor center. Perfect stop to/from Volcanoes National Park and
just down the road from the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach where you can view the
Honu (Hawaii Green Sea Turtle)! You can also find their sweetbreads at most
local markets like KTA Super Stores
and Sack N’ Save (Foodland).
- Fun fact: Punalu’u Bake Shop is the southernmost bakery in the United States.
My
mom had never been to Punalu’u Bake Shop before. She was so impressed by the
facilities and variety of baked goods made on-site. We got a tour of the bakery
and see how the sweetbread is baked and fresh malasadas coming out of the hot
oil. You can get a total “foodie sweet high” just from the aroma of the freshly
baked sweetbreads and malasadas. So ono!
Inside
the visitor center, you can grab freshly baked malasadas and a hot cup of Ka’u
coffee. You can also purchase “omiyage” or gifts for your friends/family back
home ranging from souvenirs to packaged baked goods. Too many choices! I wanted
to take everything home. You can also grab some freshly baked items from the
display case like malasadas, pastries, and desserts.
Here
is a taste of some of Punalu’u Bake Shop’s tasty delights:
Haupia
Filled Malasadas ($1.69) are malasadas (Portuguese donut) filled with soft
cubes haupia (Hawaiian coconut pudding). If you love haupia as much as I do, it
is just to die for! It is not a creamy filling like a custard but more like a
cross between a pudding and gelatin. It has a creamy flavor from the coconut
and is just sweet enough. The malasadas are spongy texture with a beautiful golden-brown
exterior. Rating: 5/5
Bread
Pudding ($1.89) is made with their traditional Hawaiian sweetbread and raisins.
It is not too sweet and has a custardy texture with coconut and raisin flavor.
Great way of using up extra bread at the bakery! Rating: 5/5
Taro
Malasadas ($1.19) has a spongy texture with a beautiful lavender color from the
taro. The purple contrasts nicely with the golden-brown exterior. The malasadas
have a mild taro flavor. Rating: 5/5
Lilikoi
Glazed Malasadas ($1.39) are just amazing! The glaze is sweet and tart and full
of lilikoi flavor. It works great with malasadas like the perfect glazed donut.
This beats out maple as my favorite glaze! The lilikoi is very fragrant and
unmistakable. Rating: 5/5
Pineapple
Filled Malasadas ($1.69) are light and not too sweet. This is a great choice if
you are looking for tropical flavor that is not overly sweet. Hawaii’s version
of the jelly-filled donut but with flavors of aloha! Rating: 5/5
If
you are on the Big Island as a visitor or kama’aina, Punalu’u Bake Shop is a
great place to stop and relax with the sweetness of aloha!
Atmosphere:
5 out of 5 stars
Décor:
5 out of 5 stars
Service:
5 out of 5 stars
Food:
5 out of 5 stars
For more information:
Punalu’u Bake Shop
Punalu’u Bake Shop
Route 11
Na’alehu, HI 96772
+1.866.366.3501 or +1.808.929.7343
Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Closed on Christmas Day and
New Year’s Day
Parking: Free parking in lot
Seating: Exterior
If you enjoyed this blog post, check out these:
- Hidden Gem: Remy’s Plate Lunch in Hilo, Hawaii
- Hidden Gem: Short N Sweet Bakery & Café in Hilo, Hawaii
- Childhood Memories at Café 100 in Hilo, Hawaii
- Hidden Gem: Ma’ona Lunch Counter in Keaau, Hawaii
- Nori’s Saimin and Snacks making onolicious kau kau in Hilo, Hawaii
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