By: Blessie Vergara
Humble Beginnings
Richard “Yasu” Hori, his wife Janet, and their son Joel opened Holy’s Bakery in Mānoa in 1979. Their signature buttery fruit pies and other baked goods were an instant hit to the point that they were sold in markets, supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants across the islands. Eventually, Richard and Janet decided to retire, Joel decided to pursue a different career, and Holy’s Bakery in Manoa closed. (Note: The former Holy’s Bakery in Mānoa is not associated with the present-day Holy’s Bakery in Kapa‘au. Holy’s Bakery in Kapa‘au is owned by another member of the Hori ‘ohana.)
Back to the Kitchen
Joel went on to raise his own family alongside his wife, Jan. He, Grandpa Yasu, and the kids, Matthew, Lindsey, and Andrew, spent a lot of time in the kitchen baking up scrumptious treats. The recipes were uniquely Grandpa Yasu’s—but as the trio became older, they decided they wanted to pass down the Hori ‘ohana legacy through baking pies. They tapped their dad and mom on the shoulder and launched Hawaiian Pie Company in pursuit of that mission.
Since 2015, the Hori ‘ohana has been dutifully showing up to Hawaiian Pie Company’s factory in Kalihi every morning. Like the previous generation did at Holy’s Bakery, the Hawaiian Pie Company crew whips up pies for distribution to grocery stores across the Hawaiian Islands, as well as to people’s dining rooms across the nation. At the end of the week, they turn their focus to selling freshly baked pies right out of their factory. They have cultivated a loyal following of customers that have spanned several generations from the late 1970s to the present day. In recent years, they desired to give back in some capacity. Partnering with Hawai‘i Agricultural Foundation’s (HAF) Localicious® campaign to help fund K-12 agricultural education programs was a perfect way to do just that.
Hawaiian Pie Company’s buttery pies are baked fresh daily at their shop in Kalihi. Although the baked pie menu rotates, most of the pies are available frozen, ready-to-bake, or ready-to-eat right then and there. One of the best parts? Hawaiian Pie Company is always happy to bake a fresh pie just for you! Just call them at (808) 988-7828 at least 24 hours in advance for all special pie bakes and a credit card to hold phone orders of $20 or more. Check out some of their local favorites:
Hawaiian Passion Pear Pie®: According to the family, they’re not sure who created such a magical flavor … maybe it was Grandpa, maybe it was Dad (who was the one that claims he did in their test kitchen years ago). All we know is that the fresh pear fruit, tangy lilikoi (passion fruit), and signature Hawaiian Topping is what make this Hawaiian Pie Company’s MOST POPULAR PIE.
Banana Foster Pie: A play on the classic, this pie is definitely another family favorite. In the center of Hawaiian Pie Company’s buttery, flaky crust is a mix of local apple bananas, caramel, butter, and a touch of rum. According to the family, this one is pure “buttery banana bliss”!
Kalo Krunch: You’re going to have to keep an eye out for this one! For HAF’s 2022 Food-A-Go-Go Week campaign, Hawaiian Pie Company sold their infamous Kalo Krunch. This was created as a collaboration dessert with Chef Adam Tabura of Aloha Plate and Taro Brand, and has been a hit since its initial release in 2016. In a butter Hamakua Macadamia Nut shortbread crust, there is a creamy mix of Taro Brand poi (made with locally grown sweet potato) and then topped with a whipped coconut topping. Subscribe to Hawaiian Pie Company’s newsletter at www.hawaiianpieco.com to find out when the next Kalo Krunch time will be!
For more information:
Hours: Wednesday-Friday from 9:00 am-4:00 pm, and Saturday from 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Address: 508 Waiakamilo Road, Honolulu, HI 96817
Website: www.hawaiianpieco.com
Instagram: @hawaiianpieco
Facebook: Hawaiian Pie Co