2026 Guide to Portuguese Donuts on Oahu
Best Malasadas in Hawaii
No trip to Hawaii is complete without biting into a warm, sugar-coated malasada. These Portuguese donuts were brought to the islands by Madeiran immigrants in the 1800s and have become a beloved local tradition. Whether you're in Waikiki or exploring Honolulu, here are the 5 best places to get authentic malasadas on Oahu - from the legendary Leonard's Bakery to hidden local favorites.
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Leonard's Bakery
Local fixture since 1952 for malasadas (Portuguese donuts), breads, pastries & other sweets.
Penny's Waikiki Malasadas
Waikiki's go-to malasada spot with gourmet flavors like ube, lilikoi, and haupia cream. Boxes of 3 run $9-11, perfect for sharing. Open early for breakfast malasadas.
Liliha Bakery Waikiki
Liliha Bakery Waikiki is a mid-range bakery spot in Waikiki. Locals consider it a reliable choice.
Liliha Bakery
Bakery & diner since 1950, popular for its breakfasts, comfort food & coco puffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a malasada?
A malasada is a Portuguese fried dough pastry brought to Hawaii by immigrants from Madeira and the Azores in the 1800s. Unlike American donuts, malasadas have no hole - they're pillowy soft inside, lightly crispy outside, and rolled in granulated sugar while still warm. Popular fillings include haupia (coconut), custard, chocolate, ube (purple yam), and lilikoi (passion fruit).
Where is the best place to get malasadas in Hawaii?
Leonard's Bakery on Kapahulu Avenue is widely considered the best and most famous malasada spot in Hawaii. Open since 1952, they serve fresh malasadas all day with classic and filled options. For Waikiki visitors, Penny's Waikiki Malasadas offers convenient access with gourmet flavors.
How much do malasadas cost in Hawaii in 2026?
Plain malasadas cost $1.85-2.50 each at most bakeries (2026 prices). Filled malasadas with haupia, custard, chocolate, or ube run $2.25-4 each. At Penny's Waikiki, boxes of 3 cost $9-11. Leonard's Bakery offers some of the best value with plain malasadas under $2.
Where can I get malasadas near Waikiki?
The closest malasada spots to Waikiki are: Penny's Waikiki Malasadas on Kalakaua Avenue (in Waikiki), Liliha Bakery Waikiki on Kuhio Avenue, and Leonard's Bakery on Kapahulu Avenue (10-minute drive from Waikiki). All three serve fresh malasadas daily.
What time does Leonard's Bakery open?
Leonard's Bakery opens at 5:30 AM daily and closes at 10:00 PM (Sunday-Thursday) or 11:00 PM (Friday-Saturday). The best time to visit is early morning or mid-afternoon to avoid the lunch rush. Malasadas are made fresh throughout the day.
Are malasadas better than regular donuts?
Many people prefer malasadas over regular donuts because of their unique texture - lighter and fluffier on the inside with a slightly crispy exterior. They're also served warm and fresh, coated in sugar that sticks to the hot dough. The lack of a hole means more dough to enjoy, especially with filled varieties.
What flavors of malasadas should I try?
Start with a plain sugar-coated malasada to taste the classic. Then try haupia (coconut cream) - the most popular filled flavor. For adventurous eaters, ube (purple yam) and lilikoi (passion fruit) are uniquely Hawaiian. At Leonard's, the custard filling is legendary. Penny's offers seasonal rotating flavors.
Can I take malasadas on a plane from Hawaii?
Yes, you can bring malasadas on your flight home, but they're best eaten within a few hours of being made. For travel, get them right before heading to the airport and eat them during your flight. They won't be as good the next day, but Leonard's malasadas travel better than most since they're less greasy.
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