Mochi Made in Hawaii

Known for its assortment of magnificent mochi, Made in Hawaii Foods is ever-bustling with customers who can’t wait to get their hands on this sticky, sweet stuff.

Owner Don Akiyama oversees this family run mochi mecca which originally opened its doors on Moanalua Road in Pearl City before recently opening a second location on South Beretania Street in Moiliili.

“We make mochi desserts in two different styles,” Akiyama explains. “Daifuku is a soft mochi ball stuffed with different fillings, including fresh strawberry, sweet potato, haupia and more. Chi Chi Dango is a soft mochi rice cake flavored with lilikoi puree, strawberry puree and others,” he adds.

A grand opening is set for July 9 and 10 at the Moiliili establishment, and in honor of this momentous occasion, Akiyama and his staff are taking 20 percent off your entire purchase if you place your order by this Friday with scheduled pickup on Saturday or Sunday. Pre-orders are recommended at least two days in advance.

“Because everything is made by hand, mochi quantities are limited, so place your order as soon as possible to get the best selection,” Akiyama says.

A Trio of Treats

The proof is in the pudding — or rather, dough — as Made in Hawaii Foods sells 500 pieces of mochi a day, on average.

Two Piece Fresh Kula Strawberry Mochi, Red Bean ($5.95), Milk Chocolate ($8.50) and Dark Chocolate ($9.50)

A fresh Kula strawberry is covered in your choice of red bean paste or milk/dark chocolate truffle cream, perfectly wrapped in soft, chewy mochi. Akiyama says the key ingredient to this tasty treat is the Maui strawberry from Kula Country Farms, sent by air twice a week to Made in Hawaii Foods to assure the freshest product.

Three Piece Assorted Daifuku Mochi #2 ($5.75)

Includes one Lilikoi Cheesecake daifuku mochi, featuring a piece of cheesecake drizzled with lilikoi butter and wrapped in mochi; one Chocolate Cream Haupia daifuku mochi, consisting of a piece of fresh haupia topped with chocolate pastry cream and wrapped in mochi; and one Peanut Butter daifuku mochi, with crunchy peanut butter, covered in red bean paste and wrapped in mochi.

Large Premium Assorted Daifuku Mochi (eight pieces, $18.95)

This assorted set includes one each of Fresh Strawberry with red bean, Fresh Strawberry with milk chocolate, Truffles (dark chocolate wrapped in mochi) and Peanut Butter Chocolate daifuku (creamy peanut butter covered with milk chocolate truffle cream).

Made in Hawaii Foods

See more articles from: Made in Hawaii Foods