Aloha State Bake Shop

Located in the Medical Arts Building on the Basement level, Aloha State Bake Shop is making homemade Japanese style cheesecake, cream puffs and more. Follow your nose: take the elevator or stairs by the coffee shop/Junpuu/Invision Imaging to the Basement level. Follow your nose - the smell of baked goods will lead you to this magical little shop. After staring at the cold case for a bit, I opted for a slice of the Japanese vanilla cheesecake (made with Laie Vanilla) and the seasonal strawberry cream puff. The Japanese style cheesecake was good, though I do like NY style and would have wanted some kind of crust. The star of the show was the strawberry cream puff. It had vanilla cream, strawberry cream, fresh strawberry and a strawberry jam inside (all homemade fillings of course!). It was stuffed and the puff was perfectly baked. It was in the morning when I went, so I definitely want to check back for the savory lunch items or to try the other desserts. I may or may not have to go back also for that cream puff though...If you go to Higoto Japanese Eatery in Kaimuki, they also sell their cream puffs and cheesecake there. But if you're in this Ward area, go get it fresh from the bakery. Cheers to Aloha State Bake Shop by Blaisdell!

This review is based off of the original Island Puff and the strawberry Island Puff. Both puffs were great! The original reminded me of Beard Papa. So yummy!! The seasonal strawberry puff also had fresh strawberry slivers on top the cream. Price range between $5-6 for each. They also had a small variety of other delicious looking desserts in their case. I will return to try others next time :) Street parking or if you're lucky like me, your dentist is in the same building.

Talk about hole in the wall! OK so to find this place, locate the Medical Arts Building from either Victoria or S King St, walk THROUGH the building to get to the parking deck, then head towards the junction where the two buildings meet (aka the Kupuna wing), you'll see a tiny white sign that says "Aloha State Bake Shop" pointing you down one flight of stairs to a door, walk through that and the shop is down a little hall (you'll smell it before you see it!). So the Island Cheesecake (vanilla) was the perfect little treat. Not too sweet, a hint of lemon, that slightly jiggly Japanese cheesecake texture...it's divine. But the actual star of the show was the coffee tiramisu cream puff. Oh my goodness. The cream puff was light and airy, the filling inside was not-too-sweet custardy goodness, the contrast with the bitter espresso powder, and then the coffee jelly inside...we couldn't stop raving about how perfect of a dessert it was. We will be back for sure! They also had sandwiches, panna cotta, butter mochi in different flavors, and chestnut cake.

This place is a must-try. First off, it was a fun adventure hunting down the bakery. Once you figure out it's in the rear parking lot and realize it's in the basement you'll have yourself a giggle.The thrill of the hunt adds to the overall experience, making each twist and turn in search of this place an adventure in itself. Once you reach the bakery you'll realize it's a quaint and small mama-papa shop. As someone who appreciates the dedication and passion poured into smaller establishments, stepping into this bakery felt like a labor of love.We ordered numerous items and each dessert was delightful, filled with tasty ingredients. If you're into tiramisu you have to get theirs. You'll find a nice little surprise at the bottom.The staff or owner behind the counter was very kind to explain each item.In a world of commercialized chains, this bakery stands out as a beacon of authenticity and passion. If you're a fan of hidden treasures and heartfelt craftsmanship, this bakery is an absolute must-visit.I'm sure I'll be back as soon as possible.

Aloha State Bake Shop was opened as an online bakery of Japanese cheesecakes by Kanako (known to her friends as "Kana") Mampuku who moved to HI from Osaka, Japan. She studied Culinary Arts at the University of HI Kapiolani Community College and had worked as a baker at Kona Coffee Purveyors. Kana opened her online bake shop in Sept 2020 in the midst of the Covid pandemic, hoping to bring a little joy and happiness by delivering delicious Japanese cheesecake to the people of HI; you could pick up the cheesecakes from Up Roll Café. With support from local residents, her business has grown, and she opened her brick-and-mortar bake shop in the Medical Arts Building in Makiki in Jan. 2022 and also find her cheesecakes at Dean & Deluca, Higoto, Japanese Eatery and Up Roll Café.Not to be confused with the Aloha Bakehouse & Café located in Kakaako that offers homemade baked goods and is completely separate from Aloha State Bake Shop that offers Japanese style cheesecakes, croissant sandwiches, and cookies. This cheesecake is Kana's signature item, was branded as "Island cheesecake" in Feb. 2022. In my trips to Japan, I would visit many bakeries, seeking Japanese cheesecake, which is lighter in texture, less sweet than that of US style cheesecakes and so delicious! Japanese cheesecakes are light and airy with whipped egg whites and cream cheese, a perfect balance of smoothness and fluffiness. So, I was excited to find out that Kana was baking these Japanese cheesecakes using local ingredients, e.g., vanilla from Laie Vanilla Co. and local fruits (mango, lilikoi). Depending on the season, the cheesecake flavors have included: original, lilikoi/vanilla, black sesame (imported from Japan), mango mousse, Hojicha (roasted green tea imported from Kyoto, Japan), pistachio/raspberry. You can purchase them in slices, 1/2 loaf, or full loaf. Half loaves are wrapped in a saran wrap, then with parchment paper and tied with a colored string ribbon. Full loves are wrapped in the same manner, but are placed in a colorful, heavy duty box with a magnetized flap of two designs that are Kana's favorites, artist Sarah Caudle's Hawaiian beaches in blue and a green drawing as a tribute to the vanilla farm in Laie.I have tasted the hojicha, black sesame, and lilikoi/vanilla flavors, and all are excellent! They are so creamy, light, not overly sweet, fluffy, melts in your mouth, and have delicious flavors! Yes, same cheesecakes as those in Japan!Staff is very friendly and patient in answering many questions. It's a very inconspicuous small space, just a counter to order and pay, as most of the space is the kitchen and prep area. Nice clean area with grab-and-go cookies in brightly wrapped cellphane bags that are good for gifts.Other seasonal desserts include: cookies (walnut/choc chip, lilikoi choc, Hibiscus tea, vanilla sea salt); cream puffs (strawberry, matcha/azuki, Hojicha); strawberry shortcake cup; mizu yokan; matcha tiramisu; choc/matcha; seasonal fruit panna cotta; muffin cake; puddings (Hojicha, shortcake); butter mochi; banana bread; chocolates (matcha nama, classic nama); Mont blanc. In May 2023, sandwiches were offered: croissants (salmon cream cheese, tuna melt, turkey pesto, pesto chicken, egg salad); and salads (pesto chicken, smoked salmon, turkey ham, prosciutto.Hours of operation are Mon to Fri 10a to 5p (cheesecakes and desserts from 10a and sandwiches from 11a); pick up only on Sat/Sun 8:30a to 9:30a. They're located literally in a hole-in-the-wall location, in the Kupuna wing of the basement in the former Tommy's Coffee Shop location. Validated parking is provided with a 15-min grace period + one-hour free validated parking. It is easy to get lost, so head toward the So. King St. side of the building.So glad to know that I can find Japanese cheesecake in HNL! We're fortunate that Kana has brought her talented skills of Japanese cheesecake making here so that we can all enjoy without going to Japan. Always happy to support this woman-owned local small business! Thank you, Kana!

Aloha State Bake Shop located in the Medical Building across from the Blaisdell Center. Parking on the street or in the private parking lot. They specialize in Cheesecake but have an awesome assortment of different pastries that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Locally owned and operated, love the way they make you feel like family when you eat there. Definitely a great destination for pastry lovers.

Variety is the sweetness in life!!This Asian-owned biz has the goods to make your life even sweeter!! Located in the Medical Arts Building there is parking in the back or you can do a quick street parking out front and take the entrance right where the Invision Sign is...go through the doors and swing left to go downstairs and you'll see a doorway to Aloha State Bake Shop.It's amazing what they produce in this super tiny shop famous for their signature "Island Cheesecake" they certainly had that and so much more. Cream Puff with that amazing crackled top like a cookie, Mont Blanc which currently is made using Ube, Strawberry Shortcake cup, Panna Cotta, Hojicha Vanilla Pudding, Matcha Tiramisu, Mizu Yokan and so much more!!!Mom had asked for some dessert so thought that this would be the perfect place and wanted to get something for my bestie as well so I got the Matcha Tiramisu of course, Mizu Yokan, Hojicha Pudding and Coconut Butter Mochi it's just amazing how they make all this including sandwiches. Starting on Monday May 8th 2023 sandwiches will be available after 11am probably for time constraint which I will definitely try the next time since I've already had something but at $8 sounds just amazing, the service here is just friendly.All my treats are unique different and stunning who gets what...Mom chooses first and we shall see but ladies here are a delight and prices are amazing great from $3.50 to $5.40, what better way to Celebrate the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month than the treat yourself to something sweet at this hidden gem.Thank you!

A friend and I found this place a few months ago, had their Matcha Tiramisu and both fell in love with it! So much so, that I've been looking forward to getting back into town at the right time just to have it again.Visited today and was so disappointed when I was told they'd discontinued that dish to focus on cream puffs and such. I got the Hojicha pudding and it was just okay, and certainly nothing like the experience of the matcha tiramisu. Hoping they'll bring it back but not sure how I'll even know.

I been eyeing this bakery out for a while and finally got the chance to try it today. This place was so hidden and it took me 10 minutes to find out where it was located, I didn't see any of the signs hinting that it was downstairs-- All of the entrance doors to the medical building was locked and I ended running around to the other side of the building where some guy with a key offered to open the building for me-- it was definitely a challenge to get here. I came 5 minutes before they closed and luckily they got the items I wanted to try. The blueberry cheesecake ($3.75, 7/10) had a lemony aftertaste, and a rich flavor but I was not too much of a fan for it. I did love the matcha tiramisu ($5.10, 9/10), it had a great matcha flavor and tasted amazing, I would go back just for this. Both items tasted light and were not too sweet-- just how I like it. Despite, the hassle it took to get to the bakery, I definitely recommend to check it out since it has one of the best cake desserts on the island that I have tried!

Located on the basement of Medical Arts Building, lies a small local bake shop, all homemade cakes, cream puffs, cookies and sandwiches. They have a parking lot, but must pay when exiting. They have lots of street parking!Most popular item is their Japanese inspired cheesecake. They normally have vanilla but they have rotating seasonal flavors. Unfortunately there was only vanilla and has to try it myself. Cheesecake was simply delicious. Not overly sweet and not too heavy. Tastes just like a cheesecake Japan and the vanilla taste is just right. I also got their chocolate chip cookie with nuts. I just love when any cookie has a light crisp on the outside but the middle is soft and not overly sweet. They satisfied my cookie check! Prices were also reasonable as they make it house made. So why not support a local bake shop when you are around town!