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Top 10 best donut spots in Hawaiʻi
HONOLULU (KHON2) — It's National Donut Day on today, June 6. And that means everyone gets a free pass to enjoy as many doughnuts as they want!
Doughnuts in Hawaiʻi are not just sweet treats. They are full of flavor, culture and ono yumminess. From classic Portuguese malasadas to fun, modern toppings, these shops make some of the best doughnuts in the islands.
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Before we get to the list, The Salvation Army is celebrating the legacy of its Doughnut Lassies. The Doughnut Lassies were a group of women who kept soldiers supplied with doughnuts throughout world wars one and two.
During the Great Depression, The Salvation Army decided to memorialize the World War I women who did this. Now, we have National Donut Day each year.
'On National Donut Day, we honor our Doughnut Lassies and the ability of human beings everywhere to bring solace, and even joy, to others during some of the most trying times,' said Divisional Commander Major Troy Trimmer.
Here are 10 popular places to try from across Hawaiʻi's islands:
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1. Leonard's Bakery (Oʻahu)Leonard's is the most famous doughnut shop in Hawaiʻi. It opened in 1952 and is known for its warm, sugar-dusted malasadas. You can get them plain or filled with flavors like custard, haupia or guava.
2. Kamehameha Bakery (Oʻahu)Locals love this shop for its poi-glazed doughnuts. Poi is made from taro, and the bright purple glaze makes these doughnuts stand out. They also offer classic styles and other island-inspired flavors.
3. Purvé Donut Stop (Oʻahu)Purvé makes fresh doughnuts to order. Each one is decorated with colorful toppings like cookie crumbs, cereal, bacon or lilikoi glaze. Their names are fun too, like 'Unicorn Butt Sneeze'.
4. Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery (Oʻahu)This Kaimukī shop makes crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside malasadas. You can also try their ice cream for a sweet combo.5. Tex Drive In (Hawaiʻi Island)Located in Honokaʻa, Tex is famous for its large malasadas. They are light, fluffy and come in many flavors like mango, pineapple and chocolate.
6. Holy Donuts (Maui)This food truck in Kahului serves handmade doughnuts with toppings like maple bacon and cinnamon sugar. It's a small truck with a big fan base.
7. Donut King (Maui)This shop in Wailuku has classic doughnuts and sweet pastries. Their maple bars and apple fritters are especially popular.
8. Kauaʻi Bakery (Kauaʻi)Found in Līhuʻe, this bakery offers cream-filled malasadas and doughnuts with local flavors. It's a great stop on your way to the beach.
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9. Zippy's (Statewide)Zippy's is a local diner chain, but their malasadas are always a hit. You can find them at the counter with other tasty baked goods.
10. Island Craves (Oʻahu)This small shop in Kapolei makes mochi doughnuts with crispy outsides and chewy centers. They're dipped in colorful glazes and often sell out fast.
Bonus: Island Glazed Donuts was voted best doughnuts in Hawaii by Yelp elite users. They have two locations, one in Pearl Kai and AMR. You can find them on Instagram and Facebook. Click here to see their Yelp page.
'For well over a century, The Salvation Army has been on the frontlines helping our local communities; and the donut, then and still to this day. serves as a symbol of comfort and hope, added Divisional Commander Major Trimmer.
Whether you love classic malasadas or wild new flavors, there's a doughnut for everyone in Hawaiʻi.
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