Bananarama Bakery in Pāhoa to host anniversary, grand opening celebration

A new Pāhoa bakery that boasts having the Big Island’s most extensive selection of gluten-free, plant-based and sugar-free tasty treats is hosting a grand opening and one-year anniversary celebration.

Bananarama Bakery in downtown Pāhoa will host the celebration from Dec. 10-12. Events start at 9 a.m. Dec. 10, with sales, giveaways and surprises planned. All in-stock items also will be 20% off Dec. 10 and 10% off Dec. 11-12.

“Since we only had a soft opening, we wanted to make sure we perfected our service and recipes and can meet increased capacity before holding a grand opening celebration,” said the bakery’s founder, co-owner and head baker Bob Kirk in a press release. “Since it’s now very close to our first anniversary, we’re celebrating both events with discounts and giveaways all weekend.”

Bananarama Bakery caters especially to those with certain dietary restrictions and choices, such as gluten-free, plant-based/vegan, sugar-free and various allergies such as to eggs and dairy. The bakery features savory dishes, such as stromboli, an extensive selection of breads and dozens of different dessert options including local favorites such as ube crinkle cookies. The business is focused on being environmentally friendly and using local ingredients and alternatives to plastic packaging as much as possible.

Having started on a small banana farm, from which the bakery gets the name, virtually all fruit grown on the farm continues to be used in its desserts. While primarily takeout, Bananarama Bakery also has three small tables and a picnic bench outside for dining.

“We want to be a welcoming bakery for everyone with extensive options customers don’t expect to find at bakeries,” Kirk said in the press release. “Our gluten-free, plant-based and sugar-free offerings have already generated a following. … We’re thrilled when someone tells us they haven’t had a cinnamon roll in many years since they went gluten-free and can’t believe they get to have one again. Customers are also surprised when they ask what we might have which won’t affect their egg or dairy allergies and we reply, ‘Everything!’”

The bakery also has unexpected items such as its entirely plant-based jalapeño cheddar bread and the plant-based Hawaiian sweet bread.

“Bananarama Bakery has the best gluten-free and plant-based pastries on the Big Island,” said Sharon Van Meter, a world master chef; president of SVM Productions, which produces TV shows for The Food Network; and part-time Pāhoa resident, in the press release. She also encouraged Kirk to branch out and open the restaurant. “They’re committed to using the highest quality ingredients. Stop by for my personal favorites: apricot ginger bread and their coconut lilikoi cake!”

The bakery is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

For more information about the bakery, click here.