I Tried Oahu’s Famous, Award-Winning Malasadas at Leonard’s Bakery—Here’s What Happened

If you’ve ever been to Oahu, you’ve probably heard whispers of Leonard’s Bakery—the home of Hawaii’s original malasadas. With their iconic neon sign, pink boxes, and melt-in-your-mouth pastries, Leonard’s is more than just a bakery; it’s a Hawaiian institution! On a sunny afternoon, my husband, daughter, and I set out to see if these famed Portuguese treats really live up to the hype. Spoiler: they do.

Leonard’s Bakery first opened its doors in 1952, founded by Leonard Rego and his wife Margaret. Leonard’s mother suggested adding malasadas, a Portuguese fried dough, to their menu to celebrate Shrove Tuesday. What started as a seasonal offering quickly became the bakery’s signature item, beloved by locals and tourists alike. Today, Leonard’s has become a symbol of Hawaiian hospitality, blending Portuguese tradition with island flavors.

Leonard’s Bakery has received numerous accolades over the years, cementing its status as a must-visit destination. Most notably, it was named Hawaii’s Best Bakery in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s People’s Choice Awards—a well-deserved recognition for their consistently delightful offerings.

In addition to its flagship location on Kapahulu Avenue, Leonard’s also operates the Malasadamobile, a food truck that sells their famous pastries at different spots around Oahu. You can find them at Waikele Shopping Center, Pearlridge Shopping Center, Windward Mall and the Koko Marina Shopping Center.

Walking into Leonard’s is an experience. The aroma of freshly fried dough hangs in the air, mingling with the cheerful chatter of customers debating their orders. Behind the glass counter, colorful cupcakes, pies, and other sweet treats tempt you, but let’s be honest — it’s all about the malasadas.

The menu offers the classic sugar-dusted malasadas, but I couldn’t resist trying their stuffed Malasada Puffs, which come in a variety of flavors. We ordered a box filled with twelve, two of each flavor: Custard, Guava, Dobash (Chocolate), Haupia (Coconut), Lemon, and Macadamia Nut. My favorite was the lemon — it had just the right balance of tart and sweet — but the guava was a close second with its fruity, tropical twist.

Each malasada was perfectly fried, golden brown on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside. The fillings were rich and creamy, bursting with flavor in every bite. My daughter loved the guava malasada, while my husband couldn’t get enough of the chocolate Dobash.

While the malasadas are the star of the show, Leonard’s offers a variety of other menu items worth trying. Their display case is packed with options like cupcakes, pumpkin pies, and puff pastries. The bakery also serves coffee and cold drinks, which pair perfectly with their pastries.

The retro vibe of the bakery adds to the charm. The striped awning, vintage neon sign, and pink boxes make it feel like stepping into a time capsule.

So, did Leonard’s Bakery live up to its reputation? Absolutely. From the warm, sugary malasadas to the welcoming retro ambiance, it’s no surprise Leonard’s has been a local favorite for over 70 years. Whether you’re an Oahu resident or a visitor, a trip to Leonard’s is a treat!

As we left with our pink box of leftovers (yes, there were a few malasadas that miraculously survived the first round), my daughter declared, “This is the best day ever.” I have to agree. Leonard’s isn’t just about the food—it’s about the joy of sharing something sweet with the people you love.

If you’re ever on Oahu, make your way to Leonard’s. Your taste buds will thank you.

Looking for more great pastries in Hawaii? Try Ted’s Bakery! If you’re feeling like staying home, you can always see what’s available on GrubHub!