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In Hawaii, you expect palm tree-lined beaches and umbrella drinks. You might know about poi, the notoriously sticky starch favored by locals and usually described by visitors as being similar to wallpaper paste. But what you might not expect is a collection of bakers offering sweet treats with a distinctly island flavor.

Leonard’s Malasada (933 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu): If the state of Hawaii had an official baked good, the malasada would surely be it. Brought to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants, this hole-less doughnut, more square than round, is an island favorite. Family owned and operated Leonard’s has been making malasadas for Oahu residents since 1952 and they know how to do it right. Try them tossed in cinnamon-sugar or filled with luscious custard in tropical flavors like lilikoi, mango, or pineapple. Personally, I recommend sticking with the plain sugared variety; sometimes simple is best.

Near Leonard’s, you’ll find the Honolulu Zoo, Kapiolani Park, and Waikiki Beach, as well as budget hotels like the Queen Kapiolani and Waikiki Resort Hotel.

Liliha Bakery (515 North Kuakini Street, Honolulu): If you see any locals on an inter-island flight gingerly carrying a bakery box tied up with string, odds are good that the box is filled with coco puffs from the Liliha Bakery, a favorite treat to bring friends and family on neighboring islands. Visitors to Hawaii who are in the know make a beeline to pick up Liliha’s famous coco puffs, a chocolate-filled pastry puff, topped with chantilly frosting. They sell between 4,800 and 7,200 coco puffs every day.

Hokulani Bake Shop(500 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu): Where Leonard’s and Liliha Bakery are a long-standing tradition in Hawaii, Hokulani Bake Shop is fairly new to the island sweets scene. But, oh, what a sweet treat they bring. This boutique bakery crafts gorgeous cakes and cupcakes that are made with real butter and sugar, and without trans-fats or corn syrup. Why, that’s almost enough to call them healthy! Hokulani Bake Shop has two locations on Oahu, one on Ala Moana Boulevard in Restaurant Row (near hotels like the Equus and Aqua Palms) and another downtown in Pioneer Plaza.

– Kris Bordessa of Honolulu On The Cheap and Big Island On The Cheap

[Flickr/newyork808]