Indulge in a Slice of True Island Style with an Order of Hula Pie
One of the most iconic elements of Hawaiian culture: hula dancing. And its lesser-known but oh-so-delicious culinary cousin? Hula pie. This sweet and macadamia-infused dish should be on your must-try dining list on and adventure to the islands.
A Little Hula (Pie) History
Hula pie first graced the Hawaiian shores at the classic Kimo's restaurant on the island of Maui—where it became known as so enticing it was “what sailors swam ashore for in Old Lahaina Town.” True to the aloha spirit of sharing the aloha, this decadent dessert made its way to to the rest of Hawaii, but today it's still only available a select group of restaurants.
Chocolatey, Creamy Goodness
With enormous portions perfect for sharing, Hula pie is a fan favorite for travelers and locals alike. So what makes it so special? It’s the perfectly melty portion of macadamia nut ice cream piled above a chocolate cookie base (think Oreo goodness). It’s the thin layer of chocolate fudge that adds a little (tasteful) elegance to the outside. It’s the drizzle of hot chocolate sauce and extra sprinkling of chopped macadamia nuts. And it’s the whipped cream on top, carefully added to give a nod to the sway of the traditional hula skirt.
Authentic Hula Pie in Waikiki
Like the stunning white sands and crystalline waves, hula pie beckons visitors at the coolest spots in Waikiki. Make a reservation at Duke's Waikiki to enjoy a slice accompanied by live music and Insta-worthy views of Diamond Head. Or try Hula Grill Waikiki for a range of Hawaiian dishes, iconic hula pie included.
On days like the informal holiday Pi Day—originally an annual celebration of the mathematical constant π (pi) that's become a great excuse to, well, celebrate a much more tasty kind of pie—bakeries, cafés and restaurants create signature twists on the classics. It's the perfect excuse to savor sweet treats such as chocolate haupia pie or the Hawaiian breadfruit pono pie, but we like to think of every day as pie day.
Hula Pie at Home
Don't want to wait until you travel to Hawaii to try a little Hula flavor? You can make this (no-bake!) dessert at home with simple ingredients found at your local grocery store. We can’t reveal all of the inside secrets, but this video breaks down the basic steps to create Hula Pie heaven.
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