If you’ve ever craved a slice of moist, ultra-fragrant banana bread but wanted to give it a tropical twist, look no further than this Hawaiian Banana Bread. It’s loaded with the sweetness of ripe bananas and crushed pineapple, kissed with buttery coconut flakes, and comes together effortlessly for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. If you’re looking to treat your friends or simply brighten your own day with a splash of sunshine, this Hawaiian Banana Bread is sure to earn a permanent spot in your kitchen repertoire.

Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s no need to hunt down rare ingredients for this beauty—just a few pantry staples with a handful of tropical must-haves. Each ingredient plays a starring role, giving Hawaiian Banana Bread its signature flavor and foolproof texture.

Flour: All-purpose flour gives just the right structure and density for slices that hold together but stay tender.
Baking powder: Adds lift, helping the bread rise with a light yet satisfying crumb.
Baking soda: Reacts with the acidity in pineapple and banana, making the loaf irresistibly moist.
Salt: Pops the sweetness and balances every bite.
Butter (softened): Brings a rich, classic base for the bread and infuses the loaf with melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
Sugar: Sweetens the mix and caramelizes for a soft golden crust.
Eggs: Bind everything together and give the bread its gorgeous, tender pull.
Very ripe banana (mashed): The riper, the better! Banana adds intense flavor and extra moisture.
Crushed pineapple in juice (not drained): Juicy pineapple moistens the loaf and brings a tropical zing.
Shredded coconut (sweetened): Sprinkles in chewy texture and coconutty goodness in every slice.

How to Make Hawaiian Banana Bread

Step 1: Mix Butter and Sugar

Cream the softened butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer on low speed. You want a creamy, fluffy base—this is what gives your Hawaiian Banana Bread that rich, indulgent beginning while ensuring each bite is soft and even in texture.

Step 2: Add Eggs

Crack in both eggs and continue to mix gently. The eggs create a smooth, glossy batter and help bind all those tropical flavors, so don’t skip this vital step.

Step 3: Incorporate Banana and Pineapple

Slowly fold in the mashed banana and the entire can of crushed pineapple (juice and all). This duo is the heart of Hawaiian Banana Bread, offering maximum moisture and unbeatable flavor depth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution, so your loaf bakes up evenly with just the right rise and structure.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry mix to the wet batter, stirring until just combined. Be gentle here—you want the batter mixed, not overworked, to preserve the bread’s tender crumb.

Step 6: Stir in Coconut

Fold in the shredded coconut, scattering tropical sweetness throughout the batter. This little step makes all the difference, giving your Hawaiian Banana Bread extra personality and flavor.

Step 7: Prepare and Fill Loaf Pan

Grease or line your loaf pan with parchment paper. Pour in the batter, smoothing the top so your bread bakes to picture-perfect height and shape.

Step 8: Bake!

Slide the pan into a 350°F oven and bake for 1 hour. The kitchen will soon smell like a tropical paradise. Your bread is ready when it turns golden and a toothpick emerges clean from the center.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before removing. Patience is key—the cooling time helps the bread firm up, making it easy to slice into neat, delicious pieces.

How to Serve Hawaiian Banana Bread

Garnishes

A warm slice of Hawaiian Banana Bread is heavenly on its own, but you can take it up a notch. Try a sprinkle of toasted coconut, a pat of good butter, or even a drizzle of warm honey to highlight those sunny flavors.

Side Dishes

This bread makes a fabulous breakfast paired with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit, or as a dessert alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a snack, enjoy it simply with a cup of hot coffee or spiced tea—the sweetness plays beautifully with bitter drinks.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunches or potlucks, slice your Hawaiian Banana Bread and display on a beautiful board with tropical fruits like kiwi and sliced mango. For a party twist, cut it into cubes and serve as part of a fruit skewer or dessert platter with chocolate fondue.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Hawaiian Banana Bread stays moist for days! Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen runs warm, pop it in the fridge to keep it extra fresh.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or briefly at room temperature for impromptu tropical treats anytime.

Reheating

For that just-baked experience, warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or toast them gently in a low oven. The aroma will transport you right back to your favorite getaway.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just make sure to blend or finely chop your fresh pineapple, and include any juices to match the moisture of the canned version for that signature Hawaiian Banana Bread texture.

Do I have to use sweetened coconut?

Sweetened coconut will bring a caramelized, chewy texture, but you can substitute with unsweetened if you prefer a less sweet treat. The bread will still be delicious and moist.

How ripe should my banana be?

The best bananas for Hawaiian Banana Bread are very ripe, with plenty of brown spots—these will mash easily and deliver the most sweetness and flavor.

Can I turn this recipe into muffins?

Definitely! Spoon the batter into lined muffin tins, filling each spot about 2/3 full. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and springy to the touch.

Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Yes. Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for the flour, and check that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The bread will still be sunny, soft, and bursting with island flavor!

Final Thoughts

Sharing a loaf of Hawaiian Banana Bread feels like sending a little care package from paradise—each bite is soft, tangy, and impossibly cheerful. If you’re craving a sweet escape, I can’t recommend this recipe enough. Happy baking, and may your kitchen always smell like the tropics!