Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Hawaii is an island known for its fresh poké and acai bowls. While I recommend trying both during your visit, there is another treat waiting for international foodies: hot and tasty Malasadas!
These mouthwatering Portuguese doughnuts are all the craze in Hawaii, and you can find them at one of the most famous bakeries in Honolulu, Leonards.
We accidentally found Leonard’s Bakery while searching for a breakfast spot on our way to hike at Diamond Head. We knew we had to try them as soon as we saw the 4.6 stars out of 10,000 reviews on Google. As soon as we saw the long line out the door, we realized we were in for a treat!
The History Of The Leonard’s Bakery
Here is the history of Leonard’s Bakery, told by them! In June 1882, the British sailing ship ‘Monarch’ brought Arsenio and Amelia DoRego from San Miguel Island, Portugal, to Maui, Hawai’i, under contract to work the sugar cane fields. Some 33 years later, their grandson Leonard was born. In 1946, Leonard and his wife Margaret moved to Honolulu with their daughter Diane, who was 8. Leonard worked at Snowflake Bakery until he founded Leonard’s Bakery℠ in 1952.
Leonard and Margaret were no strangers to hard work, both coming from very large families. The bakery prospered. Not long after opening, Leonard’s mother suggested making malasadas for Shrove Tuesday – a Portuguese tradition. Although thinking it may be too ethnic, Leonard’s bakers complied. Malasadas were a huge hit. And, the appetite for malasadas in Hawaii was born.
What Are Malasadas?
So, what are these delicious creations? A Malasada is simply a Portuguese doughnut without a hole. These fried balls of dough boast a golden-brown exterior and a light, fluffy interior.
Leonard’s started making malasadas as part of the Portuguese tradition for Shrove Tuesday back in 1953. Now, they bake them daily and are known as Hawaii’s original malasada™ bakery.
Different Types of Malasadas At Leonard’s Bakery
Leonard’s offers a variety of Malasadas! The classic Original Malasadas are sugar-coated and priced at $1.85 each. You can choose from three sugar options: Original, Cinnamon, or Li Hing.
For a delightful twist, try the Malasadas Puffs priced at $2.25 each. These sugar-coated treasures are filled with various flavors, including Chocolate, Coconut, Macadamia Nut, and Guava.
Mix and match your Malasadas and Malasadas Puffs to savor all the sugar coatings and delectable fillings!
Additionally, their menu features a variety of other dishes, such as the Large Pao Doce Wrap, featuring Portuguese sausage wrapped in their famous sweet bread.
I tried one of everything listed above, and let me tell you, each treat was delish!
Where is Leonard Bakery Located?
The bakery is conveniently located just two miles from the beaches of Waikiki, which is a quick five-minute drive or a leisurely 45-minute walk.
I highly recommend making it a stop on your way to Diamond Head Monument, which is a 9-minute drive from the bakery.
This way, you can treat yourself to some much-needed delights both before and after your hike.
The official address of the bakery is 933 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816.
Please be aware that the parking lot is quite small, so plan some extra time for parking. Fortunately, it usually clears up quickly, as many visitors pick up their Malasada orders and head out.
Malasadamobiles
If you can’t make it to the bakery, you can stop by one of their Malasadamobiles instead.
The food trucks are located at the Shopping Center, Pearlridge Shopping Center, Windward Mall, and Koko Marina Shopping Center.
Malasadamobiles serve up delicious and hot Malasadas, all ready to go!
Worth the Wait!
There’s always a line at Leonard’s, but fortunately, it moves quickly. I recommend arriving early, as there’s a chance they might sell out.
For added convenience, the bakery welcomes phone orders, especially suitable for large groups or families with a minimum order requirement of two dozen malasadas. If you choose this option, give them at least an hour to prepare your order. When picking up, head directly to the cashier; there is no need to wait in the main line.
Have you tried Malasadas at Leonard’s Bakery in Hawaii?
Explore More:
Where Do You Want To Travel Next?