7 Ways to Go Nuts for Coconuts on Oʻahu
Get into the island spirit with these cravable coconut-based treats.
Coconut, or nui in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), arrived in Hawaiʻi via canoes sailed by Polynesian voyagers roughly 4,500 years ago. Native Hawaiians considered the coconut tree to be the god Kū in physical form. For them, coconut water was sacred and therefore used for important ceremonies and rituals.
Many of the coconut trees’ ancient uses are still applied today. Young green coconuts provide coconut water and gelatinous flesh for eating. Mature coconuts provide coconut milk, shredded coconut, coconut oil and can be used for mulch and as bowls, cups and musical instruments. The fronds of the tree are used for weaving baskets and thatched roofs, while the trunks are used for canoes, drums and hale (houses).
Coconuts galore!
Photo: Courtesy of Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority/Heather Goodman/@hbgoodie
Although you can find coconut trees throughout the archipelago, most of the world’s coconut production is in Indonesia, the Philippines and India. Coconut products are highly labor intensive, therefore, Hawaiʻi imports the majority of these goods for cooking and making skin care products. To enjoy a freshly cracked green coconut from Hawaiʻi visit Kakaʻako or Kailua Farmers Market on Saturdays and Sundays. Otherwise, enjoy one of these local indulgences inspired by one of Hawaiʻi’s original canoe crops.
1. Chocolate Haupia Cream Pie, Ted’s Bakery, Haleʻiwa
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox
This pie is legendary in Hawai’i, and although you may find it in select grocery stores, nothing beats enjoying it freshly made at the source. One layer chocolate pudding, one layer haupia (a sweet, semi-firm pudding made with coconut milk and gelatin) and one layer whipped cream on a flaky crust will have you longing for the North Shore. 59-024 Kamehameha Highway, Haleʻiwa, (808) 638-8207, tedsbakery.com
2. Haupia White Dipped Macadamia Nut Coconut Shortbread, Big Island Candies, Ala Moana Shopping Center
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox
Big Island Candies is known for its shortbreads. While many of them contain buttery chunks of macadamia nuts, the coconut shortbread is filled with coconut bits instead. While you are on Oʻahu, try the haupia shortbread, which contains bits of coconut and macadamia nuts. It’s is a sweet twist on Big Island Candies’ signature cookie. 1450 Ala Moana Blvd #1230, Honolulu, (808) 946-9213, bigislandcandies.com
3. Koko Bowl, Heavenly Island Lifestyle, Waikīkī and Hawaiʻi Kai
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox
Heavenly cafes are known for their delicious breakfast with lots of healthy options. Start your morning with a Koko Bowl: blended açaí and banana topped with coconut foam, fresh papaya and lime zest. Two locations, heavenly-waikiki.com, heavenly-hawaiikai.com
4. Cocoweizen, Honolulu Beerworks, Kakaʻako
Photo: Courtesy of Honolulu Beerworks
This award-winning hefeweizen, crafted with hand-toasted coconut, is refreshing, crisp and light. With tropical notes of banana, pineapple, clove and coconut you’ll want to stay on island time indefinitely. 328 Cooke St., Honolulu, (808) 589-2337, honolulubeerworks.com
5. Coconut Soft Serve, Niu Soft-Serve Parlour, Mōʻiliʻili
Photo: Courtesy of Niu Soft-Serve
This Native Hawaiian-owned ice cream shop produces creamy plant-based niu (coconut) soft serve with plenty of toppings and sauces to load on top. Try the ube or one of two “flavors of the week,” or stick with the original for dairy-free coconut bliss. 2320 S. King St., Honolulu, (808) 436-3739, niusoftserve.com
6. Coconut Cake, Halekūlani Hotel, Waikīkī
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Halekūlani’s coconut cake is so popular it is served in the bakery and all of the hotel’s restaurants and banquets. You can even order a slice of the light and airy sponge cake with coconut-amaretto pastry cream and coconut flakes through room service. 2199 Kālia Road, Honolulu, (808) 923-2311, halekulani.com
7. Sweet Lady of Waiāhole, Waiāhole Poi Factory, Kāneʻohe
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox
For an authentic flavor of Hawai’i visit the windward side for this local dessert named after an iconic Hawaiʻi song (and real person). Kūlolo, pounded taro (grown nearby) steamed with coconut milk, is served warm and gooey with a heaping scoop of haupia ice cream on top. 48-140 Kamehameha Highway, Kāneʻohe, (808) 239-2222, waiaholepoifactory.com
