It’s been almost a year since an epic Malasada failure happened at Leonard’s Bakery in Honolulu last September. That was short-lived thankfully; their equipment was repaired, and malasada aficionados returned like us.
When you arrive at Leonard’s Bakery in Honolulu, as your editors just did, don’t let the long lines scare you. Just go inside and order, then prepare for about a 10-minute wait outside for your freshly made malasadas. When we say these are fresh, we mean to imply that you will receive your malasadas hot every time. Nothing is sitting around at Leonard’s getting cold. And for that reason too, you won’t find a display case with malasadas.
The fact people (both locals and visitors) are waiting speaks to the unending popularity of Leonard’s Bakery, which has been on Kapahulu since 1952 and at this location since 1957. It is perhaps the most famous of Hawaii’s bakeries, and they even have a place now in Yokohama, Japan.
Leonard’s Bakery in Honolulu is the undisputed go-to place for malasadas, the most popular Hawaii dessert. Their malasadas are a beautiful golden brown on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and delicious.
This Hawaii tradition for nearly 70 years is still family-owned and going as strong as ever. It is a short drive from Waikiki, and you won’t regret it.
What is a Malasada?
If you don’t know, you need to find out on your next Hawaii vacation. A malasada is like a deep-fried doughnut but without a hole, rolled in either plain sugar, cinnamon sugar, or Li Hing and oozing a cream custard or other filling or nothing at all. The main difference is the fillings and coating since the dough and the preparation are always the same. The yeast-leavened dough includes eggs and evaporated milk, making malasadas different from doughnuts.
Beat of Hawaii’s favorite malasada is always the custard-filled treats. And it seems that is what most people order. Many others are on the menu, including plain, macadamia, lilikoi, and guava fillings. And don’t forget the “dobash” chocolate ones and the haupia coconut malasadas. There is always a flavor of the month, so you may not always find the one you have in mind. The custard ones are always on tap, however.
How Leonard’s Bakery came to be.
Its history goes back to the island of São Miguel in the Azores. During the 1800s, Portuguese workers came from the Azores to work the sugar cane fields in Hawaii. Two workers who came, Arsenio and Amelia DoRego, brought the recipe for malasadas. It was their grandson, Leonard, who got into the bakery business. In 1946, he and his wife Margaret moved to Honolulu from Maui and worked at Snowflake Bakery.
Leonard then went on to start his own bakery in 1952 called Leonards. At first, there were no malasadas made. But Leonard’s mother suggested he make them for Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday). He wasn’t sure if there was an appetite for them in Honolulu, but “mom knows best,” so he made them. And they ended up being a huge hit loved by many for generations in Hawaii.
Leonard’s is open from 5:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and is located at 933 Kapahulu Ave (near the H1 freeway). It isn’t too far to wander when staying in Waikiki.
Be careful about parking regulations. We’ve seen cars ticketed regularly, and parking is a challenge. Look for off-street parking or take The Bus.
Malasadamobiles – Located at Waikele Shoping Center, Pearlridge, Windward Mall and Koko Marina. These started in the 1980s around Oahu and are a great place to satisfy your malasada hunger.
Rob’s first Malasada was on the Big Island.
While Leonard’s is where it all began, other islands have malasadas, too. Editor Rob’s first one in the 1980s was at the Tex Drive Inn on Big Island. It’s a famous stop in Honokaa and opened in 1969. They are enormous and prepared right in front of you.
Make your own Malasada back home.
After your Hawaii vacation, you can try making malasadas in your kitchen until your next trip to Leonard’s Bakery. We found a malasada recipe that is based on Leonard’s. You can have a dozen or more ready to eat in just over an hour. This recipe uses scalded milk instead of evaporated.
You can also watch the video below, filmed at Leonard’s Bakery, to get ideas on technique.
What’s your favorite malasada coating and filling?
Tell us your Leonard’s stories.
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Wonderful ideas given to me,on the great places the gonna visited next year when I go to celebrate my 50 yrs old,thank you for tips 😊
I went to Hawaii in March of 2022 to spread my late husband’s ashes there I finally found my way to Leonard’s bakery for a Box of Malasada I sat down on the curb like a child and put my face in one I have eaten in the finest restaurants All over the world And even some wonderful holes in the wall Nothing is as sensual as a Leonard’s Malasada I will be getting married again in March of 2024 I look forward to Bringing my entire wedding guests to the famous Leonard’s Bakery Thank You for ALL of Y’all’s Hard Work Mahalo Cindy S kiss and Hugs to you
Aloha Cindy ✈️🌎🌸🍍🌈 March is the best month because my birthday is in March!!! 😍😍🎂 Awwww congratulations about finding love again & getting married!! I will be going to Oahu in March 2024 & Lenorads Bakery is on my itinerary. God bless you….read John 3:16 & Psalms 91:11 ✝️❤️
George & Aida have visited Leonard’s twice during our 12 Honolulu vacations. Once upon arrival after Costco and before departure to California.
When will Leonard open a location in Walnut Creek?
I’ve always preferred Tex over Leonard’s…
I really miss my trips there in the morning to pickup a Portuguese sausage stuffed Hawaiian roll. They are my very favorite at Leonard’s Bakery.
Leonard’s bakery…. Such memories for my husband and I…..47 years ago we were married and honeymooned on Oahu…stayed in a tiny rooming house just blocks from a Leonard’s bakery…walked there every morning for coffee and any pastry with coconut or other Hawaiian delights…. Good memories…
The malasadas at Kihei Caffe on Maui are delicious! All their other baked goods looked yummy, too. Hanalima Bakery has always been my favorite spot for them on Kauai.
A dear friend of mine from Saudi Arabia invited me to Honolulu about 9 years ago, I have been to Hawaii two or three other times, on this occasion I did have a broken foot, and we walked until I couldn’t walk anymore, got a taxi, incidentally we were both watching our dite to have the time, we promise to only get a half dozen and give the rest to our taxi driver, who is not that impressed with the malasadas, they were so delicious I begged my friend if I could eat a second one, as my body was shaking with joy I had never tasted anything so delicious in my life, coconut and guava are my favorite.
Our first malasadas came from Tex Drive Inn too. We went twice, even though it was a 45 minute drive each way. These are the best in our opinion (even when compared to Leonard’s).
We went to Hawaii on our honeymoon in 2004. Even with all my research, Leonard’s was unknown to us until we got there.
It’s a wonderfully colorful place with a small odd shaped parking lot. We have been sooo lucky to get a spot each time!! (Not the norm!!) We knew what we were after, so we wouldn’t be making decisions at the counter. The only variation was when hubs saw the Portuguese sausages. We got one to split. After heating it up in the small microwave by the door, we scurried to the car & began to indulge. The sausage was terrific, but the grand prize was a warm box of those delicious light sugary gems!! We got a dozen sampling 4 varieties. Our favorite is the custard. We left the parking lot quickly so others could park. Immediately, we knew we needed milk (lol) for this heavenly treat!! Stopping at a grocery, just up the road, we got our milk, sat in their parking lot and consumed the pillows of yummy goodness.
We only got to return every 2 years to the islands that captured our hearts, but Leonard’s was always at the top of our list!! Unfortunately, it’s been a few years now since we’ve been able to go back. We crave them! We love them! We miss them! There is always something to miss about Hawaii and Leonard’s is something that will forever be a treasured memory. Thank you Leonard’s for sharing your family tradition with us! Mahalo!!
Aloha Melanie ✈️🌎🌸🍍🌈😍 I started doing my Hawaii research back in 2019 & when I go to Oahu next year Leonard’s is definitely on my itinerary!!!
Ahhh, malasadas. I would stand in that line. So hard to make up my mind what flavor (generally avoid things I’m allergic to). Can’t say there’s a favorite. They are all so good.
There is a truck here (Washington state) that tries to make them, not even close.
Had my 1st Leonard’s Malasada in the ’50s when I was attending the nearby ʻIolani School for a couple of years. Dad knew about Leonard’s and introduced me to that Great ono-licious Portuguese doughnut.
The result: I’ve been been chasing the Malasadamobile around the Island and been a fan-boy of Malasadas ever since …
Does Leonard’s ship to mainland and do you have an address to order? Thanks.
Hi Arnold.
Not as far as we know, and it wouldn’t be the same, even if they did.
Aloha.
I was just there and there is nothing special about these donuts. Too much oil and no flavor. Way too hyped up about nothing.
No accounting for taste. If you claim what you ate had no flavor, you did not eat a Leonard’s bakery malasada. Plain ones even have sugar on top.
The only problem with shipping is , they wouldn’t be as fresh and yummy. That’s quite a way to ship. I feel your pain, how I would love a regular airdrop.
TheBus is a great suggestion. You can use your Holo card.
I tried the haupia malasada. It was great. I bought it at a grocery store in Waikiki. Being a chocoholic I would like to try the chocolate filled ones. Guava sounds good. I’m going to try this recipe. Mahalo for including it!
Hi Carol.
Thanks for so many comments. It is such a personal taste, and what sounds good to one, won’t to another.
Aloha.
We miss the Malasadas at the old Kmart in Lihue. 🙁
On my first visit to the big island, it was my greatest joy to have discovered Tex’s. I tell everyone that is heading there to stop and get the malasadas. I have eaten them everywhere I could find them, but can never get as good as Tex’s.
My hubby and I discovered Punalu’u Bake Shop on the Big Island during our first visit to Hawaii. Their malasadas are addicting! We go there at least once every time we visit.
Lilikoi Malasada at Punaluu on the Big Island
Absolutely one of my best childhood memories at 5 years old was a picture of my Leonard’s birthday cake. Seventy years later, oh how I wish I could have just one more piece of that incredible delight that spanned many years before cakes were discontinued at Leonards.
You had the world’s best cake decorator with infinite designs, too. French Butter Cream frosting with chocolate chiffon cake truly came only from heaven where I hope I’ll enjoy it someday again !
We miss Agnes Bakery in Kailua, which made a more traditional Malasada, which sort of translates as “badly made” or “badly done.” They weren’t perfect ovals like Leonards, each one was different, and they were smaller and not filled. There is a truck now but being able to stop by for fresh Malasadas was a treat. Been to Leonard’s many times but maybe the first time was the best. After standing in line (at around 9p or so) went back to our car in the parking lot to share the goodies with my wife. Two locals in a small pickup truck came out behind me with a box of at least a half dozen and dove in….one looked over at me, his face full of Leonard’s Malasada, grinned and said, “Ono, eh?” No argument. Thanks guys for gems of stories like this.
We L-O-V-E Leonards and the malasadas!! The first time we tried them, we were on our way to the airport to catch our flights… since then, it is almost a daily ritual to walk to Leondards every time while we are in Waikiki.. from the zoo end..
we took a brother in law there and he only had three words to describe them… wow, wow, wow !! That’s how good they are.. it wouldnt be a fulfilled trip without multiple trips to Leonards!!
I always get Leonard’s when I’m on Oahu. My go-to? The original cinnamon, guava, haupia and lilikoi. I try to park down the street in the neighborhood behind Leonard’s as it’s only a short walk and you can enjoy one walking back to your car. 🙂
Hi!
Our favorite is Tex, here on Big Island.
On the way to dropping my wife off at the airport in Kona, we “had” to stop and get a box for family and friends back on the mainland.
Mahalo for all you do
I was barely 20. My girlfriend and I took a guided tour of the islands, and I’ll never regret that choice. We did the four major islands with Oahu being first. We were on the bus, when one of the other tourists, who was Portuguese, had our guide, Leilani take a detour to our next destination. They parked the bus, and we waited. And waited. When you’re 20, you don’ like wasting valuable Hawaii time, and I was getting impatient. He finally came back with boxes of malasadas. As the boxes were passed back, the bus filled with the amazing aroma of fresh baked malasadas. One bite told me it was worth the wait. This was in the late 70’s. Since then, I’ve taken my husband when we went on our honeymoon to Oahu. That was 1995. I took my son when he was about 7. My latest convert is my nephew, who was working at Queens Hospital last year, when my son and I came to see him. Of course we ordered more than we thought we could eat. Key word here is “thought.” The boys plowed through them! Just say the name, Leonard’s, and my heart grows three times!
I’m so glad you mentioned Tex Drive-In! Their malasadas are amazing.
I want to know how I missed these in the four years I lived on Oahu up at Schofield….
My favorite was Champion Maladadas.