Is Leonard's worth it?
Worth itLives up to the hype · −5Kapahulu bakery since 1952, famous for hot, sugar-rolled Portuguese malasadas
Worth it. Hot-and-fresh malasadas live up to the fame for most of 13,598 Google reviewers; a minority call them oily or 'not worth the hype'.
Hype76How famous and hyped it is
Reality71Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
4.6 ★ Google · 13,598 reviews4.6 Tripadvisor · 8,052— hypegap votes · be one of the first
Been to Leonard's? Was it worth it?
One tap. No account. Your vote moves the Reality score.Is it worth it for you?
Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 first-timers vote
The classic Honolulu malasada stop; 4.6 on both Google (13,598) and Tripadvisor (8,052).
Why Reality is 71
Lives up to its fame4/5Hot-and-fresh malasadas live up to the fame for most of 13,598 Google reviewers; a minority call them oily or 'not worth the hype'.
Value for money5/5A famous, freshly fried pastry for $2.25–$2.75; reviewers widely call it good value.
Can’t get it elsewhere3/5The original 1952 malasada shop, but good malasadas are sold elsewhere on Oʻahu.
Easy to do3/5Open daily from 5:30 a.m. and close to Waikīkī, but crowds most of the day, a small lot and no seating.
What people loved
Malasadas made fresh and served hot, with a soft, fluffy doughCheap: a couple of dollars eachLines are long but move fast; staff are organized and friendlyLots of filled flavors (custard, haupia, guava, lilikoʻi, dobash, macadamia) plus a li hing-coated originalWhat wore them down
Crowded from opening to close; peak-hour waitsSmall, tight parking lotNowhere to sitSome find them oily, the fillings skimpy or not to their taste, or simply 'not worth the hype'Know before you go
See something out of date? Fix it right here.Booking: No reservations; order at the counter and wait for your name, or order ahead online.
Malasada$2.25 original (sugar); $2.75 filled Malasada PuffSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
HoursDaily 5:30 a.m.–7 p.m.Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Since1952; credited with starting Hawaiʻi's malasada crazeSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
OrderingWalk-up counter or online ordering via ToastSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
SeatingNo seating; people eat outside or in their carsSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ParkingSmall free lot that gets tight at peak timesSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
- Monday: 5:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: 5:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 5:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 5:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 5:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 5:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 5:30 AM – 7:00 PM
In their words
“These malasadas are insanity and worth every penny. The line moves quick and honestly gives you time to pick your flavors.”
“Super crowded, but staff was organized… the malasadas were pretty good with a good amount of filling, but maybe a little oily.”
“…I actually ended up eating the bread and leaving the filling behind because the dough was that good.”
“Came in around 6:30am on a saturday, no problems parking at the free parking lot and no crowd at all.”
Tips from people who went
No tips yet. Be the first to share one.
0/400 · no links · posts right away
Questions people ask
How much are malasadas at Leonard's?
$2.25 for an original sugar malasada and $2.75 for a filled Malasada Puff, per Leonard's online menu.
What are Leonard's Bakery hours?
Daily, 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
What's the best time to go to Leonard's?
Early morning; reviewers report little or no line around opening, while midday is crowded.
Can you order Leonard's malasadas ahead?
Yes, Leonard's offers online ordering through Toast on its website.
Is there seating at Leonard's Bakery?
No. Most people eat outside or in their cars, ideally while the malasadas are hot.
Nearby and worth a look
Sources
- Leonard's Bakery – official site
- Leonard's Bakery – Malasadas & Doughnuts menu
- Leonard's Bakery – About
- Tripadvisor – Leonard's Bakery
- Google Maps – Leonard's Bakery