Tex Drive In: Hot Malasadas and a Big Island Classic

April 20, 2026•1 min read

Tex Drive In was one of the simpler stops of the trip, but also one of the easiest to recommend. We were told by friends who live nearby that this was the place to stop for malasadas, and they were right.

If you have never had one, malasadas are Hawaiian favorites with Portuguese roots—fried dough, hot, soft, and coated in sugar. Ours were fresh, hot, and super tasty. Sometimes that is all you need to know.

There is something fun about places like this. They are not trying to be anything more than what they are. They just do one of the things they are known for, and they do it well.

Final Take

This is not a long destination stop. It is a roadside food stop. But it is a good one.

Pair this with Punaluʻu Bake Shop and ʻAkaka Falls State Park. For the bigger island plan, see our Big Island guide.

Jamie Stahler

Jamie Stahler lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee—America’s first National Park City—with his wife, Brenda, and their three adventurous boys. Together, they love exploring the great outdoors, visiting national parks and historic sites, biking, hiking, jet skiing, and boating with friends. Jamie is a follower of Jesus and a seasoned business professional with decades of experience in marketing, product development, and working alongside national ministries, filmmakers, and major studios.