We found this bakery as a happy accident on a scenic drive to the North Shore. It was closed by the time we stopped by so we had to make time to go the second time around. On this visit, we got a full spread! We got a box of all of the things and it didn't disappoint. I was so excited to choose all kinds of pastries for my box. At this point, everything is already in my tummy and I've already crossed memory lane, so I can't tell you the names of every pastry but what I can tell you is take the scenic drive. Check out the businesses you normally wouldn't have stopped by. Visit the Yelp page. Look at recommendations from fellow Yelpers! When I'm curious of a place and I'm not convinced yet, I always go to Yelp to see what the people have to say and the people love the pastries here for good reason. This place has some good pastries. I would come back just to satisfy the sweet tooth again. I will say, leave the snow puffs for enjoying when you're not in your vehicle unless you're okay with a mess lol read more

Paalaa Kai Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

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Cute little bakery filled with so much yummy desserts inside. You need to make this one of your stops when you are taking a trip around the island. We love the flaky pastries filled with custard. My husband and kids also love their chocolate chip macadamia cookies. They also have classics like ensemadas, an pan, twisted donuts. It can get crowded inside as it's a very small shop. Staff are very friendly read more

Paalaa Kai Bakery - Snow puffs - Bakeries Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

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Food- 4 stars Ambiance- 5 stars Service- 5 stars Visited Paalaa Kai Bakery last weekend and tried their Snow puppy and Bread pudding. First, I have always loved north shore and never found the drive to be cumbersome so the location is perfect. The Snow Puppy was divine! The flakes and powdered sugar are out of control once you bite into it so best not to eat it in your car. lol I absolutely loved their bread pudding. This is the first time I have tried bread pudding with a crust that I can honestly say complimented the texture of the bread pudding. I highly recommend you show this business some love and support! read more

Paalaa Kai Bakery - Snow puppy! - Bakeries Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

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2026 updates: That fried chicken next door to the bakery is a must! Damn that delicious chicken skin ... it's crunchy salty goodness The snow puffies have sadly changed...they are not the same taste I remember 5 years ago. There's something artificial to the custard taste now...to a point that I don't like them anymore :( what changed? I'm so disappointed about the snow puffies but that fried chicken next door is worth a trip if you're visiting Northshore read more

Stopped by here for the snow puffies. They are flaky and the custard is oozing out in a good way. They make them fresh so you'll want a couple. read more

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On the way to north shore stopped here to grab some pastries. Heard so many things about this place and just had to try. My sweet tooth guides most of my adventures and this place does not disappoint. Snow puffies is what everyone comes for but pls try the rest of the delicious pastries so worth it. Grabbed a box full of items and snacked on the way to the beach. Face and clothes showing the obvious powered sugar evidence! Quick service, kind and helpful. Worth the drive ! read more

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Update on Paalaa Kai Bakery since driving along Haleiwa a must stop Snow Puffies . Very flaky and custard filling turnover it's the Bomb. Prices have gone up throughout the years but it's well worth it once in a while. Service is welcoming and very friendly. Stop by if you're planning to go around the Island you won't regret it . Support local read more

Paalaa Kai Bakery - Snow Puffies close up - Bakeries Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

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Service - 5/5 - Staffs are friendly and attentive Ambiance - 4/5 - The store is not too big but you can see everything at once. Food - 5/5 - I don't eat custard. HOWEVER, I ONLY eat the snow puff at Paalaa Kai Bakery. It's soooo fluffy and delicious. Not over sweetened. I also tried their pineapple turnovers and it's so good as well. I always go there for snow puff and jello. Highly recommend and worth the drive to North Shore. read more

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Biggg fan of this place! I'm always on the lookout for the best bakeries in hawaii and I loved the items we ordered. Got their famous snow puppies, which is essentially a puff pastry filled with crepe and topped with a chocolate spread- I loved how light and airy it is! Would recommend eating it fresh because there's no good way to save it/eat it later I was also happily surprised by their malasadas! Even not fresh, it was super soft and tasty. Prices were super reasonable as well! Will definitely be back next time read more

Paalaa Kai Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

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Just a local kine store with local service selling all kind pastries n local goodies. If you're in the area or have time to drive up Waialua countryside - their flakey snow puffs are worth the sugar rush! . A mini mart right next door get homemade bentos n warm food too if you like something savory. . aloha \m/ keep the country, country (: read more

Paalaa Kai Bakery - snow puff - Bakeries Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

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I wish we had more time during our visit, there were so many places we wanted to try! Paalaa Kai Bakery was a must stop for me to try their snow puffs. They have a variety of baked items including the snow puffs, pastries, donuts, cookies, snacks and more. They seemed a bit disappointed we were only buying one snow puff, but after the food adventure we had around the island we didn't want to push it. In hindsight, we should have bought a few more things to try! The snow puff was light and fluffy and delicious, though be warned- they are messy! We definitely got powdered sugar all over us and our rental car. It was worth it though, this was such a yummy treat. Next time we'd stop in earlier and grab some treat to bring back to our hotel with us. You can tell why this spot is so loved by locals and tourists! read more

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Paalaa Kai Bakery located in Hale'iwa as your entering historic North Shore. Small mom and pop shop dishing out pastries of all sorts as well as local snack items. They are famous for a dessert called "Snow Puffy". Which is a puff pastry filled with a custard, topped with a drizzle of chocolate and topped with powdered sugar (thus the name Snow Puffy). Super delicious, custard is very mild in taste and not too sweet, and light and crispy! If in the area, definitely stop by for a Snow Puffy! Might be best to walk (if close to the area) as parking is very scarce. read more

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​"No trip to the North Shore is complete without a stop at Paalaa Kai Bakery. The brownies and cookies are great, but the real star is the Snow Puffy. ​Pro tip: Grab a napkin before you take a bite! The powdered sugar goes everywhere, but that flavor explosion is 100% worth the mess. Don't miss out! read more

Paalaa Kai Bakery is definitely worth the stop when you're at the North Shore. The snow puffies are great. They're light and creamy, sweet but not too sweet. I recommend eating them "outside" of your car or you'll have a white (confectioners sugar) interior! (but it's worth it!) It's also a great place to get some lilikoi butter. I like to start my day with almond butter and lilikoi butter on bread with hot coffee. Yum read more

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Stopped and got bento and dessert. Really good stuff. Gets busy so try to get there before the rush. Island style grinds. It's legit. Definitely worth a trip to get. read more

Paalaa Kai Bakery - Puff - Bakeries Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

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Paalaa Kai Bakery opened in Waialua town in 1970 by owner Sadamu Oka and initially named it Waialua Bakery. The bakery was sold to the Sakai Family of Haleiwa Supermarket, which was renamed to Paalaa Kai Bakery. The daughter of Sadamu Oka, Patricia Oka, still works there as a baker. She was the creator of the bakery's famous Snow Puffy, a flakey layered pastry filled with sweet cream and topped with chocolate swirls and tons of powdered sugar. And, to ensure Sadamu Oka's legacy, the Sakai Family created malasadas and called them "Sada's Malas Sadas." The same recipe is used today from 30 years ago, and these malasadas are soft and fluffy and sell like hotcakes. The snow puffies, a cross between a turnover and éclair, are best eaten fresh before the inside cram starts to soak through the crispy layers and flattening them out. I usually eat them on the beach in Haleiwa, and the layers are so crispy, with the sweet cream oozing out, the powdered sugar landing all over you, and tasting the contrast of the chocolate swirls. Heavenly! Any leftovers are taken home to eat later, but I notice they've become a little soggy. So, best eaten as soon as you purchase them. Other bakeries in town have tried to duplicate the snow puffies, but you can easily tell that they are not the same. Only Paalaa Kai Bakery has the real snow puffies! I knew about the popularity of the snow puffy but didn't know about the background of the malasadas and their popularity. I will have to try some malasadas the next time I'm there! Paalaa Kai Bakery has an extensive variety of pastries, e.g., ensaymadas, turnovers, glazed/twist/filled doughnuts, rainbow jello, fudge brownies, cream puffs, long johns, eclairs, Danishes, butter rolls, croissants, bear claws, butter rolls. They also have freshly baked breads, with flavors of lilikoi, coffee, guava, strawberry and coconut. And they have cookies of almond, chocolate chip, coconut, choc chip mac nut, peanut butter, snowball, sugar, and oatmeal raisin. They have recently brought back their pies on weekday, with flavors of apple, pumpkin, custard, peach, banana cream, and blueberry cream. Cakes have also been brought back and are baked on weekends, with flavors of Chantilly, peach Bavarian, chocolate, butter nut, banana, and pound. They also have sandwiches, coffee, smoothies, and other drinks. There are also t-shirts and other merchandise for sale. Staff is friendly, fast and efficient. With customers constantly coming and going, you feel a little rushed in ordering, as there are a mix of local residents and tourists waiting behind you, with a line sometimes out the door. Just pointing what you want does the trick. The small bakery hasn't changed over the years, as it seems that you're still in the '70's. Yes, the same display cases and wall signs, nostalgia for sure! It surely fits in with the laid-back country atmosphere of Waialua town. Hours of operation are daily from 6a to 6p. All baked items are discounted the hour before closing, from 5p to 6p daily. Free parking is available in their private lot or on the road side. For the fun part, the bakery has a wall sign for to play the "lucky seconds jackpot." Win a dozen snow puffies by matching certain receipt numbers with your birthdate. Note that there's a convenience store next door called Paalaa Kai Mini Mart that offers bentos, fried chicken, musubi, noodles, Korean sushi/pancake, and other prepared foods to go. This business is owned by the longtime chef of the prepared foods. Just the right complement to go with the baked goods next door. The Paalaa Kai Bakery (as well as the Paalaa Kai Mini Mart) is well worth a visit if driving to Haleiwa town. It is always a stop for me for snow puffies, as it is not often that I get to go to Haleiwa from my home in HI Kai. But in addition to the snow puffies, I'll be sure to try their signature Sada's Malas Sadas. Support local! read more

Paalaa Kai Bakery is the best place on the island for me. Their food is very fresh and they are very friendly the deep fried bananas changed my life and they have delicious unique fried foods. Also if you haven't been here then you need to step it up. I love this place. read more

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Man oh man. I'm so glad we found this little gem on our way up to the beach. Their variety was great, service was great, very clean and reasonably priced. Their malasalas and oval shaped bread was SO amazing. Wish I would've paid closer attention to the names of the bread I bought but everything was delicious! read more

First of all they have Buttermilk bars!!!!! That right there had me so excited my daughter told me to calm down! But then you see everything else they have and you can't help but be excited! Everything we picked from the buttermilk bars, long John, apricot pastry and their famous snow puffies were fresh and so tasty! This is such a small bakery you can almost miss it when you drive by but don't you really need to try this place if you like baked goods! read more

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Nice small bakery shop with a constant line! They're known for their snow puffs so you must stop by if you pass by this area. Next door, they have a mini mart that just opened up for quick eats and a drink if you want to grab food for the beach. read more

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Tried their snow puff over 2 years ago and really liked it. Probably would have given it a 5 star review but sometimes I like to revisit before my review to make sure it's the same. Sure enough, the snow puff is just as great as I remembered so definitely a 5 out of 5. This time I decided to order a chocolate eclair and this one was pretty bad. A 1.5 out of 5 for me. So to round out the rating, I have to give this place a 3 star. So for those reading this review, just buy yourself a snow puff and enjoy. read more

Paalaa Kai Bakery - Delicious Snow Puffs - Bakeries Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

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Snowpuffies are getting really pricey. Custard filling doesn't seem the same. Not as creamy as before. Don't overbuy since the snowpuffies lose their crispiness after a day read more

Paalaa Kai Bakery - Snowpuffies - Bakeries Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

The long John was so good and so was the snow puffy. I personally preferred the long John. The donut holes were very good and had some flavor notes I was unfamiliar with but delicious. Cute small owned bakery and worth the support read more

Paalaa Kai Bakery - Snow puffy - Bakeries Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

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Can't believe it took me this long to try Paalaa Kai Bakery! Heard about snow puffy many times and finally get to try it and it did not disappoint. I didn't eat it right away and it was still very airy very crunchy. The custard was very creamy and the sweetness was just right. This bakery is in Haleiwa. There are a few parkings outside. Don't forget to stop by here when you go to North Shore! read more

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Cute little shop the aunties were helpful. Snow puffy was soooo good! It was flakey not too sweet and definitely something to try! read more

Paalaa Kai Bakery - Snow puffy was soooo good! It was flakey not too sweet and definitely something to try! - Bakeries Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

After watching an influencer on YouTube rave about Snow Puffies & then, reading Yelp reviews, this was on the top of our to-do list the first day we got here. Trust me, they're worth every Star & more! "Grandma" & her helpers are well equipped to handle long lines of patient customers (I say patient bec they KNOW what's coming!). They have a beautiful display of other fine pastries & someday we'll have to try something different. For now though, just give us another Puffie!!!! read more

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We stopped by Paalaa Kai as we were leaving Hale'iwa heading back to town. Their sig item is the snow puffie. The snow puffie is custard filled, and the outside is flaky and buttery. It is an awesome combination. Regarding the ambiance, PKB is small. There is no seating, but there is a bench outside. They also offer malasadas, donuts, turnovers, cookies, sandwiches and other desserts. The staff is super nice and efficient. We were in and out quickly. Support this local biz when you are in the North Shore. They serve excellent sweets with a whole lot of Aloha. read more

Paalaa Kai Bakery - Signature snow puffie (excellent) - Bakeries Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

If you are taking a drive out to Haleiwa side, be sure to make a detour to head here for some delicious dessert options We get a box of their snow puffies all the time for us & our neighbors. These are very filling and a nice dessert or breakfast item with hot coffee. Parking is right in front. read more

Stood in the short line that went fast into the shop. Snow puffies are a must~ yum! The we light cream filled puff pastry covered in sweet snow. We enjoyed the brownies, too! Going back for more. Tip: Don't eat snow puffies on a windy day like we did. You'll be covered in snow!! read more

Paalaa Kai Bakery - Just starting to taste the snow puffies after the big wind. - Bakeries Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

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Snow puffs so good. A must try. They have flavored tropical butters we tried mango butter. It didn't have a very strong flavor of mango butter still good. The butter rolls were really good. The apple donuts so good a must try. The cinnamon roll with no frosting was excellent. The malasadas were good but would be better served HOT. It's pretty small inside can be a tight squeeze. read more

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ホノルル訪れるたびに 再訪してます 朝の10:00ごろにおじゃましました。。 かわるがわるに来客があります。。 個人的にスノーパフが好きなので これ目的で行きますし、 これはもちろんおいしくいただきました。。 生地がサックサクで、クリームはドロッとしてます。。 すごく甘そうで、それほどは甘くない 個人的に程よいかげんです好きです。。 お店の奥にある バニラマカダミアコーヒーがよく合います。。 MALASADAも有名？とのことから 初トライしてみましたが 揚げたてでもないし、サクッフワッってわけでもないので おいしくなかったかな・・・・・・。。 ローカルの方は 普通のパンを買われてます。。 駐車場はお店の前ぬスペースに 停められます。。 read more

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3.5 stars I've heard about Paalaa Kai Bakery and their snowy puffs for a while now so it was mandatory we took a stop here while in the North Shore! Small little bakery for take out only. Ordered 6 snowy puffs (~$3.25 each) and took it on the road. Very messy to eat its FILLED with custard, the puff pasty flakes get everywhere and so does the powdered sugar. Considering the amount of sugar everywhere, I didn't think the puffs were overly sweet. I did like the little amount of chocolate on top to give it an added flavor profile. I'm normally a huge fan of custard but even then I needed to take a little bit out since it was quite overwhelming with the amount provided. Not sure if it was just my taste buds, but I tasted a bit of a very very light peppermint taste somewhere in the puffs which was a bit odd. I would definitely share a snowy puff instead of an individual one per person, but to each their own! read more

Paalaa Kai Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

I can't say this enough to everyone been coming in here since a kid and they do not disappoint. Specially early in the morning when you're taking your kids to the beach this is a perfect snack to hit up before going in da water I always get everything cause it's good but today only got for the kids read more

Paalaa Kai Bakery - Some chocolate doughnut with sprinkles, chocolate centered doughnut, and a pig in a blanket - Bakeries Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

Who doesn't love fresh Snow Puffies!? I've tried many imitations, but these are still the best. Light, airy, crunchy layers of pastry filled with thick, creamy custard, topped with a real chocolate swirl and powdered sugar! It's easy to forget that they are a bakery and have a lot of other pastries as well. I've tried a few other items and they are good, but if I'm out there I will always grab a box of Snow Puffies. I haven't been out there in a while, but have just been blessed by a friend and had to write a review! read more

Finally made it in after two previous failed attempts when they were closed and had a long line. Made it in a little before closing and shocked they still had snow puffies left which is what we came in for. Automatic two boxes secured and it was definitely worth the drive. So light and flaky that it's not overwhelmingly filling you can have more than one! Since it was late, not much was left in the display case as far as pastries but they have other treats and foods on the shelves and other refrigerated sections. Casual vibe and a private parking lot shared with their mini mart. It's a busy lot but everyone is in and out with their essentials! read more

Paalaa Kai Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

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On our way out of Haleiwa, we made a stop at Paalaa Kai for their famous snow puffies. I ordered 4 of the custard filled snow puffs, 4 cinnamon puffs, and 4 custard filled malasadas for good measure. The snow puffs were extremely light, fluffy, and filled with delicious traditional custard. I can see why people rave about them! I'd highly recommend stopping in here on the way to/from North Shore for a lighter dessert. read more

Paalaa Kai Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

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This humble bakery on the North Shore of Oahu is legendary. You are greeted by Aunty's who has probably worked there their whole life. They have a broad assortment of pastries, cookies, turnovers some sandwiches and local snacks. But, what they are famous for. are there impeccable, flaky, creamy, sweet, chocolatey, snow puffies. The great thing about this place is it is a In-N-Out to go bakery where everything is made fresh the puffies our delicate flaky filled with vanilla custard topped with drizzled rich chocolate icing and sprinkled with a generous portion of powdered sugar. Pro tip pro tip be careful don't inhale as you attempt to take a bite. The delectable pastries are freshly made have lovely crunch and are also so addicting. My only critique at this point is it does appear that the puffy have gotten smaller... read more

Paalaa Kai Bakery - Snow puffies - Bakeries Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

Only a few of the pastries are labeled & if you ask what something is, the workers aren't very nice and don't really give you a straightforward answer. Pricing is good tho, nice selection of baked goods, just not the nicest workers. read more

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Home of the original snow puffies! Light tasting, flaky, pastry puff generously filled with custard on the inside, chocolate swirls on top, abundance of powdered sugar, and chilled in glass display. I agreed to get snow puffies as long as someone can consume the chocolate swirls for me. Deal! I love how light and flaky the pastry puff tasted! Custard filling was indeed cool and light tasting! Powdered sugar offered a layer of sweetness. Cool mess! If it gets really crowded, I highly recommend pulling a ticket where the stand is outside. Layout is horizontal and narrow. Workers are swift. I would definitely return for the snow puffies minus the chocolate on top! There's butter rolls and assorted pastries that I'd love to try next time. read more

Paalaa Kai Bakery - Snow puffies - Bakeries Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

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The snow puff is hands down the best thing to get here. I've tried a few of their other pastries, but none of them were memorable enough for me to order again. The snow puff, however, is my absolute favorite. The pastry is incredibly flaky, and the cream has just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering. It's light, airy, and makes the perfect afternoon snack or a delicious dessert after a meal. I don't get to come here very often, but whenever I do, I always make sure to grab a snow puff. It's the one item I never leave without. read more