These 11 Places Serve The Most Mouthwatering Malasadas In Hawaii

Malasadas – fluffy Portuguese doughnuts without a hole – are wildly popular throughout the Hawaiian Islands. A crispy golden brown exterior gives way to a soft and chewy inside in flavors like cinnamon sugar; some malasadas are even filled with custard, haupia, lilikoi, and guava. And while many argue that Leonard’s Bakery – the shop that made us fall in love with malasadas – is the best, there are countless other bakeries across the islands that do this magnificent treat justice. Seriously, ditch those boring doughnuts, and try a warm, doughy malasada from any of these 11 shops – trust us, your morning meeting will go much more smoothly when you grab a dozen malasadas to share.

Lily T./Yelp

Jam Y./Yelp

Nowhere does malasadas better than Leonard’s Bakery, a Honolulu staple since 1952. The treat became popular after Leonard’s mother suggested making malasadas for Shrove Tuesday, a Portuguese tradition. The bakers thought it was too ethnic, but they tried it all the same, and Hawaii fell in love.

933 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816

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Frank P./Yelp

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JoycieSweets S./Yelp

While this bakery specializes in pies, we'll take a delicious iced coffee and fresh, fluffy, made-to-order malasadas.

61 S Kihei Rd., Kihei, HI 96753

Lori L./Yelp

Madeleine L./Yelp

With Bavarian cream filled malasadas and a wide selection of donuts, this holy bake shop is a true Kailua-Kona gem.

75-5729 Alii Drive #103, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Lilibeth L./Yelp

Maria C./Yelp

For authentic malasadas and other delicious Portuguese treats, head to this Kailua bakery located at 46 Hoolai Street.

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Tracy H./Yelp

Guest U./Yelp

This simple bakery serves up cream-filled malasadas, as well as cookies, cakes and other baked goods.

Kukui Grove Shopping Center, 3-2600 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766

Eddie P./Yelp

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Federico I./Yelp

This local pit-stop is famous for their malasadas, burgers and Hawaiian cuisine. It may seem like an odd combination, but you can't discredit the convenience of picking up a dozen malasadas with your lunch.

45-690 Pakalana St. #19, Honokaa, HI 96727

DJ F./Yelp

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Ken L./Yelp

This bakery and 24-hour diner may be known for their chantilly cakes, coco puffs and donuts, but that doesn't mean their malasadas aren't also to-die for.

515 N Kuakini St., Honolulu, HI 96817

Ivy L./Yelp

Phillip G./Yelp

First opened as a general store in 1916, this Maui shop began to sell baked goods in the ‘40s, and are now famous for their cream puffs, glazed donut sticks, and malasadas.

3674 Baldwin Ave., Makawao, HI 96768

Ashley W./Yelp

Jimmy H./Yelp

This phenomenal coffee shop + farm is known for self-guided tours of their coffee trees, and we suggest grabbing a malasada or two to enjoy during your walk.

870 Halewili Rd., Kalaheo, HI 96741

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Michael C./Yelp

Winnie L./Yelp

Located on Oahu's remote northern shore, this bakery is a local favorite specializing in malasadas and the snow puffy - an original creation.

66-1425 Kaukonahua Rd., Waialua, HI 96791

Angela L./Yelp

Diana H./Yelp

Who would have thought that malasadas and sweet corn go together, or that they were best served from a small truck? Be sure to order a variety of flavors, including lilikoi, guava, cream, and chocolate.

65-1148 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743

There’s no doubt about it – I’m waking up early tomorrow to grab a few – or a dozen – malasadas from Leonard’s. If these sweet morsels of heaven aren’t your thing, be sure to check out these ten incredible Hawaiian desserts, as well as these eight donut shops.