Mochi is an integral part of New Year celebrations in both Japan and Hawaiʻi, as it symbolizes prosperity and good fortune for the upcoming year. It’s often eaten in ozoni soup — made with dashi and vegetables — or in stacked mochi cakes with a Japanese bitter orange.
Whether you’re looking for chi chi dango or assorted mochi with fillings, here are several spots to get mochi to welcome 2026:
Fujiya Hawaiʻi
Where: 930 Hauʻoli St., Honolulu
What: This business has providing Oʻahu’s community with mochi and manju for more than 70 years. It’s offering a variety of New Year’s assortments, which include cupped chi chi dango ($78), specialty boxes ($30-$40), and New Year’s platters ($45-$65). Platters include flavors like habutae mochi (smooth red bean), tsumami mochi (white bean), tsubushi mochi (whole red bean), azuki manju, matcha bean mochi, and shiro manju (white bean).
Contact: Visit fujiyahawaii.com
Izu’s Mochi
Where: Kakaʻako farmers market, 919 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu
What: This business is usually located at the Kakaʻako farmers market and offers homemade mochi. Choose from mochi flavors like azuki, kinako, peanut butter, sweet potato, lilikoʻi, azuki strawberry and more.
Contact: Instagram (@izusmochi)
K. Minamoto Hawaiʻi
Where: Various locations (Ala Moana Center or Kāhala Mall)
What: K. Minamoto Hawaiʻi offers a variety of Japanese sweets. The Japanese confections reflect seasonal flavors presented in traditional styles. Choose from mochi flavors like chocolate, green tea, white peach and grape. Seasonal flavors include Ichigo komochi — freeze-dried strawberries and white bean paste wrapped in a soft, mochi rice cake — and Ichigo mochi. The latter features a soft rice cake with a strawberry flavor bean paste filling.
Contact: Visit kminamotohawaii.com
Kansai Yamato
Where: 1035 University Ave., Honolulu
What: Kansai Yamato specializes in fresh mochi and Japanese desserts. Choose from popular items like chi chi dango platters ($19), fresh mochi combos ($20), strawberry and cream mochi ($5.99), and peanut butter mochi ($7.99).
You can also find Kansai Yamato’s mochi at various retailers, including Times Kahala, Beretania and Aiea; Marukai, Don Quijote, Don Don Donki and more.
Contact: Call 808-838-1355
Marukai Hawaiʻi
Where: 2310 Kamehameha Hwy., Honolulu
What: You can find options like Yamamotoyama komoshi mochi, caramel pudding choco Daifuku (soft, chewy mochi filled with chocolate and caramel pudding), and more.
Contact: Call 808-845-5051 or visit marukaihawaii.com
Nisshodo Candy Store
Where: 1095 Dillingham Blvd. Ste. I-6, Honolulu
What: Family-owned business Nisshodo Candy Store is known for its confections made from scratch, including mochi, manju and chi chi dango. Nisshodo’s mochi and manju come in flavors like peanut butter, coconut, Daifuku and more.
Contact: Call 808-847-1244 or visit nisshodomochicandy.com
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Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
