Our vision is simple: to bring people together through food that nourishes both the heart and the earth.

We imagine a future where business, culture, and the environment thrive together.
Sugar and Poi blend the staple flavors of Hawai‘i with the innovative techniques of plant-based gastronomy to create a new model for sustainable indulgence.

Rooted in the Hawaiian value of mālama ‘āina — care for the land — we strive to balance modern creativity with cultural responsibility.

Sugar & Poi for special occasions

 Bringing joy in every bite!

From my family’s hands to yours — this is more than dessert. It’s a reflection of who we are.

Meet KawaiLehua Santiago, Founder

Born and raised on the west side of O‘ahu, KawaiLehua Santiago is a biracial, part-Hawaiian woman whose roots run deep in local values and the extended family (‘ohana) that defines island life.

From a young age, she learned that food is connection — a way to gather, to celebrate, and to care. Guided by her family’s Hawaiian name Kalimapau (“finishing hands”), she brings that same care and precision into every Sugar and Poi creation.

A bakery for the eco-conscious generation that redefines luxury cakes.

Sugar and Poi is a bakery for the eco-conscious generation — redefining what luxury tastes like. Every cake is plant-based, crafted with intention, and inspired by Hawai‘i’s island flavors.

We believe indulgence and sustainability can coexist — that caring for our planet is the sweetest luxury of all. Sugar and Poi was founded by KawaiLehua to honor her heritage and reimagine what a bakery can be — a place where cultural pride, sustainability, and artistry come together. Each recipe tells a story of Hawai‘i’s past and its possibilities for the future.

 Our cakes in Circle or Heart

Choose up to 3 colors to customize

Sugar and Poi is on a journey forward — from weddings and catering to an e-commerce, and wholesale entity.

Through storytelling, social connection, and community collaboration, we invite you to walk with us — to share our purpose, celebrate our creativity, and join us in shaping a more sustainable food future.

Because Sugar and Poi isn’t just a bakery.
It’s a movement — toward conscious indulgence, cultural pride, and a sweeter, more sustainable tomorrow.

Sustainability (Mālama ‘Āina)

 We honor the land that sustains us. Sugar and Poi is committed to reducing waste, sourcing thoughtfully, and moving toward a truly minimal-waste bakery model. From eco-friendly packaging to mindful production, we strive to create delicious treats that tread lightly and support a healthier Hawai‘i.

Quality (Kalimapau – Finishing Hands)

Craftsmanship is at the heart of everything we make. Each cake and garnish is shaped with intention, precision, and care. Our “finishing hands” reflect generations of skill and a passion for excellence. Every bite feels special, refined, and uniquely Sugar and Poi.

Community Focused & Oriented

Sugar and Poi is built for—and by—our community. We believe in creating fair-pay jobs, empowering local youth, and supporting the small businesses that keep Hawai‘i thriving. When we grow, we bring our community with us, contributing to a stronger, more connected economy.

Hawaiiana – Our culture

Our guiding foundation. Rooted in aloha, authenticity, and reciprocity,  to reshape traditional business into something more thoughtful and human. Every product reflects our commitment to honoring heritage, uplifting people, and sharing the spirit of Hawai‘i.