When I think of Hawaiian desserts, I picture tropical flavors and fresh fruit—the kind of treats that instantly transport you to the islands.
Whether it’s coconut, pineapple, or passion fruit, you know it’s going to be sweet, refreshing, and totally delicious.
Hawaii has been on my bucket list forever, and I swear I’ll make it there before the next decade rolls around. But until then? I’m bringing the flavors of the islands straight to my kitchen with these incredible desserts.
From butter mochi to pineapple upside-down cake and shave ice, these 25 Hawaiian treats belong on every dessert table—they’re so good, they’d fit right in at a fancy restaurant. And trust me, you’ll be going back for seconds.
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25. Haupia Dessert – Hawaiian Coconut Pudding with Coconut Milk
Haupia is a classic Hawaiian dessert, often described as coconut pudding—though it’s not quite like the creamy pudding most people imagine. The key ingredient? Rich, velvety coconut milk.
And if you’re wondering how to say it, it’s pronounced “how-p-ahh.”
For those unfamiliar, the name haupia might sound a little mysterious. But the moment you call it Hawaiian coconut pudding, people instantly get it.
However, that’s not exactly right—haupia isn’t a typical pudding. Instead, it has a unique texture, somewhere between pudding and jello. It’s firm yet bouncy, smooth yet sliceable, and absolutely delicious!
24. Pecan Pie – Delicious Hawaiian Inspired Dessert
I had my first taste of pecan pie about ten years ago—right around the time my pregnancy or lactation hormones were raging.
My appetite demanded it, and let’s just say… it delivered. Slowly but surely, pecan pie shot straight to the top of my all-time favorite desserts.
Do you love pecan pie as much as I do? Or—brace yourself—are you one of those poor souls who haven’t tried it yet? If so, listen up: This Thanksgiving dessert is about to change your life.
It’s simple. It’s classic. And, fun fact, it makes a ridiculously good (and totally healthy—ha!) breakfast the next day.
So go ahead, make one now. And then? Make pecan pie bars next. Because once you start, your pecan pie obsession is just beginning, sweet child.
23. Hula Pie – Hawaiian Traditional Dessert
This Hula Pie is straight out of my dessert dreams! It’s got everything you could ever want—an Oreo cookie crust, rich macadamia nut vanilla ice cream, warm hot fudge, and a generous sprinkle of chopped macadamia nuts on top.
And the best part? It’s super easy, no-bake, and a spot-on copycat of the famous pie you get in Hawaii!
Perfect for summer, this ice cream pie delivers the ultimate combo of creamy and crunchy, thanks to those buttery macadamia nuts. The chocolate cookie crust, hot fudge, and whipped cream take the flavor to a whole new level.
And don’t be shy when piling on the ice cream—at Duke’s, the top of the pie is mile-high!
22. Pina Colada Cake – Authentic Hawaiian Dessert
This Piña Colada Cake takes all the tropical flavors of your favorite cocktail and turns them into one seriously delicious dessert!
Fluffy coconut rum-flavored cake and frosting, a sweet pineapple filling, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut—it’s like a tropical getaway in every bite.
And honestly, what better time for a little taste of the tropics than in the middle of winter?
It’s actually sunny here today (a very welcome break from all the rain we’ve had), so this feels like the perfect excuse to bake something bright, sweet, and totally transportive.
21. Coconut Cream Pie Bars – Best Hawaiian Dessert!
Craving a tropical treat that’ll transport you straight to paradise? These Coconut Cream Pie Bars are exactly what you need!
They start with a buttery shortbread crust, followed by a rich, creamy coconut pudding filling, and are finished off with a fluffy whipped cream topping sprinkled with golden toasted coconut.
Every bite is pure indulgence—silky, crunchy, and packed with coconut goodness. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect summer dessert, look no further. These bars are a little slice of heaven!
20. Malasadas Recipe – Popular Dessert in Hawaii
Ohhh yes! Malasadas are hands down one of Hawaii’s most beloved treats. Growing up in Makawao, I had the privilege of tasting Komoda’s malasadas—and let me tell you, they’re some of the best I’ve ever had.
Nothing beats the warm, pillowy texture and that perfectly crispy sugar-coated exterior!
Malasadas originally came to Hawaii with Portuguese immigrants during the sugar plantation era, around 1878.
Traditionally, they were made for Terça-feira Gorda (Fat Tuesday), the day before Lent, as a way to use up all the pantry’s fat, lard, and sugar before the fasting season began.
Now, they’re a staple of Hawaiian cuisine, enjoyed year-round—and once you take a bite, you’ll understand why!
19. Easy Hawaiian Guava Cake – Traditional Hawaiian Dessert
Hawaiian Guava Cake is a true island classic—light, fruity, and bursting with tropical flavor! Made with strawberry cake mix, guava nectar, cream cheese, and a luscious guava gel glaze, this dessert is as easy to make as it is delicious.
When my family and I took our first trip to Kauai, Hawaii last year, this cake quickly became one of our favorite treats. The moment we got home, I knew I had to recreate it so we could bring a little taste of Hawaii into our kitchen whenever we wanted.
One bite, and you’ll feel like you’re back on the islands, soaking up the sun with a sweet, tropical slice of paradise!
18. Hawaiian Berry Smoothie for Sweet Tooth
Think of a side-by-side milkshake from Steak ‘n Shake—only instead of ice cream, it’s packed with fresh fruit and tropical flavor.
One half is a vibrant orangish-yellow, bursting with sweet, juicy mango goodness. The other half? A deep, rich violet, loaded with nothing but berries.
Best of all, they come together in just 10 minutes! Each smoothie is packed with bananas, mangoes, oranges, orange juice, blackberries, blueberries, and more.
Any day that starts with this much fruit in my breakfast is bound to be a good day!
17. Healthy Acai Bowl
This gluten-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly breakfast bowl is a total game-changer—ready in just five minutes with zero cooking required!
Perfect for busy mornings, all you have to do is blend milk, yogurt, a banana, and a packet of unsweetened frozen acai berry blend until smooth. That’s it!
Then comes the fun part—toppings! The recipe suggests berries, nuts, and granola, but feel free to get creative. Just be mindful of added sugars to keep this bowl as healthy as it is delicious.
It’s quick, refreshing, and packed with nutrients—the ultimate way to kick-start your day!
16. Make at Home Pineapple Pancakes with Pineapple and Coconut Syrup
How did I ever survive without pineapple pancakes in my life?!
These fluffy, fruity flapjacks are pure heaven, and once you drizzle them with sweet homemade coconut syrup… game over.
Seriously, if I ever leave this world while eating this breakfast, just know I went out happy—smiling, fork in hand, and completely satisfied!
15. Rainbow Jello – Creamy Sweet Hawaiian Treat
As simple as this dessert is, it does take some patience—each layer of Jello needs time to set before adding the next to keep those crisp, colorful lines.
What makes this version extra special? The creamy, milky Jello layers that add a rich flavor and a smooth contrast between the bright colors. It’s fun, festive, and totally worth the wait!
14. Instant Pot Kulolo Easy Recipe
Kulolo is a warm, chewy, pudding-like fudge made with taro, and traditionally, it takes hours to bake or steam.
But thanks to the Instant Pot, you can cut that cooking time in half!
You’ll need to grate fresh taro for the best texture, and using brown sugar instead of white makes a world of difference in bringing out the rich, caramel-like flavor.
13. Rich Coconut Haupia Cake
Haupia, the beloved Hawaiian coconut pudding, is already a must-try—but turning it into a cake filling? Absolute genius.
Unlike the overly sweet frostings we’re used to, the smooth coconut filling makes for a refreshing, tropical twist.
The all-white finish of this cake is simple and elegant, but if you want to take it up a notch, a layer of crushed pineapple or passion fruit in the middle would add an extra burst of fruity goodness!
12. Copycat Guri Guri with Strawberry Syrup
Guri Guri is a dreamy, soft, ice cream-like treat that’s unbelievably easy to make—no ice cream machine needed!
Just mix strawberry syrup, condensed milk, and cream, then pop it in the freezer, stirring occasionally to keep it light and fluffy.
Honestly, you might as well make both because this treat disappears fast!
11. Cheesecake Bars – Favorite Hawaiian Dessert!
First, you’ve got a buttery shortbread base (yes, please!), then a creamy pineapple cheesecake filling (try not to eat it straight from the bowl!), and finally, a chewy coconut topping that I just might start putting on everything.
Together, they create a ridiculously delicious cheesecake dessert that travels well and even freezes for later—if you can resist eating them all at once!
10. Moist and Tender Hawaiian Dream Cake
This cake is pure tropical bliss! Instead of water, pineapple juice gives it an irresistible fruity flavor, while the faux-cheesecake layer with crushed pineapple makes it taste like the islands in every bite.
The texture? Soft, tender, and ultra-moist.
To finish it off, the whole thing is topped with sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut for the perfect bit of crunch. This is one cake you’ll be making again and again!
9. Hawaiian POG Tropical Fruit Recipe
P.O.G. stands for passion, orange, and guava, and trust me—this combo is pure tropical bliss!
Honestly, I’d take a glass of this over plain old orange juice any day. The bright, fruity flavors are like sunshine in a cup, making it the perfect way to start the morning.
Can’t find passion fruit? No worries—pineapple makes a great substitute!
No blender? No problem! You can still make this with all-natural store-bought juices.
And if you’re feeling adventurous… add a splash of rum, and you’ve got yourself one helluva cocktail!
8. Hawaiian Ripe Banana Nut Bread – Perfect Sweet Treat!
The great banana bread boom of 2020 was real!
But trust me, this one is different. Always start with super ripe bananas for the best flavor, and if you really want to take it up a notch, toast the coconut before adding it to the batter. It makes all the difference!
7. Favorite Hawaiian Ambrosia
Is it a salad? Not really. Is it delicious? Absolutely!
But for those who like their sweetness dialed up a notch, it’s also coated in Cool Whip and loaded with mini marshmallows—because why not?
6. Passion Fruit Ice Cream – Perfect for Luau
If you’ve ever checked out Australian desserts, you’ll know they love coconut and passion fruit. And guess what? Hawaii shares that obsession!
This passion fruit ice cream is tropical perfection. You can find passion fruit pulp in some grocery stores or even order it online—but make sure to use the pulp, not just the juice. That’s where all the bold, tangy flavor comes from!
This creamy, dreamy dessert is made for beach vibes, luaus, or just treating yourself to a little taste of paradise.
5. Soft, Fruity, and Super Retro Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Soft, fruity, and totally retro, this cake will transport you straight back to the ’70s with just one bite!
With a boxed cake mix and canned pineapple slices, prep time is just 10 minutes—because who doesn’t love a quick and easy dessert?
Once it’s baked to golden perfection, be sure to flip it out of the pan before it cools—otherwise, that sticky-sweet pineapple topping might just decide to stay put.
Simple, classic, and always a crowd-pleaser!
4. Hawaiian Pineapple Poke Cake with the Creamy Topping
The beauty of a poke cake is that even if you accidentally overbake it, the pudding works its magic—seeping into every bite to keep it irresistibly moist!
This version takes things up a notch with crushed pineapple, adding little bursts of fruity flavor that soak right into the cake.
Top it off with a creamy, dreamy layer, and you’ve got a dessert that’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit!
3. Coconut Macadamia Nut Bars for those who Love Hawaiian Dessert Recipes
Chewy, buttery, and impossible to resist—these little bars are pure magic!
The base? A super simple shortbread that holds everything together without stealing the spotlight. And trust me, the flavor in these bars is next level.
Packed with brown sugar, coconut cream, lemon juice, and macadamia nuts, they’re perfect for a morning pick-me-up or a sweet after-dinner treat.
That coconut flavor? Chef’s kiss!
2. Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Hawaiian Recipe
We tend to gravitate toward big, frosting-covered cakes or giant scoops of ice cream, but honestly? Grilled fruit is one of the best summer desserts out there.
A sprinkle of brown sugar helps the natural sugars caramelize, adding a rich, deep caramel flavor. And once that grill works its magic, the fruit softens, gets perfectly charred, and turns into something melt-in-your-mouth amazing.
Simple, sweet, and bursting with flavor—this is the kind of dessert that proves less really is more!
1. Make at Home Hawaiian Style Chocolate Haupia Pie
Haupia is a rich, coconut-based treat with a texture somewhere between pudding and custard. Thickened with cornstarch, it sets into a silky-smooth, slightly gelatin-like consistency.
In this version, the second filling takes things up a notch by mixing classic haupia with melted chocolate chips. Once set, it becomes irresistibly velvety and creamy—like a coconut-chocolate dream.
To finish it all off, the pie is topped with fluffy, coconut-flavored whipped cream before being sliced into pure tropical bliss. Every bite is rich, smooth, and packed with island flavor!
25 Best Hawaiian Dessert Recipes You Must Try Today!
Savor the taste of Hawaii with these 25 authentic Hawaiian dessert recipes! From pineapple treats to tropical fruit delights, perfect for your next luau or summer BBQ.
Ingredients
- Haupia - Hawaiian Coconut Pudding
- Pecan Pie
- Hula Pie
- Pina Colada Cake
- Coconut Cream Pie Bars
- Malasadas Recipe
- Easy Hawaiian Guava Cake
- Hawaiian Berry Smoothie
- Acai Bowl
- Pineapple Pancakes with Coconut Syrup
- Rainbow Jello
- Instant Pot Kulolo
- Haupia Cake
- Copycat Guri Guri
- Hawaiian Cheesecake Bars
- Hawaiian Dream Cake
- Hawaiian POG Recipe
- Hawaiian Banana Nut Bread
- Hawaiian Ambrosia
- Passion Fruit Ice Cream
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake
- Hawaiian Pineapple Poke Cake
- Coconut Macadamia Nut Bars
- Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple
- Chocolate Haupia Pie (Ted’s Bakery Copycat)
Instructions
- Choose any Hawaiian Dessert Recipes from the post that you like
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best Hawaiian Dessert Recipes and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I’m Anastasia and I’m a full-time blogger, online entrepreneur, and Pinterest marketing strategist. I help digital entrepreneurs and bloggers drive targeted traffic from Pinterest either through my online courses or through Pinterest consultancy.