Must Have Malasadas!

You may not think of donuts or a pastry as a “must have” treat in Hawaii. Fresh fruit (like pineapple and mango), coconut, macadamia nuts and shave ice are typically at the top of visitor’s minds. But I am here to tell you that you need to add malasadas to your “must have” list.

A malasada (ma-luh-saa-duh) is a type of fried donut without the hole. Malasadas have a Portuguese origination but are wildly popular in Hawaii. They are typically made with flour, yeast, eggs, evaporated milk and other secret ingredients to make them light and fluffy. Sometimes, bakers will add a sugar topping and/or a filling, making this treat even more delectable!

On our last visit to Oahu, my husband and I stopped at the “home of malasadas”, Leonard’s Bakery. This family-owned bakery has been around since 1952 and is notorious for fresh, hot malasadas. They do offer many other amazing baked goods (cookies, pies, cupcakes, wraps and more), but people flock here for the malasadas.

Click right or left to explore more of what Leonard's has to offer!

Leonard’s offers many types of malasadas from plain to filled and rolled in sugar, cinnamon or other tropical flavors like li hing. They usually have a special flavor of the month too! Some of their specialties include:

Coconut Cream

Custard

Chocolate

Guava

Mango

Banana

Pineapple

Pumpkin

Peach

Lychee

And more!

Because Leonard’s is so popular and word has spread around the world, you can expect lines to wrap around the building for most of the day. While you may hesitate, I encourage you to hang out! The staff are very efficient, and the lines move quickly.

Leonard’s Bakery is located just northwest of the Diamond Head State Monument and is easily accessible within a 10-minute (or less) drive from most locations in Honolulu.

Now that your Oahu vacation is booked and your mouth is watering, make your plans to visit Leonard’s Bakery for some of the best malasadas you will ever have!

What?! You don’t have your Oahu vacation booked? Well, there’s an easy fix! Contact me today for complimentary vacation planning services and I will help you create an amazing island adventure.

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