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“Traditional Hawaiian baked goods”
In 1950, Roy and Koo Takakuwa opened a tiny retail outlet at 1703 Liliha Street selling Roy's loaves of bread. The popularity of his baked goods outgrew the little store, and in 1961, the Takakuwa's moved to Kuakini Street, but kept the Liliha name. Over the years, Liliha Bakery became an integral part of the community. Kids would stop on their way home from school and dig out coins for a glazed doughnut. Old friends would meet for a cup of coffee at the counter. Aunties would pick up a dobash cake for the family potluck. Some patrons have been coming to the bakery for decades, and staff members have watched families grow and change over the years. The Takakuwas provided its employees with a family work environment. Some staff members have served 20, 30 and 40 years and have been instrumental in helping the business find its special place as a landmark bakery. Thirty-five years after founding the bakery, Roy died in 1985. His son, William, took over the business, and Koo oversaw the company's finances till she retired in the early 1990s. The Coco Puff Comeback Contrary to popular belief, the coco puff was not always a part of Liliha Bakery's history. In fact, the bakery's chantilly cake, a chocolate cake with a rich buttercream frosting, had been the bakery's number-one seller for a long time. Around 1970, the coco puff made its debut but it was a "fantastic flop," said William Takakuwa. But around 1990, chief baker Kame Ikemura, now retired, reformulated the recipe with a dab of chantilly frosting, and the coco puff was a hit. In early 2008, the Takakuwa family entrusted its legacy to Peter Kim, a Honolulu entrepreneur who started his own family business, Yummy Korean BBQ, more than 20 years earlier. Peter is honored to carry on the Liliha Bakery tradition and is committed to preserving the bakery's quality and character. Plans are in the works to provide more Islanders with the taste and spirit of Liliha Bakery. Peter hopes to open additional shops in Honolulu and the Neighbor Islands. Visit Liliha Bakery and become a part of the history that's still in the making.
The best Puffs ever! We visited the location inside the Ala Moana mall and as expected it was crowded. You need a ticket number to get to the counter to place your order but they are really fast.... Read more
Always a line and always worth the wait. Fresh baked goods here. Fast and clean service. Pull a number and look at what you want to order. Many favor the filled puffs. I enjoy the twist glazed... Read more
We always stop for cocopuffs, scones, malasadas, mochi donuts, cakes, cookies... anything and everything. My mom has visitors at the moment so I picked up some puffs- coco, cream, and matcha, so... Read more
Liliha Bakery
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 6:00 am - 10:00 pm
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
- Reservations
- Does not take
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Breakfast
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Brunch
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Dine In
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Dinner
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Drinks
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Lunch
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Outdoor Seating
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Takeout
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Waitstaff
Parking, Dining