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 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 have a different texture than Punahou’s—slightly harder/crispier on the outside. 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’m too good for office malasadas, not at all!)

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