Malasadas on The Big Island: Where to Find Them
Are you visiting the Big Island and want to find out where you can get a malasada?
Malasadas are delicious, but they’re not as easy to come by on the Big Island of Hawaii as they are in Oahu.
We’ve got your back! Here’s a list of places on the Big Island that serve malasadas. You’ll be able to get your fix while enjoying all of the natural beauty and culture that makes Hawaii so unique.
Places to get malasadas on the Big Island: Hot Malasadas Truck, Tex Drive-In, Punalu’u Bakeshop, Standard Bakery, Zippy’s, and KTA Bakery.
Hot Malasadas Truck
Location: 1 Puako Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
The Hot Malasadas Truck is one of the best places to get malasadas while on the Big Island. They are made fresh to order and have various flavors, including but not limited to lilikoi filling, guava, and coconut. You can also choose the type of sugar you want on your malasadas.
They also have iced coffee and juices. Be sure to try their mango lemonade; you will thank me later.
Be sure to give yourself enough time as there can be a wait. However, it is worth it! Also, this place is cash only so be sure to have some cash with you.
Tex Drive-In
Location: 45-690 Pakalana St, Honokaa, HI 96727
Tex Drive-In has a drive-through and a covered outdoor seating area. The Malasadas are served hot and fresh, made to order, and have a different variety of flavors.
They are known for Hawaiian food and burgers, but also serve malasadas hot and fresh. The line can get long, but it is worth the wait.
Punalu’u Bake Shop
Location: HI-11, Naalehu, HI 96772
Punalu’u Bake Shop is a very popular spot for both locals and tourists. They have malasadas with different flavors, including but not limited to guava, chocolate, and lilikoi.
They are located about 14 minutes from one of the best black sand beaches on the Big Island, Punalu’u Beach, so be sure to stop by on your way to the beach.
They also sell pies, cookies, bread, and muffins. They are known for their fresh baked goods, so be sure to try them out! Beware, this place can get jam-packed, especially during the summer months.
Standard Bakery
Location: 79-7394 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kealakekua, HI 96750
This bakery is very close to Kona and offers fantastic baked goods, including delicious malasadas. They offer a variety of flavors and toppings such as chocolate chip, cinnamon sugar, and plain (sugar).
Zippy’s
Location: Multiple
Zippy’s is a local favorite, and they also offer malasadas and more. They are pretty big and have different locations all over the island. Be sure to check them out if you’re looking for malasadas while on your holiday in Hawaii.
You can find Zippy’s in Kona, Hilo, Waimea, and Kahului. Definitely add this to your list of best things to do in Kona, or stop by after watching one of the best sunrises on the Big Island.
KTA Bakery
Location: Multiple
KTA is a local grocery store chain that has mini bakeries inside. They have a wide selection of freshly baked goods, including malasadas, cupcakes, cookies, etc. Be sure to try their malasadas while you are on the Big Island.
You can find KTA in Kona, Hilo, Waimea, and Waikoloa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Malasadas?
Malasadas are a traditional Portuguese fried pastry that is absolutely delicious. Malasadas also happen to be my favorite food in the entire world, so you can trust me when I tell you that these pastries will satisfy your cravings, and then some.
They’re made of flattened rounds of yeast dough that are deep-fried. After the pastries are deep-fried, they’re typically rolled in sugar and filled with any number of sweet fillings. The result is a crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside pastry that’s sweet, to be enjoyed by folks of all ages.
They have a slightly chewy texture and an old-fashioned flavor that makes them delicious at any time of day. As mentioned earlier, malasadas are my favorite food on the planet, and I’d eat them for breakfast, lunch, dinner — you name it!
What is the History of Malasadas?
The history of malasadas is rich and full of culture. These pastries were brought to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants sometime during the 19th century.
The Portuguese immigrants were brought to Hawaii due to an increased need for labor in the sugar and pineapple industries.
They brought Hawaii the recipe for malasadas, which is a traditional pastry in Portugal.
The Hawaiian version of this Portuguese treat was made popular by Leonard’s Bakery in Honolulu. Malasadas are now available all over the island, not just in Honolulu anymore.
They are now enjoyed by many cultures around the world, not just those that call Hawaii home.
How Much do Malasadas Cost?
Malasadas on the Big Island cost anywhere from $1.10 (plain sugar) to $2.50 (with filling) apiece, and this is on par with pricing on Oahu and other islands in Hawaii. Typically, the more you buy, the cheaper the price.
Which Island Has the Best Malasadas?
In my opinion, Oahu has the best Malasadas in all of Hawaii. Leonard’s Bakery is by far my favorite place to get malasadas, and nothing compares to them in my opinion.
Also, Oahu has more places to get malasadas, and they are easy to come by compared to the Big Island or Maui. There are also multiple Leonard’s Bakery locations all over the Island of Oahu.
That being said, the Big Island malasadas are still pretty tasty, and you can buy them at a few stores and bakeries on the Island.
Tip: Be sure to eat your malasadas while they are hot and fresh! Trust me on this one. They are so much better right when you get them.
The Wrap Up
For delicious malasadas on the Big Island of Hawaii, stop by the Hot Malasadas Truck, Tex Drive-in, Punalu’u Bake Shop, Standard Bakery, Zippy’s, and KTA Bakery.
These places have a wide selection of gourmet flavors and styles to choose from. Stop by today for your next sugar fix!
Until next time, Aloha!
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