Foodflash: Liliha Bakery Is Opening a Full-Service Restaurant and Bar in Waikīkī
The local chain’s fourth location is coming to International Market Place as early as October.
Photo: Martha Cheng
Waikīkī, say hello to Coco Puffs: Liliha Bakery is opening on the third floor of International Market Place later this year. Along with its full menu of the famous pancakes, poi mochi doughnuts, chantilly cakes, griddled burgers, fried chicken and other favorites from the Kuakini, Nimitz and Macy’s Ala Moana locations, the local chain plans a full-service bar and outdoor seating when it opens in the former Yauatcha restaurant space.
Posh International Market Place marks the farthest expansion, both geographically and figuratively, for the state’s most famous bakery. But the chain has been eyeing Hawai‘i’s top tourist destination for “a very long time,” says Peter Kim, who bought the iconic Kuakini bakery and diner from its founding family several years ago and opened bigger versions along busy Nimitz Highway and at Ala Moana Center. “We wanted to bring the heritage of Liliha Bakery into this space,” he says, “to hopefully bring back some of our local presence and really cater to the local residents of Waikīkī and many who are working in the tourism industry.”
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Kim is also the creator and owner of Yummy’s Korean BBQ, Chow Mein Express, Lahaina Chicken Co., The Signature Prime Steak & Seafood and Little Joe’s Steakhouse. The pandemic, while painful, proved a good opportunity when it brought Waikīkī lease rents into his range, he says.
Photo: Martha Cheng
The new location won’t be the chain’s biggest: That distinction belongs to its restaurant and bakery inside Macy’s Ala Moana. But we already know it will bring new life to International Market Place’s rooftop lanai, where several restaurants remain shuttered, if only for the tiny yet humongous fact that Coco Puffs are coming to Waikīkī!
