The Complete Guide to Hawaiian Desserts: From Butter Mochi to Haupia

Hawaiian desserts capture the warmth, flavor, and soul of the islands—rich with local ingredients, Asian influence, and tropical flair. From the chewy perfection of butter mochi to the silky coconut layers of haupia, these treats tell the story of Hawaii’s diverse roots. Whether you grew up on the islands or just love the flavors of paradise, this guide walks through the most beloved Hawaiian desserts—and how to enjoy them anywhere in the U.S.

Table of Contents

• The Origins of Hawaiian Desserts
• Butter Mochi: Hawaii’s Signature Treat
• Chi Chi Dango: Soft, Sweet, and Traditional
• Haupia: The Coconut Classic
• Modern Takes on Island Favorites
• Where to Order Hawaiian Desserts Online
• FAQs About Hawaiian Desserts

The Origins of Hawaiian Desserts

Hawaii’s dessert culture is a blend of many traditions—Japanese, Filipino, Portuguese, Chinese, and Polynesian—all brought together by migration and shared kitchens. The islands took staples like rice, coconut, taro, and sugar, then transformed them into something entirely their own. This fusion gave rise to iconic desserts such as butter mochi, chi chi dango, and haupia, each representing Hawaii’s multicultural story.

Butter Mochi: Hawaii’s Signature Treat

If there’s one dessert that defines Hawaii, it’s butter mochi. Made from mochiko (sweet rice flour), coconut milk, butter, and eggs, it’s baked—not steamed—resulting in a chewy center and caramelized top. It’s the perfect cross between cake and custard, balancing texture and flavor in every bite.

At Keola’s Mochi & Eats, our butter mochi cakes are baked fresh daily in small batches. Popular flavors include Ube, Matcha, Mango, and Haupia Butter—each inspired by Hawaii’s favorite ingredients.

Order Butter Mochi Cakes

Chi Chi Dango: Soft, Sweet, and Traditional

Chi chi dango is a Japanese-inspired Hawaiian favorite often enjoyed during local festivals and celebrations. It’s soft, chewy, and delicately sweet—traditionally made from rice flour, sugar, and coconut milk. In Hawaii, families share chi chi dango for New Year’s or birthdays, but it’s also perfect for baby showers and weddings.

Try Keola’s Chi Chi Dango Mochi in pastel flavors like Matcha Strawberry or Pandan Haupia—each one freshly made to order.

Haupia: The Coconut Classic

Haupia is a silky coconut pudding that’s a staple at luaus and family gatherings. Traditionally thickened with arrowroot or cornstarch, haupia has a custard-like consistency and a subtle coconut aroma that feels indulgent but light. Some versions are layered with chocolate (haupia pie) or paired with butter mochi for extra richness.

Modern Takes on Island Favorites

Today’s Hawaiian desserts blend nostalgia with creativity. You’ll find modern twists like matcha butter mochi, ube butter mochi cake, and strawberry chi chi dango—each adding a colorful, modern flair. At Keola’s Mochi & Eats, we keep the spirit of Hawaii alive while experimenting with bold new flavors that travel beautifully across the mainland.

Where to Order Hawaiian Desserts Online

Craving authentic Hawaiian sweets but not in the islands? Keola’s Mochi & Eats ships nationwide and offers local pickup and delivery across Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma. Each batch is made fresh using family-tested recipes—never frozen, never mass-produced.

Whether you’re planning a luau, a baby shower, or just want a taste of home, we make it easy to bring Hawaii’s most-loved desserts right to your doorstep.

Order Hawaiian Desserts Online

FAQs About Hawaiian Desserts