11 of Our Favorite Pineapple Treats in Honolulu

Piñas are popping up everywhere. Here are 11 ways to jump on the tropical bandwagon and enjoy this popular fruit.

By Lennie Omalza

Roy’s signature pineapple upside-down cake is on the Hawai‘i Kai restaurant’s new sunset menu.

Photo: Courtesy of Roy’s Hawai‘i

We’re bananas for pineapples—and so are many local restaurants, eateries and food producers. Here are some of our favorite ways to indulge in this tropical fruit this summer.

From left: The Hawaiian Crown pineapple shave ice at Alan Wong’s, the Pineapple IPA from Kona Brewing Co., and the popular pineapple-macadamia shortbread cookies from Honolulu Cookie Co.

Photos: Courtesy of Chef Alan Wong, Kona Brewing Co. and Honolulu Cookie Co.

1. Hawaiian Crown Sweet Gold Pineapple Shave Ice, Alan Wong’s

This is no ordinary shave ice. A combination of vanilla panna cotta, coconut tapioca, haupia sorbet, pineapple salad and shaved pineapple, it’s an upscale dessert that’s almost too pretty to eat. Almost.

$14, Alan Wong’s, 1857 S. King St., (808) 949-1939, alanwongs.com

2. Pineapple IPA, Kona Brewing Co.

With a pronounced tropical hop aroma and a hint of malt caramel, this Island-inspired beer is sure to delight. It’s part of the limited-edition Lānaʻi Series, so get it while it lasts.

Prices and locations vary, konabrewingco.com

3. Pineapple-Macadamia Shortbread Cookies, Honolulu Cookie Co.

Though this treat has been around for nearly two decades, we love its sweet pineapple center in the middle of a macadamia-nut shortbread in its signature pineapple shape.

$2.45 and up, Honolulu Cookie Co., honolulucookie.com

4. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, Roy’s Hawai‘i Kai

Photo: Courtesy of Roy’s Hawai‘i

Roy’s signature chocolate soufflé may be the most popular dessert at the Hawai‘i Kai restaurant, but the pineapple upside-down cake is its equal in deliciousness. While it’s available on the dinner menu, you can now get it as part of the new three-course, prix fixe sunset menu, along with furikake bigeye ‘ahi tataki for the starter and flame-grilled petite filet mignon and garlic scampi with Kaua‘i prawns for the entrée—all for $45.

$45 per person, sunset menu is served from 5 to 7 p .m. daily, Roy’s Hawai’i Kai, 6600 Kalanian‘aole Highway, (808) 396-7697, royshawaii.com

5. Pineapple-Ginger Jam, Monkeypod Jam

Photo: Courtesy of Monkeypod Jam

Fresh, Kaua‘i pineapple is hand cut and simmered with local ginger and cane sugar to create this yummy, chunky spread. Serve it over ice cream for a refreshing summer treat.

$12, available at multiple locations, Monkeypod Jam, monkeypodjam.com

6. Pineapple Wine, MauiWine

Photos: Courtesy of MauiWine

MauiWine out in ‘Ulupalakua on Maui offers three tasty options for the wine lover who loves pineapple: Maui Blanc, a semidry pineapple wine; Maui Splash, a sweet pineapple wine; and Hula O Maui, a sparkling pineapple wine.

$14 to $24, available at multiple locations, MauiWine, mauiwine.com

7. Pineapple Shortbread Assorted Combo, Big Island Candies

Photo: Courtesy of Big Island Candies

For a nut-free pineapple cookie, try this combo from Big Island Candies. It includes plain pineapple shortbread, milk-chocolate-dipped pineapple shortbread and dark-chocolate-dipped pineapple shortbread.

$15.25, Big Island Candies, bigislandcandies.com

8. From Beer to Eternity, Top of Waikīkī

Photo: Courtesy of Top of Waikīkī

Named after the 1953 drama From Here to Eternity, this specialty cocktail is a pleasant mix of Hana Hou Hefeweizen, Aperol, lemon, lime and, of course, pineapple—perfect for pau hana time.

$12, or $8 during happy hour, Top of Waikīkī, 2270 Kalākaua Ave., (808) 923-3877, topofwaikiki.com

9. Keiki Royal Pine, The Kāhala Hotel & Resort

Photo: Courtesy of The Kāhala Hotel & Resort

For a nonalcoholic beverage option, try the Keiki Royal Pine, a thirst-quenching blend of pineapple, banana and peaches, with coconut, pineapple and passion fruit juices. Served in a whole pineapple, it’s best enjoyed outside in the summer sun.

$16, Seaside Grill and Plumeria Beach House at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort, 5000 Kāhala Ave., (808) 739-8888, kahalaresort.com

10. Pineapple Popsicles, OnoPops

Photo: Courtesy of OnoPops

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Another refreshing choice for warm weather is a cold, fruity ice pop—and OnoPops has three picks. Choose from pineapple li hing, pineapple vanilla or plantation iced tea, which is a black tea sorbet studded with pineapple chunks.

Prices and locations vary, onopops.com

11. Kālua Pork Pizza with Pineapple or Duck Tacos with Pineapple-Habanero Sauce, Moku Kitchen

Photos: Courtesy of Moku Kitchen

Not a fan of that pronounced pineapple flavor? Try a kālua pork pizza and enjoy some roasted pineapple alongside house-made macadamia nut pesto, jalapeño and kālua pork. Or, for another option with just a hint of pineapple, try the duck tacos. The pineapple-habanero sauce gives them a sweet yet mild kick.

Pizza, $16 or $9 during happy hour; duck tacos, $16; Moku Kitchen, Salt at Our Kakaʻako, 660 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 145, (808) 591-6658, mokukitchen.com

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