Penny's Waikiki Malasadas
A malasada counter in Waikīkī serving hot, made-to-order pastries for a quick snack or dessert stop. Expect a casual food-court setup rather than a sit-down bakery meal.
- made-to-order malasadas
- traditional and filled options
- grab-and-go friendly
- food-court location in Royal Hawaiian Center
Penny’s Waikiki Malasadas is a straightforward, snack-focused stop in the Royal Hawaiian Center food court, and that is exactly what makes it useful for visitors in Waikīkī. It delivers hot, made-to-order malasadas in a central location, with enough variety in traditional and filled pastries to stand out from an ordinary dessert counter. For travelers who want a quick taste of Hawaiʻi’s most beloved doughnut-like treat without planning a full bakery stop, it fits neatly into a day around Kalākaua Avenue.
What it does best
The core draw is simple: malasadas served warm, fresh, and made to order. The menu centers on classic sugar-dusted pastries and filled versions, with flavors such as coconut crème, ube crème, Nutella crème, and custard. That mix gives the shop a broader appeal than a single-flavor counter, while still keeping the focus where it belongs. Penny’s also sells malasadas in box sizes that work well for sharing, making it easy to bring back a small treat to a hotel room or take along after a morning walk.
The brand’s background adds some personality. Penny’s began as a food truck operation before settling into Waikīkī, and that origin shows in the casual, fast-moving setup. This is not a sit-down bakery with lingering café energy; it is a practical, dessert-first business built around convenience and freshness.
The experience
Expect a counter-service stop inside a busy shopping center, not a destination dining room. That makes Penny’s especially convenient for travelers already in the heart of Waikīkī, and it is easy to fold into errands, shopping, or a beach day. The format works well for families, groups, and anyone who wants a quick sweet bite without committing to a longer meal.
That same convenience comes with tradeoffs. Seating is limited and the setting is shaped by food-court traffic rather than a cozy bakery atmosphere. Some visitors also find the texture less consistently soft than they hoped, so this is not a place to expect a universally perfect malasada experience every time. It remains best understood as a handy, tasty stop rather than an indulgent pastry pilgrimage.
Who it suits
Penny’s is a strong fit for breakfast pastry hunters, families, and anyone who wants an easy local snack in central Waikīkī. It is also a smart choice for visitors who want to compare malasadas without making a special trip across the island. Travelers looking for a long café meal, a broad breakfast menu, or a more intimate bakery setting will likely want something else.
