Knead & Bake

The Hand-Tossed Pies of Knead & Bake: Takeout Pizza With Flair
Local Expert's Rating:
4.5 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Boasting exquisite crusts and premium toppings, Knead & Bake brings a new level of quality to the Big Island takeout pizza experience. Grab a delicious pizza to enjoy on the balcony during your stay at or near Mauna Lani.

- The HawaiianIslands.com Local Expert Team

Restaurant options tend to be limited near Mauna Lani, but that doesn’t mean you need to miss out on quality cuisine during your visit. If you know where to look, you’ll discover several gems — including the lovely Knead & Bake. This takeout pizza joint may not be well-known, but it’s an appreciated option nonetheless. 

Specializing in hand-tossed personal pies, Knead & Bake boasts an impressive team of bakers. These pizza experts have honed their craft for years. They know exactly what it takes to produce an exceptional pie with three simple ingredients: flour, water, and yeast.

Spanning twelve inches, Knead & Bake’s pies are primarily meant to be enjoyed alone, as their thin crust prevents them from feeling particularly filling. That being said, it’s definitely possible to feel satisfied after splitting a pizza, especially if you order a side (such as garlic knots) or a salad to share as well.

Several grab-and-go beverages are offered, but you’ll want to head elsewhere if you desire a vast selection or a full bar experience. Many pizza lovers visit the nearby Foodland Farms to select a few beverages before picking up their pizzas. 

No, this pizza joint is not fancy — but that’s not always what you want after a long day out and about on the Big Island. If you’re eager to kick it casual with a great pizza, you can’t go wrong with ordering one of the personal pies from Knead & Bake. 

A few of our favorite menu items include the following:

House
It’s rare for us to recommend simple cheese pizzas when so many other options are more interesting. With this particular pie, however, simplicity is a desirable quality. Without the distractions of fancy toppings, you can get a better sense of just how remarkable Knead & Bake’s crusts really are. 

Crispy Veneto
A dream come true for vegetarians, this tasty pie is chock full of produce. Favorite toppings include artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, arugula, green olives, red onions, and bell peppers. 

Chicken Bacon Ranch
Cravings are guaranteed when you order this pizza. Don’t be surprised if you neglect your urge to savor and instead chow down on this masterpiece in record time. Roasted chicken and bacon are delightful toppings — particularly when they join forces with mozzarella, Parmesan, and ranch. 

Sausage Pepper Parm
Treat yourself to a delectable sausage pizza that is sure to satisfy. In addition to its trademark sausage, this pie comes with two types of peppers: bell and roasted red peppers. Red onion is also included, as well as the perfect amount of garlic. 

Spring Snap Salad
Knead & Bake may be known for its pies, but there’s something to be said for ordering a salad. This version is definitely flavorful, owing largely to its sweet papaya dressing. Other highlights include spinach, red onion, gorgonzola, bacon, and macadamia nuts. 

If you have a deep appreciation for quality pizza crusts, you should definitely give the personal pies at Knead & Bake a try. Take a break from resort restaurants and enjoy a wonderfully casual approach to Big Island dining.

Insider Tips:
-Online ordering is the go-to solution for most pizza lovers, although it’s also possible to call ahead. With online ordering, you can take advantage of express checkout via Google Pay.
-Be sure to leave a generous amount of time for pizza prep, as Knead & Bake is often inundated with orders during peak dinner hours and especially on holidays. At a minimum, the website recommends setting aside at least half an hour for prep time.