The landmark Punalu’u Bake Shop was founded in the mid-80’s at the Punalu’u Black Sands Beach Restaurant.
January of 1991 saw the relocation of the Bake Shop to the charming and still-remote plantation town of Naʻalehu, near South Point. The location change meant that the bakery became known as the Southernmost Bakery in the United States, and that new location by the highway was magic: an average of 38,000 bakery fans now visit every month.
Many come for the signature 24 oz. Traditional Sweetbread Loaf, but the cases are loaded with “local” treats like malasadas, a.k.a. “Portuguese donuts”, a line of buttery shortbread cookies, and local-style plate lunches. Finish with macadamia nut or coconut ice cream . . . or start there. Somehow not hungry? You can still shop for fun island gifts.
It’s a great place to tank up if you are headed to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park from Kona, and a great place to celebrate on the way back!Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed on Christmas and New Years Day)