Paalaa Kai Bakery

The pastries were good. Their signature bars were light, fluffy, and oh so messy! (In a good way!!) The rest of the items we tried were all good. I do recommend going earlier in the day, we went in the afternoon and the choices were limited (as we expected towards end of day). The staff was tired and definitely ready to head home. Would I go again, yes, but in the morning for sure.

Local favorite bakery with their signature snow puffies! This is a small bakery that doesn't have seating, but you can take your pastries or food to-go and eat near the beach. There are not a lot of parking spaces in front of the store but you can park around the street.

a simple bakery with a unique delicacy, the snow puffies were one of the most unique and delicious pastries i’ve tried. their other pastries were great as well. i want to go back!

These snow puffies were such a treat! The cream inside is rich and delicious, and the sweetness is perfectly balanced--not overly sugary at all. We only ordered three at first because we weren't sure what to expect, but after tasting them, we instantly wished we had gotten more. The flavor is wonderfully light yet savory, making them absolutely addictive. We'll definitely be back for more, and I'd highly recommend trying them if you're in the area

Sweets: tastes great and very different Cleanliness: the store seems ok but could be better. Staff: just ok Parking: you can find some parking spots. Price: a bit pricy I don’t think I would try again.

A friend of mine told me, Bro you gotta stop at this place, yes or yes not option, please wake up early a get some snow puffy. Waking up wasn't an issue because of the central time difference I was already awake. The bakery was about 14 min from where I was staying so I decided to give it a try and there. To my surprise, it was only 8 am and the place had a line outside already, it was a very small bakery. I got the normal glaze donut with chocolate, a malasada with cream, Long John, and the famous Snow Puffy. I couldn't wait to get home and try it since my friend hit the pace very high. When I got the first bit I couldn't believe how delicious it was that thing, this was by far the most delicious pastry I had on the island, those snow puffy were so good, I will give them a 10/10. I am glad I listened to my friend and stopped by, this place was so good.

Awesome little local shop run by some lovely old ladies. You go for the snow puffies and you aren’t disappointed. Tasty and unique!

Very authentic store. The ladies were so sweet. We really loved the plain malasadas and it’s definitely based on choice. While we don’t like cream filled, they were the best we tried on the island. So, if you want to try, find the one that you like most!!!

I only come here for the puffies and occasionally I try other things but it's hard cause I only come here once in a blue moon, whenever I make it to North Shore. It's this decadent dessert of thin layers of puff pastry with a delicious cream filling inside and then it has chocolate infinity looking symbols on top and a layer of powdered sugar. It is addicting and delicious. WARNING - powdered sugar gets EVERYWHERE, the puff parts get EVERYWHERE. Once you take it out the box, it's done. Once you BITE it, everywhere. Eat it outside. If you do it in your car then you've been warned and you set yourself up for failure (haha!) Atmosphere - Walk in bakery - get your stuff and head out. There's only one bench outside if you want to eat your goodies or just go to a beach nearby and eat it there! Service - The ladies working there are nice and get you what you want. They have a numbering system so grab a number unless there's no one in line. Cost - To be honest, I don't remember. I just buy either half a dozen or dozen and don't mind the cost since it's a treat. From what I last remember, maybe $4 per puffy? But if you're bringing it for a bunch of people then be prepared to drop some money. Parking - It's a small lot that maybe fits like 10 cars but you can always park across the street. You'll see other people doing it. Location - There's a market next door that also has good food and then on the other side there's Wicked HI Cafe. One day I'll try something else. Wow and I realized that I didn't take a picture.

Whenever we're on the NS side, snow puffies are a must. Parking is a little tight, but worth the small kind hassle. Usually not too busy, but lots of workers to help you get in and out. Would we be back? Of course!

We traveled a long way for this bakery and it was worth very mile. These pastries are so good and the ratio of filling to flakiness is perfected. It's a small establishment that kind of looks like a quickie mart from the street, but make no mistake, once you walk in it is pure delicious heaven. Two words - Snow Puffies - even as I'm typing these 2 magical words my mouth is watering. Flaky on the outside with some powdered sugar and custard filling, they will leave you wishing you got one more. Bonus tip - if you go after 5, everything is half off.

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.

Had lunch in Waialua before heading to shave ice in Haleiwa when we made a quick stop at Paalaa Kai Bakery for pastries. We tried on Labor Day but it was too busy. Today, there were a few parking spaces available. I've been wanting to come here for a few years so I was excited to finally be able to come. It's a small bakery and so you do have to squeeze by people even when it's not busy. I think it was obvious that it was our first time there as my sister's eyes grew big and was excited that she asked out loud, what should we get? The counter help then said to my sister, aunty were known for our snow puffs. I then found the snow puffs on the other side of the bakery. Price is comparable to other bakeries and their specialties. Because we just had lunch and wanting shave ice as well, we had the snow puffs for dinner. It was really good. We liked how flaky it was and light. The filling, plenty of it but not too sweet. All-in-all, great experience.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at this iconic bakery [Waialua HI] My friend said if heading towards the North Shore don't forget to stop by this iconic bakery for their Snow Puffies. Well, Ms Kathy, you don't have to tell me twice. We stopped by the local bakery around 1:45p and we were lucky that they still had a tray full since these delectable pastries sell out on the daily. They also sell a variety of other pastries, such as the blueberry turnovers, ensaymadas and malasadas and prepackaged cookies. The bakery is small inside so might be a little tight with 3-4 people ordering at the counter. Friendly customer service. I picked up some goodies -- butter rolls, ensaymada, glazed donut, cookies to bring home, and a couple of one of the bakery's world famous... Snow Puffies. Now I regret just getting TWO! The Snow Puffy is an original Paalaa Kai Bakery creation. To describe it is the outer crust is flaky and has a wonderful buttery accent to it. The inside are filled (to da max) with cold, creamy custard. These Snow Puffies are topped off with swirls of chocolate fudge and lots of powdered sugar (best wear a white shirt, my friend advised). This dessert is best served cold. Ready, set, go and leave some for me... Review #3574

Snow Puffy is the star of the show at Paalaa Kai Bakery. It is a must visit when headed to the north. The snow puffy, a light flakey filled pastry with creamy custard, drizzled with chocolate and generously blanketed with powdered sugar. Be prepared to be covered in powdered sugar when you take that first bite and also watch that the custard does not get all over you. I usually like to eat my Snow Puffy outside, standing up to lessen the effects of the powdered sugar snow storm. It is definitely a must visit bakery when in the area. Service is great and parking is available as patrons come and go quickly.

Snow better dessert than these Snow Puffies from Paalaa Kai bakery in Hawaii! Flaky outside with a custard filled inside. Topped with powder sugar and chocolate

The service was excellent. The ladies helping us were so kind. We went to buy custard pie and ended up with three boxes of the famous snow puffies. They were so good. Light, puffy, a little messy and definitely worth the hype. It's a small shop and there is no place to sit and eat but it's in a great location to pick up on your way to North Shore.

My dad wanted to do a pitstop at @pkbsweets to have me try an iconic puff pastry from a local store he has gone to for years. Paalaa Kai Bakery has been around the Waialua community for over 40 years as many locals and visitors come to enjoy their pastries and signature treats, like their Snow Puffies! Snow Puffies are a delicate puff pastry snack filled with a custard filling topped with a dollop of chocolate and a snow pile of powdered sugar I would not recommend eating this in the car like I did, but it just looked too good to wait! Each bite I took had the crunchiness from the flaky layers and the sweet, smoothness from the custard filling, creating a well-balanced textured pastry to snack on The inside of the store was small, but intimate as the manong and manangs were helping to tend to the customers the best they could. There are not many parking stalls, so be sure to get here during a less of a rush.

Bakery with down home service amazing food, and will make you fat if you go there too much guaranteed highly highly recommend if you're in the area to go here the coffee is not bad either

I love the snow puffies but it's a good rice from Waikiki to here. However if you're headed to the north shore make this a destination. The snow puffies are 25% smaller than when I first started to coming here. Less powder sugar and chocolate on top but still good just not the 5 star place any more imo. It is good but I don't crave them any more like I use too. They are still delicious but not where I would drive an hour to get here.

First time trying the famous snow puff. It was very light and airy. The custard was not too sweet and felt cool between the pastry

The service was wonderful. The bakery items we bought were delicious. We live in Mililani, but the drive to Paalaa Kai Bakery is worth it.

These snowy puffs they got are highly addictive. So if you don't want to miss them after a trip - don't go here. Haha - no... seriously... these pastries are delicate and delicious! Not overly sweet - pairs well with coffee and expect to get messy during consumption! The small bakery feels nostalgic and homey and the staff are nice but efficient and servicing the best they can with the demand :) - hope to come back on my next trip to Oahu!

Snow puffies are the best dessert we had on Oahu (besides the shave ice of course). They're like a napoleon on steroids but in a delightfully light and not overpowering way. Be warned, the powder sugar and pastry flakes get everywhere so eat it outdoors.

So excited we found this little gem for donuts and pastries! We tried an assortment and everything was really wonderful and reasonably priced. They said the "Snow Puffies" and Malasadas are their biggest sellers, so we tried both along with an assortment of other options. I personally loved the custard Danish! My son got the chocolate sprinkle donut and the donut itself was SO soft and fluffy while still having a decent density to it. The ladies working at the shop were really nice and helpful with making selections, and everything inside the shop was clean and organized. This will probably be our go to for donuts from now on!

I'll be honest, I was visiting from the mainland and my sister in love kept talking about this bakery she wanted to go to where they serve "puffies". Since I didn't know what a puffy was I just came along for the ride. We walked in and they have two display cases and the puffies were off to one side. I had checked in and a voucher came up for 10% off of 6 and an additional 5% off cinnamon something but I was informed that they only have them on certain days. They also had brownies as well as butter and I grabbed one of each of those as well. Now, my ONLY gripe is "where are the prices?" - I dislike places that don't have prices marked as I hate the feeling of sticker shock at the register such as in this case. I got brownies, puffies and butter and it came up to $45. Was everything delicious? Yes. Were the puffies messy? YES! We were covered in powdered sugar and crumbs and have the nerve to eat them in the car. Would I do it again, definitely!

Stopped here to on our north shore tour to try their infamous snow puffy. I only got one but I wish I snagged a few more! SO yummy. We also tried some donuts there that were pretty good. We lucked out again and ended up going at a time when there was not a single other person there so we didn't have to wait in a crazy line. Stopping here first on my next trip so I can enjoy some treats throughout the week!

Wow! This bakery has great baked treats for really good prices. I had written down in my notes to go to this establishment because it looked like a good local place, and I was not disappointed.

Our family stopped here after visiting the North Shore. We were lucky and shortly after we got there in the midafternoon they brought out a tray of their famous Snow Puffies. We got four and ate them right outside. Delicious custard between sheets of puff pastry dusted with powdered sugar and with some chocolate piped on top. What's not to love? We were able to get a parking spot, but it got a bit crowded as we left. Excited to try more of their delicious baked goods next time we're in town.

Super small and quaint bakery in north shore, known for their snow puffies! We stopped by after visiting the dole plantation and ordered the snow puffies + malasadas, since they claimed those were the two most popular items. The snow puffies were amazinggg!!! I didn't expect them to be cold, so it was such a refreshing surprise. I really enjoyed it, even on a rainy day! Think a custard danish croissant with powdered sugar and chocolate chips on top, but with a cold cream filling. Sooo good! The malasadas were OK, but I was not a fan of the filling. It tasted very artificial and weird to me. There wasn't a wait when I went, but it looks like you have to grab a number if there's a line, as maybe only 2-3 people can fit inside at a time.

Delicious snow puff pastries! We even had a chocolate croissant which was delicious. We came 30 minutes before closing and then drove to North Shore for the sunset. They gave us half off our treats. Delicious!

We ventured out this morning because we did not have anything to eat for breakfast at our Air B&B. We thought this would be a good place to try. It is off the beaten path from the main commercial area in Haleiwa, and more located in a residential area south of the main drag. But even still, easy to find. This bakery specializes in Portuguese delicacies. I asked for a box and bought 2 blueberry turnovers, 2 apricot turnovers and four of their specialty mala salas. 2 filled with a coconut cream and 2 unfilled. That filled a box! The woman filling the box was very nice as was the cashier. Both very friendly and helpful. We took them "home" because there was not a place to eat there. The shop is small and there are no picnic tables there. Once home though, we dug in to try. They were delicious. At least what we ate. Too many to finish, so now we have breakfast for tomorrow. Terrific place to find excellent Portuguese bakery items.

Paalaa Kai Bakery, located on the outskirts of Wailalua, is a hidden gem in the North Shore! For years, we have enjoyed their famous snow puff pastry. It's a flaky, buttery treat filled with a cold cream filling and topped with powdered sugar and a chocolate swirl. So onolicious! They also offer Sada's malasadas which is a Portuguese fluffy donut sprinkled with granulated sugar. Another delicious treat! They offer a variety of freshly made baked goods but my favorite remains their original Snow Puffies! With its friendly service, old plantation feel, and amazing pastries...our warmest aloha!

Every time I head to Haleiwa for a certain delicious meal, I am thinking of picking up snow puffies in the back of my mind. To be honest, I haven't tried anything else there, but the other pastries look tasty as well. For such a small store/strip mall, the parking sure fills up quick. You'll see cars parked across the street, along the highway. Don't forget to check your receipt to see if you've won the snow puffy lottery! If the seconds on the receipt matches your birthday, you can win a dozen free snow puffies! Note to self - don't eat these in your car. Or anywhere else you don't want 'snow' falling all over.

We always stop here when we go North Shore. Snow puffies and butter rolls are sooo good!!

Stopped by this little shop for some deliciousness and wasn't disappointed!! I loved everything we ordered, the original and also cream filled pastries.

I know they been getting a lot of bad rap but I still like those pigs in a blanket and snow puffies. Good thing I took my mom and sister in law to try some before they shut down again. Maybe just get new equipment and update the place then will be all good. It's out of the way but if your going to or from north shore it's a must stop. Go early before they sell out or close down. Service is erratic and not a good formed line inside, could be improved.

Nice hole in the wall bakery. I only got couple things, their snow puff pastry, which was filo dough with a thick sweet custard, and a malassada, which also had a more creamy custard inside. I'd like to try some of the other things they have next time I visit Hawaii.

We randomly decided to stop at Paalaa Kai Bakery and discovered they're famous for their snow puffy. Even though I had no idea what they were, we ordered one to try! lol It's layers of puff pastries filled with sweet custard and topped with chocolate chips and a dusting of powdered sugar. Definitely worth a try if you're on the area.

What a great stop up in the North Shore. I've heard so many people recommend this place that it was on my to go list the next time I was in the area. Well the rumors are true. The snow puffies are spot on. Flaky, sweet and full of goodness. Keep the box away from me because I may eat them all. They have a whole selection of baked good and other delicacies. Highly recommended for the sweet tooth in you.

Whenever my fiancé and I go around the island, we ALWAYS make it a point to visit Paalaa Kai Bakery. This bakery has all kinds of goodies--- but we mainly stop for one thing, their famous snow puffies! Although it's one messy dessert like beignets are, these little confections always hit the spot. A FEW THINGS TO KNOW: - CASH AND CARD IS ACCEPTED - PARKING IS LIMITED - NO SEATING INSIDE BAKERY ( There's a bench right outside the shop for you to enjoy some pastries while birds eat the crumbs off the ground or you could simply eat outside your car. ) - ONLY LOCATION (Seriously wished that they had one in town) - CUSTOMER SERVICE & QUALITY OF FOOD STAYS CONSISTENT

Who doesn't love pastries and doughnuts. Butter Rolls and steamed buns with assorted meats. Paalaa Kai Bakery has something for everyone. I enjoy stopping here to pick up Snow Puffies- the staple of the bakery. Those jam filled pastries are to die for. There's always a line. The ladies here work quickly and are truly happy at heart. You see and feel the sense of pride when you're interacting with them. They also offer packaged cookies and snacks. Assorted juices and local favorites. Holo Holo in the refrigerated section. If you're headed to the North Shore, stop by Paalaa Kai Bakery and take some pastries to the beach or your next family event.

Just drove by and grabbed the famous snow puffies to see what it was about. If you don't see it in the case, its to the right of the cash register already boxed up and ready to go (they had tons the day we went). It's a puff pastry layered with vanilla pudding, dusted with powdered sugar and a swirl of chocolate. It was delicious! Would I drive out there special for this? Probably not but if I'm driving by I'll stop to grab one to eat!

If you're making a trip to north shore I recommend stopping at Paalaa Kai for some baked goods. The snow puffy is amazing! We tried a few things, but I definitely could've just gone for the snow puffy and been super happy. It's light, flaky, custard filled with a light and not too sweet custard, and a light drizzle of some sweet chocolate on top. So bomb!

Today was the day we finally got to try these snow puffies! We first learned about them from a YouTube video and we just knew we had to try them before we move off island. Gotta have a pre-move bucket list, ya know? Or maybe that's just me. Anyway, the traffic we faced to get here was insane, and I'm not talking about roads being backed up. We had to avoid so many potential collisions it was crazy, so in the end, I guess these treats were a reward for surviving the craziness. We ordered 6 snow puffies, but when we got home, noticed there were 7! Not sure if there was some kind of special or deal going on but this was definitely a nice surprise. The people working behind the counter were also very nice, which made our experience even better. Plus, you can't go wrong with the price of these, awesome deal nowadays. Would recommend if you haven't been here yet.

Two words "Snow puffs". It's worth the drive from any part of the island. These hole in the wall shops here on Oahu is usually the best places to visit. Long term owner with family or passed down recipes.

I went in search something sweet other than Malasadas. Nothing wrong with malasadas, but having been on Oahu over 20 times in 30 years, you never tire of shave ice and Leonard's, Pipelines even, but just something different. Enter Paalaa Kai. Bro in law, born and raised on the Island, says, "Go deah." Made the trip out to Haleiwa and on the way almost missed Paalaa Kai. Glad we didn't-puff pastry, pastry cream ( or is it creme anglais?), chocolate and plenny powdered sugar. Note- don't wear anything dark, you'll look like you sneezed while sniffing coke. . . Funny, you get your sweet pastry fix, filling fix, sweet fix, and powdered sugar all over your face fix. And I no care, it's that good. If you're heading to North Shore, don't miss this stop, they have good malasadas, too. It's the Snow Puffies you gotta try, and bring home, without getting a snow drift on your tank top

Consistent with what I remember. All the pastries are perfect. Snow puffies just as good as ever. Service is fast if the people in front go with a game plan. If they don't...they will be choosing from an array of deliciousness. Love this place!

Was there a few days ago while visiting Hawaii and I accidentally left my purse outside the store. I honestly thought I had lost all my stuff and my passport, but when I called them to ask they had it. So grateful to the staff that turned it in and saved me a hassle and a headache. The pastries as also delicious which is the reason why I stopped by after reading reviews from Yelp. Would recommend. Thanks again

Since I was gonna be in Mokuleia anyway...I just had to see what the snow puffy hype was all about! First day of my trip I didn't see the puffies so I didn't get any. I got their custard-filled donuts which were a big hit with our campers. On the way back home I went again and found out they are not in the main display case but come pre-packaged 3 to a box. I watched the guy ahead of me order them so I just followed suit. I have to say, their custard filling is the same as the donuts, but the flaky puff pastry and the drizzle of chocolate on top set apart the snow puffies from their other pastries. Was it REALLY that great...well,...let's just say you have to try them once and decide for yourself. Would I get them again? Sure,...IF I'm on the North Shore! But then again, Ted's Bakery isn't too far away eaither...

Snow Puffies! 'Nuff said, Mahalo for reading my review! Seriously, heard a lot of good things about Paalaa Kai Bakery and their snow puffies from Yeeps like Nadine C, Lyla D, Kathy H, Fran C, Terry K, Rod U, Lori L, Kathy A, Kristin C, Jace T, Lora C, Jenna S, Katy P, Craig T, Irene M, Roz M, and Iris T over the years, so it's about time I reviewed them. A family bakery in Waialua, there's a small parking lot that's shared with Paalaa Kai Market, Wicked HI Cafe, and other business. If the parking lot is full, there's parking across the street alongside the road. There's a ticket system that they sometimes use, so take a ticket just in case. Once inside, there's two small cases filled with donuts, Danishes, and other pastries. The snow puffy case is over to the right past the register. There's a Yelp check in discount of 10% off an order of 6 snow puffies. Now the snow puffies. Yes, they're as messy and ono-licious everybody says it is. The lovely crunch mixed with the light flakiness of the puff pastry, the tasty gooeyness of the custard, and the sweetness of the chocolate drizzle & powdered sugar, yum! I enjoy the fruit turnovers like blueberry, coconut, & apricot. I'm glad my parent's house isn't too far away, as they make excellent treat for parties and family events. Recommend and will repeat whenever I'm in the area!

This place was on my foodie list of places to go in Oahu. I found out about Paalaa Kai Bakery from YouTuber Foodies Bill & Lisa. This bakery is known for their "Snow Puffies." After having garlic shrimp for lunch in Haleiwa this was the perfect stop for an after lunch treat. I'm glad we made the stop the Snow Puffies did not disappoint. They were very good creamy, crispy & flaky! But what makes them stand out is that they are chilled adding to the taste and making for a cool treat. Another 1st for local Hawaiian specialty pastries along with other favs Malasadas & Coco Puffs!

Haven't been in a while, i heard it got shut down by the state due to sanitary or restaurant code violations. The snow puffies are onolicious, but they're getting expensive. The snow puffies were filled with cream, just how i like it. There is always a line, so expect to wait a bit. I come like once or twice a year, on rare occasions due to the price. I think it's close to $4/ snow puffy.

Cute little bakery off the beaten path. Follow your GPS closely. Otherwise, you could miss this gem. The parking lot is very small, so finding a space can be challenging. They have donuts, malasadas, pastries, cakes, but we came here for the "World Famous Snow Puffy". We arrived in the afternoon and they had sold out of a lot of things. Fortunately, they still had some snow puffys left. They are crispy on the outside, with flakey layers. The custard filling is light, airy, not overly sweet. The powdered sugar and chocolate on top adds another taste profile to this pastry.

I came to try the famous snow puffy for the first time. The puff pastry was crisp, the chocolate ganache swirl ontop was delicious, BUT... the custard ; it was watery, tasteless, & not smooth. I didn't finish it, didn't live up to the hype for me. I'm sure they have other good items to try though!

It's a little hole on the wall right next door to the Paalaa Kai Mini-Mart. Great that they are side to side. Its like killing two birds with one stone. Been coming here for their snow puffies for years. It is a croissant type of pastry filled with custard and topped with a chocolate drizzle design and lots of powdered sugar. Delicious, but be sure not to inhale or exhale too hard when taking a bite because the powdered sugar gets everywhere. It can get a bit messy but the pastry itself makes up for it. I usually like to eat it outside because of the powdered sugar. There is limited space inside and the Aunties inside are helpful and nice. They also have other pastries to choose from along with other goodies. They have the original glazed donuts, long johns, turnovers in a variety of flavors, other donuts, brownies, and much more. Great place to stop by when you are in the North Shore. I would definelty recommend their savory and delicious snow puffies.

The local foodie sherpa insisted that we stop at Paalaa Kai Bakery during the drive to the North Shore. The GPS didn't provide good directions so we got lost trying to find the shop which was in a very small plaza at a random intersection in Waialua. The bakery was adjacent to a mini-mart, both of which had the Paalaa Kai name. The inside was compact with no available seats or tables. Everything was strictly take-out, but there was a bench next to the entrance where we sat to consume our goodies. The draw of this place is a homemade pastry called a Snow Puffy. It is a custard-filled rectangle of phyllo dough topped with chocolate and sprinkled with powdered sugar. The last component is the reason you need to eat this dessert outside because there's no way you can consume it without the powder flying off and creating a mess. My friend even brought vinyl gloves for us to wear to minimize the untidiness on our hands. The Snow Puffy was the signature decadent treat, however the bakery carried a wider assortment of products such as pastries, cakes, pies, and sandwiches. The inventory had been picked through by the time we showed up so certain items were sold out. If I had more room, then I would have bought one of Sada's Malassadas to compare their version of the Portuguese doughnut to those sold at bakeries in Urban Honolulu.