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The Best Places to Get Malasadas on Kauai: A Guide to Hawaii’s Sweetest Treat
If you’re visiting Kauai and craving something sweet, malasadas should be at the top of your must-try list. These fluffy, deep-fried Portuguese doughnuts—often rolled in sugar and sometimes filled with custard, chocolate, or tropical flavors—are a beloved treat across the Hawaiian islands.
While Oahu may be home to the famous Leonard’s Bakery, Kauai has its own share of incredible malasada spots, each offering a unique take on this island favorite. Here’s a guide to the best places to get malasadas on Kauai, from hidden gems to local favorites.
Kaua’i Bakery
Kukui Grove Center, Lihue
For some of the best malasadas on the island, head to Kaua’i Bakery, a local institution in Lihue that has been serving delicious baked goods for decades. Their malasadas are light, fluffy, and perfectly coated in sugar. You can get them plain or filled with flavors like custard, coconut, and guava. Since they open early, it’s a great spot to grab a fresh malasada with your morning coffee.
Pro Tip: Get there early—these malasadas sell out fast!
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Passion Bakery Café
Kinipopo Shopping Village, Wailua
In Wailua, Passion Bakery Café is known for its fresh, made-to-order malasadas. They fry them hot and roll them in sugar before serving, ensuring every malasada lover craves a crispy texture. While they keep it classic with traditional malasadas, they offer unique variations like cinnamon sugar and lilikoi (passionfruit) drizzle.
Pro Tip: Pair your malasada with one of their homemade coffees for a perfect breakfast treat.
Holey Grail Donuts
Hanalei & Kapa'a
While not a traditional malasada shop, Holey Grail Donuts is a must-visit for donut lovers on Kauai. They use taro, a staple Hawaiian ingredient, to create unique, deep-fried doughnuts with a light and fluffy texture similar to malasadas. Their creative flavors, made with local and organic ingredients, include coconut-lime and pineapple-pink peppercorn options.
Pro Tip: Try their "Flight of Donuts" to sample multiple flavors simultaneously!
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Mark’s Place
Lihue
Though primarily known for its amazing plate lunches, Mark’s Place also serves up some of the tastiest malasadas on Kauai. These golden, sugar-dusted treats are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft inside. Their malasadas aren’t always on the menu, so it’s best to call ahead to see if they’re available.
Pro Tip: If you’re lucky enough to visit on a malasada day, grab a few extras—they’re that good!
Anake’s Juice Bar (Inside Kukuiula Store)
Kukuiula Store, Koloa
Tucked inside the Kukuiula Store in Koloa, Anake’s Juice Bar is an unexpected spot for delicious malasadas. While they’re better known for their fresh juices and açaí bowls, their malasadas are a hidden gem. They are fried fresh, dusted in sugar, and sometimes have filling options like haupia (coconut pudding) or chocolate.
Pro Tip: Grab a malasada with one of their refreshing smoothies for a sweet and satisfying treat.
Kauai may not have as many malasada shops as Oahu, but the ones it does have are well worth seeking out. Whether you like them plain, filled with tropical flavors, or made with unique island ingredients, these five spots will satisfy your malasada cravings.
Malasada Tour Tip: Rent a car and take a Malasada road trip around the island, stopping at these bakeries and cafes. Your taste buds will thank you!
