A family bakery that started inside a grocery store now has a pie famous enough to make people drive across an island.
That pie stacks dark chocolate cream under a layer of coconut haupia, then piles whipped cream on top.
I love that the whole story began with doughnuts and cornbread. Those humble treats eventually led to cream pies in many flavors, from macadamia nut to strawberry guava.
The best part? The pies are now mostly sold at just one spot on Hawaii’s North Shore.
That makes every slice feel like a small reward for showing up.
Plate lunches, loco moco, and garlic shrimp share the counter with all that dessert.
So I have one question for your next trip. Are you saving room for pie, or ordering lunch first and hoping for the best?
The Chocolate Haupia Pie Deserves Its Own Spot On Your Itinerary
Three layers sit on one flaky crust, and each one has a job. Ted’s Bakery builds its famous Chocolate Haupia Pie with thick dark chocolate cream on the bottom.
Next comes a layer of haupia, a traditional Hawaiian dessert made from coconut milk thickened with starch. Whipped cream crowns the whole thing like a fluffy cloud.
Haupia is a classic at Hawaiian parties and gatherings. Pairing it with chocolate turns something familiar into something you’ll want to talk about later.
This pie is easily the bakery’s best-known item. It’s the dessert people mention first when Ted’s comes up in conversation about the North Shore.
You can grab a single slice or carry home a whole pie. I’d suggest a slice to eat now and another for later, because one rarely feels like enough.
Timing matters here, so don’t wait too long in the day. Popular flavors can sell out, and the chocolate haupia is the one most people come looking for.
Planning a beach day nearby? Keep a cooler handy. Cream pies and tropical sunshine are not the best of friends, and you’ll want every layer to stay neat until you dig in.
A Family Story That Began With A Gas Station And A Grocery
Long before anyone lined up for pie, Torojiro Nakamura arrived in Hawaii from Japan in 1906. His family’s roots on the North Shore go deep.
In 1950, Torojiro and his son Takemitsu bought land in Sunset Beach. Six years later, Takemitsu built a grocery and gas station called the Sunset Beach Store.
He ran that store for more than 30 years. Then his son, Ted Nakamura, opened Ted’s Bakery inside the grocery in 1987.
The early menu was simple, with doughnuts, cornbread, and a few pastries. Not exactly a pie empire yet, but every good story needs a modest start.
By 1996, the cream pies were popular enough to be sold to stores and supermarkets across the island. Eventually the grocery gave way completely to the bakery and restaurant you see today.
The family is still very much involved. Ted’s daughter Torey oversees operations, while his daughter Caylen completed culinary school.
I like knowing that four generations are tied to this one patch of land. It turns a quick dessert stop into a small piece of island history you can actually taste.
Good Luck Choosing Just One Pie Flavor From This Lineup
Chocolate haupia gets the spotlight, but the supporting cast is seriously talented. The pie case at Ted’s Bakery reads like a tour of tropical flavors.
Macadamia Nut Cream Pie brings that buttery nut Hawaii is known for. Strawberry Guava Cream Pie adds a fruity, pink twist that feels made for island weather.
Fans of tangy desserts should look for the Lilikoi Cheese Pie. Lilikoi is the Hawaiian name for passion fruit, and it brings a bright, zippy flavor.
The Pineapple Macadamia Nut Cheesecake is another strong pick. It combines two of Hawaii’s most famous ingredients in one creamy slice.
Blueberry Cream Pie is there too, for anyone who wants something classic. Not every dessert has to wear a lei, after all.
Here’s my advice for groups. Order several different slices, grab some forks, and share everything around the table.
That way, nobody suffers from flavor regret on the drive home. You’ll also figure out your personal favorite before deciding which whole pie deserves a spot in the car.
Plate Lunches Here Could Steal The Show From Dessert
Two scoops of rice and a scoop of macaroni salad. That’s the classic plate lunch formula, and Ted’s Bakery serves it with plenty of local favorites.
Garlic Shrimp is one of the most talked-about plates. It’s a natural fit for the North Shore, an area well known for its shrimp.
Loco Moco is another heavy hitter on the menu. This Hawaiian comfort dish usually features rice topped with a hamburger patty, an egg, and gravy.
Other plate options include Teri Beef, Shoyu Chicken, Chicken Katsu, and Mahi Mahi. The Fried Rice Special is also on the board for anyone who wants rice as the main event.
Burgers and sandwiches round things out. The Crab and Bacon Sandwich is a fun choice if you’re craving something different.
I believe the smartest plan is to treat lunch and pie as one meal. Eat the plate first, then reward yourself with a slice.
That plan sounds simple. Sticking to it is the hard part when the pie case is staring right at you.
Start Your North Shore Morning With Doughnuts And Breakfast Sandwiches
Doors open at 8 a.m. every day, which is great news for early beachgoers. Breakfast here is a solid reason to set your alarm.
Doughnuts were part of the bakery’s very first menu back in 1987. Today the Glazers carry on that tradition, and they pair nicely with coffee.
The pastry lineup doesn’t stop there. Muffins, scones, cinnamon rolls, croissants, cornbread, and brownies all share space in the bakery.
Want something more filling? Breakfast sandwiches come with Portuguese Sausage, SPAM, or Bacon and Egg.
Portuguese sausage and SPAM are both beloved breakfast meats in Hawaii. Ordering one is an easy way to eat like the islands do.
For drinks, you’ll find coffee, iced coffee, and cappuccinos. Smoothies come in flavors like Lilikoi and Strawberry Banana, and acai bowls are on the menu too.
A North Shore morning can fly by fast. Grabbing breakfast here before a day of sightseeing keeps you fueled and close to the beaches, so you won’t waste time hunting for food.
Find A Shady Table And Enjoy The Laid-Back Vibe
Fancy tablecloths? Not here, and that’s part of the charm. Ted’s Bakery keeps things casual, cozy, and refreshingly no-frills.
Shaded tables outside give you a spot to eat without baking in the sun. That shade matters on a warm Hawaii afternoon, especially with a cream pie in hand.
The mood feels homey and busy at the same time. It’s the kind of spot where sandy flip-flops fit right in.
Don’t expect white-glove service or a long, slow meal. This is a place to grab great food, sit down, and enjoy it.
Families will appreciate the easygoing setup. Kids can relax, and nobody has to worry about a little spilled whipped cream.
Outdoor dining also means a front-row view of North Shore life. Cars cruise by on the highway, and island breezes keep things comfortable.
My tip is simple. Claim a table, spread out your plates, and take your time with that pie.
You Can Only Get These Pies In One Place Now
For years, Ted’s pies showed up in stores and supermarkets around Oahu. That changed in May 2022.
Supply chain problems led the bakery to end its wholesale pie operations. Since then, the pies have mainly been available at the North Shore shop.
That shift made the bakery itself more special. If you want the real thing, you need to make the trip.
Honestly, I can’t imagine a better excuse for a scenic island drive. The pie becomes the destination, and the coastline becomes the bonus.
The bakery does offer online ordering, which helps you plan ahead. That’s a smart move for big groups or anyone set on a whole pie.
Whole pies make great contributions to a beach house dinner or family gathering. Just keep them cool on the ride back.
Visiting Hawaii in 2027? Put this stop on your list early, because spontaneous pie trips have a way of turning into regret when you’re back home missing them.
Easy Parking And A Location Right By Famous Surf Spots
Sunset Beach is just a short hop away, and that’s a pretty great neighbor to have. Ted’s Bakery sits along the famous North Shore of Oahu.
You’ll find it at 59-024 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712. That’s the main road winding along this stretch of coastline.
Parking is free, and there’s plenty of it. Anyone who has circled a crowded beach lot will appreciate that detail.
Restrooms are available on site as well. Small comforts like that matter a lot during a long day of exploring.
The location makes it easy to fit into a North Shore road trip. Stop before hitting the beach, or swing by afterward for a well-earned treat.
Hours run from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. every day. That gives you room to visit for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner.
Keep your eyes open while driving, since the coast offers plenty of distractions. Finding this spot is worth the attention, especially with a pie waiting for you.