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    Punalu'u Bake Shop

    4.2 (1.4k reviews)
    Closed 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

    Punalu'u Bake Shop Photos

    Business Info

    PUNALU'U BAKE SHOP ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Touristy
    Casual
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Punalu'u Bake Shop

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    Caili C.

    We stopped by at this bakery later in the day to grab a couple of masaladas and a coffee. They were unfortunately out of guava filled masaladas but we tried the guava and mango sugar masaladas and while they were both lights and fluffy with a nice soft interior, I wished there was more fruit flavor. Cute stop and love they have a sign that says southernmost bakery on the Big Island!

    Austin W.

    My wife and I stopped by Punalu'u Bake Shop on a Thursday afternoon around 2:30 p.m. and almost everything from their menu was sold out. The only items in their pastry case was two types of turnovers, bread pudding, normal malasadas with no fillings, and "Bismark" malasadas, malasadas filled with white cream and topped with chocolate. None of the fruit filled malasadas available. Like most of the guests in line, we were frustrated at the availability, or lack thereof. At the register, we overheard the woman behind the counter confirm that most of the store's inventory had been cleared out by locals who had placed large phone-in orders beforehand. In my opinion, this shortage could have been avoided: if large orders are placed well in advance, it seems like they could have planned better for their in-store guests by making more inventory? In any case, the sugar covered malasada ($2.29) I had was fine, but not mind-blowing. Definitely not something I would go out of my way to try out, nor something I would wait in a line line for. The malasada had obviously been sitting around all day in the case and didn't taste especially fresh. If anything, the malasada was a little on the dense side. Out of curiosity, I also got a block of their bread pudding ($3.29), and my goodness, that thing is a brick. The bread pudding here is dense! The bread pudding is loaded with raisins. If you're a raisin fan, you'll absolutely love the bread pudding. For everyone else, the raisins make the bread pudding a bit too sweet. Overall, my visit to Punalu'u Bake Shop was pretty disappointing. I would unlikely stop by again if I'm visiting this part of the island.

    Bismark Malasada is. a. MUST!!!!!
    Stephanie D.

    Do not be discouraged if you stop at Punalu'u Bake Shop and you see a line -- it goes by quickly! The service is swift and friendly. The bakery is on the smaller side but not uncomfortable. One side of said bakery is dedicated to souvenirs, kitchen tools, and some food items to bring back home (chocolates, jams, etc.). The opposite side has breads on sale, beverages, and the like. The center is the food display where you can choose from the vast array of baked goods or made to order items. My personal favorite? The Bismark Malasada. Chocolate on the outside and custard on the inside makes for a well balanced sweet treat! Outside you'll find a koi pond and a couple of gazebos with tables and chairs. Add this bakery to your itinerary, you won't regret it!

    Robert L.

    Had to make a stop at Punaluʻu Bake Shop because you can't drive past that place and not give in... and yeah, zero regrets. Walked in and it's like instant comfort--sweet bread smell hitting you before you even figure out what you want. Grabbed a few items and every single one delivered. Soft, fresh, just the right amount of sweetness without feeling heavy. One of those spots where you take a bite, pause, and go "ok yeah... this is why people talk about this place." What I liked most is it didn't feel like a tourist trap--it felt real. Good energy, quick service, and plenty to choose from whether you want something sweet or just a quick snack for the road. Definitely one of those must-stop spots when you're cruising the island... just don't plan on leaving with only one thing.

    Christine D.

    We headed from Kona to Volcanoes National Park and made sure to stop here because everyone we spoke to said this was the best bakery on the island. We were so glad we listened. it is small but packs a lot in, from traditional treats to sandwiches and coffee. The locals are proud to have Punalu'u in their town. Grab a treat or two, take a ready made sandwich or salad for the road, and have a coffee and a loaf of delicious bread for home. Sit outside and listen to the live guitarist who fills the air with beautiful and relaxing guitar music. Lots to look at and buy here, including some souvenirs so make the stop. you won't be disappointed.

    Greg F.

    The malsadas were really good, the lilikoi passion fruit was our favorite. But everything else was just ok, we got a few sandwiches. Service was fast, but felt a little like a cafeteria. Still definitely worth a stop on way to NP or beach

    Snacks
    Annie D.

    Obligatory stop on our way from Volcano National park to Waikoloa. Great place to stop for a snack, drinks and bathroom break before your next island adventure. Plenty of seating. Bathrooms are big and clean. Free accessible parking. I'm not a big donut fan and masaladas are basically little donuts filled with custard, cream or fruit. My favorite is the Bismark, it reminds me of a Boston cream pie! Would I make it a point to go here just for the masaladas? No, but it's worth a stop if you're driving by.

    Jovete E.

    So glad my husband's friend recommended this place. We made this our breakfast stop and grabbed some malasadas. Our favorite was the guava! It was light and fluffy. We even came back to get more later in the afternoon, and they were sold out. They have a variety of flavors and other sweet pastries. They are fast and provide excellent service. This place was crowded and the line was long but moves fairly quickly if you don't have someone in front of you ordering 3 dozen. They even have a shop inside that sells souvenirs and other essentials. They have plenty of seating outside or you can just pop your trunk and enjoy your fresh malasadas in the parking lot (that's what we did). Major plus, bathrooms are clean! It was a nice place to take a break and I'm sure it was even better for my husband to take a break from driving. The best part of our visit was when my husband was trying to take a picture to post on his Instagram story and dropped 2 malasadas. I will never forget that!

    Mang Y.

    Ordered a couple of malasadas to try after visiting Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. There was a short line but it moved quickly. Location was wonderful with plenty of outdoor sitting. We found the donut dough to be dense and not fluffy. The Lilikoi topping tasted tropical great. The one with the chocolate cream probably was the best tasting one: less dough and not dry. Taro was just purple dough inside and miserable.

    Emily C.

    Gets extremely busy but seems to be a very common tourist spot. Passion fruit masala was my favorite.

    Malasadas
    Ashley F.

    Punalu'u Bakery is well-known across the state and continental US for their colorful breads and Hawaiian sweet rolls. I've never been despite living on the Big Island for 8+ years and thought it was a perfect opportunity to stop by with my partner as well. They are known for their loaves but their bakery here offers malasadas that you cannot buy anywhere else. Their lilikoi malasadas were my favorite, with signature tart and sweet icing over the donut. Aside from their food, there's also a functioning bakery in the back, with labeled selections so you can observe workers putting together their bread for packaging and distribution. Highly recommend stopping by Punalu'u and trying their malasadas since its a unique novelty item you can only get here.

    Malasadas
    Ariel C.

    Fun little shop! Lots of different options like coffee and ice cream, but they're known for their Malassadas so we got half a dozen of those to try. The powdered guava flavored one didn't taste super guava like, but was overall good. The cream filled which is basically custard was pretty good, but the lilikoi glazed was the best! A nice tart frosting that tastes super fresh.

    David S.

    This bake shop was recommended so of course we had to check them out. They are known for the malasadas but also have other food choices as well. The bake shop was well kept up and clean. The cashier was very friendly and answered any questions. We got the chocolate filled and cream filled. Both tasted amazing. There is lots of seating in both patios and there was a parking lot near the back. Definitely stop by

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    3 months ago

    The malasadas are delicious here!! When we came, they had regular, lilikoi, and taro. And the people who work here are so kind.

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    Ask the Community - Punalu'u Bake Shop

    Is there a different line for the gift shop and the bakery/lunch line?

    Didn't look like it to me. However, there was a separate line by the soft drink machine.

    Is lunch served all day? Like if I go in the morning time would I be able to get a deli sandwich or a lunch plate made?

    Yes, they are constantly making lunch all day long - cold sandwiches, salads, and hot plates. I have all 3 when I went at 2pm.

    View All 4 Questions

    Paradise Meadows, South Point Road

    Paradise Meadows, South Point Road

    5.0
    (503 reviews)
    5.1 mi
    $$

    I first came across Ka'u local buzz coffee and Paradise Meadows a couple of years ago and decided…read morethat this was the best coffee I've ever had. Same for the Mac Nuts. I immediately subscribed to their newsletter so I could keep up to speed on what they where offering. In a recent trip to Hawaii, we were finally able to visit in person and it was a fun experience. Enthusiastic staff, lots of laughter, delicious fruit slushies, Art Gallery with featured local artists, penny the pig, baby ducks, parrots that would squawk at you until you engaged in conversation. Premium Kau Coffee, Macnuts, chocolate, short bread, slushies, pizza (on the day we were there) made by two Italian guys. Yes please! After we gorged on free samples and margarita pizza, we went on a shopping spree at the well stocked gift shop (not sure if that's the correct term, maybe farmstand?). Since we spent a certain amount on goodies, a discount was given along with free shipping to Alaska (what?!?). It makes me so happy just knowing that places like this exist. My only regret about stopping is that because we were in go, go, go mode to get to a birthday party, we didn't spend nearly enough time here as I would've liked. Next time!

    This is a must-see stop on the way to South Point. Admission is free, and you can wander the…read moregrounds filled with lush plants, birds, and an art gallery. Grab a bite from the food truck or enjoy the samples in the store. The macadamia nuts are absolutely addictive, and the thoughtfully crafted honey is just as incredible. We left a generous tip for our sample guru and went home with bags of macadamia nuts and a variety of honey. Everyone was so friendly and knowledgeable, and I loved learning how the honey develops its unique flavors. Best of all, it feels great to support local farmers!

    Photos
    Paradise Meadows, South Point Road
    Paradise Meadows, South Point Road
    Paradise Meadows, South Point Road

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    Paradise Bakery Hawaii

    Paradise Bakery Hawaii

    4.7
    (258 reviews)
    48.8 mi
    $$

    Wow! We went on a Saturday morning ie 8 am and some of the flavored donuts were already sold out…read more The service was awesome. It is behind the 76 gas station food court area. There is parking and there are plenty of tables to sit & enjoy. There are signs indicating where the food court area is located. It is nice and ample to eat your Malasada or donut. Prices are from $5 to $6 each. We had the Ube 10/10 and Creme Brulee 10/10. I will definitely return.

    I stopped by here earlier today with my father for a morning treat. We found Paradise Bakery Hawaii…read moreon Yelp while I was looking for a bakery near Kailua-Kona. This spot is located in a food court area and was actually the only place open when we arrived. Since it is a stall, there is not too much to say other than there were two people working and a large display case filled with donuts, with malasadas in the back. After looking things over I asked if they had a lilikoi circle donut. They did not, but they recommended a strawberry glazed donut with lilikoi filling and I went with that. It came out nicely decorated with a pink glaze and a small dab of cream on top with a butterfly. When I bit into it I was happy with the flavor. The donut itself was light and fluffy and the strawberry glaze was solid. The real standout though was the lilikoi filling, which had that great balance of sharpness and sweetness and paired really well with the donut. My dad ordered a coconut malasada and said it was really good as well. The bottom line for me is that I would head back here again in the future. They had a big selection of donuts, I enjoyed mine, and I would like to try their malasadas next time.

    Photos
    On the right
    On the right
    What was available at 8:20am on a Tuesday
    What was available at 8:20am on a Tuesday
    Purple sweet potato pie - get this! My new favorite pie.

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    Purple sweet potato pie - get this! My new favorite pie.

    Punalu'u Bake Shop - bakeries - Updated June 2026

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