HONOLULU | Leonard’s Bakery was founded in 1952 by Leonard DoRego, specialising in malasadas, or Portuguese donuts. The original recipe was handed down by Leonard’s grandmother Amelia, who immigrated to Hawaii from Portugal, in 1882. Today, you can still enjoy these malasadas at Leonard’s, made to the same family recipe.
The original location in Kapaulu retains all the charm that its 1952 origins suggest. Still owned and operated by the DoRego family, ordering from the original location feels like stepping back in time, with its original, now retro signage and fitout.
Along with the sugar coated original malasadas, Leonard’s also sell versions with fillings like chocolate, and Hawaiian influenced fillings like haupia (coconut) and guava, and li hing (Chinese salted plum) dusting. Rounding off the menu are other Portuguese classics like pão doce, along with a small selection of pastries, cookies, cakes, and pies.
Being popular with locals and visitors alike, Leonard’s does get quite busy, so get there early if you can. Thankfully, the ordering system is pretty streamlined, and the small menu (with most ordering malasadas) means that things move relatively quickly.
If you can’t visit the original location, there’s a few Leonard’s food trucks slinging malasadas around town (locations on the Leonard’s website), and one location in Yokohama, Japan, if you ever find yourself in that part of the world.
Leonard’s Bakery
933 Kapahulu Avenue
Honolulu
Hawaii 96816
United States
Telephone: 808 737 5591
E-mail: n/a
Website
Open
Mon – Sun: 5:30am to 7:00pm