All Our Favorite Doughnuts in Honolulu

Photo: Gregg Hoshida

Donut King

There are certain foods that only through its simplest form will you truly understand the genius of the craftsperson. A perfectly grilled steak, a bowl of shio ramen or a margherita pizza when done well shine with the flavor of simple ingredients fulfilling its potential. Such is the case with the original honey-glazed doughnut at Donut King. Pillowy soft and lightly sweetened, this is a doughnut that will whisper promises of sugary bliss to you after the first bite. And unlike other Krispy comparators that only taste good the first 30 minutes after passing through the fryer, Donut King’s treat maintains perfection well throughout the day. —Gregg Hoshida, Frolic

Donut King is a staple for those of us who prefer traditional doughnuts to trendier varieties. (No Fruity Pebble toppings, please.) I usually opt for the honey-glazed twist, which is fluffy and pillowy and delicious with hot black coffee. Part of the fun is waiting in line and looking over the options displayed in the glass case. Even though the flavors are the same as they’ve always been, it never gets old to gaze. —Diane Seo, HONOLULU editorial director

Multiple locations, @donutkinghawaii

Photo: Chloe Cornforth

Holey Grail

My favorite doughnut is Holey Grail’s liliko‘i flavor. Made from taro, it has a dense, cake-like texture that’s both satisfying and satiating. The bright flavor of liliko‘i glaze cuts through the sugariness of the doughnut, creating a refreshing tang. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and sour, making it a treat that never feels too heavy. —Chloe Cornforth, Frolic intern

My favorite doughnut is the Kumquat aka Prosperity doughnut. Kumquat is one of my favorite fruits, and I love how it’s featured on Holey Grail’s vegan doughnuts. But you gotta eat them fresh and hot, so they have that andagi-like quality on the first bite. —Melissa Chang, Frolic

1001 Queen St., #101, Kaka‘ako, holeygraildonuts.com, @holeygraildonuts

Photo: Katrina Valcourt

Little Vessels Donut Co.

Say it with me: “Vegan” is not a bad word. Every doughnut at Little Vessels is made from coconut oil and coconut milk in lieu of eggs, making them bouncy little treats that surpass others around town. It’s about texture, sure, but baker Sachi Maclachlan’s rotating monthly flavors are also a big draw.

As September transitions to fall, look for classic vanilla, apple and cinnamon, or take advantage of starfruit season with the hibiscus lime starfruit mini doughnut special ($4)—a lightly tart square that uses a subtle hibiscus tea in the glaze and a slice of starfruit that came from the owners’ neighbors. The small batches often feature fruit given to them by others in the community, from mango to mountain apple, so you can feel especially good about supporting local. But heads-up, Maclachlan is expecting to give birth at the end of October, so get what you can before the team takes a break before the holidays.  —Katrina Valcourt, HONOLULU executive editor

3458 Wai‘alae Ave., Kaimukī, littlevesselsco.com, @littlevesselsco

SEE ALSO: At Heart: How Little Vessels Donut Co. Found a Home

Paris Baguette

The light, chewy texture of those glazed poi mochi doughnuts from Paris Baguette allows them to stretch just enough for me wear on my wrist like big chunky bracelets—a rainbow assortment of them adorning my forearm from wrist to elbow—of which I take little bites throughout the day. —James Nakamura, HONOLULU creative director

1000 Bishop St., #104, Downtown, parisbaguette.com, @parisbaguette_usa

Photo: Chloe Cornforth

Purvé Donut Stop

My favorite doughnut is the “You’re Killing Me Smalls” from Purvé Donut Stop in Kāhala (the Ala Moana location is temporarily closed). The light, airy cake dough is perfectly complemented by the rich chocolate frosting, while the gooey, torched marshmallow melts in your mouth. —CC

4210 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite B4, Kāhala, purvehawaii.com, @purvedonutstop

Valerio’s Tropical Bakeshop

Filipino parties are known for serving trays of cascaron, deep-fried mochi doughnut balls that are sweet and crisp on the outside with a caramel glaze and dense and chewy on the inside. Outside of homemade versions, there are only a few places you can find the treat, with four stacked on a stick. One for me, one for you, two for me … —Christine Labrador, HONOLULU senior art director

Inside Seafood City, 94-050 Farrington Highway, Waipahu, valeriostropicalbakeshop.com, @valerios_hi

Zippy’s Napoleon’s Bakery

To me, the glazed flaky doughnut is the O.G. cronut. Twisted, glazed, crisp, chewy, flaky and buttery with an extra special doughnut hole-like piece that I’ve heard some people fight over. Yes, Honolulu did it first! —CL

Multiple locations, zippys.com, @zippys

Read the rest of the series:

All Our Favorite Pizzas in Honolulu
All Our Favorite Burgers in Honolulu
All Our Favorite Matcha Drinks in Honolulu
All Our Favorite Shave Ices in Honolulu
All Our Favorite Sandwiches in Honolulu
All Our Favorite Fried Chicken in Honolulu
All Our Favorite Cold Noodle Dishes in Honolulu
All Our Favorite Fries in Honolulu
All Our Favorite Musubi in Honolulu
All Our Favorite Poke in Honolulu