Liliha Bakery & Diner

Kellen Mckillop
Mar 30
4 min read

Updated: Apr 2

Growing up on Oahu, it’s impossible to drool at the words “Liliha Bakery coco puffs.” These iconic desserts were always a favorite at school events or as a special treat for family dinners (my dad had a sweet tooth for these iconic treats).

Until this past holiday season, the words “Liliha Bakery” had always conjured up images of big, white folded boxes that house these delicious cream-filled pastries.

It wasn’t until a quick text from a friend stating “Liliha Bakery diner. Great coffee.” that it suddenly clicked. I needed to add the original location (Nimitz) to my diner date list.

Luckily, one of my high school friends (formerly a San Francisco neighbor as well) was home and texted to see if I’d be open to going with her for an official diner date! Of course, I was in.

Liliha Bakery & Diner

We both lived on the Windward side of the island, so she swooped me on the way to the diner. We drove over the Pali Highway, a road framed by the magnificent Ko’olau mountains.

As a child and teenager, I took these views of the elegantly ridged peaks for granted. It wasn’t until I’d moved away for college, and honestly, when a visiting friend had commented in awe of them, that I realized how incredible it was to have this view as we drove over our highway.

When we’d crossed the Pali, we exited into Kalihi and made a quick pit-stop before driving into the little parking lot outside of the original location for the bakery and diner.

Inside

Inside, the space was split into two areas. On the left, patrons were getting in line and perusing the pastry counters (yes, they have more than just coco puffs).

On the right was a granite countertop where people were eating big diner-style breakfasts. That’s what we were looking for (though a trip to the pastry counter was definitely due at the end of our diner date).

We waited by a little sign that was set up for those who wanted to dine in and soon an “aunty” came over to check on us. In her fast-paced, somewhat brusque but familiar manner, she began walking us behind the counter where she opened a door to a large hidden room where tables were set up. There were quite a few other diners, but Mikayla and I quickly realized that we wanted to be at the counter.

We knew that if “aunty” didn’t want us to sit there, we’d be sitting at one of the tables, but she didn’t seem to mind and ushered back out to wait until we saw a seat at the counter open up.

We were lucky and soon spotted a couple leaving from the end of the counter. We flagged it to one of the people behind the counter and they gave us a fast nod to approve us going down to the end and taking seats.

The Liliha Bakery & Diner Menu

The menu was not disappointing. It was large and featured pictures of some of the star dishes. It had a great offering of Hawaii local-style eats, including Loco Moco (rice, hamburger patty, eggs, covered in gravy), oxtail soup, Mahi Mahi, along with classic diner menu options like omelets and skillets.

It was not the most vegetarian-friendly, but that’s to be expected from a local eats place.

The portion size was great and we each ordered our mains, some sweet toast with bright pink syrup, and we got the Mac Nut Waffard to share.

Mikayla isn’t shy when it comes to ordering classic diner dishes, so she got the Loco Moco (a must if you’re a carnivore visiting Hawaii) while I stuck with the vegetable omelet. When the Mac Nut Waffard arrived, its perfectly crisp exterior was delightfully topped with their macadamia nut sweet custard in the signature delightful texture of their cream puff topping, we were floored. Or maybe it was more me. Mikayla doesn’t love sweets, but I couldn’t stop digging my fork into the waffle.

With a few bites down, we were ready for the diner date interview.

Hot cakes and Hot Takes with Mikayla:

Thoughts on diners overall: She’s a diner fan. She loves them in the morning or late at night. It’s the perfect way to start (or end) a day. She loves that they’re a reliable source for comfort food, but you still find variety depending on which one you go to. Though there’s a time and place for upscale food, a diner always has that delicious house-cooked style.

Coffee preferences: Black coffee for sure (we had more than a couple refills).

Go-to diner meal: If she’s in Hawaii, it’s always a scoop of fried rice with two eggs and Portuguese sausage (though she’ll sometimes sub in a hash). If she’s not in Hawaii, she’ll go for eggs, bacon, and home fries. Basically, eggs, meat, and some type of starch.

Potato preference: Home fries. She always loves the little ones that sometimes have onions, but overall, home fries area a good choice.

Counter or table: She’s a counter girlie because she loves to be in the action! However, this can change depending on whether it’s a diner night or a diner breakfast. At night, she loves a booth.

Savory or sweet: She’s savory first (again, I ended up eating most of that waffle since she’s not a dessert person).

Waffle, French toast, or pancakes: Probably pancakes, banana pancakes, in particular because the bananas keep them moist, but she’s not down for the super starchy kind

Overall Liliha Bakery Ratings:

Coffee: 7.5/10 - Great on refills

Food: 8/10 - If you eat meat and enjoy local-style food, this is a great place. Harder for vegetarians.

Atmosphere: 7/10 - The counter was great, getting fast coffee refills and getting to see all the action, but it has really limited seating and the little room in the back wasn’t that appealing

Staff: 8/10 - low key, super casual, aunties aren’t going to be super nice because they’re moving fast and efficiently

Promoter points