13 Hawaii Brunch Spots Worth Flying Across the Pacific For (Second Visits Are Inevitable)
Living on Oahu for over three decades, I've watched countless brunch spots come and go. But these 13 places? They've earned their spot in our hearts – and our weekend routines. From hole-in-the-wall gems to oceanfront splurges, here's where us locals actually eat when we want that perfect late-morning island vibe. Let's dive into the real deal.
Liliha Bakery – Honolulu's Timeless Breakfast Institution Since 1950
Don't let the unassuming storefront fool you – this family-run institution has been perfecting the art of local comfort food for over seven decades, earning legendary status among both locals and visitors. Founded by Roy and Koo Takakuwa as a simple bread retail outlet in 1950, Liliha Bakery evolved into the iconic diner-style restaurant that now operates five locations across Oahu, including prime spots in Waikiki's International Market Place and Ala Moana Center.
What sets Liliha apart is their unwavering commitment to traditional baking methods and recipes that haven't changed since the Eisenhower era. The original Kuakini Street location maintains its authentic 1950s diner atmosphere with counter seating where you can watch experienced bakers with over 40 years of experience craft their famous Coco Puffs and butter rolls from scratch. This dedication to craft and consistency has earned them coverage in Hawaii Business Magazine and recognition as a true local institution.
What Makes It Special:
- Historical significance: Operating continuously since 1950 with original recipes and methods
- Authentic atmosphere: Original location maintains genuine 1950s diner experience with counter seating
- Legendary pastries: Home to the original Coco Puff and over 150 varieties of baked goods
- Local institution status: Featured in Hawaii Business Magazine and beloved by generations of families
Must-try dishes:
- Coco Puffs – Light pastry filled with chocolate pudding, topped with signature chantilly frosting
- Butter Rolls with Cherry Jelly – Grilled Hawaiian sweet bread with bright red house-made preserve
- Loco Moco – Traditional comfort food with hamburger patty, rice, gravy, and perfectly runny egg
- Poi Mochi Donuts – Unique Hawaiian fusion of traditional poi and Japanese mochi techniques
At-a-Glance: 💰 $10-20 per person | 📅 Walk-ins only, expect waits | 🚗 Limited parking at original location | ⏰ Open 6am-10pm daily
Price range: $$ | Best for: Authentic local experience/Nostalgic dining | Dress code: Casual
Location: 515 N Kuakini St, Honolulu, HI 96817 (Original) | Phone: (808) 531-1651 | Website: lilihabakery.com
Duke's Waikiki – The Legendary Beachfront Breakfast Buffet Experience
Named after Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing, this beachfront institution has been capturing the classic Waikiki spirit since opening, creating a space where locals and visitors naturally mingle instead of existing in parallel universes. The restaurant sits directly on Waikiki Beach with unobstructed ocean views, offering diners the rare opportunity to watch surfers catch waves while enjoying their morning meal.
What distinguishes Duke's from other tourist-oriented restaurants is their commitment to quality that locals actually endorse. The $25 breakfast buffet features made-to-order omelets, genuinely fresh local fruit that tastes like it was picked that morning, and their famous banana pancakes with coconut syrup that redefine what pancakes can be. The location allows diners to literally finish their eggs benedict, walk ten steps, and be body surfing in crystal clear water – an experience that spoils you for mainland brunches forever.
The morning I celebrated my wedding anniversary there, watching surfers ride perfect waves while our server prepared fresh omelets tableside, I understood why this place has maintained its reputation despite the tourist crowds. The ocean breeze, the sound of waves, and that first bite of banana pancakes with real coconut syrup created one of those perfect Hawaii moments that justified every penny of the $25 buffet price.
What Makes It Special:
- Prime beachfront location: Literally dining on Waikiki Beach with unobstructed ocean views
- Local approval: One of the few tourist restaurants that locals genuinely recommend
- Made-to-order quality: Fresh omelets prepared at the buffet station, not pre-made hotel fare
- Authentic Hawaiian atmosphere: Named after Duke Kahanamoku with genuine island hospitality
Must-try dishes:
- Breakfast Buffet – $25 all-you-can-eat featuring made-to-order omelets and local favorites
- Banana Pancakes with Coconut Syrup – Fluffy pancakes that redefine the breakfast standard
- Fresh Local Fruit – Genuinely ripe pineapple, papaya, and mango, not the tourist-trap versions
- Portuguese Sausage and Eggs – Traditional Hawaiian breakfast staple done right
At-a-Glance: 💰 $25 buffet (excellent value) | 📅 Walk-ins accepted, buffet runs 7am-11am | 🚗 Hotel parking available | ⏰ Breakfast buffet ends at 11am sharp
Price range: $$ | Best for: Families/Beachfront dining experience | Dress code: Beach casual
Location: 2335 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Phone: (808) 922-2268 | Website: dukeswaikiki.com
Eggs & Things – The Tourist Favorite That Locals Actually Defend
Founded by Japanese-American couple Jerry and Jan Fukunaga in 1974 as a small hole-in-the-wall restaurant on Ena Road with just five tables, this Waikiki institution built its reputation on three simple principles: use fresh ingredients, keep prices reasonable, and treat everyone like ohana (family). Jerry's background as an avid fisherman led to their signature “Fish and Eggs” breakfast, featuring line-caught ahi that was still swimming in Hawaiian waters just 24-48 hours before reaching your plate.
What sets Eggs & Things apart from typical tourist traps is their unwavering commitment to Jerry and Jan's original vision of quality and ohana spirit. Despite being featured in every guidebook since 1974, they've maintained their fresh ingredient philosophy and reasonable pricing, even as 20-30 minute waits have become standard during peak hours. The Food Network Magazine's recognition of their “Ahi and Eggs” as the “Best Breakfast in Hawaii” wasn't marketing hype – it was acknowledgment of nearly 50 years of perfecting their craft.
What Makes It Special:
- Nearly 50-year legacy: Founded in 1974 with original recipes still unchanged today
- Fresh fish commitment: Line-caught ahi served within 24-48 hours of being caught
- Food Network recognition: “Ahi and Eggs” named “Best Breakfast in Hawaii”
- Genuine ohana spirit: Still maintains founders' philosophy of treating everyone like family
Must-try dishes:
- Ahi and Eggs with Furikake Macadamia Nut Seasoning – Food Network's “Best Breakfast in Hawaii”
- Rainbow Pancakes – Famous towers of whipped cream with fresh tropical fruit
- Three-Egg Omelets – Made with fresh island eggs, generous portions
- Cajun-Style Seared Ahi – Jerry's original fishing-inspired breakfast creation
At-a-Glance: 💰 $15-25 per person | 📅 Online waitlist available to check wait times | 🚗 Limited parking, arrive early | ⏰ 7am-2pm daily
Price range: $$ | Best for: Classic Hawaii experience/Fresh fish lovers | Dress code: Casual
Location: 343 Saratoga Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Original) | Phone: (808) 923-3447 | Website: eggsnthings.com
Monkeypod Kitchen at the Outrigger – Where Celebrity Chef Meets Beachfront Bliss
Chef Peter Merriman, one of the founders of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, fulfilled a 20-year dream when he opened this 13,000-square-foot beachfront location in 2024, marking Handcrafted Restaurants' largest Monkeypod Kitchen to date. Located within the newly renovated Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort's Diamond Head Tower, this restaurant represents the completion of an $85 million investment in creating a contemporary retreat rooted in Hawaiian culture.
What distinguishes Monkeypod from other upscale beachfront restaurants is Merriman's unwavering commitment to local sourcing and his innovative approach to island cuisine. The restaurant partners with local purveyors like MA'O Organic Farms, Kahumana Farms, and Aloun Farms – relationships Merriman has cultivated for decades. This is also the only Monkeypod Kitchen location that serves breakfast, featuring dishes like “The Claw” (lobster eggs benedict) and Big Island Blueberry and Lilikoi Flapjacks that you can't get anywhere else.
What Makes It Special:
- Culinary pioneer leadership: Led by James Beard-recognized Chef Peter Merriman, founder of Hawaii Regional Cuisine
- Exclusive breakfast menu: Only Monkeypod location serving breakfast dishes unavailable elsewhere
- Prime beachfront setting: 13,000 square feet on Waikiki Beach with panoramic Diamond Head views
- Local sourcing commitment: Long-term partnerships with Hawaii farms and purveyors
Must-try dishes:
- Mai Tai Flapjacks – Signature pancakes with Kula rum butter syrup and honey lilikoi foam added tableside
- “The Claw” Lobster Eggs Benedict – Exclusive breakfast creation available only at this location
- Hawaiian Chilaquiles – Island twist on the classic with local ingredients
- “The Cure” Ramen – Hangover remedy with kalua pork and poached egg, beloved by locals
At-a-Glance: 💰 $20-30 per person | 📅 Reservations recommended, walk-ins welcome | 🚗 Hotel valet parking | ⏰ 7am-11pm daily, Happy Hour 3:30-5pm
Price range: $$$ | Best for: Special occasions/Craft cocktails with breakfast | Dress code: Resort casual
Location: 2169 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Phone: (808) 900-4226 | Website: monkeypodkitchen.com
Sweet E's Cafe – The Family-Run Haven That Treats Everyone Like Ohana
Named after owner Ethel Matthews, this casual-chic cafe opened in October 2011 with a simple mission: provide exceptional service serving delicious food in a welcoming, homey environment where every person feels like part of the family. After overcoming a contentious lawsuit with their original Kilohana Square landlord over parking disputes, Sweet E's found their perfect home in a much larger Kapahulu Avenue space that tripled their seating capacity and included private parking.
What makes Sweet E's genuinely special is Ethel's personal touch in every aspect of the operation – she handcrafted every recipe on the menu as a true labor of love, and her philosophy of speaking to people through their stomachs has earned recognition from Honolulu Magazine, multiple Hale Aina Awards, and Hawaii's Best for “Best Breakfast”. The BYOB policy allows diners to bring champagne for mimosas without restaurant markup, creating an authentic local experience that major chains can't replicate.
The Sunday morning I brought my mainland relatives there for their first taste of “real Hawaii breakfast,” watching Ethel personally greet tables and our server recommend the perfect combination of stuffed French toast and kalua pork benedict, I realized this wasn't just a restaurant – it was Ethel's expression of aloha spirit made tangible through food. When my nephew couldn't finish his massive portion, they packed it so beautifully it looked like a gift, not leftovers.
What Makes It Special:
- Personal touch: Owner Ethel Matthews handcrafted every recipe and personally greets regular customers
- Award recognition: Multiple Hale Aina Awards and Hawaii's Best “Best Breakfast” winner
- BYOB policy: Bring your own champagne for mimosas without restaurant markup
- Authentic local following: Popular choice for local families' birthday celebrations and special occasions
Must-try dishes:
- Stuffed French Toast – Hawaiian sweet bread filled with cream cheese and blueberries or bananas
- Kalua Pork Eggs Benedict – Island twist with pulled pork and house-made hollandaise
- “Extreme Mess” – Three eggs scrambled with hash browns, bacon, sausage, ham, and melted cheese
- Corned Beef Hash and Eggs – Local favorite with perfectly seasoned, house-made hash
At-a-Glance: 💰 $12-18 per person | 📅 No reservations, first-come first-served | 🚗 Private parking lot with 14 stalls, weekend valet available ($3) | ⏰ 7am-2pm daily
Price range: $$ | Best for: Family celebrations/Casual-chic atmosphere | Dress code: Casual
Location: 1006 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816 | Phone: (808) 737-7771 | Website: sweetescafe.com
The Gazebo – Maui's Oceanfront Pancake Paradise Worth the Inter-Island Flight
Tucked away in the Napili Shores resort on Maui's northwest coast, this tiny restaurant the size of a large living room has achieved legendary status for what many consider the best pancakes in all of Hawaii. The open-air beachfront setting overlooks Napili Bay where guests wait in line while watching surfers, enjoying trade winds, and occasionally spotting whales during winter months.
What sets The Gazebo apart from typical resort restaurants is their commitment to homemade quality in an impossibly scenic setting. Their macadamia nut pancakes with homemade coconut syrup have become so renowned that people plan entire Maui itineraries around eating here, often waiting over an hour for a table in paradise. The restaurant's intimate size means only about 20 tables, but the beachfront location turns the wait into part of the experience, with shuffleboard available and stunning ocean views to enjoy.
What Makes It Special:
- Legendary pancakes: Widely considered the best macadamia nut pancakes in Hawaii
- Pristine beachfront location: Direct oceanfront dining on beautiful Napili Bay
- Homemade everything: Coconut syrup, fried rice, and sides all made from scratch
- Intimate size: Only 20 tables creates exclusive, cozy atmosphere
Must-try dishes:
- Macadamia Nut Pancakes with Coconut Syrup – The dish that made this restaurant famous across Hawaii
- Banana Macadamia Nut Combination – Perfect blend of island flavors with fresh whipped cream
- Fried Rice Plate – Enormous portions with Portuguese sausage, spam, and local ingredients
- Big Kahuna Omelet – Massive three-egg creation with island-style fillings
At-a-Glance: 💰 $15-25 per person | 📅 No reservations, arrive by 7am to avoid hour-plus waits | 🚗 Resort parking included | ⏰ 7:30am-2pm daily
Price range: $$ | Best for: Romantic beachfront dining/Maui must-do experience | Dress code: Beach casual
Location: 5315 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761 | Phone: (808) 669-5621 | Website: gazeborestaurant.com
Koko Head Cafe – Where Top Chef Meets Local Comfort Food
Celebrity Chef Lee Anne Wong from Top Chef Season One moved from New York City to Honolulu in late 2013, debuting this island-style brunch house in Kaimuki in 2014 to immediate popular and critical acclaim. Featured on the cover of Honolulu Magazine and recognized in Bon Appétit and Food & Wine, Wong's restaurant represents a breath of fresh air to Hawaii's culinary scene with modern takes on American and Hawaiian classics infused with Korean and Japanese elements.
What distinguishes Koko Head Cafe from typical brunch spots is Wong's classically trained background combined with her genuine understanding of local Hawaii palate preferences. Having worked at Marcus Samuelsson's Aquavit and Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Restaurant 66 before serving as Top Chef's supervising culinary producer for six seasons, Wong brings serious culinary credentials to comfort food execution. Her breakfast bibimbap and cornflake French toast represent the kind of creative yet approachable dishes that attract both serious food enthusiasts and local families.
The Saturday morning I first visited shortly after their 2014 opening, watching Chef Wong work alongside her team in the open kitchen while explaining to curious diners how Korean bibimbap techniques enhanced local breakfast ingredients, I witnessed the birth of something special in Hawaii's dining scene. The breakfast bibimbap wasn't fusion for fusion's sake – it was thoughtful integration of techniques and flavors that enhanced both traditions.
What Makes It Special:
- Celebrity chef credibility: Led by Top Chef alum Lee Anne Wong with NYC fine dining experience
- Creative fusion approach: Korean and Japanese techniques applied to local Hawaii comfort food
- National recognition: Featured in Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Honolulu Magazine cover story
- Local community integration: Popular with both food enthusiasts and neighborhood families
Must-try dishes:
- Breakfast Bibimbap – Korean-style rice bowl with local vegetables, fried egg, and gochujang
- Cornflake French Toast – Creative take with billionaire's bacon and frosted flake gelato
- Kimchi Bacon Cheddar Scone – Must-have pastry blending Korean and American flavors
- Breakfast Bruschetta – Wong's elevated take on the Italian classic with local ingredients
At-a-Glance: 💰 $17-25 per person | 📅 No reservations, expect waits during peak hours | 🚗 Street parking in Kaimuki neighborhood | ⏰ 7am-2:30pm daily
Price range: $$$ | Best for: Creative brunch/Food enthusiasts | Dress code: Casual
Location: 1145C 12th Ave, Honolulu, HI 96813 | Phone: (808) 732-8920 | Website: kokoheadcafe.com
Island Vintage Coffee – The Acai Bowl Pioneers with 100% Kona Coffee
Serving 100% gourmet Kona coffee since 1996, this Hawaiian-owned company has perfected the art of the acai bowl while maintaining an unwavering focus on crafting the perfect cup of coffee served with authentic aloha spirit. With beans roasted daily to ensure freshness and attention to detail in every step of the process, Island Vintage Coffee has grown from a single location to multiple sites across Hawaii, including prime oceanfront real estate in Waikiki's Royal Hawaiian Center.
What sets Island Vintage apart from mainland acai bowl chains is their commitment to authentic Hawaiian ingredients and genuine 100% Kona coffee, not blends or substitutes. Their Original Acai Bowl, Haupia Moana Bowl with coconut pudding, and Lilikoi Moana Bowl with passion fruit represent the gold standard that other establishments attempt to replicate. The Royal Hawaiian Center location offers breathtaking ocean views from their covered porch, creating the perfect setting for enjoying sea breezes with your morning acai bowl.
What Makes It Special:
- Authentic 100% Kona coffee: No blends or substitutes, genuine Hawaiian coffee since 1996
- Acai bowl pioneers: Perfected the art before it became a mainland trend
- Ocean view dining: Royal Hawaiian Center location offers stunning Waikiki beach views
- Daily fresh roasting: Beans roasted daily on-site for maximum freshness and flavor
Must-try dishes:
- Original Acai Bowl – The gold standard with strawberries, blueberries, bananas, and granola
- Haupia Moana Bowl – Features frozen haupia cream, coconut, berries, and Big Island honey
- Island Latte – Signature drink with macadamia nuts and hint of coconut
- Lilikoi Moana Bowl – Tart passion fruit creation with tropical fruit toppings
At-a-Glance: 💰 $13-22 per person | 📅 Long lines standard, order online for pickup | 🚗 Royal Hawaiian Center parking available | ⏰ 6am-10pm daily
Price range: $$ | Best for: Healthy breakfast/Instagram-worthy presentations | Dress code: Casual
Location: 2301 Kalakaua Ave #C208, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Royal Hawaiian Center) | Phone: (808) 926-5662 | Website: islandvintagecoffee.com
Morning Glass Coffee – Manoa Valley's Artisan Coffee Hidden Gem
Tucked away in Manoa Valley, this cozy coffee shop has been serving fresh-roasted local and world coffees for well over a decade, working exclusively with premium roasters like Four Barrel Coffee and Coava Coffee Roasters to ensure beans are overnighted the day after roasting and used within one week for maximum freshness. The tiny indoor/outdoor setup creates an intimate neighborhood atmosphere where you'll find University of Hawaii students, local families, and coffee enthusiasts who've discovered this authentic gem.
What distinguishes Morning Glass from chain coffee shops is their commitment to craft at every level – from sourcing premium beans to making everything in-house, including pastries, sandwiches, sodas, syrups for espresso drinks, and even their ice cream. Their collaboration with Hawaii ranchers and farmers to source local produce and meats when possible demonstrates a farm-to-cup philosophy that extends beyond just coffee. The drip coffees are brewed by the cup with Chemex filters, and each day features a Hawaii-grown coffee roasted in-house alongside imported coffees from micro-roasters.
What Makes It Special:
- Premium coffee sourcing: Exclusive partnerships with Four Barrel Coffee and Coava Coffee Roasters
- Everything made in-house: Pastries, sandwiches, sodas, syrups, and ice cream all crafted on-site
- Chemex brewing method: Each cup individually brewed for optimal extraction and flavor
- Local sourcing commitment: Partners with Hawaii farms and ranchers for produce and meats
Must-try dishes:
- Breakfast Burrito – Local favorite with house-made chorizo and fresh ingredients
- Rad Boy Special Sandwich – Unique combination of radish, watermelon, fried egg, feta, and red onion
- Vietnamese Coffee – Strong and authentic preparation that coffee enthusiasts rave about
- Mac and Cheese Pancakes – Two pancakes filled with elbow macaroni and aged Vermont cheddar
At-a-Glance: 💰 $10-16 per person | 📅 Wednesday-Sunday only, can have long waits | 🚗 Free parking in Manoa neighborhood | ⏰ Wed-Fri 7am-2pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2pm
Price range: $$ | Best for: Coffee enthusiasts/Quiet neighborhood atmosphere | Dress code: Casual
Location: 2955 E Manoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822 | Phone: (808) 673-0065 | Website: morningglasscoffee.com
YogurStory – The Ube Pancake Phenomenon That Locals Actually Love
This Keeaumoku Street establishment has developed a devoted cult following for their creative takes on breakfast classics, particularly their Instagram-famous ube pancakes that bring beautiful purple color from purple yam while maintaining authentic flavor profiles that locals genuinely appreciate. Despite being featured heavily on social media, YogurStory has earned genuine local credibility with residents who return regularly for both the creative fusion dishes and generous portion sizes that can easily be shared.
What sets YogurStory apart from typical tourist-oriented fusion restaurants is their ability to create visually stunning dishes that deliver on flavor without pretentious atmosphere or inflated pricing. Their ube pancakes aren't just Instagram bait – they're genuinely fluffy, moist, and perfectly complemented by rich ube sauce that enhances rather than overwhelms the pancake base. The restaurant consistently earns praise from both tourists and locals, a rare achievement in Hawaii's dining scene.
What Makes It Special:
- Authentic local following: Popular with Hawaii residents, not just tourists
- Creative fusion success: Visual appeal backed by genuine flavor execution
- Generous portions: Most dishes designed for sharing, excellent value proposition
- Social media famous: Ube pancakes frequently featured across Instagram and food blogs
Must-try dishes:
- Ube Pancakes Smothered – Famous purple pancakes with rich ube sauce and whipped cream
- Prime Rib Loco Moco – Elevated take on local classic with premium beef
- Ube French Toast – Creative twist on breakfast standard with purple yam flavor
- Fat Pig Fried Rice – Hearty fusion dish popular with local regulars
At-a-Glance: 💰 $12-20 per person | 📅 Yelp waitlist available, no reservations | 🚗 Shopping center parking available | ⏰ 7am-10pm daily (varies by day)
Price range: $$ | Best for: Creative fusion dishes/Social media worthy presentations | Dress code: Casual
Location: 815 Keeaumoku St #105, Honolulu, HI 96814 | Phone: (808) 942-0505 | Website: yogurstory.com
Cafe Kaila – Award-Winning Buttermilk Perfection Since the 1990s
Located in the Market City Shopping Center away from Waikiki's tourist crowds, this family-owned cafe has been perfecting their buttermilk pancakes for decades, earning recognition as one of Hawaii's premier breakfast destinations despite its strip-mall location. The restaurant consistently draws both locals and tourists who've discovered that some of the island's best breakfast food comes from this unassuming spot that charges about two-thirds the cost of similar selections at other Honolulu restaurants.
What makes Cafe Kaila genuinely special is their execution of breakfast classics with award-winning consistency and genuine value proposition. Their buttermilk pancakes come with a “heaping mound of fresh fruit toppings” that's not just garnish – it's a full fruit salad that complements pancakes so flavorful they're often described as “ruining you for other places”. The extensive menu includes creative specials on weekends, with dishes like meatloaf loco moco and upside-down pineapple waffles that demonstrate culinary creativity without pretension.
What Makes It Special:
- Award-winning pancakes: Consistently praised buttermilk pancakes with perfect batter execution
- Exceptional value: Charges significantly less than comparable Waikiki breakfast spots
- Local institution status: Beloved by Hawaii residents despite tourist location discovery
- Creative weekend specials: Off-menu items that showcase culinary innovation
Must-try dishes:
- Buttermilk Pancakes with Fresh Fruit – Award-winning recipe with generous fruit toppings
- Belgian Waffle – Perfectly balanced crispy exterior with fluffy interior
- Kalua Pork Eggs Benedict – Island twist with pulled pork and hollandaise sauce
- Breakfast Wrap – Perfect for beach takeout with scrambled eggs, spinach, and potatoes
At-a-Glance: 💰 $12-16 per person | 📅 No reservations, weekend waits common | 🚗 Large free parking lot | ⏰ 7am-2:30pm daily
Price range: $$ | Best for: Value-conscious diners/Local atmosphere | Dress code: Casual
Location: 2919 Kapiolani Blvd #210, Honolulu, HI 96826 | Phone: (808) 732-3330 | Website: cafe-kaila-hawaii.com
Goofy Cafe & Dine – The Hidden Upstairs Gem with Award-Winning Loco Moco
You'd never guess that some of Waikiki's best breakfast is hiding upstairs above a donut shop near Hilton Hawaiian Village, but this cozy little spot earned a 2023 Hale ‘Aina Bronze award for Best Breakfast with their commitment to local, organic ingredients and exceptional execution of Hawaiian comfort food classics. The restaurant's promise of “Local first, organic whenever possible” is permanently announced on their walls, reflecting a serious commitment to quality ingredients that shows in both flavor and presentation.
What sets Goofy apart from typical Waikiki breakfast spots is their mastery of the loco moco, widely considered among the best versions on the island. The Big Island beef patty comes with rich, savory demi-glace gravy that has depth of flavor only possible with proper technique and quality ingredients – when asked about the recipe, restaurant manager simply smiles and says “secret”. The restaurant focuses on bringing flavorful Hawaiian cuisine to the table with local ingredients from the Big Island, ensuring dishes like their kalua pork eggs benedict feature those bright orange yolks that indicate truly fresh, local eggs.
What Makes It Special:
- Award recognition: 2023 Hale ‘Aina Bronze winner for Best Breakfast
- Quality ingredient commitment: “Local first, organic whenever possible” philosophy
- Hidden location: Upstairs gem that locals guard as a secret from tourist crowds
- Legendary loco moco: Consistently rated among the best versions in Hawaii
Must-try dishes:
- Big Island Beef Loco Moco – Award-winning version with secret demi-glace recipe and local eggs
- Kalua Pork Island Eggs Benedict – Pulled pork with lilikoi-infused hollandaise on taro muffins
- Big Island Honey French Toast – Punalu'u sweet bread with tropical fruit toppings
- Rob Machado Acai Bowl – Hefty portion with mountain of fruits, peanut butter, and hemp granola
At-a-Glance: 💰 $16-23 per person | 📅 No reservations, expect waits especially weekends | 🚗 Limited parking, hunt for street spots | ⏰ 7am-2pm breakfast, 5pm-9pm dinner
Price range: $$ | Best for: Hidden gem experience/Award-winning loco moco | Dress code: Casual
Location: 1831 Ala Moana Blvd #201, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Phone: (808) 943-0077 | Website: goofycafehawaii.com
Heavenly Island Lifestyle – Organic Farm-to-Table Philosophy with Island Soul
Located in the Shoreline Hotel Waikiki, this restaurant elevates the typical hotel breakfast experience through an unwavering commitment to local and organic farmers, featuring a menu that includes a map of Hawaii showing exactly where different ingredients originate. Their approach represents a professional effort to make healthy food taste exceptional without losing any flavor, creating dishes that demonstrate how organic ingredients can enhance rather than compromise taste.
What distinguishes Heavenly Island Lifestyle from standard hotel restaurants is their creative approach to Hawaiian classics with health-conscious innovations that actually work. Their loco moco features 10-grain rice with lentils and black beans instead of traditional white rice, topped with organic vegetables that come standard rather than as expensive add-ons. The ginger soy-glaze replaces traditional heavy gravy, creating a surprisingly addictive flavor profile that enhances the dish while maintaining nutritional value.
What Makes It Special:
- Transparent sourcing: Menu includes map showing exact origins of local ingredients
- Creative healthy alternatives: 10-grain rice and organic vegetables as standard, not upcharges
- Hotel location convenience: Located in Shoreline Hotel Waikiki for easy access
- Innovative flavor profiles: Ginger soy-glaze and lilikoi butter hollandaise sauce
Must-try dishes:
- Local Eggs Benedict with Lilikoi Butter Hollandaise – Tropical passion fruit twist on classic
- Healthy Loco Moco – 10-grain rice, organic vegetables, ginger soy-glaze instead of heavy gravy
- Big Island Honey French Toast – Okinawan purple potato and local honey combination
- Organic Breakfast Bowl – Seasonal local ingredients showcasing island agriculture
At-a-Glance: 💰 $14-18 per person | 📅 Hotel dining, no reservations needed | 🚗 Hotel parking available | ⏰ Breakfast served daily during hotel hours
Price range: $$ | Best for: Health-conscious diners/Convenient hotel location | Dress code: Resort casual
Location: 342 Seaside Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Shoreline Hotel) | Phone: (808) 931-4488 | Website: shorelinehotelwaikiki.com
