Hawaiian Dessert

There was a Mother/Daughter event at our church a week or so ago. We were to take a Hawaiian themed dessert. After looking around the web, and asking for advice, this is what I ended up taking. I thought it was yummy. Hope you do too...
I found the recipe at cooks.com

1 (18 1/4 oz) yellow cake mix

1 (5 1/2 oz) instant vanilla pudding

1 c. cold milk

1 8 oz. pkg cream cheese softened

1 8 oz. frozen whipped topping thawed

1 20 oz. can crushed pineapple well drained ( I reserved the juice for the cake mix)

1/2 c. pecans chopped

1/2 c. flaked coconut

1/2 c. maraschino cherries, chopped and drained (I don't care for them, so I omitted this one)

Prepare cake mix according to package directions (I used the pineapple juice for the water called for, and made up the difference with water). Pour into greased 10x15 inch jelly roll pan. Bake at 350* for 15-20 minutes. Cool in pan.

Blend pudding mix and milk. beat cream cheese into pudding until smooth. Fold in whipped topping by hand (I used the mixer, for me it makes it smoother). Spread mixture on cooled cake. Spread pineapple on top. Then sprinkle with nuts, cherries (if desired) and coconut. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Cut into squares.