Baker Tom's - Hilo, Hawaii

Overall Shop rating: 4 ½ Nadas Hilo, Hawaii is a town that blends perfectly the hometown country feel and island paradise. There are so many “mom and pop” shops owned by locals that you would never need to go corporate for any meal… or donut.
I spent 2 months hanging out in Hilo with my Grandma, Uncle and Aunty in the Spring of 2010. I searched but could not find a donut shop in this town. Instead I was blown away when I was introduced to the Hawaiian version: the Malasada (originally the Portuguese version of the donut).

Vibe of Shop: 5 Nadas
I loved the vibe. It’s so local and friendly, filled with Aloha.

Outside Appearance: 5 Nadas
This is one of the most unique bakery shops I’ve ever seen. It’s a few miles out of town on the country highway on the way to Waimea. The shop is a converted auto repair shop turned bakery. One garage bay has become the store front and the other has become the lounge.

Hours: 6am-6pm Weekdays, 7am-6pm Weekends

Service: 5 Nadas
I loved that Baker Tom’s mom was the one that served us. I love the personal family touch. Baker Tom’s dad hangs out in the garage turned lounge next door. Amazing.

Taste of Glaze Donut: 4 Nadas
Technically this wasn’t a glazed donut, and they didn’t even have glaze in the traditional sense, but I didn’t care. I loved the Blackberry, the PB&J, the Canadian Bacon & Cheese, the Lilikoi, and more. Wow!



Blueberry Donut? No, but who needs a blueberry donut when you have a plethora of filled malasadas. You could have breakfast, lunch, and dinner all here inside this wonderful dough… if you can handle all the grease…

Coffee: 3 Nadas
The coffee was good but nothing special. There is a great local shop down the road called Sharky’s that I suggest if you want quality coffee.

Special: I’ve already talked about all the special donuts/malasadas. Instead I want to point out the special advertisement posted on the board at the shop. It’s for the Neuter Scooter. It comes to Spay/Neuter your cats right at your own home.
















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Lanky's Pastries - Hilo, HI

Overall Shop rating: 4 Nadas
At this point I’ve been away from Santa Cruz and Ferrell’s Donut for over 2 months… I’m beginning to forget what the glaze donut like mana from heaven tastes like. I’ve been in Hawaii since April 7 and it is now June 5. I’ve been thoroughly enjoying all the fresh fish, shave ice, and warm water ocean waves, but I have not been able to find a shop dedicated solely to donuts. Instead, the commonality is the bakery. I understand that this diversifies the products sold and broadens the customer base in towns where populations are smaller than on the mainland. This is yet another reason why I love Hawaiians: They are survivalists, molding and shaping businesses into what works in order to generate income to buy more poi and spam for their hungry families. I respect that. On my last day in Hilo, I was doing errands and I happened on this bakery in a quaint strip mall and I was warmly surprised to find one of my favorite baked goods ever (refer to “Special” below)!!!

Vibe of Shop: 4 Nadas
I like my donut shop/bakeries to feel warm, used, and slightly dirty like home, but still clean. This bakery had the perfect balance. It looked as if it had worked hard for years making many, many loaves of bread and cakes to celebrate births and deaths, love and loss, failure and success… But this place has succeeded. Note: No good seating indoors, but it’s Hawaii! Go sit outside.

Outside Appearance: 5 Nadas
Perfect seating outside for cruising and talking story. The bakery had nice large windows allowing everyone to see the baked goods… a great marketing strategy.Hours: 5:30am – 9:00pm everyday
That’s what the sign says, but I did show up one day in the early afternoon and they were closed. Like any good mom and pop shop, I think they close whenever they feel like taking a break. Again, I respect that.

Service: 5 Nadas
Asian, Friendly, and Happy. I love donuts served with smiles.

Taste of Glaze Donut: 2 1/2 nadas
Truthfully, this donut could use a little help. The dough was not fluffy enough for my taste and the glaze was a bit bland.

Blueberry Donut: No

Coffee: ?
I didn’t have coffee here because right next door there is a coffee shop called Kope Kope, where I performed at an open mic a few nights before. I decided to give Kope Kope my business because they could use the help. Go drink coffee there!Special: Oh My!!! I was blown away! Lanky’s came up with this: Custard Filled Chocolate Donut Hole. Simply, amazing. It’s like jumping in a cool pool in the hot desert, or hitting all green lights on your way to work, or putting on a jacket and finding $20 in your pocket. Man, I can’t even explain to you how wonderful this little nugget was. Perfectly balanced dough, custard and frosting… It massaged my taste buds into pure relaxation and peaceful bliss.


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Leonard's Bakery - Honolulu, Hawaii

Aloha! In February 2009 I had the great pleasure of visiting my relatives. I surfed, ate sushi, enjoyed family chill time... The only thing that was missing was a donut… So my cousin took me to a Honolulu specialty: Leonard’s Bakery. Now, Malasadas are not donuts and I know that this is a donut blog, but I believe that they are close cousins and equal in taste so here is my experience eating a Malasada.

Vibe of Shop: 2 Nadas
I was disappointed that there were no seats inside. There were a few seats outside, which, I guess makes sense since the weather in Hawaii is amazing. Also, things looked a little rundown inside but… it is over 55 years old!

Outside Appearance: 5+ Nadas
The décor of the outside was like a Las Vegas Casino, but when you go inside, instead of gambling your money, you win every time! The signs were amazing and old and had more style and flair than a flamboyant hair dresser.

Hours: 3 Nadas
It is not open 24 hours. ☹ I believe they close at 11pm.

Service: 3 Nadas
The service was a bit slow but I understand why. They take your order, walk back and fry the malasada, and then bring it to you. So fresh! Also, they have a uniform: cute 50’s style dresses. I like the vibe and professionalism they are portraying.

Taste of Glaze Donut (Malasada): 5 Nadas
Oh boy! Where do I start? They fry the malasadas right when you order them! This insures super freshness. The outside was warm and crispy and the inside was moist and delicious. I also order a chocolate-filled and a coconut-filled and they were all amazing! Doughy goodness! Mmmmmm….

Coffee: N/A
I was so distracted by my cousins, girlfriend, and the excitement that I had discovered “a new brand of donut,” that I forget to order a cup of coffee. Sorry.




Special: They sold everything you would need on a birthday cake. They had so many options of candles. I especially like that they sell balloons!

So my official verdict is: Go eat a Malasada!!! They are sooooo scrumptious... And thank you, Leonard, for starting this fine establishment.