Ooh, malasadas. Pillowy bites of heaven deep fried, dusted in sugar, and served hot. If you’ve stayed in Waikiki you’ve probably passed by Leonard’s, with its and oh-so-instagrammable retro neon sign.

My favorite places in Hawaii to get a hot malasada are (in no particular order):

Chef Mavro – this was the first place that we had tiny delicious malasadas

Merriman’s Kauai – filled with vanilla cream and served with chocolate dipping sauce.

Tidepools (Grand Hyatt Kauai) – served piping hot in a brown paper bag. So good.

KS Ho’olaulea – they’re a different texture than Punahou’s – a little harder/crispier on the outside, and I can’t tell which one I like better.

Punahou carnival – they really are good – I eat at least two every year. Maybe three.

Leonard’s – but they are 100x better hot than served lukewarm in the office. (Not that I am too good for office malasadas, not at all!)

Am I missing out on any winners? Let me know in the comments.

Random fact: November 5 is actually the second “National Donut Day” of the year, which is a little silly. This Mental Floss article helps explains the confusing situation.