Liliha Bakery Takes Over Waikīkī Beach Walk Space, Bringing Coco Puffs to the Tourist Strip

Liliha Bakery is bringing its famous coco puffs and plantation-style comfort food to the heart of Waikīkī’s tourist corridor, taking over the former Blue Fish Waikiki space at Waikiki Beach Walk.

The beloved local institution, which has been serving Honolulu families since 1950, will open its sixth location in the prime retail space that has sat vacant since Blue Fish closed earlier this year. The move represents a significant expansion for the family-owned bakery, marking its first foray into Waikīkī’s heavily trafficked tourist zone.

“We’re excited to share our local flavors with visitors while continuing to serve our kama’aina customers,” said Robert Asato, whose family has operated Liliha Bakery for over seven decades. “The coco puffs don’t change whether you’re from Kalihi or Kansas City.”

Waikiki Beach Walk, the outdoor retail and dining complex between Lewers Street and Beachwalk, has struggled to maintain consistent tenancy in recent years. The departure of Blue Fish, which served Hawaiian-Asian fusion cuisine, left a notable gap in the center’s dining options.

Liliha Bakery’s decision to occupy the space signals confidence in Waikīkī’s recovery as tourism numbers continue climbing back toward pre-pandemic levels. The bakery joins other local establishments like Marukame Udon and Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck in bringing authentic island flavors to the tourist strip.

From Neighborhood Institution to Tourist Destination

Founded by Japanese immigrant Takeshi Morimoto, Liliha Bakery began as a small neighborhood spot on North Kuakini Street. The bakery’s signature coco puffs – choux pastry filled with chocolate pudding and topped with Chantilly frosting – became legendary among locals, often sparking pre-dawn lines at the original location.

The expansion to Waikīkī represents a calculated risk for the family business. While the bakery’s existing locations in Kalihi-Palama, Nimitz Highway, Mililani, and other neighborhoods cater primarily to residents, the Beach Walk spot will need to appeal to international visitors who may be unfamiliar with local comfort food traditions.

The menu at the new location will feature Liliha’s full range of offerings, from breakfast plates featuring Portuguese sausage and rice to late-night saimin bowls. The bakery’s famous coco puffs and malasadas will likely draw curious tourists seeking an authentic taste of local Hawaii.

Betting on Foot Traffic

Waikiki Beach Walk’s prime location between the Royal Hawaiian Center and the International Market Place positions the new Liliha Bakery to capture foot traffic from multiple hotel properties and shopping destinations. The complex sees thousands of daily visitors navigating between Kalākaua Avenue and the beach.

The timing coincides with ongoing efforts to revitalize the Beach Walk complex, which has seen several restaurant closures and openings over the past two years. Property managers have been actively courting established local brands to create a more authentic dining experience for visitors.

For Liliha Bakery, the Waikīkī location offers an opportunity to introduce its comfort food legacy to a broader audience while potentially building brand recognition among visitors who might seek out other locations during return trips.

The bakery’s other locations have maintained their neighborhood character despite growing popularity among food tourists and social media influencers drawn by the photogenic coco puffs and old-school diner atmosphere.

What’s Next

Construction and permitting for the new location are expected to begin in early 2025, with an anticipated opening in the second quarter of the year. The space will undergo significant renovation to accommodate Liliha’s kitchen requirements and signature counter-service format.

The addition gives Waikīkī residents and hotel workers another local dining option in an area dominated by chain restaurants and high-priced resort fare. For visitors, it offers an accessible introduction to Hawaii’s plantation-era comfort food culture without leaving the tourist zone.

As Honolulu’s dining scene continues evolving to balance local authenticity with tourist accessibility, Liliha Bakery’s Waikīkī expansion represents how established local institutions are adapting to serve both communities while preserving their cultural identity.