Leonard&#x27;s Bakery

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12 hours ago

I can see why this spot is so beloved. They know what they are good at and keep the menu limited. Over my vacation, I tried 6 flavors they offered. I tried Dobash and the original at a mobile by Windward mall. The food took a while to get but totally worth the wait. The malasadas were nice and warm. I also visited the bakery and tried the guava, macadamia nut, cinnamon, the special of the month (blueberry) and I wanted to try the custard but they accidentally gave me one with no filling . Even though they mixed up the custard one, the other flavors were great. The service was faster at the main bakery. I learned that they also serve coffee so next time I'll head there and try the coffee too. Totally recommend going and trying all the flavors if you can. Heads up that there is no seating so prepare to pick up and go. Also, the parking lot is pretty small so I recommend parking in the Safeway parking lot across the street. It's a mini shopping center so should be okay to park at for a quick stop. read more

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Jessica G.

33

480

1227

13 days ago

Coming as we're intrigued looking at how many people we randomly bumped into, carrying their iconic pink boxes. The line in front of the store was always super long but surprisingly moving super swift. The store didn't have sit-down space but a lot of people enjoyed their orders right in front of the store as it's indeed highly recommended to enjoy while warm. Their iconic items were surely the Malasadas, basically fried sugar-coated doughnut, which came in the option of unfilled (default) and filled. We got the ones filled with Chocolate and Macadamia Nut custard. They're lusciously fluffy with just right sweetness for the filling. Worth trying for the experience. read more

Leonard's Bakery - Macadamia Nut Malasadas Chocolate Malasadas - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Venus L.

373

1339

2780

25 days ago

Hot & fresh malasadas, I get the hype. The parking lot isn't much of a lot, in my opinion. There's about 6 spots available but it's also a tight squeeze in so I would consider parking along the side streets and walking over if possible. My group and I opted for 6 total malasadas to share and they tasted great when they're hot so best to eat it while it's fresh. We ate more after dinner when it's already cooled down and it was still good, but nothing beats fresh. Service was efficient and the line moves pretty quick. read more

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Krissm A.

170

631

5251

19 hours ago

First time trying this place out. Parking was super busy but doable with parking attendants helping out. Line is expected to be long due to the high demand on these goodies. A must try for those who crave malasadas. My favorite one was plain and one with the cream. Between 8a-12p expect high volume traffic. read more

Leonard's Bakery - Menu 5/2026 - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Joyce W.

4987

1805

9311

30 days ago

Malasadas are popular in Hawaii due to their 19th-century introduction by Portuguese plantation laborers, becoming a staple treat. These fried, sugar-coated dough balls, often filled with custard or haupia, are beloved for their fluffy texture and association with tradition, especially "Malasada Day" (Fat Tuesday). And Leonard's Bakery malasadas are popular in Hawaii because they are served fresh, hot, and fluffy, establishing the Portuguese doughnut as a staple island treat since 1952. Founder Leonard Rego pioneered commercializing them, creating a cult following for the crisp-on-the-outside, doughy-on-the-inside treats. There's nothing like a nice, hot, and fresh malasada. At $2.20 each, there's just no point resisting. Twinsie "Auntie" Nadine C. dragged me here, told me where to take the Instagram shot, and the correct stance to tear into these pillowy fried dough balls. Yum. read more

Leonard's Bakery - Order at the counter. - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - Stickers. - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - Malasadas made with aloha. - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - Menu. - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - Nom! - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - Hot and fresh malasadas. - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Lynn H.

483

43

61

29 days ago

Leonard's Bakery is pretty well known, and I'm glad we got to experience their fresh malasadas. I can definitely understand the hype... eating them hot and fresh is amazing. However, once they cool down, they start to taste more like a regular donut. We tried the custard, chocolate, plain, guava, coconut, and cinnamon. I would highly recommend the custard and chocolate, those were our favs! Unfortunately, the guava and coconut were a bit disappointing, as they tasted slightly artificial. One tip: skip the hassle of parking right in front and park at the Safeway down the street. It is about a 5-minute walk and much less stressful. Overall, it's definitely worth trying, but make sure you eat them while they're hot--that's when they're at their best. read more

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Brandi P.

316

465

14491

1 month ago

Sooooo good! Leonard's is a must have in Hawaii. The maladas are served hot and slightly crispy on the outside and soft and cakey on the inside. read more

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Danielle R.

152

286

656

10 days ago

Careful with these, you can down a half dozen in a blink of an eye. Soft and served warm, these little pockets of heaven are a must when in Hawaii! So light and airy and perfectly sweet. The guava filling might be my favorite but you cant go wrong with any of them. Also something you can order ahead of time online if you dont want to wait in lines (which can get long depending on when you go). Dont sleep on these! Try all flavors! read more

Leonard's Bakery - Guava filled malasada - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Cody P.

487

365

1651

1 month ago

This was such a waste of time. I don't know why this is even a recommendation. It's a tourist trap, and I fell for it - shame on me. Despite the tiny parking lot, there's a sizable crowd of people standing outside waiting for their orders. Very crowded space. We ordered inside and joined everyone outside to wait for our malasadas, which were ready about 20 minutes later. They were um a huge let down. Just underwhelming and tasted mid. Unremarkable, forgettable, and not worth the time or effort of going there and waiting. Y'all cannot be serious, recommending this place to people. read more

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Monica S.

187

884

4652

10 days ago

While on O'ahu, we always have to stop at Leonard's....a few times. Yes, parking is a challenge which is why it's best to go with another person so they can drive around the block a few times. Moreover, the shop can be crowded and the lines long. However, for us, it's tradition and the brick and mortar offers more flavors than the mobile trucks. From experience, it's best to eat the malasadas right after you get them, but sometimes that's not always possible. read more

Leonard's Bakery - Mango was the special of the day, white filling is Haupia and the pink is guava. - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Jacob R.

15

188

471

8 days ago

We have heard all about this place on social media so when we arrived in Hawaii we had to try it. We ordered the six pack of the Masadas with 2 of each flavor which are the original (sugar), cinnamon sugar, and Li Hing (sweet and sour). We also ordered one dobash (chocolate filled Malaga's puff), and a blueberry muffin. The blueberry muffin was fantastic, it was cold, soft, and full of flavor. I did not like the Li Hing Masada even tho I like sweet and sour stuff. The other two types of sugar were really good, especially the cinnamon. The line was long but it moved by super quickly and our food came out even quicker. They have lots of merch if you're into that. read more

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Melissa D.

36

152

367

1 month ago

Leonard's Bakery lives up to the hype! We tried both the regular and the filled malasadas, and wow! My niece told me they were the best in Oahu, and she was NOT lying. The dough was soft, warm, and fresh. Our favorites were cinnamon and sugar, ling hi and guava filled. The line looked long at first, but it actually moved pretty quickly because you order inside and then wait outside for your items. We went during the week and made it there about 8am, so it was fairly easy to navigate. We also walked from our hotel, so we didn't have to worry about parking. Although they have a private lot to themselves. I didn't realize just how popular Leonard's was until I saw everyone around me taking pictures of the storefront and signage right along with me. It's definitely a foodie spot, so be prepared! I grabbed some swag because I always do! T-shirt, sticker pack and insulated bag to carry the goods back to our hotel. The only thing I regret is not trying their espresso or some of the other menu items, but we were walking and didn't have much room to carry extras. Next time, I'm driving! Overall, Leonard's is absolutely worth the stop! It's iconic, delicious, and surprisingly efficient. Feels like a true local find with the classic decor and friendly service. A must if you plan on biting into any malasadas during your trip! read more

Leonard's Bakery - Signage out front - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - A bite on Waikiki! - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - Two boxes! Filled and regular. - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - History of Leonard's - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - More signage - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - Inside and menu - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - Filled box: guava, chocolate, coconut - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Stephanie V.

135

203

327

1 month ago

The malasadas at Leonard's are good, especially when hot and fresh. if you're visiting, I would say you should try them at least once. The line can get long but they do get orders out promptly. If you're kama'aina, on Mondays you get 10% off your order. I usually like filled malasadas and here, I like the custard and coconut flavors the best. I find the fruit bases sometimes taste a little odd so I skipped the special flavor of the month, mango. My cinnamon sugar malasada was good. The dough is pretty fluffy here, I think. The prices are not too high and you can technically come in and just order one or two, or get a half-dozen or more. There's no seating so you can stand outside and eat your malasadas and let all the sugar fall to the ground where roaming chickens will help you out. read more

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Daniela A.

80

345

1929

2 months ago

Of course, like many people traveling through Hawaii, I was told I needed to stop at Leonard's and try their Malasadas and I'm so glad I squeezed it in. There is a bit of parking but you might have to mark down the street because the parking lot is kind od congested. We ordered a box of Malasdas with Cinnamon, Haupai (Coconut) filling, Guava filling and Macadamia filling, as well as the original malasada. These Malasadas were so good! I they are butterfly little pieces of clouds! Such amazingly soft texture and structure. The filings were all so authentic in flavor and really felt like they were made with love. We waited about little for our malasadas after ordering but no longer them 10 minutes for sure. They came off warm and fresh and we're just such a nice sweet treat! I recommend Leonard's to anyone who comes to the island!! read more

Leonard's Bakery - Outside - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - Outside sign - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - Treats - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - Inside - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - My box of Malasdas! - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - Merchandise - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - Drinks - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Elika Z.

7

162

372

15 days ago

Love the vibe in Leonards. From the staff welcoming you to the parking lot and guiding you where to park from ordering inside and giving you the malasadas. They really are the sweetest. We got the regular malasadas, the cinnamon one and the butter mochi. I really loooove the butter mochi. Its perfectly chewy and so buttery. If we had this in LA, I would love a perfect cup of coffee with it. Yummyyy!!! read more

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Ethan T.

103

396

1447

2 months ago

We went to Leonard's several times during our visit to Hawaii. We went to a mobile location, & visited their store location as well. Both locations were fantastic. We tried all their varieties of malasadas. My favorite variety was the custard one. There might be a long time, but it moves quickly. The hot, fresh malasadas are absolutely phonemes. I cannot give enough stars to Leonard's! read more

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Shirley W.

54

995

1651

3 months ago

It's crowded all day and evening. We came in the last 10 minutes before the closed and good thing they were still taking orders. You'll see a crowd of people outside, but don't let that intimidate you, they're just waiting for their order! It went by pretty quickly and didn't take too long for pick up, so their service is quite friendly and efficient. Order inside the store and you wait outside for pickup. We stopped by after dinner and it was my first time have Leonard's. I was pretty full already, but I wanted to try a bit which I had the non filling malasada. I was intrigued that these are Portuguese inspired. It was piping hot, so soft, and so light! These were sooo nice to try. I would've want to try the ones with filling but I was too full haha. Definitely would like to come back to try more flavors next time! read more

Leonard's Bakery - FRESH MALASADASS - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - Had so much even the last 10 mins before closing - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Anise K.

81

121

365

2 months ago

LOVEEEE IT HERE!!!! Their guava malasadas are my absolute favorite--soft, sweet, and perfectly fluffy every time. Each bite is pure bliss, and you can really taste the care that goes into making them. The bakery itself has a warm, inviting vibe that makes it a joy to stop by, whether you're grabbing a treat on the go or taking a moment to enjoy something special. Definitely a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth! read more

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Trent O.

166

283

1563

22 days ago

Can only speak from a delivery perspective, but DoorDashed myself a dozen masaladas to Hilton Hawaiian Village while staying there. There were so fresh they we met still warm. Tried a few different flavors. I see why there is such hype! From a mainlander perspective it's totally worth it to get a box of these delivered while staying in Waikiki. I'll have to check out the bakery itself some day! read more

Leonard's Bakery - Cream! - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - Iconic pink box of goodness! - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - Look at these babies! - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Star T.

14

36

111

2 months ago

The malasadas(Portuguese origin) and bread were great! The location not so much. Leonard's has a few locations and I would suggest driving to one if you have the time. The shop is small but the service was friendly and relatively quick. We've been living here for nearly 2 years and we've traveled to Leonard's twice. It's a sweet, unique experience but it's a heavy treat. read more

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Vanity H.

447

359

724

24 days ago

This was a super yummy malasada - I got mine plain cinnamon and it was super soft and warm. I do think they should open another location if possible because they're super popular! I didn't enjoy the coffee - we asked for a vanilla iced coffee and were handed a black coffee with cream and sugar on the side. We had to add this outside at their pickup menu trying not to spill - not a great way to serve coffee on the go. They have really cute merch! read more

Leonard's Bakery - Cinnamon Iced Coffee Vanilla - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Rodney G.

0

12

16

3 days ago

The hype is real they broke da jaw got a dozen and shared it with the family, parking is tricky but manageable, Hack door dash for pickup bypass the line go straight to pickup.... read more

Leonard's Bakery - Custard filling - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - Guava, custard, original sooooo daaammm good - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - NOR CAL WAS HERE REPEN THE UNE - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Tina T.

127

394

626

2 months ago

So glad I gave this spot a try! I was worried it would be one of those "over hype spots" but nope, it did not disappoint! My favorite was their guava malasada. Their seasonal flavor was pineapple so I had to try that too. Pretty good! Haupia (coconut cream) was good too but def on the sweeter side (as expected). When you first get there, you'll order inside, pay, and then wait outside for pick up. It was so crowded in front but the wait ended up not being that bad. Love that it's made to order and warm when we got it! The parking lot here is pretty small. There's a close by residential area for street parking. read more

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Rachel L.

605

361

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3 months ago

I really hate waiting in line... except for Leonard's. Third time and its still so good, esp fresh. The malasadas with the original and the plain, and cinnamon are great. I don't even have a sweet tooth but I love it.They have seasonal flavors too. Must eat in Hawaii. read more

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Andrea H.

814

338

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3 months ago

Busy busy busy and local historic dessert and treat. It reminds me of California drive thru spots where you make your line to place your order and wait for your call up number outside . The parking space is very limited for the front of the store. Places for parking are limited and the side road is one way only so check your space when you visit. They have items for purchases including stickers and keepsakes- really cute! The flavors are exquisite they make them to order hot and fresh which had the cozy feeling back at home when we opened them Up and ate them with coffee. Delicious spot, be patient with the wait, and enjoy! read more

Leonard's Bakery - Entrance - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Kyle W.

595

2153

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4 months ago

The famous warm malasadas in Honolulu! I went here on a Saturday afternoon and obviously it is extremely busy. Minimal parking spots if any so if you're only going for pickup, you can take a risk to park in neighboring lots to quickly retrieve the order. I ordered through DoorDash which was ready when I arrived and total only took 10 minutes for them to pack the order, versus a longer wait in person, though you're paying a small upcharge ordering through platforms like DoorDash. I got the half dozen which came in the famous pink box, with one of each flavor. I love the haupia one the most, and definitely must get one of the li hing mui dusted ones which gives a nice balance of sweet and savory. read more

Leonard's Bakery - Outside - IG @bougiefoodieboi - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - Malasadas - IG @bougiefoodieboi - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - Pink box! - IG @bougiefoodieboi - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - Pink box! Half dozen - IG @bougiefoodieboi - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Nathan N.

276

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11596

3 months ago

Come here for the malasadas because everyone and their mothers told you to. It is a must-try as a visitor to Honolulu. Ordering and picking up are pretty straightforward. You see a large lively mass of people waiting for their orders, and you might worry you'll have to wait too long. It is worth it. And it is not too long. Given Leonard's proximity to UH's campus, you will often find university students coming to Leonard's to buy malasadas for school functions. I have consumed many malasadas for this reason. I really love the filled malasadas and have been fortunate to try many flavors. I am a huge fan of the macadamia, haupia, custard, and dobash fillings. The lilikoi (a special flavor) and guava are also quite nice. I honestly could eat a whole box of malasadas, but that would probably overwhelm my bodily functions. The malasadas plain or filled are coated in sugar, which gets everywhere. Everywhere. You have been warned. There's a lovely, retro atmosphere to Leonard's, which may in part be due to the historical photos of their business which they have displayed out front. And I love history! read more

Leonard's Bakery - Plain Malasadas - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - The sign - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - History - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - Line - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Leonard's Bakery - The famous pink box - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Johnny H.

300

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1 month ago

I honestly thought the malasadas were overrated. The donut itself was soft and fluffy, but that was pretty much it. The guava filled one was too sweet and tasted very artificial, which ruined the whole experience. Parking is limited, but there was an attendant there who helped with guiding cars around. Overall, I don't think Leonard's is worth the hype. If you do want to try it, I would stick with the non-filled versions. read more

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Thao V.

262

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711

1 month ago

There was a lot of hype and I guess I expected more. I hot six different flavors of the masalada but the custard all tasted watered down. It's like they use water instead of milk in their recipe. My favorite however was the pineapple upside down cake, it's a must try. The service was super sweet by the these two elder ladies. The bakery itself looks a bit like a hole in a wall. There was no seating either so everything is togo. read more

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Linnea D.

1

46

101

3 months ago

Leonard's Bakery is hands down the best! Everything was SO fresh and delicious. The malasadas were warm, soft, and perfectly sweet every single time. The whole week I was in Hawaii, I went there every morning, it became part of my routine! No other place even comes close. You can truly taste the quality and freshness in every bite. If you're in Hawaii, this spot is an absolute must. I already can't wait to go back! read more

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Kyle C.

11

140

224

4 months ago

Leonard's is one of the rare recommendations to every tourist that actually lives up to the hype. Incredibly soft donuts filled with delicious fillings. Can't go wrong with any choice. All fresh too read more

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Heliana M.

86

487

3630

2 months ago

Beautiful delicious malasadas! We tried the original, custard and chocolate filled. Yum! Definitely a repeat! read more

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Stephen C.

0

58

8

7 days ago

Have been to Pop-trucks many times, but stopped a main store this day. Cool place, friendly staff & good selection of items. read more

Leonard's Bakery - Look for The Sign..! - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Evelyn T.

153

205

561

5 months ago

This is the place for malasadas! We got lucky with a parking spot in their small lot. There was a short line to order inside and then you wait for your order outside. They come out hot and fresh, so its best to eat them as soon as you can! The guava one is delicious. read more

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Chris V.

3

78

107

4 months ago

The famous spot with the iconic pink boxes. Going back here was probably what I was looking forward to most since the last time I was in Oahu eleven years ago. I decided to go with a half dozen of the malasada puffs with one of each flavor available. My personal ranking is custard then macadamia then dobash then haupia then guava then lilikoi (featured flavor) Definitely a must try if you are visiting! read more

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Dan H.

0

232

302

4 months ago

Love love love this place. Line goes super fast, parking lot is small but turns over quickly that we've never had a problem parking. My recommendation is to just stick with the original malasada with sugar. Perfectly pillowy, soft and so hot you can barely hold it when it first comes out. It's perfection already so doesn't need any frills. If taking on a plane, order a dozen and ask for no sugar. Back home, pop one in the microwave for 10 seconds and sprinkle with your own sugar. Not as good as fresh obviously but still great and better than anywhere else outside of Hawaii. No other malasadas compare. read more

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Drizza N.

258

482

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5 months ago

This is the old school first opened shop in Waikiki (Kapahulu). It has a small parking lot. I love that they have the lighted neon sign. They make malasadas fresh at this location. It's an actual shop versus the pop-up vans that they have. Service is fast they accept card and cash Casual little shop... it is small so waiting for your order would be outside. read more

Leonard's Bakery - Different Malasada prices - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Hannah H.

58

7723

73081

5 months ago

A malasada is a Portuguese donut, without a hole - they fry these up until it's golden brown, covered in this cinnamon-sugar coating (or, just plain sugar or li hing (salted plum powder)), and filled with your choice of filling (custard, mac-nut, guava, haupia, dobash (chocolate), etc.). We made a stop after having lunch in the area, and note that when there's a line, it will take some time to get yours, as it seems as if it's made-to-order. We ordered one in cinnamon sugar with a custard filling - it was piping hot and generous filled. There isn't a seating area, and most patrons just get theirs to go or enjoy it right there, by the truck. +made-to-order malasadas read more

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Michelle C.

7

125

416

4 months ago

We always make it a point to stop by Leonard's each time we're on the island. We ordered a mix of macadamia, custard, guava, and haupia (coconut) flavored malasadas. Every malasada was made fresh to order, lightly coated in sugar, and incredibly fluffy and pillowy inside. The custard fillings were light and flavorful, never overly sweet or heavy. The macadamia was easily our favorite, such a nice, subtle mac nut flavor that really stood out. The haupia had a gentle coconut taste that felt light and refreshing, while the guava was mildly fruity and balanced, not overpowering. The custard was delicious as well, just prefer a heavier vanilla flavor. We waited only about 5 minutes from ordering to getting our malasadas, which was great, especially since it wasn't busy when we stopped by. Warm, fresh, and absolutely worth it, this is a must-visit spot whenever you're in Hawaii read more

Leonard's Bakery - Guava malasada puff - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Carla G.

157

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2 months ago

Everytime we visit Hawaii coming to this bakery is a must. This time I ordered online because I didn't want to wait in the line. The only thing about online order I didn't see other flavor available. I really wanted chocolate but I didn't see it available. I ordered,cinammon,custard,plain and haupia. Parking lot was busy. They have a walk up window for online pick up. Mine was already reay when I got there. Super fast. The malasadas was warm. Personally too much custard to my liking. Plain was amazing soft and warm. Overall I will always make a stop to this place. read more

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More info about Leonard's Bakery

933 Kapahulu Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816
Kaimuki
Directions
(808) 737-5591
Call Now
Visit Website
http://leonardshawaii.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Leonard's Bakery open?

Leonard's Bakery opens at 5:30 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Leonard's Bakery close?

Leonard's Bakery closes at 7:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 5:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Leonard's Bakery take credit cards?

Yes, Leonard's Bakery takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Leonard's Bakery have catering options?

Yes, Leonard's Bakery does have catering options.

Indoor Amenities

Does Leonard's Bakery allow dogs?

Yes, Leonard's Bakery allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Leonard's Bakery have bike parking?

Yes, Leonard's Bakery has bike parking.

Does Leonard's Bakery have parking?

Yes, Leonard's Bakery has parking options. Garage Parking, Private Lot Parking, Street Parking, Valet Parking

Other Amenities

Is Leonard's Bakery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Leonard's Bakery is wheelchair accessible.

From the Business

Specialties

A malasada is a Portuguese doughnut without a hole. We fry generously-sized balls of dough until it’s golden brown on the outside and light & fluffy on the inside. We started making malasadas as part of the Portugese tradition for Shrove Tuesday back in 1953. Now, we make them continuously everyday. We are Hawaii’s original malasada™ bakery. All of our malasadas are made with our special dough using the finest ingredients. ʻOno as we say in Hawaii.

History

Established in 1952.

In June 1882 the British sailing ship ‘Monarch' brought Arsenio and Amelia DoRego from San Miguel Island, Portugal to Maui, Hawai'i under contract to work the sugar cane fields. Some 33 years later, their grandson Leonard was born. In 1946 Leonard and his wife Margaret moved to Honolulu with their daughter Diane, age 8. Leonard worked at Snowflake Bakery until he founded Leonard's Bakery℠ in 1952. In 1957, they moved to the current location. Leonard and Margaret were no strangers to hard work, both coming from very large families. The bakery prospered. Not long after opening, Leonard's mother suggested making malasadas for Shrove Tuesday – a Portuguese tradition. Although thinking it may be too ethnic, Leonard's bakers complied. Malasadas were a huge hit. And, the appetite for malasadas in Hawaii was born.

Meet the Business Owner: Frank R.

Leonard Rego Jr. His Mother and Father first started The Bakery on July 1st of 1952. Their Grandparents came from the Azores, the Islands off of Portugal. One side of the Family from San Miguel and the other side from Madeira. Their Grandparents Migrated to Maui, Hawaii aboard the British Sailing Ship, "Monarch", in 1882. Leonard Sr. and His Wife Margaret moved to Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii from Maui in 1946. Leonard Rego Sr. grew up in Wailuku, Maui and Margaret grew up in Paiea, Maui. Leonard Rego Sr. And his Wife Margaret came from large Families. Leonard having 14 Brothers and Sisters and Margaret coming from a Family of 9 Brothers and Sisters.

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MOSA

4.8(382 reviews)

1.0 mi•Waikiki

best shave iced in Hawaii!!! such a cute little spot to hang out and enjoy ice cream with your…read morefriends and family and to take tons of photos

many flavors to choose from and all are delicious. nice place to come for a small treat. quick…read moreservice as well.

Mosa wrap with 3 flavors and strawberries on top

Mosa Wrap $12.95

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Matcha strawberry and coconut ice cream wrap

Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery

4.4(892 reviews)

1.0 mi

I love Pipeline Bakeshops Malasadas! I have been to several Malasada places in Hawaii but | love…read morethere's the best for the following reasons: 1. the size of the malasadas: some restaurants tend to make their Malasadas smaller and when places do this it ruins the overall texture and quality of it. The bigger the malasadas size the more airy and fluffy and more bread layers that will be inside. 2. their malasadas always taste fresh and the same quality each time. 3. their malasadas don't feel oily or heavy at all Overall I would highly recommend this place for their Malasadas! I'm so happy to have found them. I can back multiple times on my trip. They also have other desserts too that I have yet to try. They have ice cream, cakes, and other desserts Also tip: if you are ordering a malasada also order a coffee or a matcha drink to go with it. The cinnamon sugar from the malasada just matches so perfectly with a drink this restaurant is also a nice place for walking! There's lot of stores and restaurants to walk around! I'm trying to remember but I think there was a book off that was not too far from here! If you either drive or maybe walk. Service: staff was super helpful and friendly while I was there. I was having an issue with my online order because my phone was being glitchy and they were so nice in helping :) Also wanted to note their branding is so cute!! They even sell merch items too

Everyone knows to go to Leonard's for freshly made malasadas, and the constant crowds there attest…read moreto their quality and variety (review: https://yelp.to/jaduiZfQRq). However, there are many alternative malasada purveyors throughout Honolulu, so I depended on local vloggers to find the best ones. This one popped up often on YouTube, and as luck would have it, we were dining at The Pig & The Lady on the next block. How calorifically convenient. We took the opportunity to stop by for a pre-dinner snack since they closed at 6PM. It's a cute shop with multiple sweets including quite a selection of housemade ice cream and delectable mouthfuls called Cake Bombs (Photo 10). We decided we would be good and ordered one unfilled Malasada each. Dusted with various sugar flavors, they were just $2.65 a piece. I went for the Coffee, while Jamie chose the daily special, Cinnamon (Photo 6). They were soft and tasty, quite comparable to Leonard's albeit a tad smaller. That wasn't necessarily a bad thing since we had dinner ahead of us. However, we let temptation get the best of us and shared a $5.50 slice of the Ube Haupia Mac Nut Bar, a yummy combination of sweet potato and ube topped with haupia (coconut milk pudding) on a macadamia nut crust (Photo 9). Truth be told, it stole the show from the malasadas. FOOD - 4 stars... the malasadas were good, but that ube dessert was next level AMBIANCE - 4 stars...really a takeout operation with a lot of temptations SERVICE - 4 stars...very calm and orderly TOTAL - 4 stars...yet another spot for sweet Hawaiian decadence RELATED - Exploring Hawaii? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/U7YPblfoMP

Interior during Malasada Day / Fat Tuesday, 2/17/2026

1/2 dozen malasada

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Jejubing Dessert Cafe

Family-owned & operated

Situated right off the parking lot before entering the Ala Moana food court. We skipped it at first…read morethen decided to try it after everyone was done eating inside. On the way back to the car we saw it again and decided to try the Strawberry Bingsu. Our party shared the bowl and loved it so much we decided to also try the Mango Bingsu. It was the perfect amount of fruits and sweetness to cool us down in the muggy afternoon weather. Good service. Clean dining area. Cute decor. Wish we had more time to try other desserts but we will definitely visit again when we're back in town!

It took us a little bit to find Jeju Bing! For anyone else looking, it is located very close to one…read moreof the Ala Moana food court entrances. Keep in mind that there isn't a restroom inside the shop itself, but since you're so close to the food court, you can just use the facilities there. We visited with a group of six, and we were happy to find that there was a plenty of space to accommodate all of us comfortably. We ordered the mango bingsoo, injeolmi bingsoo, some toast, and a mango smoothie. I sadly only got a picture of the mango bingsoo. Everything was yummy. The mango bingsoo was refreshing after a long and hot day outside. Service was pretty quick and efficient!

Mango sans the almonds

Strawberry Bingsu

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Mango...

Cha To Gelato Zen

4.6(166 reviews)

0.3 mi•Kaimuki

Walked in happy to try a new spot. No greeting. No acknowledgment. Nothing. Just dull pasty people…read morestanding around and some dude in a suit looking like he's lost. Three staff members present and not one offered so much as an aloha or hello. For a local, "Hawai'i based business", the complete absence of aloha was jarring. I came ready to try all kinds stuff, especially matcha, but only ended up only smelling it, because the energy in that room made it clear my presence as a Black man wasn't wanted or needed. If business is going so well that customer service is optional, congratulations. But for the rest of us who show up hoping to feel welcome for overspending on your match and ice cream, especially in a place that's supposed to represent the spirit of these islands -- this wasn't it. This is clearly one of those places that feel like they're too good to serve you if you're not meeting their aesthetic. Yeah, very Beverly Hills (attempt, but likely wouldn't do well there), kinda "clicky" like vibe, snooty, haughty seeming like vibe, maybe a lil tad bit stuck up, and for the tiny little portion and "big show" , I probably would have liked it somewhat, but also would have felt guilty for paying a fortune to be treated that way lol This place likely won't be around in a year, by the vibe I'd say it's slow times (wonder why). I know I will, happy to spend even more down the road- so many to choose from, trust me this place ain't unique in my experience. In these times, be kind to yourself, and love yourself enough to go where you're treated best, people.

New flavor Strawberry White Chocolate and Hojicha Chocolate gelato was delicious. All of their…read moregelato options are great because I tried all of it. LOL It's no secret that I love this place and my friends also love it too. It's our fave place to hangout and chill. Noticed that at night closer to closing time they get flooded with people - do keep that in mind when coming here. Was lucky to snag a seat at the counter but it was packed! Please be patient with the help as well because most of the time it is just them trying to handle the huge barrage of people waiting in line as well as dine-in customers. Great experience nonetheless.

Inside seating

Tea leaves with some shoyu topping

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New friends

Waiola Shave Ice

4.3(3.3k reviews)

1.1 mi•Mo'ili'ili

•$

I'm continuing my review from May 22 because I didn't know there were two locations. Today we went…read moreto the second location in Kapahulu. This time we tried a small rainbow cup with vanilla ice cream and condensed milk. It was refreshing, not too sweet and oh so lovely. I preferred this location because there was ample space to park a car and sit to enjoy the shave ice. The location being in a neighborhood was great. I love seeing places that find their way into a neighborhood during the day. Best of luck and continue to do what you enjoy. It's worth it. We will be back when we return to Hawaii. You cannot get shave ice like this in Pacific Northwest.

This was the best shave ice I had while in Hawaii! I don't know how they make the shave ice so…read morefluffy and soft but the texture is incredible. I got the "Da Works" and it was amazing. I will 100% be back! They have a good amount of parking but not really any seating.

Small Strawberry

Azuki bowl

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Obama Rainbow (left) & Hawaii 5-0 Rainbow (right)

Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe

4.5(367 reviews)

2.7 mi•Kaka'ako

Loved the baked stuff and drinks. It is outdoor and take out mostly so not…read moreGreat when it rains. Plenty of outdoor seating I order a ton of random Stuff between sweet and savory The hot dog in bun was exceptional

You can't help but notice the line…read more Staying directly across the street from the bakery gave me a front-row seat to its daily ritual. Every morning, without fail, people gathered outside waiting patiently for pastries. No flashy signs. No gimmicks. Just quiet consistency. That alone intrigued me. By the second day, my mind was made up. I'm an early riser, so the plan was simple: go on my usual morning run and arrive before the rush. Japanese culture and craftsmanship have long fascinated me. Through close friends with family roots tracing back to Japan, I've developed a deep appreciation for the culture -- the discipline, the rituals, the precision, and the respect for process. There's a beauty in the intentional pace at which things are done. Nothing rushed. Nothing careless. This bakery embodied that philosophy perfectly. The space itself was small, modest, and aromatic. No overdesigned interiors. No influencer bait. Just the comforting smell of fresh bread and butter hanging in the air. Some bakeries hide behind elaborate architecture and presentation, but this place understood something more important: when the product is exceptional, the product becomes the attraction. The pastries ranged from playful and charming to elegant and refined. The Salt & Butter bread was an instant staple -- savory, warm, and impossibly light. The dough practically dissolved like air. Thankfully, nothing felt overly heavy, because I completely lost control of my ordering strategy. The Kobo Kuma -- a soft bear-shaped bun filled with homemade vanilla bean custard -- was perfection. Equal parts cute and comforting. The Cinnamon Roll was solid, but the Haupia pastry completely stole the show. For those unfamiliar, Haupia is a traditional Hawaiian coconut pudding found throughout Polynesia. The flavor here was subtle yet lingering, delicate without disappearing. The kind of flavor that quietly stays with you long after the last bite. Then came the Blueberry Danish -- beautiful, buttery, and perfectly sweet. I didn't even make it to the savory options this time, which honestly just gives me another reason to return. And I absolutely will -- whether back here in Hawaii or perhaps at one of their mainland locations in Los Angeles. Some places become popular because of hype. Others because of quality. This bakery earned its line.

Coffee anyone?

Cinnamon roll

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Coconut haupia bun

Walking Bean Cafe

4.6(85 reviews)

0.5 mi•Kaimuki

I tried their brand new item the Tofu Black Sesame Frappe. Wow! It was so delicious! I also did not…read morefeel bad drinking it after running because it had so much protein from the tofu which is what it's made out of. The tofu on the bottom made it similar to a coffee jelly drink with tofu as well as the strong hints of black sesame throughout the drink. I highly recommend trying it if you want to drink something that doesn't make you feel guilty after! Also to note I felt so full after drinking this drink LOL! That Tofu packed on a lot of protein and kept me full felt really energized after as well! Their bubble waffle is forever my favorite with a perfect crunchy outer and fluffy inner. I only go here for bubble waffles. Ambiance is so clean, bright, and cute. It definitely reminds me of a cute cafe you'd find in Korea! Definitely stop by :) it's one of my favorite cafes to visit.

Cute place! Great service but takes a wee bit of time…read more Tofu dessert (strawberry) - super yummy! Tamago (Egg salad) sandwich - sorry, I was not impressed, esp since it was quite pricey for what i make at home. Thought it would be little different. Brown sugar boba milk tea - sweet! Good to take home and add more milk to make another drink. Heard Great things about this place, so will be back to try more items.

Dubai Latte

Spicy Tuna Mayo Sandwich

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Matcha Energize Bowl... smooth and tasty!

Frostcity

4.5(1.1k reviews)

1.8 mi

This is my favorite shave ice place! You can't go wrong with…read moreany of the flavors, and each one comes with fresh fruit and mochi balls! Inside is always clean and the decor is cute. They have parking in the back of the building. Service is always helpful and nice. I've been coming here even when they used to be by University Ave.

We decided to come here since the restaurant ran out of mud pie. I had the craving for mud pie so…read morewe gave this place a try. I can't really explain the taste. It's not ice cream and it's not really shaved ice. Hopefully you can see in the pictures what I'm trying to describe. Oh it's Taiwanese style "snow ice". Airy and creamy shaved ice. The mud pie was like coffee ice cream with pieces of chocolate blended in. It was accompanied with watermelon, grapes and mochi. The green tea had a condensed milk drizzle accompanied with grapes, cantaloupe and mochi. Our order came out quite quickly and we were fortunate to get a table. All the tables were taken with a line forming. This is even while it's raining outside. I'm not one really looking for ambiance. It's just filled with people chatting with each other in a full house. I enjoyed it but it's not the same as having a real mud pie. Craving satisfied but not fulfilled.

Green Tea Side

Thai Tea Shave Ice

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Coconut & mango

Kansai Yamato

4.3(150 reviews)

0.7 mi

•$

I like my dessert wrapped in carbs, which is why mochi is one of my favorite things. Especially…read morearound New Years and Kansas Yamato has some of the best mochi on island. You can find this mochi around the island at different supermarkets but it's best from the source on University Ave. You can't miss out on their peanut butter stuffed mochi. It's just such a classic. I also love their strawberry stuffed mochi- so ono!

@fortunefoodfinds: "I couldn't resist you MOCHI longer! Dango Mochi + Mitarashi Dango, Strawberry…read moreJelly Milk, Strawberry N Cream, n' what we really came for...a Mango Mochi (fresh mango wrapped with mochi n' white bean) from KANSAI YAMATO off of University Ave in Honolulu. A mango dessert I've been eyeing, that definitely was worth trying!" SERVICE: fully staffed INTERIOR: small, tight fit, grab n' go shop EXTERIOR: next to Betty's Burgers WAIT TIME: none, walked in n' had what I came for, which was the mango mochi PARKING: free lot in walking distance OVERALL COMMENTS: the Dango Mochi looks just like the emoji. It was chewy in texture with a rice flavor. The Mitarashi Dango was indeed savory with the soy sauce glaze, not my cup of tea but if that's your jam, yay. My kids picked out the strawberry items that they enjoyed eating. I was surprised to see that there was a lot of mango mochi available, so that was nice. First impression, it was huge. After cutting into it you can see the ripeness in the vibrant color of the mango. It was juicy, sweet n' with the mochi balanced out really well. The only thing that held it back from being at its best was the mango was a bit fibrous. Other than that I'm happy I finally got the chance to try it!

Assorted stuffed mochi. Orange one is the mango.

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Refrigerated mochi creams

Island Vintage Shave Ice

4.5(2.2k reviews)

1.1 mi•Waikiki

This place is a highly recommended stop. I would say it's on par in terms of flavor and…read moresatisfaction with Azuki Tokouri (viral reservation only 6 seat tiny store) in Shibuya, Japan. There's a long line to order on a tablet. It doesn't take too long for the line to move. Afterwards they call each order by number. You can taste the quality of their In house flavored syrups, I love that their mochi is hand made and the soft powdery chewy kind rather than mochi balls/Shiratama. I love their macadamia nut cream, very nutty just like the nut. Ambiance is lively as it's located outside the Royal Hawaiian shopping center in Waikīkī tourist area. There's plenty of outdoor mall seating by an outdoor stage with occasional live music. The shaved ice stand right outside by a vintage island coffee shop and vintage island wine bar upstairs.

Even the weather wasn't that hot, I had to try this place out. Ordered Hawaiian Rainbow. Order was…read moredone through self serve touch pad but if you have any questions they will help you out. Shave ice was more like modern style. It was soft and smooth unlike the OG shave ice. I like both styles but I prefer this way a bit more since it's very easy to eat and flavor soaked up deeper. Highly recommended.

Acai Shave ice

Shave ice

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Shave ice

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857 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Mark M.

0

3

0

14 years ago

The $600 Macaroon's. They where oh so good, but came with such a high price. The bakery rocks! The neighbor's not so much. Be careful so you don't end up like I did. I visited on Halloween, it was far more trick than treat. I parked next door at 909 Kapahulu, tried to get a last minute cocktail at the karaoke Hut, but they where closed. I walked next door to get my family at the bakery. 5 minutes later I returned to the nightmare. Be careful there are very aggressive evil men lurking in the shadows waiting for a chance to take advantage of the next unsuspecting tourist. When I returned there was a note on the window of the car saying that I had to pay $160 in CASH ONLY if I wanted my car back. on the rear wheel a boot had disabled the car. I only had $130 and offered that to the person on the phone number on the widow sticker. He said he could not take partial payments and instructed me to an ATM machine across the street. I could not get the machine to work and had a plane to catch. I was under huge pressure and he would not accept anything except CASH. After trying to talk him into credit cards or any kind of reasonable compromise I was told No. I then tried to change the wheel to the spare and out of the shadows came the evil perpetrator and his partner. They where hiding and watching me the whole time. Surely they had to see me go to the Karaoke Hut and try the door. Instead of having a talk they put another boot on the car and told me they where going to tow the car. I was desperate and called the police, they never showed up. My rent a company, they showed and did nothing to help and finally a cab. I again tried to go to the ATM to no avail. When I walked out the door I could see they had already put the car on the tow truck. I returned to the car and my wife, my daughter and her friend where all crying. The men did not care they wanted their money. So instead of being reasonable they towed the car away and left the family of four standing in the street. All for being $30 short of their self imposed fine. So I ask you, is this reasonable? I think not. I also think the bakery has to know what is going on. Seems the Aloha spirit is lost on the next generation of young Hawaiian men. They seem more like scary monsters to me. So the next time you have a sweet tooth, be very careful if you decide to satisfy it at this bakery. read more

Trent M.

0

59

0

14 years ago

My wife and I had heard that this was the place to go for malasadas in O'ahu. We took a cab and got there a little after 9:30 am. There was a long line out the door. It took about 10 minutes for us to finally get to the front, but from there, we couldn't actually see most of the items in the display case. We ordered a half-dozen malasada puffs (filled ones: dobash [chocolate], haupia [coconut], custard, and their flavor of the month macadamia). While we were waiting for them to fill our order and ring up the people in front of us, we decided to get a couple of their dough-wrapped Portuguese sausages, but it was very difficult getting anyone's attention so we could add them to our order (~$15 total). Leonard's doesn't have a restroom or a dining area, which is a problem since the malasada puffs are so messy and get everywhere. We went down the street to the Safeway which had a Starbucks inside and got coffee there. They have tables both inside and outside and restrooms, too. The malasadas were good, but not worth the hype. The dobash ones had a very artificial flavor to the chocolate. The macadamia and custard fillings were delicious, though. The haupia tasted like haupia. Those expecting coconut cream will be disappointed. The dough-wrapped sausages were actually cold and greasy and the bread tasted dense like it hadn't risen enough. One thing we noticed in Leonard's is that they have a sign posted that they require customers to provide photo ID to use credit cards. A lot of businesses do this, but it's actually a violation of the terms of service that merchants agree to with the credit card companies (MC, Visa, AMEX, etc.). For example, the Mastercard Rules of Service for Merchants Regulation 5.8.4 explicitly prohibits merchants from conditioning acceptance of a signed card upon provision of photo identification. This is to prevent identity theft and racial profiling by merchants and their employees. In fact, this is such a common violation that if you go to Mastercard (or others') complaint pages, it is one of the options you can check on their menu: http://www.mastercard.us/support/merchant-violations.html I didn't feel like dealing with it, so I paid cash, but they will continue to get away with this as long as people let them. Caveat Emptor. read more

Hart R.

1

33

115

3 years ago

I recently visited Leonard's Bakery and it was a pastry lover's dream come true. This bakery is a must-visit spot for anyone with a sweet tooth, especially if you're a fan of Hawaiian-style desserts. The star of the show at Leonard's is their famous malasadas. These Portuguese-style doughnuts are fluffy and light, with a crispy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior. They come in a variety of flavors, including traditional cinnamon sugar, chocolate, and haupia (coconut). I tried one of each, and I have to say that the haupia malasada was my personal favorite. The coconut flavor was subtle but delicious, and it paired perfectly with the fluffy doughnut. In addition to the malasadas, Leonard's also offers a variety of other baked goods, including cakes, pies, and breads. I tried their guava chiffon cake and it was divine. The cake was light and airy, with a subtle guava flavor that was not too sweet. It was the perfect dessert to share with a friend (although I could have easily eaten the whole thing myself). The only downside to my experience at Leonard's was the long lines. This place is popular for a reason, and it can get pretty crowded. However, the staff was efficient and friendly, and the line moved quickly. Plus, it gave me time to peruse the bakery case and decide which treats to try. Overall, I highly recommend Leonard's Bakery for anyone looking for delicious Hawaiian-style pastries. The malasadas are a must-try, but don't overlook the other baked goods, as they are equally delicious. Just be prepared for a potentially long wait time, especially during peak hours. Trust me, it's worth it! read more

Moises T.

31

435

527

2 years ago

As you step into Leonard's Bakery in Honolulu, you're instantly welcomed by the warm, mouthwatering aroma of freshly fried dough and sugar. This comforting scent is like a prelude, hinting at the delicious experience that awaits, especially if you're here for their famous sugar-dusted malasadas. The original sugar malasada is a treat that's as simple as it is delightful. Each one is fried to golden perfection and then generously coated in sugar, creating a sweet, slightly crisp exterior. But the magic really lies in the texture, these malasadas are incredibly fluffy and soft, so airy that biting into one feels like biting into a sweet cloud. The inside is pillowy and warm, practically melting in your mouth while the sugar provides a delicate crunch, balancing the softness in a way that makes each bite feel indulgent yet light. Made fresh to order, each malasada is handed to you piping hot, which only enhances the experience. This freshness lets the dough's flavor shine, and the sugar adds a gentle sweetness that doesn't overpower but rather complements the richness of the donut itself. Leonard's original malasada shows that sometimes, the simplest ingredients come together to create something truly extraordinary. This isn't just a donut; it's a piece of island heritage, capturing the essence of Hawaiian comfort food with every sugary, airy bite. Leonard's sugar malasada is an unforgettable experience and a must-have for anyone visiting Oʻahu, offering a taste that's pure, nostalgic, and thoroughly satisfying. read more

Alex W.

Elite 25

72

458

2927

8 years ago

Note: more 4.5 stars than 4. Came to try their malasades and they definitely deserve the love they get. These are malasades filled with a cream after you order them. They come out warm/hot and dusted perfectly with sugar on the outside. In total, we ordered half a dozen and we got guava, haupia, mango (month's special), macademia, original, and custard. The fact that they are heated up when they came out is exceedingly tempting and my brother and I ate 3 of them outside of the store before going back to the hotel. The original gave use the contrast to judge if the other ones were good as we had that one first. Of those flavors, I liked the haupia, guava, and macademia the most. Haupia - does there need to be an explanation for this one :)? Guava had a nice sweetness along with a minor tartness. Macademia tasted nutty and had a smoother texture. The custard tasted very similar to the macademia, but without the nutty flavor. The mango wasn't bad, but it tasted a bit 'fake' in my opinion. Each of the filling aren't skimpy either and a good amount are injected into each malasades. Overall, good anytime of the day I think. There is a wait time after you order, but I think that is due to them injecting the donut with the filling after they you ordered them. Great as you can be guaranteed you are getting something fresh then! Side-note: Watch the TV as you wait. The advertisements shown on the TV about Leonard's malasades are hilarious. read more

Matthew N.

67

188

520

16 days ago

Recently stopped by Leonard's Bakery and had a great experience. Parking is pretty limited, but we ended up walking from Waikiki Beach, which felt safe and manageable. There are also several bus routes nearby, which makes getting here convenient. There's usually a long line outside, but heads up, that line is for order pickup, and separate from the line inside, which moved surprisingly quickly. We ordered half a dozen malasadas, and since we mixed regular malasadas with malasada puffs, they were charged individually rather than at the preset half a dozen pricing. Our order came out within minutes, and these are absolutely best eaten fresh while still warm. Original Malasada (5/5): Simple, fluffy, and perfectly coated in sugar. A classic for a reason. Cinnamon Malasada (5/5): Warm and comforting with a strong cinnamon sugar flavor throughout. Custard Malasada (5/5): My favorite of the bunch. Completely packed with warm custard that had subtle vanilla flavor in every bite. Haupia Malasada (5/5): Light coconut flavor that wasn't overly sweet. Guava Malasada (5/5): Fruity and sweet with a nice tartness from the authentic guava filling. Mango Malasada (5/5): Refreshing and tropical, though slightly sweeter than the others. Overall, definitely worth the hype and wait for a classic local sweet treat. Fresh malasadas here really live up to their reputation. read more

Wendy W.

1

18

1

5 years ago

Usually when I drive by Leonard's there's a line that snakes around the corner. But today it was short and there was parking! So I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get some hot fresh malasadas (I usually have to eat the cold oily one sitting for hours in the employees' workroom). First of all, everyone does NOT follow social distancing. The line was cramped and most didn't have their masks on. There has to be a better system. They are so slow. But the line did move. I'm a purest so I ordered a half dozen of the regular with sugar. I couldn't even wait to leave the parking lot. I gave one to my husband and we stood outside on the sidewalk to be away from the crowds. I took a huge bite and then.... I was like hmmm. I took another bite hand looked at him. He was like, "Hmmm, not bad. At least it's fresh." It was larger and puffier than I remember, which sounds like a good thing. But it seemed like there was too much dough in the middle and the outside lacked the crispy pull that I was accustomed to. Granted anything hot and freshly fried coated in sugar is delicious, but it was just okay. It tasted like the oil was dirty and just didn't taste the same. I've heard the same from many of my friends but haven't had a fresh one in forever. I was so disappointed. Think I'll leave Leonards for the tourist. Another childhood memory gone. read more

Neha A.

51

17

76

4 years ago

If you are visiting Honolulu, I'm sure you have heard or seen this place on your strolls. The line is always down the street and you are left wondering why the line is so long. Malasadas are an island favorite and their twist on a donut, but if I can give my own two scents I would prefer Krispy Kreme. The original and cinnamon were both pretty dry considering there is no filling and it's mainly just a ball of deep fried dough. I think these would have been a lot better if we had eaten them very fresh but because of the lack of sitting area we rushed back to our car and ate these in our hotel room, at which time the donuts were already pretty dry. I will say that the chocolate crème filled ones were delicious and great for the chocolate lover that also likes a little extra something with their fried dough. The Bavarian crème was a bit heavy for me, as I'm not a huge fan of this even in my regular donuts but if you usually like this filling then definitely try this donut. If you can go early in the morning right when they open, I would say it is worth it but waiting in the crazy line that forms later in the day is definitely not worth it. I've heard that the food truck locations tend to be less busy and will give you your malasadas nice and warm so if you are driving past one of these locations give it a try! read more

Kristin Y.

320

54

94

7 years ago

I hated my experience here. My family and I took my friend here while she came here on vacation. I waited in line with her and when it was my turn to pay I had just brought my debit card with me because I figured paying would be fast and we would be out of that hectic place. Because I didn't bring my ID with me, the lady wouldn't let me pay. So my mom paid for it and gave me the receipt to pick it up when it was ready. When the order was ready I went to pick it up, I handed the cashier lady the receipt and she told me "no, you didn't pay". So I pointed again to the receipt, and she started getting fussy and speaking to her co-workers behind her. So I put the receipt on the register and when she finally let her ego down and looked at the receipt, she gave me the order. No apology whatsoever. This was disgraceful, degrading, and quite shameful. If I were to do this situation over again, I'd imagine myself throwing the box of food at the lady. However, I'm not that disrespectful or ungrateful (I don't disrespect/waste food like that). This story sounds almost too horrible to be true but it isn't. The taste of the maladadas weren't enough to come anywhere near to saving this experience. read more

Bryan H.

0

6

0

8 years ago

My family and I used to love Leonard's malasadas. They used to be the best. Their malasadas used to be hot and crispy on the outside and airy and almost croissant like on the inside. The malasadas were mishapen or would easily get flattened, but it tasted oh soooooo gooood!! Now their malasadas are basically like a sugar doughnut. It looks plump and pretty, but the inside is thick and bready/doughey. At first I thought it was just a bad batch, so I went back again, but same thing. I thought, maybe it was the location or the cook, so I went to various Leonards malasada wagons (Pearlridge, Waikele, etc.) in addition to the main Kapahulu bakery. To my disappointment, all of them changed their recipe. Now it tastes just like everyone else's malasadas or even just a regular sugar doughnut. It is no longer special anymore. I think they changed the recipe to appease the tourists because the new malasadas look pretty and don't get misshaped or flattened. The long time local customers know that, the old ones used to be mishappened but were 1000 times better. So sad that we will never be able to eat good malasadas again! :( read more

Tia T.

Elite 19

122

187

114

7 years ago

I am speechless! Literally speechless when I first tasted these Malasadas because of how good they are. I am more of a fan for the unfilled ones than the filled ones. Custard had a weird sour mixed sweet taste to it. It wasn't spoiled, but it just tasted weird. The coconut filling was way too sweet. The guava was more of an after taste. When I first bit into it, it tasted like those flavored medicine I had to take as a kid, then after swallowing it was when the guava taste appeared. Fresh out of the oven, filled and/or coated for you. The shop is fairly small, and the line is always long, so patience is needed and sweating due to the sun and humidity is a must. I suggest going with someone and switching out once in a while so you do not have to stand too long in the heat. They also have other merchandises for sale (shirts, stuffed figures, stickers, ets.) but also a little unnecessary and overpriced. The workers do have an attitude though, so make sure that you are clear with your order the first time, or you might have to lose some energy arguing for what you "said" and what the cashier person "heard". read more

Nani S.

Elite 24

834

451

3700

3 years ago

Leonard's Bakery is an absolute must-visit in Honolulu! After hearing about it from various media sources, I couldn't resist trying their famous Portuguese donuts and pastries, and I'm so glad I did. The anticipation was real, and I eagerly dragged my family across the island to give it a shot. Upon arrival, the line was long, but the wait was totally worth it. The moment we got our hands on those delectable treats, we knew we were in for a treat. Leonard's Bakery truly lives up to its reputation. Their Portuguese donuts and pastries were a carb-lover's dream come true, leaving us on a delightful sugar high. Despite being busy, the service was friendly and courteous, adding to the positive experience. We couldn't resist trying almost everything on their menu, and it was absolutely worth the carboload during our vacation. The locals and tourists alike love this place, and now I understand why! To complete the experience, we paired our pastries with their commendable iced coffee drinks. The combination was a match made in heaven, creating the perfect breakfast or snack for our adventure-filled days. read more

Hi'ilani K.

1

20

2

2 months ago

If you're looking for one of the most iconic treats in Hawaiʻi, Leonard's Bakery is an absolute must-visit. Their malasadas are nothing short of exceptional--perfectly golden on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, and coated in just the right amount of sugar for a satisfying sweetness without being overwhelming. What truly sets Leonard's apart is the consistency and freshness. Each malasada is made to order, served warm, and melts in your mouth with every bite. The classic sugar-coated version is a standout on its own, but their filled options--like haupia, custard, and chocolate--add an extra layer of indulgence that keeps you coming back for more. The atmosphere is casual yet lively, often with a line out the door, which only speaks to its well-earned popularity. Despite the crowds, service is efficient and friendly, making the experience smooth and enjoyable. Leonard's Bakery isn't just a place to grab a pastry--it's a true local staple that delivers both quality and authenticity in every bite. read more

Tabitha T.

Elite 18

46

119

170

7 years ago

This place lives up to the hype! Definitely a foodie must-do in Oahu. Nothing compares to Leonard's...the donuts they sell in the pop-up farmer's markets can't hold a candle to them. Those are just filled donuts. Leonard's malasadas...they are fist-sized balls of heaven. Somewhat still donut-like, but fluffy on the side, almost chewy on the outside. The plain classic dusted in granulated (not powdered!) sugar, is wonderful in it's simplicity. Hot from the fryer, it's amazing. But you can't stop just there...dobash (amazing not-to-sweet almost dark chocolate chocolate cream), macadamia cream, guava, strawberry...the options are endless and you will want to just try them all. Be prepared to wait when you visit the shop. There's almost always a line since they make them to order. That way you are guaranteed hot, fresh malasadas. But don't worry if you can't polish them off all at once, they are still delicious hours later, or even the next morning! Perfect with a cup of coffee. read more

Kayla C.

6

111

327

1 year ago

Leonard's Bakery - 5 stars Leonard's is an absolute must-stop when visiting Hawaii! This cozy, unassuming spot is home to the best malasadas I've ever had--and honestly, I hadn't even heard of them before this trip. I played it safe with a classic sugar-dusted, custard-filled malasada, and wow... from the first bite, I was hooked. Soft, warm, perfectly sweet--pure joy in pastry form. Heads-up: the parking lot is a bit of a puzzle. It's tight, always rotating, and full of folks in a dessert daze trying to get their fix. I happened to walk there, and I'm glad I did--it spared me the chaos and the potential fender benders. The process is simple: order inside, pay, grab your ticket, and wait outside until your number is called. And trust me, once it is, get ready to do a happy dance. It's that good. Leonard's has a rich local history, and it's clear why it's so beloved. It's fast, affordable (my order was only around $3!), and absolutely delicious. Just go. Order. Thank me later. read more

Chauncey C.

0

7

0

20 years ago

Leonard's is *the* place to get your malasadas, or Portugese donuts, in Hawaii. The malasadas here are reputed to be the best on the island, and they've won acclaim from local newspapers and have even been featured on a Food Network special on donuts. I've had great malasadas here (when they're fresh from the deep fry) and not so great malasadas (when they're soggy from sitting out too long). I think the only other malasadas that can even compare are the ones offered at the Punahou Carnival or the state fairs. And you can only get the latter when those fairs are running. Leonard's is the staple, though, and if someone's bringing malasadas to anything (potlucks, parties, office lunch), it's almost sure to be from Leonard's. The place is a bit run down, but this is an old Hawaii joint. There may be flashier restaurants popping up and down Kapahulu and Waialae Ave., but Leonard's will always be a classic. read more

Michelle N.

7

104

489

1 year ago

I recently visited Leonard's Bakery and had an amazing experience. The malasadas are absolutely delicious, living up to the high expectations. They offer a good variety of flavors, and everything comes out hot and fresh, which makes it even more appealing. Although the line can get long quickly, I was impressed by how fast the order came out. We got a dozen malasadas, half original and half cinnamon, and they were super good--fluffy, soft, and satisfying in every way. We also tried the filled malasadas, specifically the macadamia and haupia flavors, which were incredibly delicious. Each bite was a delightful explosion of flavor. Overall, Leonard's Bakery is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy some tasty malasadas. Despite the quick-forming line, the efficient service and the quality of the treats make it well worth the wait. If you're in the area, don't miss out on this delicious experience! read more

Jay S.

0

5

0

13 years ago

i have work with the fletcher jones dealerships for many years, i been in oahu for 4 years, long enough to learn my way around, i am an old manager in the business with 40 years of experience, i am also taiwanese and our people are really united. i know because i have seen with my own two eyes, this fellow they call sam lin, the owner of auto x change in kapiolani, and i can tell you mr. jones, that every used vehicle manager within your stores here is in his pocket, he is getting the best inventory of your stores believe me your inventory of high end vehicles is sitting in his lot, look it up. our people has been hurt by this character's crooked ways ans in fact, with all the assets at your disposal do a little digging into mr. lin's affairs and hes dealings with your managers and i guaranteed, you will find all the dirt you want to find. i believe your good name does not need to be tournished read more

Tony B.