Guide to O’ahu:
(This post is always growing and changing as I explore & discover new spots around the island. Be sure to bookmark this page to check out new discoveries or find my much less wordy shortlist here!)
I first visited Hawaii in 2009 on a family vacation across the Big Island. I have memories of stunning botanical gardens, waterfalls, volcanoes and dazzling beaches… but the memory I always talk about first? The malasadas.
Sweet, sugary Portuguese donuts best eaten immediately, when they’re hot & fresh. You can go the traditional route with a dusting of sugar or cinnamon, or choose a custard-filled option that will literally change your life.
Speaking of sweets, snow puffies are another island delicacy that I discovered via my Uber driver while we made conversation in bumper-to-bumper traffic (welcome to Honolulu!). During a shoot on the North Shore, I popped into this bakery to try one myself, and after downing one in the car, I went back in to buy a second to eat on the beach. After all, did you really treat yo’ self if your face isn’t covered in powdered sugar?
Are you sensing a trend? Gimme custard, a dusting of powdered sugar and a chocolate drizzle and I’m yours!
Find the OG snow puffies at Paalaa Kai Bakery