Haupia is the Hawaiian name for a traditional coconut pudding found throughout Polynesia.

Puddings made in the Pacific islands generally consist of two components; a base made from a starch such as taro or breadfruit and an emollient such as coconut milk or oil that bound the material together when cooked.

[2] Starch extracted from the pia (or Polynesian arrowroot) is the original thickening agent used in making this dish.

Cornstarch (grain starch) is often substituted for pia in modern recipes which give a different texture overall more akin to gelatin.

[6] Haupia can also be used in place of buttercream in fillings for cakes, donuts (including malasadas), incorporated into ice cream, or provide a more local twist in almond tofu.