Best Malasadas in Hawaii – Where to Find These Portuguese Donuts?

Malasadas are more than just fried dough — they’re a sweet legacy of Hawaii’s Portuguese immigrants. In 1878, workers from Madeira and the Azores brought this golden, sugar-dusted pastry to the islands, and it quickly became woven into local life. Traditionally eaten on Fat Tuesday before the start of Lent, malasadas found a permanent home in Hawaii’s food culture. Today, bakeries across Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island put their own spin on them — from the classic plain version to custard-, chocolate-, or tropical fruit–filled varieties. Tracking down a warm malasada fresh from the fryer has become a kind of rite of passage for visitors, and part of the joy is deciding whether you’re loyal to a legendary spot like Leonard’s Bakery or a hidden neighborhood shop. Below, we share the malasada stops we’ve tried firsthand, along with a few well-known bakeries still on our “to visit” list.

• What is a malasada?

  A Portuguese-style fried donut, brought to Hawaii by immigrants in the late 19th century. Unlike standard donuts, malasadas are eggy, fluffy, and usually coated in sugar.

• Where can I find the best malasadas in Hawaii?

  Leonard’s Bakery in Honolulu is the most famous spot, but you’ll also find excellent malasadas from food trucks and bakeries on Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island.

• Are malasadas filled?

  Traditionally, malasadas are plain with a sugar coating. Today, many bakeries fill them with custard, chocolate, or tropical flavors like guava and haupia (coconut).

• What is Malasada Day?

  Malasada Day is Hawaii’s version of Fat Tuesday (Shrove Tuesday), when families enjoy malasadas before the start of Lent.

• Can I get malasadas outside Hawaii?

  Yes, though they’re rarer. Some bakeries in places with strong Portuguese communities (California, Massachusetts, Rhode Island) sell malasadas, but Hawaii is still the best place to find them. Some Hawaiian businesses, such as Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery, offer nationwide delivery of malasadas, allowing you to get them shipped to your home in the continental U.S.

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.

 View the Malasada Wikipedia Page

Local tradition since 1916 for cream puffs, donuts on a stick, butter rolls & other pastries. Takeout · No dine-in · No delivery

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

Malasadas are a popular treat in Hawaii with a rich history and unique flavor. Here are the top 10 facts about malasadas:

1. 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.
2. Deep-Fried Delight: Malasadas are deep-fried doughnuts that are usually round, golden, and crispy on the outside, with a soft and airy interior.
3. Traditional Coating: Traditionally, malasadas are rolled in sugar right after frying, giving them a sweet, crunchy exterior.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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).
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.