Liliha Bakery Is Bringing Its Legendary Coco Puffs to Waikiki Beach Walk

Local institution Liliha Bakery is set to open its sixth location in the heart of Waikiki Beach Walk, marking a significant expansion for the 73-year-old family business into one of Honolulu’s most tourist-heavy corridors.

The beloved bakery will take over the former Blue Fish space at Waikiki Beach Walk, bringing its legendary coco puffs and chantilly cake to visitors and locals alike in the bustling shopping and dining district. The move represents a bold step for a brand that has built its reputation serving neighborhoods across Oahu since 1950.

“This is really exciting for us because Waikiki Beach Walk has such incredible foot traffic, but we’re not changing who we are,” said a spokesperson for Liliha Bakery. “We’ll still be the same local bakery people have loved for generations, just in a new location where we can share our story with visitors from around the world.”

The expansion comes at a time when many local businesses have struggled to maintain footholds in Waikiki’s increasingly expensive retail landscape. Chain restaurants and international brands often dominate prime real estate in the tourist district, making Liliha Bakery’s move particularly noteworthy for supporting local business presence in the area.

Liliha Bakery currently operates locations in Kalihi, Nimitz, Mililani, Ala Moana Center, and Pearl City. The Waikiki Beach Walk location will be the company’s first venture into the tourism-focused corridor, positioning the bakery to serve both hotel guests and beachgoers looking for authentic local flavors.

A Local Institution Goes Tourist-Friendly

Founded by Robert and Lily Takemoto in 1950, Liliha Bakery has become synonymous with local comfort food and exceptional pastries. The bakery’s signature coco puffs — cream-filled choux pastry topped with chocolate fondant — have achieved near-mythical status among locals and visiting food enthusiasts.

Beyond the famous coco puffs, the bakery serves full breakfast and lunch menus featuring local-style plates, saimin, and an array of baked goods including their celebrated chantilly cake. The diner-style atmosphere and affordable prices have made it a gathering place for generations of families across Oahu.

The Waikiki Beach Walk location will likely introduce thousands of visitors to these local favorites while providing a more accessible option for tourists staying in nearby hotels. The pedestrian-friendly shopping center connects major Waikiki hotels and sits just blocks from the beach, ensuring high visibility and foot traffic.

Filling a Notable Void

The new Liliha Bakery will occupy the space previously held by Blue Fish, a seafood restaurant that closed earlier this year. The transition represents more than just a simple restaurant changeover — it signals a shift toward featuring established local brands in prime Waikiki real estate.

Waikiki Beach Walk, developed in the mid-2000s as an open-air shopping and dining destination, has weathered various tenant changes over the years. The addition of a beloved local institution like Liliha Bakery could provide stability and authentic local flavor that complements the center’s mix of shops and restaurants.

The bakery’s expansion also reflects broader trends in Hawaii’s food scene, where established local businesses are finding new ways to reach both residents and visitors. Unlike many tourist-focused establishments that adapt their offerings for mainland palates, Liliha Bakery built its following by staying true to local tastes and traditions.

For Waikiki workers and residents, the new location promises convenient access to affordable local food in an area where dining options often carry tourist-level pricing. The bakery’s reasonable prices and generous portions have always made it popular with local families, a reputation likely to serve them well in their new location.

No official opening date has been announced, but the bakery is expected to begin operations in early 2025 as part of a wave of new restaurant openings across Oahu. The Waikiki location will mark another milestone for a business that has successfully evolved while maintaining its core identity as a neighborhood bakery serving the community.

For longtime fans, the expansion represents validation of what they’ve always known — that Liliha Bakery’s simple approach to quality food and service has staying power that transcends neighborhood boundaries. And for first-time visitors, it offers an authentic taste of local Hawaii right in the heart of Waikiki’s tourist district.