Punalu U Bake Shop The Southernmost Bakery In The United States

The Hawaiian Islands are famous for their unique food you won’t find anywhere else in the world: and while we absolutely adore loco mocos and Spam musubi as much as the next person, our pastries are seriously second to none. From Hawaiian sweetbread to the famous malasada, there’s little better than the baked goods you’ll find in Hawaii – especially if you head to Hawaii Island’s Punalu’u Bake Shop.

Located on Hawaii Island, halfway between Kailua-Kona and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in the small town of Na’alehu, Punalu’u is not only a welcome respite for weary travelers in need of a quick meal or snack, but it is a destination in and of itself.

Linda S./Yelp

Oh, and did we mention that it is also the southernmost bakery in the United States?

letdown102/Flickr

Punalu’u Bake Shop serves up some of the best Ka’u coffee, Hawaiian sweetbread, anpans, several flavors of mouthwatering malasadas, and a variety of bakery treats, ice cream, sandwiches, plate lunches, and fresh salads.

Rena H./Yelp

Francine U./Yelp

Introduced to Hawaii in the 19th century by Portuguese workers in the sugarcane fields, sweetbread has become a favorite treat among locals and visitors alike. The sweet and moist sweetbread sold at this iconic bakeshop was adapted from a traditional family recipe, and was first prepared at a nearby resort restaurant in Punalu’u in the 1970s.

Nancy Q./Yelp

In 1991, Punalu’u Bake Shop was born in order to supply locals and visitors alike with this popular treat.

Gianni C./Yelp

Don’t forget about the absolutely to-die-for malasadas. With flavors like lilikoi, mango and taro and fillings like apple and vanilla cream, we recommend you purchase at least a small box of malasadas - that’s six mouthwatering pastries - while visiting Punalu’u Bake Shop.

Jeziell B./Yelp

Leimalani F./Yelp

The bakeshop sits on a tropical estate, comprised of 4 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, and two charming gazebos from which to enjoy your treats before you get back on the road- either towards Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, South Point, or Kailua-Kona.

Punalu’u Bake Shop/Yelp

Punalu’u Bake Shop/Facebook

In addition to the retail bakery, the grounds are also home to a visitor’s center, modern restroom facilities, and a gift shop.

Joe C./Yelp

Punalu’u Bake Shop is located on Hawaii Route 11 in Naalehu and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.