Where to Get the Best Malasadas in Hawaii

Looking for the most delicious malasadas in Hawaii? Whether you’re planning a foodie tour or celebrating Malasada Day (aka Fat Tuesday), here’s your go-to guide for the best malasada spots across the islands!

What Is Malasada Day?

Malasada Day—also known as Fat Tuesday—is a beloved Hawaiian tradition rooted in Portuguese culture, brought to the islands in the 1800s. It falls on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, when many indulge in sweet, deep-fried treats before the Lent fasting season begins. Today, it's the busiest day of the year for many local bakeries across Hawaii—and a time when long lines are totally worth it.

So in honor of this sugary celebration, we’re sharing our all-time favorite malasada spots across Oahu, Big Island, and Maui.

Best Places to Get Best Malasadas in Hawaii

1. Leonard's Bakery - Oahu

The OG of malasadas! Leonard’s is a Honolulu institution, famous for piping hot malasadas that are crisp on the outside and perfectly doughy on the inside. You can get them dusted with plain sugar, cinnamon, or Li Hing Mui powder shop with Snack hawaii, plus a variety of cream fillings.

Pro tip: We still love the classic plain sugar, but every flavor is a hit.

📍 933 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, Oahu
 📞 (808) 737-5591

2. KTA Super Stores Bakery – Big Island

When it comes to creative flavors, KTA takes the cake (or donut?). On Fat Tuesday, they roll out malasadas in flavors like Banana Cream, Lilikoi, Ube, Taro, and even BLT! Our personal favorites? Chantilly and the cream-filled Taro malasadas.

These island-style treats pair great with our Taro snacks or Ube goodies!

📍 Multiple locations across Hawaii Island

3. Tex Drive-In – Big Island

Nestled in the sleepy town of Honoka’a, Tex Drive In is pretty much the only place to stop between Waimea and Hilo for a bite to eat and a bathroom break. Tourists and locals alike flock to Tex’s for their world-famous malasadas. Watch them being made through a glass window and marvel at the amount of dough that needs to be made to feed an army of hungry Hawaiians.Our favorite is Bavarian Cream!

Warning: You’ll probably want more than one.

📍 45-690 Pakalana St., Honoka‘a, Hawaii Island
 📞 (808) 775-0598

4. Punaluʻu Bake Shop – Big Island

Heading to Volcanoes National Park from Kona? Punaluʻu Bake Shop is a must-stop on the southern tip of the Big Island. Their malasadas are rolled in confectioners' sugar and filled with unique flavors like Apple and Lilikoi.

Don’t forget to try their lilikoi-flavored treats for a tropical twist at home!

📍 95-5642 Mamalahoa Hwy., Naalehu, Hawaii Island
 📞 (866) 366-3501

5. Kamehameha Bakery – Oahu

Set your alarm early—Kamehameha Bakery is famous for its Poi Malasadas, and they sell out fast! Soft, sweet, and truly one of a kind, they’re well worth the 3:00 a.m. wake-up call.

📍 1284 Kalani St., Honolulu, Oahu
 📞 (808) 845-5831

6. Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery – Oahu

Malasadas + ice cream = heaven. Pipeline’s classic malasadas are crispy, fluffy, and served fresh daily. But their real showstopper? The Malamode—a malasada stuffed with ice cream. Available after 2 p.m., so plan your sweet run accordingly!

📍 3632 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, Oahu
 📞 (808) 738-8200

Honorable Mentions on Maui

If you find yourself on Maui, don’t miss these local favorites:

• Sugar Beach Bake Shop – Kihei
  

• Komodo Store and Bakery – Makawao
  

Our Snack Hawaii ‘ohana highly recommends both!

Make Malasadas at Home with Our DIY Mixes!

Can’t make it to Hawaii but still dreaming about those sugar-dusted malasadas? We've got just what you need to recreate the island magic in your own kitchen!

🔥 Shop Our Bestselling Malasada Mixes:

• 🧁 Original Sweetbread Malasada Mix – Just like the classic flavors you’d find at Leonard’s or Punaluʻu Bake Shop.

• 🍓 Guava Sweetbread Malasada Mix – A tropical twist with a hint of fruity guava in every bite.

• 🍠 Taro Sweetbread Malasada Mix – For fans of local flavors like Poi or Ube, this mix hits the spot.

• 🎁 Malasada Mix Variety Pack – Can’t choose? Try them all with our exclusive variety bundle.

Whether you're celebrating Malasada Day or just craving a sweet island treat, these mixes are the easiest way to bring aloha to your kitchen. No passport required!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, hunting for the best malasada is more than a food trip—it’s a cultural experience. From Leonard’s classic to KTA’s fun flavors, there’s a perfect malasada out there with your name on it.

Got a favorite malasada spot we missed? Drop us a comment and let us know!