Matcha Mochi Donut in Waikiki
Where to Get the Green One — Chewy Pon-de-Ring with Real Matcha Glaze
What is a Matcha Mochi Donut?
A matcha mochi donut is a chewy rice-flour (mochiko) pon-de-ring donut finished with a real Japanese green-tea (matcha) glaze. Instead of a fluffy, cakey crumb, you get that signature bouncy, "QQ" chew — eight little dough balls joined in a ring that pull apart one by one. The earthy, slightly bitter matcha balances the gentle sweetness of the glaze, making it the grown-up pick among mochi donut flavors: photogenic, not too sweet, and impossible to stop at one.
The Story Behind the Matcha Mochi Donut
From Japan's Pon-de-Ring to Hawaii's Mochi Donut Craze
The mochi donut was born when Japan's beloved pon-de-ring — a ring of connected dough balls made chewy with tapioca and rice flour — met the American donut. The result was a donut with a completely different texture: light on the outside, irresistibly bouncy and chewy inside. As the style spread to Hawaii and the mainland, shops leaned into mochiko (sweet rice flour) to make that springy bite the star of the show.
At the same time, matcha was having a moment far beyond the tea ceremony. Stone-ground Japanese green tea moved from the cup into lattes, soft serve, cheesecake, and glaze — prized for its vivid green color and its grassy, umami-rich, slightly bitter edge. For a generation that loves desserts that are flavorful but not cloying, matcha became the go-to "less sweet" flavor.
Matcha and mochi are a natural match. The gentle bitterness of real matcha cuts through the sweetness of the glaze, while the chewy mochi texture gives every bite something to hold onto. It is the same balance that makes matcha + red bean or matcha + mochi work in Japanese sweets — just reimagined in donut form, and built for sharing and photographing.
In Waikiki and across Hawaii, mochi donuts have become a fixture of the islands' Asian-fusion dessert scene. Visitors from Japan, Korea, and the mainland come looking for that chewy pon-de-ring shape and bright flavors — ube purple, classic glazed, and, of course, that striking matcha green. Paired with 100% Kona coffee, a matcha mochi donut is a true taste of modern Hawaii.
Matcha Mochi Donut vs Other Mochi Donut Flavors
How Does the Green One Compare?
Matcha, ube, and classic glazed all share the same chewy pon-de-ring base — but they deliver very different experiences. Here's how they stack up:
| Flavor | Matcha | Ube | Classic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taste | Earthy green tea, gentle bitterness, umami | Sweet, nutty, vanilla-like yam | Pure sweet glaze, buttery |
| Color | Vivid matcha green | Bright purple | Golden glazed |
| Sweetness | Low — balanced and grown-up | Medium — sweet but mellow | High — classic sugar hit |
| Who it's for | Matcha lovers who like less-sweet treats | Fans of fun color and mellow sweetness | Purists who want the OG donut taste |
| Best pairing | Iced 100% Kona latte | Kona latte | Hot 100% Kona coffee |
| Photogenic? | Extremely — that green pops | Extremely — purple stunner | Classic and clean |
If you like earthy, less-sweet desserts, matcha is the one to get. If you want a fun color with mellow sweetness, go ube — or just get a mixed box and try them side by side.
Matcha Treats & Pairings to Try
Make the Most of the Green One
Matcha Mochi Donut
The star
The chewy pon-de-ring with real matcha glaze. Earthy, not too sweet, and that unmistakable green color. Best eaten fresh the same day, while the glaze is glossy and the mochi is at its bounciest.
Matcha Donut + Iced Kona Latte
Perfect pair
Matcha's grassy bitterness loves a smooth, chocolatey 100% Kona coffee. An iced Kona latte keeps things refreshing in the Waikiki heat and makes the whole thing feel like a proper treat.
Matcha in a Mixed Mochi Box
Share it
Get matcha alongside ube, classic, and other flavors in one box. It's the most fun way to taste the lineup, perfect for a group, and the prettiest thing on the table for photos.
Matcha Donut To-Go for the Beach
Grab & go
We're about 5 minutes from Waikiki Beach, so grab a matcha mochi donut and a coffee to go and enjoy them with an ocean view. The chewy texture travels well for a short walk.
Seasonal Matcha Specials
Limited time
Keep an eye out for rotating matcha specials and seasonal twists. Flavors come and go, so if you spot a special matcha mochi donut, it's worth grabbing while it lasts.
Why Get a Matcha Mochi Donut in Waikiki
Chewy Mochi Texture You Can't Get on the Mainland
That bouncy, "QQ" pon-de-ring chew is the whole point of a mochi donut — and it's hard to find done well outside of Hawaii and Asia. Made fresh with rice flour, it's a texture experience most mainland donuts simply can't match.
Real Matcha, Not Too Sweet
A great matcha mochi donut leads with the earthy, umami flavor of real Japanese green tea, not just sugar and food coloring. The result is a donut that tastes grown-up and balanced — flavorful without the sugar crash.
Super Photogenic Green
That vivid matcha green against a chewy ring of dough is made for photos. Whether it's for the group chat or the feed, a matcha mochi donut with a Waikiki backdrop is one of the most shareable treats on the island.
Pairs with 100% Kona Coffee, ~5 Min from the Beach
Matcha and 100% Kona coffee are a dream pairing, and you can enjoy both just about 5 minutes from Waikiki Beach. It's the perfect mid-stroll stop for a chewy, photogenic, less-sweet treat.
Where to Get a Matcha Mochi Donut in Waikiki
If you're craving the green one in Waikiki, Kona Coffee Donut? is your spot.
Kona Coffee Donut?
2142 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Right on Kalakaua Avenue in the heart of Waikiki, Kona Coffee Donut? makes fresh rice-flour mochi donuts — matcha, ube, and more — paired with smooth 100% Kona coffee. Our matcha mochi donut brings together a chewy pon-de-ring and a real green-tea glaze, and we're only about 5 minutes from Waikiki Beach.
- Fresh rice-flour mochi donuts in matcha, ube & more
- Made with real matcha glaze — earthy, not too sweet
- Paired with smooth 100% Kona coffee
- About 5 minutes from Waikiki Beach — open daily 7AM–9PM
Tips for the Best Matcha Mochi Donut
Get the Most Out of the Green One
Eat It Fresh, Same Day
Mochi donuts are best the day they're made, while the glaze is glossy and the rice-flour dough is at its chewiest. The signature bounce starts to fade after a day, so don't save it for later — enjoy it fresh.
Pair It with an Iced Kona Latte
Matcha's earthy, slightly bitter edge is made for a smooth 100% Kona coffee. An iced Kona latte keeps it refreshing in the Waikiki sun and rounds out the less-sweet matcha perfectly.
Try Matcha Next to Ube for Contrast
Tasting the earthy matcha right after the sweet, nutty ube makes both flavors pop. It's the best way to appreciate what makes matcha special — and the green-and-purple combo is unbeatable for photos.
Get a Mixed Box to Share
A mixed mochi donut box lets your group sample matcha, ube, classic, and more in one go. It's more fun, more photogenic, and the easiest way to find your new favorite flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get a matcha mochi donut in Waikiki?
What is a mochi donut?
Is the matcha real and strong?
How much is a mochi donut?
What coffee pairs with a matcha mochi donut?
Try the Matcha Mochi Donut in Waikiki
Visit Kona Coffee Donut? at 2142 Kalakaua Ave and treat yourself to a chewy matcha mochi donut with real green-tea glaze and 100% Kona coffee — about 5 minutes from Waikiki Beach.