The Sweet Spot of Hawaii

     Kalihi might just be called, “The Sweet Spot of Hawaii.”  And you might wonder why when historically it wasn’t even known as the sugarcane plantation capital.  It is because today, Kalihi has many if not the most number of bakeries or bake shops in Hawaii.  And having so many bakeries means an increased use and consumption of sugar in the area as compared to the other parts of the state. 

     Each time I pass by Nanding’s Bakery in King Street in the morning, there’s always a line spilling out of its door.  From what I understand, people are lining up because of its specialty, the Spanish bread.  And at any given morning, the same scene can be witnessed in front of Kamehameha Bakery in School Street with most people buying their specialty, the poi doughnut.  In Kalihi Street, people also line up in front of Libby Manapua Shop and Chun Wah Kam Noodle Factory for their famous manapua and other desserts.  The regulars of Jesse’s Bakery and Golden Coin Bakery and Restaurant in King Street also flock to eat early breakfast or pick up dozens of their hot pan de sal as well as plate lunch on their way to work.  And although it’s open 24 hours daily except Sundays, Liliha Bakery is never low on customers, both locals and tourists especially those who are craving for cocoa puffs.

     Also in the neighborhood, you can pick up cakes, pies, cookies, pastries and desserts at St.Germain’s Bakery, Elvin’s Bakery, and Manny’s Bakeshop in Dillingham Boulevard.  Napoleon’s Bakery has 3 locations in Kalihi: corner of King and Mokouea, Dillingham Blvd., and Nimitz Hwy.  Let’s not also forget the biggest producer of breads and the like in the island that’s located in Kalihi, Love’s Bakery.

     Personally, I find it interesting that I came from a place in the Philippines dubbed as the “Sugar Bowl of the Philippines” and to end up living in a neighborhood in Hawaii I would like to call, “The Sweet Spot of Hawaii.”  Speaking of sugar, there are many more specialty stores in the neighborhood that sell sweets.  Being that there are many Filipino stores in Kalihi, it’s natural to find many sweet concoctions. From a Filipino restaurant like Max’s of Manila where you can find several desserts, there are also small Filipino stores that sell desserts like the 2 locations of San Nicolas Chicharon and Sausage Co. and 2 locations of North Star Deli and Sausage and even Jimmy’s Filipino Store. And speaking of sugar still, you can find Samurai Brand of treats in Umi St. and the Menehune Mac Chocolate Factory and Gift Center in Waiakamilo Rd.  Once in a while I’d drive to Pier 38 and if the line at Nico’s Fish Market is long, I’d eat at Uncle’s Fish Market and Grill first then go to Nico’s to pick up desserts.  Yes, Nico’s has the most scrumptious array of cakes and pies sold by the slices and are ready for pick up.

     Besides the popular bakeries in the neighborhood that create wonderful sweet treats, I was pleasantly surprised to find more when I searched the web.  Here’s the list but I found that it doesn’t include a branch of Ba-le Sandwich Shop and Starbucks located in Kamehameha Shopping Center and Costco in Iwilei where you can order cakes.

     So, whether you are mending a broken heart or nursing the blues, celebrating milestones, submitting to cravings, or just being a perpetual sweet tooth, come to Kalihi and indulge yourself in the great treats awaiting for you!