Leonard's has been the malasada king since 1952, and for good reason — these Portuguese donuts are fried to order and served piping hot on Kapahulu Avenue, just outside Waikiki. The classic sugar-dusted original is perfect, but the filled versions are where locals go crazy. Skip the chocolate (it's like Jell-O pudding) and go for haupia, guava, or the mac nut filling that reviewers can't stop talking about.
Fair warning: parking is basically nonexistent with only six spots, so walk or Uber if you can. The line looks intimidating but moves fast since they're frying nonstop. You'll be eating standing around the pickup window with everyone else, but trust me — these chewy-yet-crispy beauties are worth any inconvenience.
💡 Insider Tip
Hit up a weekday morning to skip the crowds, and definitely try the macadamia nut filling over chocolate. Eat them within 10 minutes while they're still hot — that's when the magic happens.
6 AM – 9 PM Sun–Thu, 6 AM – 10 PM Fri–Sat
$2–$5
Free lot
Weekday mornings, fresh from the fryer
