13 Wildly Famous Breakfast Spots in Waikiki That Are Totally Worth the Hype

Growing up on Oahu has made me somewhat of a breakfast expert. I’ve spent countless mornings hunting down the perfect pancake, the fluffiest eggs, and the strongest Kona coffee across Waikiki. After years of early morning food adventures, I can confidently say these 13 spots aren’t just hyped-up tourist traps-they’re genuinely worth setting your alarm for.

These breakfast joints capture the true essence of Hawaii’s morning food scene, where fresh island ingredients meet multicultural cooking techniques to create something truly magical.

Eggs ‘n Things

When you mention breakfast in Waikiki, this iconic blue-and-white restaurant immediately comes to mind. Since 1974, they’ve been creating pancake towers that have become as photographed as Diamond Head itself.

The rainbow pancakes are their claim to fame-a towering stack adorned with fresh tropical fruits and a cloud of whipped cream that defies gravity. For savory breakfast lovers, the Portuguese sausage with eggs delivers authentic island flavors, while the macadamia nut pancakes drizzled with coconut syrup offer a distinctly Hawaiian twist.

Last summer, I arrived at 6:30 AM to beat the infamous lines and scored a window seat overlooking Waikiki Beach. Watching early morning surfers while digging into banana pancakes became one of my favorite vacation memories.

Pro tip: Skip the potential 2-hour wait by ordering takeout and enjoying breakfast on the beach. Their macadamia nut coffee is worth the extra $1 upgrade.

Must-try: Rainbow pancakes, Portuguese sausage with eggs

Price range: $$ | Best for: Small groups and couples | Dress code: Casual

Location: 343 Saratoga Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Phone: (808) 923-3447 | Website: eggsnthings.com

Liliha Bakery

This 70-year-old institution has earned legendary status thanks to those famous coco puffs-chantilly cream-filled pastries that locals line up for before sunrise.

While the coco puffs get all the attention, their poi mochi pancakes deserve equal praise. These unique purple-hued pancakes have a slightly chewy texture and subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with their crispy bacon. The green tea cream puffs are another hidden gem that sell out daily.

Insider knowledge: The bakery counter operates cash-only, so come prepared if you’re getting pastries to go. For the freshest experience, arrive before 9 AM when they’re still warm from the oven.

Must-try: Coco puffs, Banana pancakes

Price range: $$ | Best for: Families and pastry lovers | Dress code: Casual

Location: 2330 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Phone: (808) 922-2488 | Website: lilihabakery.com

Duke’s Waikiki

Named after legendary waterman Duke Kahanamoku, this oceanfront institution offers a breakfast experience where your toes can literally touch the sand.

The $25 breakfast buffet is the best value in Waikiki, featuring made-to-order omelets, fresh tropical fruits, and their famous banana pancakes drenched in coconut syrup. Their Kalua pork egg sandwich combines smoky pulled pork with a perfectly fried egg on a fresh-baked taro bun-it’s Hawaii in sandwich form.

Pro tip: Request a table near the tiki torches for prime people-watching and surf views. During peak season, make reservations at least two weeks in advance or arrive before 7:30 AM.

Must-try: Breakfast buffet, Kalua pork egg sandwich

Price range: $$$ | Best for: Ocean views and families | Dress code: Resort casual

Location: 2335 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Phone: (808) 922-2268 | Website: dukeswaikiki.com

Aloha Kitchen

This tiny gem tucked away on a side street has earned cult status for its picture-perfect soufflé pancakes and creative egg benedicts.

The ube soufflé pancakes are worth every minute of the wait-vibrant purple, impossibly jiggly, and topped with coconut haupia pudding. Their lobster benedict features generous chunks of sweet lobster meat atop English muffins with a velvety hollandaise that’s made fresh every morning.

Local secret: Their breakfast potatoes are the best in Waikiki-crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and seasoned with a proprietary blend that includes Hawaiian sea salt and garlic. Weekdays after 9:30 AM typically see shorter lines.

Must-try: Ube soufflé pancakes, Lobster benedict

Price range: $$ | Best for: Instagram-worthy food and solo diners | Dress code: Casual

Location: 432 Ena Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Phone: (808) 900-8732 | Website: alohakitchen.shop

Goofy Cafe & Dine

Named for the left-foot-forward surfing stance (not the Disney character), this surf-themed eatery perfectly balances health-conscious options with hearty local favorites.

Their commitment to local sourcing shines in dishes like the Big Island loco moco featuring grass-fed beef, locally grown mushrooms, and a velvety gravy that’s simmered for hours. The Rob Machado açai bowl (named after the famous surfer) comes loaded with fresh island fruits and crunchy house-made granola.

Pro tip: Unlike most Waikiki spots, Goofy takes reservations-book exactly 30 days in advance for prime morning tables. The upstairs seating offers the best natural lighting for those breakfast food photos.

Must-try: Big Island loco moco, Acai bowl

Price range: $$ | Best for: Health-conscious diners | Dress code: Business casual

Location: 1831 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Phone: (808) 943-0077 | Website: goofycafe.com

Cream Pot

Walking into this charming spot feels like entering a French countryside cottage that somehow landed in the middle of urban Waikiki.

Claiming to be home to the original soufflé pancake, their signature offering comes in various flavors, but the strawberry version topped with Kula strawberries and house-made cream is divine. For savory options, their croque madame with locally sourced ham and bechamel sauce is rich breakfast perfection.

The restaurant’s French farmhouse aesthetic-complete with white-washed stone walls, crystal chandeliers, and antique décor-creates a breakfast experience unlike anything else in Waikiki.

Insider tip: They’re closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so plan accordingly. Daily specials on the blackboard often feature seasonal local ingredients and are worth the splurge.

Must-try: Strawberry soufflé pancakes, Croque madame

Price range: $$$ | Best for: Romantic breakfast

Location: 444 Niu St, Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Phone: (808) 429-0945 | Website: creampothawaii.com

Island Vintage Coffee

What started as a premium coffee shop has evolved into one of Waikiki’s most beloved all-day breakfast destinations, equally popular with locals and tourists.

The acai bowls here are legendary-especially the Lilikoi Moana version topped with fresh passionfruit, banana, berries, and honey. Their taro bagel with maple bacon breakfast sandwich features macadamia nut pesto that elevates it beyond your standard breakfast sandwich.

Every Honolulu Marathon morning for the past decade, I’ve stopped here to grab their energy-packed breakfast before race day-a tradition that’s now part of my pre-race ritual.

Pro tip: While lines can be long, they move efficiently. Use their online ordering system to skip the wait entirely, especially during peak morning hours (8-10 AM).

Must-try: Lilikoi Moana acai bowl, Taro bagel breakfast sandwich

Price range: $$ | Best for: Health-conscious diners and coffee lovers

Location: 2201 Kalakaua Ave #C215, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Phone: (808) 926-5662 | Website: islandvintagecoffee.com

Heavenly Island Lifestyle

This health-conscious café has earned a devoted following for proving that healthy can be incredibly delicious, especially when using Hawaii’s bounty of fresh ingredients.

The morning veggie bowl includes a local greens salad with asparagus, an acai bowl, a taro English muffin, and fresh-pressed carrot/pineapple juice-all in one order. Their coconut-crusted French toast uses locally baked bread soaked overnight in a rich custard before being coated in crushed coconut and grilled to perfection.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is equally refreshing, with walls adorned with positive affirmations and cool local artwork that create an uplifting dining experience.

Pro tip: Ask for a table on their outdoor lanai for the best people-watching on bustling Seaside Avenue, especially during the morning farmer’s market on Tuesdays.

Must-try: Morning veggie bowl, Coconut-crusted French toast

Price range: $$ | Best for: Health-conscious diners

Location: 342 Seaside Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Phone: (808) 923-1100 | Website: heavenly-waikiki.com

Basalt Waikiki

Created by the folks behind ABC Stores (Hawaii’s ubiquitous convenience stores), this modern eatery has quickly become famous for its eye-catching signature dish-charcoal black pancakes.

Those Instagram-famous charcoal buttermilk pancakes aren’t just for show-the activated charcoal supposedly has detoxifying properties and, surprisingly, doesn’t affect the delicious flavor. Their avocado garden toast topped with edible flowers and a perfectly poached egg is another visual and culinary masterpiece.

Insider knowledge: Executive chef Keith Kong regularly experiments with new breakfast creations not on the menu-ask your server what special items might be available during your visit.

Must-try: Charcoal buttermilk pancakes, Avocado garden toast

Price range: $$$ | Best for: Trendy food enthusiasts

Location: 2255 Kuhio Ave, Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Phone: (808) 923-5689 | Website: basaltwaikiki.com

MAC 24/7

As the name suggests, this place serves breakfast 24/7, making it perfect for night owls, early birds, or anyone battling brutal jet lag.

Made famous by Man v. Food, their pancake challenge (three 14-inch pancakes) has defeated countless brave souls. Even their regular portions are enormous-the fried chicken and waffles features crispy chicken atop malted waffles with a side of bourbon-infused maple syrup. Their Sumo Loco Moco could feed a small family with its mountain of rice, hamburger patties, eggs, and gravy.

During a bout of terrible jet lag my first night back from Japan, I found myself here at 3 AM enjoying a full breakfast while watching the city sleep. The servers didn’t bat an eye-they’ve truly seen it all.

Pro tip: Unless you’re competing on a food challenge show, split the pancakes with your table-even the regular portions are enormous. Come hungry or be prepared to take leftovers.

Must-try: Pancake challenge ($30), Fried chicken and waffles ($19)

Price range: $$ | Best for: Late-night diners and big appetites

Location: 2500 Kuhio Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Phone: (808) 921-5564 | Website: mac247waikiki.com

Hula Grill Waikiki

With panoramic ocean views and a breezy lanai setting, Hula Grill offers one of the most scenic breakfast experiences in Waikiki.

The lump crab and spinach eggs benedict is their standout dish, featuring generous portions of sweet crab meat and perfectly poached local eggs. The pineapple upside-down pancakes deliver a nostalgic Hawaiian flavor that’s simultaneously familiar and innovative.

Local tip: There’s sometimes live Hawaiian music playing downstairs that creates the perfect breakfast soundtrack. Request a front-row table when making reservations for unobstructed Diamond Head and ocean views.

Must-try: Crab benedict, Pineapple upside-down pancakes

Price range: $$$ | Best for: Ocean views and special occasions

Location: 2335 Kalakaua Ave #203, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Phone: (808) 923-4852 | Website: hulagrillwaikiki.com

Barefoot Beach Cafe

This hidden gem at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki offers breakfast with your toes literally in the sand-a true beach experience that’s become increasingly rare.

Don’t let the casual snack-bar appearance fool you-their North Shore pineapple smoothie bowls and guava French toast have developed a cult following among locals. The Kalua pig breakfast burrito wrapped in a spinach tortilla is substantial enough to fuel a full day of island adventures.

Pro tip: This is one of the few places where you can enjoy breakfast while watching the sunrise over Diamond Head. Arrive early (around 6:30 AM) for this magical experience without the crowds.

Must-try: Pineapple smoothie bowl, Kalua pig breakfast burrito

Price range: $ | Best for: Beach views and casual dining

Location: 2699 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Phone: (808) 924-2233 | Website: barefootbeachcafe.com

Kono’s Waikiki

Famous for their 12-hour slow-roasted kalua pork, Kono’s brings North Shore flavors to the heart of Waikiki.

The Chuns Bomber breakfast burrito stuffed with their signature kalua pork, eggs, potatoes, and cheese wrapped in a warm tortilla will keep you fueled for hours. Their Old School breakfast plate featuring eggs your way with crispy bacon, Portuguese sausage, and white rice is island simplicity at its best.

Local knowledge: The restaurant is named after the famous surf break on the North Shore, and many pro surfers stop by when they’re in town. Morning is the best time to spot surf celebs grabbing breakfast before hitting the waves.

Must-try: Chuns Bomber breakfast burrito ($15), Old School breakfast plate ($14)

Price range: $$ | Best for: Families and pork lovers | Dress code: Casual

Location: 2330 Kalakaua Ave #160, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Phone: (808) 888-5662 | Website: konoswaikiki.com

Hawaiian Breakfast Culture

• Early birds win: Most spots get packed by 8 AM-the earlier you arrive, the better.
• Try the Spam: Hawaii consumes more Spam per capita than any other state-it’s a legitimate breakfast protein here.
• Embrace the rice: White rice is a breakfast staple in Hawaii, replacing hash browns or toast.
• Local lingo: “Ono” means delicious, “grindz” means good food, and “broke da mouth” is the highest food compliment.
• Coffee culture: Kona coffee from the Big Island is world-renowned-worth the splurge.

The breakfast scene in Waikiki reflects Hawaii’s unique melting pot of cultures-where Portuguese sausage meets Japanese miso soup, Filipino longanisa sausage pairs with American pancakes, and everything gets a tropical twist. These 13 spots showcase the best morning meals Waikiki has to offer-where famous doesn’t just mean popular, but genuinely delicious.

So set your alarm, bring your appetite, and experience breakfast aloha-style! “A hui hou” (until we meet again) at the breakfast table!