




Leonard's Waikele Shopping Center
About
A Sweet Tradition at Waikele
For those cruising through Waipahu, the smell of frying dough and granulated sugar is a dead giveaway that you are approaching the Leonard's Malasadamobile. Parked conveniently within the Waikele Shopping Center, this iconic outpost brings the legendary Honolulu bakery experience directly to the Leeward side of O'ahu.
The Malasada Experience
Expect a line, especially on weekends, as locals and visitors alike wait for their fix of piping-hot, Portuguese-style donuts. Unlike the traditional yeast-raised doughnuts found elsewhere, these are coated in a fine layer of sugar and served fresh from the fryer. The original plain malasada offers a crisp, golden exterior that yields to a soft, airy center, while the filled versions—stuffed with creamy dobash, haupia, or custard—provide a richer, more indulgent profile.
The setting is strictly grab-and-go. You might find yourself leaning against your car hood in the busy shopping center lot, napkin in hand, trying to keep the sugar off your clothes as the steam rises from the white paper box. It is a casual, no-frills affair that defines the local dessert culture.
What to Know Before You Go
While the service moves at a steady clip, the parking lot in this specific retail hub can get tight, particularly during peak holiday shopping hours. If you are craving a sugar rush, try to time your visit for a weekday afternoon to minimize wait times. Grab a dozen for the road; they are best eaten while still warm, though a quick zap in the microwave later in the day does a fair job of reviving that signature fluffiness.
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Amenities & Features
Location
94-894 Lumiaina St, Waipahu, Hawaii, 96797
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 331 community reviewspatricia PinningtonGoogle Maps
Recently
Delicious donuts. Wish we had one here in Ft. Lauderdale. Cute little truck with fast service
Marissa DragoGoogle Maps
Recently
Saturday around 3:30pm, no line, piping hot delicious donuts and you can do your food shopping at Safeway afterwards. Ez.
Sarah DavidsonGoogle Maps
Recently
A great little gem located conveniently in Waikele shopping center next to Petco. Different flavors for everyone to enjoy! Why have one or two! We order 6-12 for the whole family! Always fresh. And don't worry about a long line it moves pretty fast.
Jeannette MittraGoogle Maps
Recently
The greatest malasadas ever! Served hot and the price is right! Food truck is in shopping area so parking is good, and there is a Starbucks and a McDonalds there, too, if you want coffee with your goodies!
Luke MieltyGoogle Maps
Recently
These malasadas were better than the ones at the main location. The chocolate ones are the best. Evelyn B was our server and she was very nice. Also, if you order the Li Hing flavor, don’t let the description of “sweet and sour” fool you. They are very salty.
Brian WangGoogle Maps
Recently
4.5/5. Came around lunch on Mon, no wait! Freshly made and warm. Got the cinnamon sugar and cream ones. Both crispy n tasty and not over fried like some stated. Only minus one star as it could've been more pillowy and chewy and limited flavors. Have had some other better ones on Maui. A great option to the original store and excellent if you don't want to wait in line w/ kids... I'd say it semi lives up to the hype.
lisa livingstonGoogle Maps
Recently
First time Malasada eater. These are a Portuguese doughnut and they are great. They were ready really quick and they were nice and hot. So fluffy and the filling on the custard and the haupia filled the whole donut. I got the original, cinnamon, haupia and custard. All delish!!
Edgar MurguiaGoogle Maps
Recently
Leonard’s Malasadas in Waipahu is hands down the best spot to get them—don’t be fooled by the other trucks around the island. This truck and the main Kapahulu bakery are the only ones worth going to if you want them fresh and hot. I’ve tried every flavor they offer, and honestly, they’re all amazing—it’s impossible to pick just one favorite. The malasadas come out soft, fluffy, and perfectly coated every time. If you’re visiting Oahu, do yourself a favor: step out of Waikiki and make the trip here. Totally worth it and easily one of the best bites on the island!
Scott AtkinsonGoogle Maps
Recently
I’m thrilled to find a location conveniently close to my hotel in Ko Olina. Their malasadas are a must-try—they’re freshly baked and hot. You can order them individually or in a box, which is great if you’re sharing with others. My personal favorite is the Li Hing Malasada.
Troy BroasGoogle Maps
Recently
We stopped here while staying at Aulani, it’s about 8 miles from the resort. These are sooo good, especially when you have to them warm. They don’t have the same variety that their brick and mortar stores do, but they are still worth a visit. To me, the cinnamon sugar are amazing, they make these to order for you but they are worth the wait!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Leonard's Waikele Shopping Center
Common questions from diners about Leonard's Waikele Shopping Center in Waipahu.
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