7 HAWAI‘I SWEET TREATS TO TRY
Leonard?s on Kapahulu Avenue. Has the best Malasadas.
BY: NATALIE SCHACK
There?s so much to see in Hawaii, from the majestic mountain ranges scraping their green tops against the clear, blue sky, to the wild, cresting waves, rushing in and out on the shore like some mesmerizing azure dance. It?s a beautiful feast for your eyes?but what about your tastebuds?
Don?t worry, your itinerary will be packed in that department as well. After all, here in the islands, life is sweet?and our vast array of local desserts can attest to it! Thanks to a ?melting pot? of cultures that make up the diverse Hawaii community, you?ll find exotic influences from Japan to Portugal, and beyond, in the pastries, candies and desserts on offer.
We could fill an entire book?and days of eating!?describing the many ways islanders have managed to find a way to treat their sweet tooth, but for starters, here are a few of our favorites saccharine snacks. You won?t want to miss snagging at least a few of this scrumptious little treats
on your visit. Or, if you?re feeling generous, bringing some home for your loved ones. (If there are any left, that is!)
Malasadas
Deep-fried, fluffy balls of doughy, sugary goodness have made these Portuguese treats an island staple. Originally hailing from Portugal?s Azores Islands, malasadas have roots as a Fat Tuesday treat, something to tide one?s sweet tooth over before the long days of Lent. In Hawai?i, we eat it all year round, and none are more famous than the ones at Leonard?s on Kapahulu Avenue. You?ll be sure not to miss it: just look for the vintage, neon sign, bright pink awning, and out-the-door line. Leonard?s Bakery, 933 Kapahulu Ave.
Li hing mui
Salty meets sweet meets sour?the unique, exotic flavor combination in li hing mui has a little bit of everything. Brought to Hawaii from China in the early twentieth century, the powder is made from ground salted plu, can be sprinkled on everything from fresh pineapple to gummy candy to dried mango, and is a toothsome favorite for Hawai?i keiki (kids). ABC Stores, Ala Moana Center, lower level, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd.
Shave ice
It?s become a graphic icon synonymous with Hawai?i, and for good reason: A refreshing cone of ?shave ice,? as we call it, is essential on a hot, tropical day. You won?t miss with the go-to ?rainbow? combination flavors (strawberry, blue vanilla and banana), but try it local style with a filling of ice cream, and sweet adzuki beans, and topped with sweetened, condensed milk and mochi balls. Waiola Shave Ice, 3113 Mokihana St.