Leonard’s Bakery is Hawaii’s most popular malasada shop, where there is a line no matter when you visit.
Malasadas are soft sweets originating from Portugal, essentially fluffy donuts coated in sugar.
Leonard’s is a long-established bakery founded in 1952, and it has become so well-established that when people think of malasadas, they think of Leonard’s.
With reasonable prices and excellent taste, it is always bustling with many people regardless of the time!
The reason for its popularity is that they fry them in the kitchen after receiving your order, so they are always fresh and hot.
It is a soul food you definitely want to eat when you come to Hawaii, so please be sure to visit.
There are 9 types on the Leonard’s Menu
The menu consists of a total of 9 varieties: 3 types of Malasadas without filling, and 6 types of Malasada Puffs which contain cream.
Leonard’s Malasadas
First, the 3 types of Malasadas are Original, Cinnamon, and Li Hing!
The Original is the most popular classic, simply coated with sugar, allowing you to enjoy the fluffy and crispy texture.
The exquisite Cinnamon Sugar features the scent of sweet spices, which is irresistible for cinnamon lovers.
Li Hing is coated with dried plum powder, and its sweet and sour taste becomes addictive.
In terms of popularity, it goes Original > Cinnamon > Li Hing. While Original and Cinnamon are the signature menu items, Li Hing is a very Hawaiian flavor and is also highly recommended.
Leonard’s Malasada Puffs
Next, the 6 types of Malasada Puffs are Custard, Dobash (Chocolate), Haupia (Coconut Cream), Macadamia Nut, Guava, and the Flavor of the Month!
The classic Custard features a firm, light cream that matches the fluffy dough perfectly.
Dobash is for when you want to eat something hearty or when you are tired and crave sugar.
Haupia features the gentle sweetness of coconut and a unique cream texture that coats the dough well.
Macadamia Nut has a custard base with a faint scent of nuts.
Guava is impressive for its mild, fresh acidity and bright color.
The limited-time Flavor of the Month changes monthly, so it is a surprise for when you visit.
Custard, Dobash, and Haupia are standard menu items that are always available.
Please note that Macadamia Nut, Guava, and the Flavor of the Month are generally store-exclusives and are not sold at the wagon-type locations!
How to Order and Get a Box at Leonard’s
At Leonard’s, you place your order and pay inside the store, then receive a receipt.
Since it is a popular shop, the staff will call the number written on your receipt when your malasadas are ready, so you just need to wait around the shop until then!
By the way, if you buy 5 or more malasadas, they will put them in a cute pink box that looks great in photos.
If you buy 4 or less, they come in a pink plastic bag.
Many people buy a lot because they want the box, but malasadas become hard and lose their deliciousness when they cool down, so we recommend buying only the amount you can eat. Haha.
Photo Spots at Leonard’s
Leonard’s is characterized by its very American-style signboard.
Once you get your malasadas, try taking a picture with it.
Not only the store sign, but the sign pole at the entrance to the parking lot is colorful and looks excellent in photos!
We recommend a composition taken from the other side of the crosswalk that includes both the store exterior and the sign pole.
You can take various pictures, so please use this article as a reference when shooting.
Leonard’s Store Locations
Leonard’s features differ depending on whether it is a physical store or a wagon type, and whether it is a store in Hawaii or Japan.
There is only one main store in Hawaii and one in Japan, but in Hawaii, there are also wagon-type shops called Malasada Mobiles in Waikele, Hawaii Kai, Pearlridge, and Kaneohe.
Locations in Hawaii
The Kapahulu store, which is close to Waikiki, has a line whenever you go, but the turnover is fast, so even if there is a huge line, you can usually purchase within about 10 minutes.
For reference, the busiest time is in the morning (around 8:00 to 10:00 AM), and it is relatively less crowded from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.
In the case of the wagon-type shops, you can buy them with almost no line anywhere.
They are located at shopping spots like Koko Marina Center, Pearlridge Center, Waikele Premium Outlets, and Windward Mall, so we recommend stopping by while sightseeing!
However, please be careful as the food wagons have slightly shorter operating hours than the main store.
Location in Japan
Actually, Leonard’s has one location in the world outside of Hawaii.
That location is on the 1st floor of World Porters in Yokohama, Japan.
While the taste might not be exactly the same as in Hawaii, many fans are happy to be able to enjoy Leonard’s in Japan as well!
The shop is not usually that crowded, and you can buy delicious malasadas anytime.
However, since the menu is more extensive in Hawaii and many say the taste is definitely different, we think it is best to come to Hawaii to try the real deal!
Leonard’s Basic Information
| Name | Leonard’s Bakery |
| Address | 933 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 5:30 AM – 7:00 PM (Store) 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Malasada Mobiles) |
| Closed | None |
| Restroom | None |
| Parking | Available (Free) |
| Locations | 5 total (Main Store + Malasada Mobiles) |
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