Malasada Tuesday Celebrated Across Kauai

Local bakeries prepare for a busy day of selling the traditional Portuguese-style donuts.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Tiffany Lum of the Kauai Menehune Kitchen said that despite windy conditions at the Pau Hana Market, they will be cooking and selling malasadas, the traditional Portuguese-style donuts, on Malasada Tuesday. Bakeries across the island, including the award-winning Kauai Bakery, are also gearing up for the annual celebration before the start of Lent.

Why it matters

Malasada Tuesday, or Malasada Day, is a uniquely Hawaiian tradition that marks the day before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. The yeast-based, sugar-coated donuts were brought to the islands by Portuguese laborers in the 19th century and have become a beloved part of local culture and cuisine.

The details

Tiffany Lum of the Kauai Menehune Kitchen said the wind at the Pau Hana Market would not stop them from cooking and selling malasadas on Malasada Tuesday. Kauai Bakery, voted 'Best' for their malasadas, will also be open early at 6am to meet the anticipated demand for the traditional Portuguese-style donuts.

  • Malasada Tuesday, or Malasada Day, is celebrated annually on the day before Ash Wednesday.
  • Kauai Bakery will open at 6am on Malasada Tuesday to sell their award-winning malasadas.

The players

Tiffany Lum

Owner of the Kauai Menehune Kitchen, a vendor at the Pau Hana Market.

Kauai Bakery

A local bakery on Kauai that is known for its award-winning malasadas.

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What they’re saying

“We're cooking malasadas today," Lum said. "But if it rains, no.”

— Tiffany Lum, Owner, Kauai Menehune Kitchen (thegardenisland.com)

“Tuesday is Malasada Day, and you have to have some," Lum said.”

— Tiffany Lum, Owner, Kauai Menehune Kitchen (thegardenisland.com)

The takeaway

Malasada Tuesday is a beloved local tradition on Kauai, with bakeries and vendors across the island preparing to meet the high demand for the traditional Portuguese-style donuts before the start of Lent. This annual celebration highlights the island's unique cultural heritage and the enduring popularity of this sweet treat.