Best Donuts in Waikiki 2026

A Honolulu institution since 1950, Liliha Bakery is where locals have gone for generations. Their famous Coco Puffs — chocolate-topped choux pastry filled with Chantilly cream — are legendary. The poi mochi donuts incorporate taro into the mochi batter for a uniquely Hawaiian twist with a beautiful purple hue and subtle sweetness. The original Liliha location has a nostalgic diner counter that feels like stepping back in time.

A piece of Honolulu history. The Ala Moana location is more accessible from Waikiki, but the original on Kuakini Street has unbeatable charm. Worth the 15-minute drive for the full experience.

No list of Hawaiian donuts is complete without Leonard's. This Kapahulu Avenue landmark has been frying up Portuguese-style malasadas for over 70 years. The original sugar-coated malasada is perfection: crispy on the outside, cloud-soft inside, and served piping hot. Their filled malasadas come in flavors like haupia (coconut cream), custard, and dobash (chocolate). The line often wraps around the building, especially on weekends, but it moves fast.

A mandatory Oahu experience. Just a 10-minute drive from Waikiki via Kapahulu Avenue. Go early morning for the shortest wait and the freshest batch.

Holey Grail brought the health-conscious donut revolution to Hawaii. Every donut starts with a taro base, making them naturally vegan and gluten-friendly. The texture is dense yet tender, almost cake-like, with vibrant natural coloring from the taro. Flavors rotate daily and lean creative — think lilikoi glaze, guava cream, and ube coconut. They're made to order, so you'll watch your donuts come together fresh. Originally from Kauai's food truck scene, their Ward Village location brings the experience to Honolulu.

The best option for vegan, plant-based, or health-conscious visitors. The made-to-order experience is worth the wait. Ward Village is a quick Uber or 15-minute bus from Waikiki.

Located inside the Royal Hawaiian Center, Penny's makes getting great malasadas in Waikiki effortless. Their dough is made with locally sourced Hawaiian cane sugar, giving the malasadas a subtly richer sweetness compared to standard recipes. They offer both classic sugar-dusted and filled varieties. The convenience factor is unbeatable — you can grab malasadas between shopping or on your way back from the beach.

Can't leave Waikiki? Penny's is your best bet for quality malasadas without the drive. Perfect for a quick treat while shopping at Royal Hawaiian Center.

Pipeline brings mainland gourmet donut culture to Hawaii with an island twist. Their yeast-raised donuts are large, fluffy, and topped with creative flavor combinations that change regularly. Think crème brûlée, poi, Fruity Pebbles, and matcha white chocolate. They also do excellent ice cream, and you can get a donut ice cream sandwich that's the stuff of Instagram dreams. The Kaimuki neighborhood is a foodie destination in its own right.

For donut lovers who want something beyond the classics. The Kaimuki food scene is worth exploring, and Pipeline is the anchor. About 20 minutes from Waikiki.

Donut King is the no-frills neighborhood donut shop that every city needs. Family-owned and operated, they specialize in classic yeast-raised donuts — glazed, chocolate frosted, maple bars, and old-fashioned cake donuts. Everything is made from scratch in small batches. Prices are some of the lowest you'll find, and the quality punches well above its weight. They open early and sell out fast, so set your alarm.

For the classic American donut experience at a great price. Get there early — once they're sold out, they're done for the day.