Punalu'u Bake Shop

Bakery · Naalehu

Punalu'u Bake Shop

Bakery · Naalehu

95-5642 Mamalahoa Hwy, Naalehu, HI 96772

Highlights

This charming bakery and visitor center serves up mouthwatering Hawaiian sweetbreads and donuts in a beautiful setting, making it a must-stop treat.

95-5642 Mamalahoa Hwy, Naalehu, HI 96772 Get directions

bakeshophawaii.com

@punaluubakeshop

$10–20 · Menu

@afar

"Sweets for Southernmost Bakery Goers For travelers who find themselves driving on the southern end of the Big Island, a stop at the Punaluu Bake Shop should be required. The shop is clean, has an outdoor picnic area, and has a case full of tremendously delicious bakery items. Malasadas are a Hawaiian favorite food and perfect for breakfast, but the bakery also sells sandwiches, ice cream, and some local souvenirs and kitchen items."

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Foodieextreme Foodieextreme

Google

We stopped at this amazing bakery on our way to the black sand beach and absolutely loved it. It’s the southernmost bakery in the US and such a fun stop for the whole family. There was a long line when we arrived but it moved fast and was totally worth the wait. The setting is beautiful with gardens and plenty of space to relax. We got two chocolate malasadas and two eclairs—so fresh and delicious. The iced coffee and smoothie hit the spot, and the regular coffee was great too. We also picked up two loaves of sweet bread to enjoy for breakfast the next day and they were gone by morning. My two little girls were all smiles the whole time and said it was one of their favorite stops on the trip. Highly recommend for anyone passing through!

vamsi C

Google

Punaluu Bake Shop is a fun stop mainly for the novelty—it’s the southernmost bakery in the U.S.! The place is cute with a wide range of pastries and treats, definitely a hit with kids. That said, the food itself is decent but nothing mind-blowing. It’s worth a quick visit if you’re passing by, but there are definitely better food spots on the island if you’re short on time.

Pebi

Google

The southernmost bakery in Hawaii—and in the entire United States—specializes in malasadas, a type of doughnut originally from Portugal. There are many flavors to choose from, and it’s definitely worth trying the less popular ones. Many people go for the classic, but “taro” for example is surprisingly delicious and even better than the traditional option. Whether filled or plain, there’s something for everyone: those with a sweet tooth can go for a glazed one. The bakery also offers eclairs, puff pastries, coffee, souvenirs, and much more. On weekends, be prepared for potentially long lines at the registers.

Marina Noelle Bonsi

Google

A must-do if you’re in the area! A great place to stop on the way to Volcanoes National Park. It’s BIG inside, can get very crowded, but there is lots of outdoor seating. Everything is made fresh. There is also a little store with good souvenirs. Got the breakfast plate. They have lunch and breakfast options.

Jerome Cooper

Google

I recently popped into this bake shop for a quick coffee and breakfast sandwich and I was happy I did. The coffee was delicious and so was the sandwich. They had plenty of parking and awesome outdoor spaces to enjoy your meal at. The service was friendly. I’d recommend checking this place out if you’re in the area. 🤙

Tara Konya

Google

The GuideAlong app recommended this stop, and while we’re glad we checked it out, we’re not sure it’s a must stop. The positives: It’s a convenient stop on the way to Volcanoes National Park, especially with clean, free restrooms, a major bonus on a long drive! If you're looking for a quick, sugary snack, this place hits the spot, especially since there aren't many food options once you're inside the park. Things to keep in mind: This is a very popular stop, so expect crowds and a bit of a wait. While the malasadas were good, we didn’t find them significantly better than other options available across the island. We also tried the coconut ice cream and were honestly a bit disappointed. It wasn’t as creamy as expected and lacked that rich coconut flavor we were hoping for. Still, it’s a fun, easy break if you’re headed to the park and want to stretch your legs and grab something sweet.

Yulily

Google

05/02/2025 (Fri) We stopped by Punaluʻu Bake Shop on our way back from Hilo. It’s known as the southernmost bakery in the United States, but the place felt more like a souvenir shop that also sells sandwiches, coffee, malasadas, ice cream, and packaged snacks. They have a wide variety of sweet breads, and we picked up a guava roll ($4.99), which was fluffy, subtly sweet, and very delicious.🌺 Their signature item, malasadas, are basically Hawaiian-style donuts.🍩 We tried three kinds: the most popular Bismarck ($3.29), Lilikoi Passion Fruit ($2.39), and Traditional ($1.99). Unfortunately, they were all a bit too sweet for our taste, and the texture wasn’t as fluffy as we had hoped. Sharing just three between the two of us felt a little heavy. That said, this is purely a matter of personal preference—it seems many people really enjoy them.😊✨ There are nice patio seating areas both in front of and behind the shop. We also tried two flavors of ice cream (Lemon Peel and Ube), but they were oddly already quite melted even before being served, which made them rather messy and hard to eat.🍧 Overall, it’s a fun spot to visit at least once, especially for first-timers. But unless you’re staying nearby, we probably wouldn’t make a special trip to come back.

Aaron Brousseau

Google

Punalu’u Bake Shop is an absolute must-visit when exploring the Big Island! As the southernmost bakery in the U.S., it offers a delightful mix of local flavors and charming hospitality. The sweet aroma of freshly baked goods greets you as soon as you walk in, making it nearly impossible to choose just one treat. Their signature sweetbread is heavenly – soft, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweetness. I also tried their malasadas, which were perfectly light and filled with delicious tropical flavors like lilikoi and guava. Pairing them with a cup of locally brewed coffee made for the perfect mid-day snack. The outdoor garden area is a lovely spot to relax and enjoy your treats, surrounded by lush tropical plants. It’s a peaceful oasis that adds to the overall experience. The staff were warm and welcoming, enhancing the bakery’s cozy, inviting vibe. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Punalu’u Bake Shop is definitely worth the stop. It’s a taste of Hawaii that you’ll remember long after you’ve left the island.