Leonards Bakery, Oahu
- Leonards Bakery
- 933 Kapahulu Avenue
- Honolulu, Oahu
- Map
Where are the Best Malasadas in Hawaii
Our Hawaiian Islands Search for the best Malasadas
by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 3/6/2025
In 1878, Portuguese laborers from Madeira and the Azores went to Hawaii to work in the plantations. These immigrants brought their traditional foods with them, including a fried dough pastry called "malasada." Today, there are numerous bakeries in the Hawaiian islands specializing in malasadas. Below you will find our list of the Malasadas Shops we have visited while in Hawaii, as well as some of the other well known shops that we have not yet visited.
Where we found good Malasadas
Paalaa Kai Bakery, Oahu
- Paalaa Kai Bakery
- 66-935 Kaukonahua Road
- Waialua, Oahu
- Map
Tex's Drive-in, Big Island
- Tex's Drive-in
- 45-690 Pakalana Street #19
- Honokaa, HI
- Map
Sugar Beach Bake Shop
- Sugar Beach Bake Shop
- 61 South Kihei Road
- Kihei, HI 96753
- Map
Punalu'u Bake Shop Big Island
- Punalu'u Bake Shop
- 95-5642 Mamalahoa Highway
- Naalehu, HI 96772
- Map
As we are enthusiasts of many things Portuguese, and especially pastries, we managed to find a few of the better known Hawaiian bakeries that have a good reputation for top notch malasadas. The above list is comprised of shops that we have visited on our previous Hawaii trips, there are many others!
There does seem to be some doubt that malasadas are actually Portuguese, and we tried to find some when we were in Portugal (take a look at our most recent trip to Portugal) - to no avail. However, history shows that they came from a Portuguese Island and came to Hawaii when in 1878, Portuguese laborers from Madeira and the Azores came to Hawaii to work in the plantations. These immigrants brought their traditional foods with them, including a fried dough pastry they called "malasada." Today, there are numerous bakeries in the Hawaiian islands specializing in malasadas. Click the Wikipedia link button below to learn more about the Portuguese in Hawaii story.
In Portugal there is a similar pastry, called filhó: The dough is made with flour and eggs, then left to rise before shaped into balls, deep fried and sprinkled with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.
We at first attempted to create a "ranking order" of the bakeries that we have visited, and admittedly some were nicer than others. But the reality is that they were all delicious and we enjoyed each and every one.
We found a good list of the "top rated" malasadas bakeries in Hawaii on the "Hawaii Magazine" site, click here to read their list. Obviously, there may be other opinions or other sites, but their list is pretty good.
Other Malasadas Shops in Hawaii that we didn't try (yet)
Casual daytime bakery serving locally sourced sweet treats, sandwiches & Hawaiian coffee. Takeout · No dine-in · No delivery
Komoda Store and Bakery |
| 3674 Baldwin Avenue |
| Makawao, Maui, Hawaii 96768 |
| Map |
Local tradition since 1916 for cream puffs, donuts on a stick, butter rolls & other pastries. Takeout · No dine-in · No delivery
Maui's Ultimate Donut |
| 243 Lahainaluna Road |
| Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761 |
| Map |
Malasadas and made to order doughnuts. Takeout · No dine-in · Delivery
Malasadas and made to order doughnuts. Takeout · No dine-in · Delivery
Scooping house-made ice cream, this dessert spot also offers baked goods including malasadas. Takeout · Delivery
There are of course, many other bakeries that offer malasadas in the Hawaiian Islands;
- Click here to view a Google Search Results List.
- If you are a Yelp enthusiast, here is their list of the top 10 malasadas bakeries in Honolulu.
- From the "Go Wanderly" website check out their Maui list.
- From the "Hawaii Guide" website check out their Hawaiian Island List.
Top 10 Facts about Malasadas
Malasadas are a popular treat in Hawaii with a rich history and unique flavor. Here are the top 10 facts about malasadas:
- Originated in Portugal: Malasadas are Portuguese in origin, brought to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants in the 19th century, particularly from the Azores Islands. The word "malasada" means "lightly fried" in Portuguese.
- Deep-Fried Delight: Malasadas are deep-fried doughnuts that are usually round, golden, and crispy on the outside, with a soft and airy interior.
- Traditional Coating: Traditionally, malasadas are rolled in sugar right after frying, giving them a sweet, crunchy exterior.
- No Hole in the Center: Unlike typical doughnuts, malasadas do not have a hole in the center. They are made from dough that is fried as a ball or a lump.
- Popular in Hawaii: While malasadas originated in Portugal, they are now widely popular in Hawaii, especially on Mardi Gras (known as "Fat Tuesday") and special occasions.
- Filled or Plain: While the traditional malasada is plain and sugared, many shops now serve malasadas that are filled with various fillings like custard, chocolate, and haupia (coconut cream).
- Hawaiian Malasada Variations: In Hawaii, malasadas are often served at local bakeries or food trucks, and perhaps the most famous place for malasadas is Leonard's Bakery in Honolulu, where they are served fresh and warm.
- Part of Hawaiian Festivals: Malasadas are often part of celebrations and festivals, especially around Mardi Gras and other cultural events. They are typically enjoyed in large quantities during these times.
- Texture and Taste: Malasadas have a light, fluffy texture inside and a slightly crispy exterior. The taste is slightly sweet but not overly sugary, making them the perfect treat with a cup of coffee or milk.
- Global Influence: While malasadas are most famous in Hawaii, they can also be found in Portuguese communities around the world, and their popularity has spread to parts of Brazil, Cape Verde, and New England.
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