Hokulani Treats to Woo Your Sweetheart

Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays. Not because I expect it to be saturated with any romantic moments, but because it begs to be celebrated with decadent sweets.

As we head into the second month of the new year, I think it’s time to let go of the resolutions and the delusion of being able to withhold from indulging a little this Feb. 14.

Since this is the last Sunday of the month, let this be an early reminder that V-Day is quickly approaching.

For those of you looking for sugary confections to give to your significant other, friends and family, Hokulani Bake Shop offers a variety of Valentine’s Day-themed specials.

But for those of you who are prone to procrastinate, general manager Nicole Ferriman recommends pre-ordering treats. Last year, she says, the line for last-minute shoppers was extremely long at its Restaurant Row location.

Among Hokulani’s specials are Valentine’s Day Decorated Cookies ($4, regular; $6.75, large). Hokulani’s signature hand-decorated sugar cookies are offered in approximately five different shapes and as many as 15 different designs.

The bakery also will offer Double Layered Heart Cake ($20) by special order only. This customizable cake is perfect for two, and if ordered in advance, can be made with any of Hokulani’s cupcake flavors. All cakes are filled with cream cheese and topped with butter cream frosting, along with a personalized message. Single layered cakes also will be available for $10, and will be available Valetine’s Day, though Ferriman also suggests pre-ordering in advance.

And, of course, being that Hokulani claimed the title of Food Network Cupcake Wars champion, it also will offer its popular cupcakes (prices vary), which also may be purchased as a dozen or six-pack. Currently, Hokulani features four seasonal flavors: Strawberry Shortcake, Port Wine with Butter Cream, Salted Filled Caramel and Pineapple with Rum. It also recently released Wailua Fudge.

A few days before Valentine’s Day, the bakery also plans on releasing its Valentine’s Day special, which features a chocolate cupcake filled with strawberry butter cream and topped with cream cheese.

And for those of you who have yet to try a Hokulani cupcake, Ferriman reassures they are “amazing.”

“They’re not something commercialized or anything like that,” she says, “we do everything from scratch with ingredients you can find in your own house. So it’s real homey.”

Hokulani Bake Shop

500 Ala Moana Blvd. Ste. 4B, Honolulu
(additional locations at Windward Mall, Hyatt Regency Waikiki, Pioneer Plaza and Pearlridge Center)
536-2253
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.