By Sarah Burchard
855-Sundae. Courtesy of 855-Aloha.
From over-the-top sundaes that arrive flaming in tiki bowls to delicate, island-inspired confections crafted by award-winning pastry chefs, Oʻahu’s dessert scene is nothing short of irresistible. Across the island, you’ll find sweet creations that fuse local flavors like lilikoʻi, ʻulu, and coconut with global techniques and flair. Whether you’re strolling through Waikīkī, exploring Chinatown, or venturing to Kailua, these indulgent spots prove that paradise isn’t just about beaches—it’s also about the desserts worth traveling for.
This behemoth of a sundae includes six scoops of Il Gelato, honey toast, li hing syrup, whipped cream, crushed pineapple, boba pearls, bruleéd banana slices, cherries and coconut and arrives (literally) on fire in a volcano hula tiki bowl. Big enough for 4 people to share. Local tip: Stop in for a nightcap at The Lei Stand afterward, also located inside Romer House.
Located inside Romer House Waikīkī.
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Arden Waikīkī. Photo by Sarah Burchard.
Pastry chef and co-owner Amanda Cheng creates playful world-class desserts that are almost too exquisite to eat. Come here for the Baked Hawaiʻi made with coconut-mango sorbet, black sesame, pineapple and silky smooth meringue. The Brownie Bar is also a must with its luxurious dark chocolate mousse and ganache, white miso ice cream and banana jam.
Located inside Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head.
Kulolo ice cream at Fete. Courtesy of Fete.
Always save room for dessert at Fete. Try the house-made rocky road or kulolo ice cream. The Robynneʻs Cake – an ʻulu-chocolate rum raisin cake – with Mānoa Chocolate-rum sauce is a revelatory local spin on a classic dessert. Now with pastry chef Katherine Yang – formerly of DANIEL and Bouchon Bakery in New York City – in the mix, the dessert menu has expanded substantially.
Located in Chinatown.
POG cake at Mille Fete. Photo by Sarah Burchard.
Fete’s sister bakery, located one block away, creates an impressive selection of sweet and savory bites every day fresh. Stop in for fresh sourdough bread, cookies, ice cream and more. Highlights include the Ice Cream Sammy, Citrus Olive Oil cake, Cake Salé and Black & Lilikoʻi Cookies. You can also order elaborate cakes, such as the POG cake (shown above), prepared by co-owner Katherine Yang – a multi-talented pastry chef and baker who spent three decades honing her craft in New York before moving to Honolulu to help open Mille Fete.
Located in Chinatown (a block down from Fete).
MW Candy Bar. Photo by Melissa Chang.
Pastry chef and co-owner Michelle Karr-Ueoka is famous in Hawaiʻi for her elegant riffs on local-style desserts. The fruit in the Shave Ice changes with the seasons. Order whichever version is on currently. Creamy panna cotta forms the base, with fruity granita (as the shave ice), tapioca pearls (boba) and fresh fruit on top. So refreshing and light after a good meal. Karr-Ueoka is also known for her MW Candy Bar which incorporates layers of peanut butter crunch, Hawaiian sea salt macadamia nut caramel and Valrhona chocolate ganache served with a scoop of black sesame ice cream
Located in the Ala Moana neighborhood.
Courtesy of Niu Soft Serve Parlour.
Dairy-free soft serve in niu (coconut), ube and other rotating flavors. Try the Hot Kulolo Sundae and the miso chocolate chip cookies. You can also build your own sundaes. A Native Hawaiian, family-owned buiness located just outside of Waikīkī.
Located in Mōʻiliʻili.
Courtesy of Please Come Again.
Craveable ice cream made with high-quality grass-fed cream and local ingredients. Get the Shiso Mint and Chip, Poha Berry Basil and the Miso Salted Caramel. Owned by two graphic designers turned ice cream makers, the store is filled with Instagrammable moments and awesome merch. 100% worth driving across the island from town for.
Located in Kailua
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