HONOLULU (KHON2) — It’s National Macaon Day! So, KHON2.com is giving you a bit of a history lesson before you go out to buy up all the macarons at your local bakery/patisserie.
The origin of macarons, the delicate almond-based cookies, is a subject of historical debate and culinary legend. Here are some key points regarding their invention and development:
It is widely believed that macarons were brought to France by Catherine de’ Medici (Milan, Italy), the Italian noblewoman who married King Henry II of France in 1533. She is said to have brought her Italian pastry chefs with her, who introduced the French court to the macaron.
Although the macarons Catherine de’ Medici enjoyed were likely simpler cookies made of almond flour, sugar, and egg whites, the recipe evolved over centuries. The macaron as we know it today, featuring a filling sandwiched between two delicate meringue cookies, was refined in France.
The modern macaron is often credited to Pierre Desfontaines, a relative of Louis-Ernest Ladurée, the founder of the famous Ladurée pastry shop in Paris. In the early 20th century, Desfontaines had the idea to sandwich two meringue cookies together with a creamy ganache filling, creating the iconic Parisian macaron.
Ladurée and other Parisian patisseries popularized the macaron, and it became a symbol of French pastry artistry. The combination of textures—a crisp shell with a chewy interior and a smooth, flavorful filling—captivated pastry lovers around the world.
So, to celebrate National Macaron Day, here’s where you can the best ones, according to your Yelp reviews, on your island.
Oʻahu
Sugarlina Bakeshop.
La Tour Cafe*.
Kulu Kulu.
Diamond’s Sweets.
La Palme D’Or Patisserie.
Ugly Cupcakes & More.
Cake Works.
Mr. Tea Cafe.
Beachwalk Cafe.
*La Tour Cafe took spots 2 and 3 in this list.
Maui
Sugar Beach Bake Shop.
Sweet On Maui.
Fabiani’s.
Whole Foods Market.
Frosted Mermaid.
Island Gourmet Markets.
Wow Wow Lemonade Maui.
Honolua Store.
Hawaiʻi Island
In Hilo:
Cupcakes, BOOM!
Short n Sweet Bakery & Cafe.
In Kailua-Kona:
La Bourgogne.
Kauaʻi
Orly Patisserie.
The Right Slice.
Wood Spoon Macaron.
Passion Bakery Cafe.
Kauaʻi Bakery.
Kilauea Bakery & Pizzeria.
Ko Bakery.
Kauaʻi Kookie Bakery & Kitchen.
Hanalima Bakery.
The Hanalei Bakery.
Well, what are you waiting for? These delectables cookie treats don’t last long and they sell out quickly. Happy National Macaron Day!