New Bread Bakery Sets Grand Opening

Downtown Hilo’s newest bakery is celebrating its grand opening next week.

Papa‘a Palaoa Bakery, which launched with a “soft” opening March 1 at 187 Kilauea Ave, will be celebrating its opening April 14-20, said owner Eric Cox in a media release.

“Hilo was ready for a new bread bakery,” said Cox.

Breads include roasted three seed, cranberry mac nut whole wheat, oatmeal, multi-grain, olive, spicy corn, sourdough rye, sourdough whole wheat, and cinnamon raisin mac nut swirl, the release said.

Specialty items include pan forte, cinnamon rolls, chocolate chip cookies with walnuts, and brioche with chocolate chips and vanilla cream.

With the store’s opening, Cox has added scones, muffins, cookies and quiche, plus coffee and chai.

“We’re thrilled to be downtown,” said Cox. “The kitchen is fantastic. I love that people can watch us bake.”

The bakery began in 2006 at farmers markets but grew beyond its capacity. “The storefront is our next step up,” Cox said.

Paul Lackner is a partner and baker, along with bakers Rachel Van Etten and Nick Mount.

“We invite you to come down and see what we have to offer, what tickles your taste buds,” Cox said. “Smells are free.”

The bakery is open 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Call 935-5700.