Leonard’s is the most popular malasada shop in Hawaii, with a line out the door no matter when you visit.
Malasadas are a soft, fluffy confection that originated in Portugal—essentially a donut coated in sugar.
Leonard’s is a historic establishment founded in 1952, and the brand has become so established that when people think of malasadas, they think of Leonard’s.
The prices are reasonable and the taste is outstanding, so it is always bustling with people whenever you visit!
The reason for its popularity is that they fry them in the kitchen after receiving your order, so they are always fresh and piping hot.
It is a soul food you absolutely must try when you come to Hawaii, so please be sure to visit.
There are 9 items on Leonard’s Menu
Leonard’s menu consists of a total of 9 types: 3 types of Malasadas (without filling) and 6 types of Malasada Puffs (with cream filling).
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 yet crispy texture.
The Cinnamon Sugar is irresistible for cinnamon lovers, featuring the charming scent of sweet spice.
Li Hing is coated with dried plum powder, offering an addictive sweet and sour flavor.
In terms of popularity, it generally goes Original > Cinnamon > Li Hing. While the Original and Cinnamon are the signature menu items, the Li Hing offers a distinctly Hawaiian flavor and is 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 pairs perfectly with the fluffy dough.
Dobash is perfect when you want something rich or need a sugar boost when you are tired.
Haupia offers the gentle sweetness of coconut and a unique cream texture that blends well with the dough.
Macadamia Nut features a custard base with a subtle nutty aroma.
Guava is impressive with its mild, fresh acidity and vibrant color.
The “Flavor of the Month,” which changes monthly, is a fun surprise to discover when you visit.
Custard, Dobash, and Haupia are standard items that are always available.
Please note that Macadamia Nut, Guava, and the Flavor of the Month are not sold at the wagon-type locations and are exclusive to the main store!
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 once your malasadas are ready, so just 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 order 4 or less, they come in a pink plastic bag.
Many people buy a lot just to get the box, but malasadas get 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 features a sign with a very characteristic American atmosphere.
Once you get your malasadas, try taking a picture with them.
In addition to the shop sign, the sign pole at the entrance to the parking lot is colorful and incredibly photogenic!
We recommend a composition taken from the opposite side of the crosswalk that includes both the shop exterior and the sign pole.
You can take various kinds of photos, so please use this article as a reference for your shoot.
By the way, while this shop is a household name for visitors from Japan, taking a moment to appreciate the classic English typography on the sign is part of the fun.
Leonard’s Locations
Leonard’s has different characteristics depending on whether it is a store or a wagon type, and whether it is a location in Hawaii or Japan.
There is only one physical 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.
Hawaii Locations
The Kapahulu store, located near Waikiki, always has a line, but the turnover is fast, so you can usually purchase your order in about 10 minutes even if the line looks long.
Incidentally, 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.
For the wagon-type shops, you can almost always buy without lining up.
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 note that the food wagons have slightly shorter operating hours than the main store.
Location in Japan
Actually, Leonard’s has one location outside of Hawaii.
That location is on the 1st floor of World Porters in Yokohama, Japan.
While it might not taste exactly the same as in Hawaii, many fans are happy to be able to enjoy Leonard’s in Japan as well!
You can usually visit the shop and buy delicious malasadas without waiting in a long line.
However, the menu in Hawaii is more extensive, and many say the taste is definitely different, so we think it is best to come to Hawaii to eat them.
Leonard’s Basic Information
| Name | Leonard’s Bakery |
| Address | 933 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 5:30 〜 19:00 (Bakery) 7:00 〜 18:00 (Malasada Mobiles) |
| Closed | None |
| Restrooms | None |
| Parking | Available (Free) |
| Locations | Total 5 (Main Store + Malasada Mobiles) |
Recommended Transportation to Leonard’s
TheBus [The cheapest public transport covering all of Hawaii]
Biki [Share bikes for easy travel in the Honolulu area]
Waikiki Trolley [Large buses specialized for sightseeing at classic spots]
Taxi & Uber [Charter vehicles ideal for small group travel in Hawaii]
Surrounding Area of Leonard’s
[Complete Guide] Recommended Popular Sightseeing Spots in Waikiki & Ala Moana, Oahu, Hawaii