I went to Hawaii for the first time. My twin sister served as my guide (by phone - she was in Seattle). She'd recently spent about a month in Honolulu and knew where everything was (along with every street name). I asked her if there was anything she wanted me to bring back. Chocolate macadamia nuts perhaps? She told me she'd already had everything - except the famous malasadas.
So my baby and I took a bus over to Leonard's bakery. They were closing in one hour and I was coming from Kuhio! I went as far as the bus would take me. Then I ran with my baby in hand the remaining blocks. I made it with 15 minutes to spare.
I purchased six guava malasadas, and an extra to taste. Then I sat outside on a bench and tasted my very first malasada. My sister must have overhyped it, I figured - I mean it's just a doughnut, right? WRONG! I took one bite, then went right back into the bakery and ordered a dozen more, along with a "Got Malasada" bumper sticker. I spent all the cash I had.
Hot malasadas, warm airy fluffy pastry with guava custard inside, not too sweet - just right. I love it best fresh from the bakery. Now everytime I go to Honolulu I have to visit Leonard's just for the malasadas. They also come in chocolate and custard, but I like the guava the best. Visit if you have the chance!
