Fully recovered from last year’s problems. How malasadas were introduced in the 1950’s at the iconic Leonard’s Bakery.
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35 thoughts on “Leonard’s Bakery and its Malasadas Made History in Hawaii”
Fully recovered from last year’s problems. How malasadas were introduced in the 1950’s at the iconic Leonard’s Bakery.
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.