Life is Sweet at Hokulani Bake Shop

It was a truly sweet moment when Hawaii’s very own Hokulani Bake Shop won the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” during the show’s season four “Screamfest” episode. Since then, the gourmet bakery has continued to reign as one of the island’s premier pastry shops, treating its customers to a collection of delightfully sugary homemade cookies and cupcakes. Led by co-general managers Nicole Ferriman and Pamela Pang, Hokulani allows the natural and cultural beauty of Hawaii to inspire its creative confections.

“In addition to being trained in the culinary arts, our bakers are all from Hawaii and have deep local roots,” says Tushar Dubey, owner of Hokulani Bake Shop. “So we trust their instinct to create flavors that embrace the island.”

Dedicated to using only the highest quality ingredients, Hokulani’s line of cupcakes is made with real butter and sugar. “There is a not a drop of oil in any of our cakes, which is what a lot of supermarket bakeries will use to keep their baked goods moist,” explains Dubey. “Instead of extending shelf life, we are much more interested in what will be healthier and taste better for the client.”

Popular flavors include Lilikoi Cup-cake ($2.50), Strawberry Guava Cup-cake ($2.50) and Southern Red Velvet Cupcake ($2.50). Many of Hokulani’s recipes call for various unique fillings such as lemon cream cheese and passion fruit puree.

“Part of our secret is we don’t skimp on ingredients,” says Dubey. “Spending the extra time and money for chocolate chips refined from Belgium or Cacao Barry (brand) powder is absolutely worth it.”

Hokulani will open its fifth location at Windward Mall next month. Despite its growth, the patisserie’s bakers stand firm when it comes to keeping their cupcakes fresh and not compromising for quantity. “Our batter is never frozen and nothing is sold a day old unless specifically marked so,” says Dubey. “Every morning our bakers come into work at 4 a.m. to start the day’s orders from scratch, so our work is quite labor-intensive.”

Whether serving dessert at a social gathering or enjoying a bite-size treat solo, Hokulani Bake Shop has something for any occasion and sweet tooth, much in part thanks to its high-quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations. “Our cup-cakes are a reflection of us and our personal standards,” says Dubey. “In the end, we bake as if we are baking for our own family because that is exactly how we feel.

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.