Liliha Bakery

Both tourists and locals alike suggest Liliha Bakery’s coco puffs as a must-​try and some of the best desserts Oahu has to offer. I missed the opportunity to try a coco puff during my first trip and wanted another opportunity to try one. I told my friend Nadine about Liliha’s coco puffs and we both agreed to go there as the store was near where we had lunch.
The coco puff is revered for its deliciousness as well as its simplicity. It consists of a cream puff with chocolate filling and its big distinction from other cream puffs is the chantilly frosting on top. This thick, vanilla-​flavored buttercream makes all the difference and turns a simple dessert into something extraordinary. I happily ate all of one as I was still full from lunch. For those that want other flavors there are at least several, including a plain cream puff, cream puff with chocolate and their other famous green tea puff, which is just green tea filling with green-​colored chantilly frosting.
Nadine mentioned to the lady behind the counter that it was my birthday. Upon hearing she served my coco puff with a small candle on top. What a sweet gesture. It’s the little things that can make my day worthwhile.
There are other assorted pastries should you have a desire for more sweet treats. They are also known to locals as making pretty good cake. They have a diner on the side opposite the bakery that serve classical diner fare with a Hawaiian spin (ie loco moco). Both sides are open 24 hours on most days but they are closed Mondays and have reduced hours on Sunday.
Kalihi is a bit of a drive from Waikiki and definitely a change of scenery but if you’re in the area I suggest doing Helena’s Hawaiian Food for the main meal (check hours before going) followed by Liliha’s coco puff for dessert. These two go together as much as Rainbow Drive-​In or Zippy’s + Leonard’s malasadas for casual and delicious Hawaiian food.

Soooo good! This bakery was recommended to my husband and I on our recent honeymoon, and after trying the grilled butter rolls with the florescent jam, we had to come back for more, even at the cost of having a bit more love handles pre-​surfing! To die for! We didn’t get to try everything, but two older local gentlemen recommended the fried chicken — I wanted to ask for a bite, looked juicy and crispy! The moco loco here was also off the hoof, we weren’t particularly interested in trying it, but after we did, we understand — they’re huge, get one to share!
If you want to be transported back in time to an old school cafeteria style feel, but in the coolest way possible, this place is also where it’s at! Skip the tables and sit at the counter for true old school ambiance :)

It was my dad’s birthday recently, and I had intentions of getting him a cake. So I called my brother to ask him what he thought our dad would like, and he said that I’d better ask him myself. Fine. Here is how our conversation went…
Me: Dad? You’re birthday is coming up, what kind of cake would you like?
Dad: No buy cake, go Liliha and buy coco puffs and the other one with the green stuff inside.
Me: You mean coco puffs and green tea puffs?
Dad: Yeah, and make sure you buy enough. Two of each for me.
Me: Um, okay.
So off I went to Liliha Bakery to buy coco puffs and green tea puffs. Let me start by saying that they also have cream puffs, and chocolate cream puffs too. But if I’m correct, the coco and green tea are the most popular ones. I mean, who can resist that cool creamy pudding inside, and that buttery chantilly frosting on top? Not too many people can.
This location is on Kuakini St. and across from Pizza Hut. Go and check it out, but not on Mondays because they’re closed.

One word: ooooonnnoooooooo
I’ve only been to the Kalihi location. Something about the old family feel draws me to this one instead of the new one on Nimitz which I’m sure is equally amazing.
Make sure to try the grilled butter rolls and jam! I don’t like jam but giiiiirrrrlll let me tell you it is delicious. At first I was a little scared to try it since it is fluorescent pink however after much convincing it is something I highly suggest.
There is a small little bar and it is always busy but I promise you the guests are really considerate and eat quickly or move around if a seat opens up and you have you and another person with you.
I am typically impatient but for places like this it is worth the wait. The staff is really friendly and there is a bakery within so if you want some sweets before you get a seat you have a large selection to choose from.

Aloha spirit, delicious food, quick service. I ordered a 4oz loco moco (around 9.50) and my fiancé ordered a hamburger steak and grilled chicken mixed plate (around 13 bucks). You get Hawaii portion sized!

Going to add to the huge pile of «pro-​cocopuff» reviews. You can’t stop at Liliha without trying one!
I mainly come here for the baked goods, but you also have the option to dine in. The cocopuffs are so delicious and fluffy, and the staff is cheerful. Also, their haupia is soft and creamy and totally worth. But, the line is usually pretty long around lunch time and the parking lot is small so keep that in mind.
Disclaimer: I have immediate family on Oahu/​Big Island so I’ve visited every year since I was young!

This baked goods institution which is popular with locals, is a must visit on a vacation to O’ahu. The Green Tea Puffs are to die for! The Coco Puffs and the Cream Puffs are a close second.
The shell for all three puffs is a buttery Choux pastry. The Green Tea ones have an addictively good Matcha Cream. The Coco puffs are topped with a dense grainy Chantilly crème and have a Chocolate filled center. The Cream Puffs have a Boston Crème center and a chocolate topping.
It’s no mere coincidence that they sell a few thousand of these babies a day.

Came here twice with my boyfriend, since our airbnb was right next to this place! The first time, I ordered the Country Style Omelet with spam (more like a scramble) and my boyfriend ordered the Corned Beef Hash. The second time, we both ordered the Loco Moco, mine with a 4oz patty, and his with a 7oz. This place is self-​seating. The first time, we came in around 1pm on a Sunday — No wait. Second time, we came in around 10am on a Wednesday and there was a 15 min wait.
Pros:
— THE GRILLED BUTTER ROLLS. I will dream about these rolls until the day I die. SO GOOD. They come complimentary with your meal.
— Very fast service. They bring out your meal in about 5 mins, even with a full house. These guys are on top of it.
— SO CLEAN! You don’t feel like you’re in a greasy, run-​down diner. You can tell they take pride in their establishment.
— Good portions.
Cons:
— They don’t have a bathroom in house. When you walk out, its to the left.
— We walked here both times, but the parking lot seemed tight. I’m sure street parking isn’t as bad.
— They only have bar seating. Not good for groups

The OG in doing desserts right. They still have the best dessert on the island, and in my opinion, nothing can beat the comfort of the original chocolate chantilly coco puffs. Enough said.

Liliha Bakery is great for a number of reasons. Here are my top 3~! :D
1) Coco Puffs & Matcha Puffs
2) Breakfast — just like home cooking!
3) Butter Rolll w/​Jelly

Breakfast is so yummy here! Sweet bread grilled with butter and pink jelly! Corned beef hash w brown rice! So good! Vanilla milk shake is on its way! If you come at 4:30am there’s nobody here but my and my hubby!
Will dine in here again soon!

This is our go-​to late night spot to grab something to eat after a drink or two. The food is delicious here! Like us, everyone else visits here after the bars close also, so the wait time is sometimes long. The restaurant is really tiny, probably about 20 bar stools along the diner counter. The ladies that work here never change, I’ve seen the same ones working for a long time and they jam at cooking. I usually always get the country style omelette w/​Vienna & I stick to that. The butter rolls here are TO DIE FOR!!! I always get an extra one.
This is the original Liliha Bakery. They opened one on Nimitz but I must say, all originals are always better.

Our first stop once we landed!
So many sweets. I didn’t know what to get! But, I knew they were known for their Coco puffs. so I got me 2 of those, the green tea puff, the lilikoi malasada, and the bacon maple donut. Bf got the onion roll, and the azuki malasada.
Total came out to about 13 bucks? Ridiculously reasonable!
Coco Puff– AMAZING. At first bite, it’s like your regular puff texture, but once you get into the middle, you get this cold tasting deliciousness in your mouth. I was really impressed with the flavor.
The green tea one wasn’t as good as the coco puff. I’d pass on it.
The donut was yummy! Good bacon chunks, great maple flavor.
Lilikoi Malasada– MMM, lots of filling inside, but the malasada itself wasn’t very warm.
Azuki Malasada– Good overall
Onion Roll– Definitely lots of onion flavor, but the dough felt like it needed to be cooked juuust a but more.
WOULD DEF. COME BACK.

One stop shop for breakfast since it’s on the way to work. It’s great that it’s open 24 hours on most days too!
Location/​Parking: Located right on Kuakini Street. You’ll see a big sign that says «Liliha Bakery». Parking is very limited but people are usually in and out. Free parking!
Setting: Bakery and small dining area. The dining area fits about 10 people, this place is always a full house. I’ve only eaten there once. If you’re looking for a sit down style with the family, go to their other location at Nimitz. If you’re just here for their bakery goods, then this is perfect! Lots of choices from desserts, pastries, and quick «meal» (hot dogs, tuna and ham rolls, pepperoni buns, etc). The bakery is a mad house around lunch time. It can get pretty crowded!
Food: Liliha bakery is famous for their coco puffs so that’s a must whenever you go here. Original is good but you gotta try the Green Tea coco puffs! Their buns and rolls are delicious too. Especially the tuna and ham roll, pepperoni bun, and hot dog bun.
Staff/​Service: As soon as you walk-​in the bakery (if you’re not dining eat), grab a number because they’ll call the number and help you with your order. The ladies are pretty fast but they don’t rush you when you’re trying to decide what to put in that take-​out box.
Never disappointed when I come here for a quick snack to go!

Green Tea Puffs! Yum!
Walking in, I noticed a whole group of people waiting. I wasn’t sure what they were waiting for because there was no line. Until finally, I heard a lady behind call out a number and I looked around to find a number dispenser machine. I pulled my number and then waited along with everyone else.
They have a huge selection of pastries. I tried the Green Tea Puff and CoCo Puff and their Guava Chiffon Slice. The Green Tea Puff was my favorite, although i wish that there was a stronger green tea flavor. The CoCo puff was just average. The guava chiffon slice was extremely moist and soft, but the cream was too buttery and there was not the slightest bit of guava flavor besides it being pink.
If you are planning on buying more than a few cream puffs, they have a small fridge that has pre-​boxed cream puffs, so you don’t have to wait in such a long line :)

Coco Puff! everybody need to try! Best bakery in Honolulu!

Delicious bakery goods, and reasonably affordable. I’m sure everyone says that. The cream puffs are a gotta-​try item.
I did have breakfast here once, and liked the diner fare they had. It’s a good comfort food place.

Love the food hate the service. I am giving 1 star because service to me is very important. All I did was order 7 plates which I order all the time. AUDREY refused to put in my order unless I give her my card number. I told her I was driving can she put in my order while I get my card number so that my order be ready when i get there and she refused to put in my order and gave me a hard time. I told her i wanted to pay cash but can hold my card number for security. When I got there she charged my card anyway and just kept saying my supervisor can help you. Poor service just very disappointed
On another notes i love there food!!!

A bakery shop that it’s so famous, send we have to stop by and get something to try. Don’t forget to get a ticket number if this is your first time. Because we didn’t know at the beginning, the sales will definitely no time to tell you. At least half an hour wait. We ordered their famous coco puff which there’s chocolate inside. It’s ok, just sweet, nothing special. I got some other cookies which was good though.

Here’s a place that reminds me of a certain time in my life — when I attended the University of Hawaii for my Nursing degree. My first round of «Clinicals» was at Kuakini Hospital (where I gave my first injection!), down the street from this bakery. We used to park around this area!
Flashback:
Even though she is a great baker, mom would often purchase cakes to celebrate our birthdays. The Chantilly and Dobash cakes are so good! The chiffon cakes are moist and light — they now come in more flavors, other than orange! Mango, Lilikoi, Coconut, and Pumpkin sound yummy! The Butter Rolls, Blueberry Cream Cheese Squares, Danishes, Hot Cake batter (to make pancakes at home), and doughnuts, etc. are all delicious!
Liliha Bakery is known for their COCO PUFFS !!! OMG — they are cream puffs filled with chocolate pudding, and topped with buttery-​sweet Chantilly frosting! It’s «Broke the Mouth» and «Melt-​in-​da-​mouth» goodness! If you are a visitor to Hawaii, COCO PUFFS are a «Must Eat»! They are conveniently packed «to go» in the refrigerated section of the bakery to the left as you enter the door.
I recently compared the Original Coco Puff to the Green Tea variety. I still prefer the chocolate pudding of the original Coco Puff to the Green Tea pudding in the Green Tea Puff. The Chantilly topping of the Green Tea Puff is just colored green and still tastes like Chantilly.
This is almost a ²⁴⁄₇ bakery/​restaurant with free parking in the front. (They are closed on Mondays.) Can you believe that I’ve only eaten here (on the restaurant side) once? It’s so close to my mom’s house! It was so long ago that I can’t even remember what I had — I’d better go back soon, right?

These little puffs aren’t actually that little. Expect four big bites out of each. I think my favorite is the coco then green tea then chocolate. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these. They accept credit card. Service is a little slow, but it’s worth the wait.

Besides all the delectable sweets they sell here, they also whip up some pretty good meals. Breakfast, lunch or dinner anytime of the day or night. Except for Mondays when they are closed.
It’s all counter seating, and it can get pretty crowded on the weekends, and during peak hours. You may also call in orders to go if you choose.

Came here for the coco puffs and green tea puffs. People rave about them so I had to stop by. If you just want pastries, you can head to the bakery side and grab a number. The puffs were good but not amazing. Maybe people hyped it too much?

One word: delicious.
I wanted to surprise my coworkers with a little treat last Saturday. It’s a small group of us that work Saturdays, so I wanted something special.
I stumbled upon Liliha Bakery thanks to Unilocal.I could tell by the crowd at 8:30 a.m. that this place wasn’t going to disappoint.
I decided to go with the coco puffs — and I am so happy I did! The coco puffs were insanely delicious. So many beautiful textures and flavors complimented by this ridiculously good filling.
To be fair — I haven’t had other coco puffs before this to compare — but still, wow!
I will definitely be back. I’m saving the fifth star for after I dine in and see what they’re all about!

Like a fool, I almost skipped Liliha Bakery, since heavy plates of diner-​style food (albeit delicious) aren’t really my thang, but a local friend convinced me I HAD to go, simply for the Coco Puff, and boy, am I glad I did!
What is a Coco Puff, you ask?
1) Picture a MASSIVE cream puff stuffed silly with chocolate (or green tea, their new and killer flavor)
2) Then slather the entire thing with the most decadent, sweet Chantilly frosting
3) Then attempt to shove the whole thing in your mouth, and have a good time regardless of the outcome
We almost went back a few more times, but these things are not light (or in your diet-​friendly categories, sadly). Our genius friend had two massive boxes at her wedding the very night day, though, so more Coco Puffs for me :)
Liliha, I have yet to taste a Coco Puff of your delicious levels anywhere else, and I’ll be sure to come back!

Hi, my name is Kristine and I’m a Liliha Bakery addict.
I’m powerless over the coco puffs, green tea puffs, butter rolls, and cakes from this place and my life has become unmanageable. The worst part is, no one really knows the extent of my addiction.
My husband thinks we only come here on the weekends together to pick up a box of coco puffs/​green tea puffs to share, but really, I come here on the weekdays too and stuff my face with not only the Coco and green tea puffs, but with the rich chocolate cake donuts, as well as the bacon chocolate cupcakes. Even though they accept all forms of payment here, cash is the only method I use so that I don’t leave a paper trail directly connecting me to purchases. My husband would kill me if he found out I spent our light bill money on a Liliha Bakery binge.
I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Just thinking about the chocolate filling inside of these magic puffs, topped off with chantilly frosting makes me want to say SCREW THIS REVIEW and just close my laptop and go get one right now.
You see? I always make up a reason to come here… whether it’s my kids just wanting a quick snack, or when people come visit me from the mainland… I always suggest that we come here. People always end up loving it just as much as I do. And I love that they love it so that we can stuff our faces together in harmony. It’s bad but people always think I’m doing it for them, just so they can taste how delicious the pastries are here. But really, I do it for myself.
When I don’t eat these little puffs of goodness, I can’t get full. And without them, I gain weight. I start to feel ugly. I don’t want to leave my house. And I know if I leave my house and get in the car, I will end up passing by the bakery… and it hurts. It feels like a bad breakup. I always think to myself, «But it’s only $ 8.37 with tax for a half dozen coco puffs, why not? Just six won’t hurt… Just skip dinner.»
I know that part of the solution is admitting there is a problem and I feel I’m making some strides toward alleviating this problem.
Thanks.

This bakery is a local favorite and has been around forever. Recently, it became super popular due to Unilocal,but luckily their quality has not gone down at all.
All you need to know is… COCO PUFF! The most delicious puff pastry with Chantilly cream frosting and chocolate pudding-​ish filling. Get a box if you want to share with friends because this little guy will go FAST. Their other puff flavors are also great, but the coco puff reigns supreme!
$ 1.50 a puff

My favorite dessert place in Oahu!!! :) I think I ate too many already to crave it though lol. We decided to bring back a dozen Coco Puffs back to Los Angeles. To our dismay, we found out on our way to return our rental that we could have brought them back frozen. T. T They definitely were not the same when we go back. A tad soggier than need be but, still delicious nonetheless. The Green Tea Puffs did not wow us as the Coco Puffs. It was just like any other standard green tea dessert we could get back home.
+ Don’t be like us and forget to take a ticket number when you get there! :P

Just a few bullet points:
–Old school diner vibe
–love the charm, not much has changed over the years, but I’m not mad at it!
–excellent mahi mahi plate
–delicious loco moco plate
We are in Oahu a lot so we are very familiar with the local grinds (food). This is a MUST stop for us. Always busy, but we don’t mind because it keeps them in business! They are known for their baked goods, but we usually stick to the diner menu. Fast and friendly staff, which is always a plus.

I really think Steve McGarrett picked up pastries here and brought them to his Hawaii Five-​O team in order to give them fuel to capture the bad guys. Bookem Danno! Seriously, this bakery is where it’s at if you want to get out of the touristy area and hit a long running establishment for some local goodies. It’s been around since 1950, so it’s a must for classic Hawaii seekers.
This bakery reminds me of Porto’s in SoCal but instead of Cuban it’s Hawaiian. The selection of bakery goods are great, so there is something for everyone. We arrived late afternoon, so we picked up snacks and breakfast for the next day. We just stood there, looking at everything trying to decide. My daughter and I decided on halving items, so we could just try it. If I lived on the islands, I would probably have a very high sugar count. The items are freshly baked and tastes very home-​like.
I really wanted to sit at the lunch counter and just eat. I wanted the experience again. I have not sat at a true lunch counter since the 70s. There are counters in newer restaurants but it’s not the same. I will be back for a seat at their counter, one day.
I posted my pics on Facebook and so many of my foodie friends knew of this place and wanted me to bring something back. I just might do that on my next trip here.
I can’t wait to come back and maybe wear something retro. :)

Disclaimer: Hawaii visitor review (bc if I lived here, I probably wouldn’t be as critical, but I have limited amount of meals I can fit in while visiting: P)
Free parking bc they have their own parking lot! I stopped by and picked up some cream puffs. They were just ok to me. Some had chantilly on top (green tea, chocolate), which was super sweet! Sweeter than the custard inside of them. But you can easily scrap some off if necessary. The green tea one was pretty good in that the green tea custard was fairly strong in flavor. Overall, I’m just not a huge fan of these, they are ok, but not a must.

Coco puffs or any kind of the cream puffs from this place is really amazing. Make sure they are fresh so nothing is soggy! When we went, it was pretty busy and everything looked amazed and fresh.
Green tea puff had green tea in it which was unexpected! Good filling and not too sweet.
Original puff was sweet on the inside. Reminded me of caramel or etc.
Chocolate puff was regular inside and very good standard to go with

Five STARS for the COCO PUFFS!
The squad and I came here at 2am on our first night in Hawaii. They’re known for their Coco Puffs, and I am SO glad I tried this. Although I was super full from eating that whole day, I went ahead and ordered a Green Tea Puff and a Lilikoi (passion fruit) malasada.
The COCO PUFF was a decent size, and this beautiful puff is not only topped with a butterscotch frosting, but it is filled with Chocolate Pudding! I’ve never had anything like it!
The GREEN TEA PUFF was also tasty, but not as mind blowing as the coco puff. This one is filled with a green tea custard/​pudding, and is also topped with a butterscotch frosting.
The MALASADA was also good, but I wouldn’t say I’m a big fan. This is a passion fruit jelly filled donut, dusted in sugar. This pastry itself had a lot of bread, so it was too much for me to finish.

Liliha’s ensaïmade is a best bet, and the coco puffs aren’t bad, too, but I wasn’t a big fan of them.
Thank you Mel B for getting me some.
Three Unilocal

Yes, I came here for breakfast, like every year when I’m home, but this was the first time I got something from the bakery.
Me: What should I bring for dessert
J: Just bring some coco puffs and we’re all good.
Me: Cereal???
J: NO! Coco puffs… COCO PUFFS! dumbass!
Okay, I had no idea that’s what they were called. But they are the most delicious little treats and popular at Liliha. They had these green tea ones that were interesting. My favorite though were the chocolate!