Best Breakfast in Waikiki 2023

Welcome to the best breakfast in Waikiki awards show!

My boyfriend and I have been visiting Hawaii for years and have tried numerous breakfast places in Waikiki. We’ve tasted everything from traditional breakfast options to healthy, vegan-friendly options and even some cheap breakfast places.

We love the lively atmosphere in Waikiki and are excited to share our top picks with you.

We’ve spent the last month exploring all the best breakfast spots in Waikiki, talking to locals, checking out reviews, and indulging in delicious food to bring you the ultimate list of the best places to grab breakfast in Waikiki.

We’ve ranked these breakfast joints according to taste, atmosphere, service, and value to help you make the best choice possible.

These are the best of the best, so no matter which one you choose, you’ll be sure to have a delicious and satisfying breakfast experience in Waikiki.

Let’s dive into our top picks for the best breakfast in Waikiki!

Basalt – Best Early Breakfast Waikiki

Since Waikiki is a resort town, you can expect restaurants here to be expensive. But the quality of food at Basalt more than justifies the price. Their breakfast menu is excellent, and my boyfriend and I are fans of their sweet brekkies.

The local favorites are their Charcoal pancakes, made fresh by resident chef Keith Kong, and they taste divine! The pancakes are black from charcoal powder, topped with guava-strawberry sauce, whipped cream, and fresh fruits. 

However, if you’re looking for a savory option, try Eggs Benedict, that have perfectly poached eggs and whipped hollandaise sauce – an absolute treat! Other great items include the Wagyu beef loco moco and the Meat & Cheese omelet. 

In addition, their basque cheesecake and Lilikoi Crème Brulée are excellent dessert options if you want to give yourself an extra treat.

We loved Basalt’s unique take on traditional breakfasts and amazing flavor profile. Here’s why you will too:

• Their famous dinner menu includes delicious pasta, fresh seafood, and juicy steaks. 
• Their waitstaff is friendly and will give the best recommendations based on your dietary preferences.
• They’re usually not crowded, and you can enjoy a quiet breakfast.

Address: 2255 Kuhio Ave Dukes Lane Market & Eatery, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815-2642. 

Barefoot Beach Cafe – Best Cheap Breakfast in Waikiki

Looking for breakfast with a view in Waikiki? Head straight to Barefoot Beach Cafe for a delicious and healthy breakfast on the beachfront, with the crashing waves a few hundred feet away. Although they’re open till evening, you want to come early in the day for breakfast which sells out soon. 

Get their tasty breakfast burrito stuffed with eggs, veggies, and your meat of choice. Also, try the shrimp tacos from their all-day menu, which are crazy good, and include panko fried shrimp, vegan chorizo, & cheese. 

Another great thing here is the evening live music that lightens up the whole atmosphere. Order some drip coffee, dessert, and enjoy the beach-shack vibes. 

We loved Barefoot Beach Cafe and consider it the best breakfast in Waikiki if you’re looking for a low-priced meal. 

• The prices are pretty low at around $16-20 per person. 
• Since it’s only takeaway, place your order at the counter, sit on the shaded patio, or eat from beach tables on the shore. 
• This is a great spot to watch the sunset from.
• They have a great vegan menu as well. 

Address: 2699 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815-4027.

Goofy Cafe & Dine – Best Healthy Breakfast Waikiki 

Goofy is a household name in Waikiki for its variety of delicious breakfast options and low rates. Since they’re famous on the island, it’s usually crowded here, but come near their opening hours for a short wait. Plus, they serve breakfast all day, so you can’t miss it.

Since Goofy’s is primarily health-based, their acai bowls are amazing and come topped with fresh papaya, berries, and bananas. 

However, they also have tasty savory items like salmon Eggs Benedict with purple potatoes and the Goofy omelet, which has Portuguese sausage, cheddar cheese, and organic vegetables. 

My boyfriend and I are fans of their loco moco, which comes with Big Island beef patties, sunny side eggs, homemade gravy, and brown rice. This is as good as the loco moco can get in Waikiki!

You’ll love Goofy’s for their terrific food and even better service. Here’s why they’re the best breakfast place in Waikiki:

• Their service is fast, so the food will be out in fifteen minutes once you place your order. 
• Their menu is vegan and gluten-free friendly.
• The chefs will alter some items according to your dietary needs so let your servers know beforehand. 

Address: Address: 1831 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815-1650

Hawaiian Aroma Caffe

Located on the second floor of the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, the cafe has a trendy ambiance, with plenty of seating, and opens onto a pool deck with a pleasant view. A great place to enjoy breakfast with friends and family. 

Plus, coffee enthusiasts will love Hawaiian Aroma Caffe’s range of rich blends and brews. Try their lattes and iced coffees, especially the Iced Caramel Macchiato, and you’ll have a permanent coffee fix in Waikiki. 

For breakfast, their Guava waffles with sweet guava syrup are a treat, as well as the acai bowls with fresh fruit. Among other items, the French toast with Portuguese sweet bread, berries, and syrup is very ono! (delicious in Hawaiian) 

You’ll love this secluded cafe among the usual crowded spots in Waikiki. Here’s what makes it even better:

• They have multiple locations in Waikiki, so you’ll have one near no matter where you stay.
• Their latte art is very professional, and they can draw portraits for you on the foam!
• They have live music in the evenings.
• The staff is really friendly, especially with children. 

Address: 1777 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815-1603.

Heavenly Island Lifestyle – Best Vegan Breakfast in Waikiki 

Eating healthy on vacation won’t be a problem with the delicious yet calorie-counted meals at Heavenly Island Lifestyle. They’re known for sourcing organic produce and veggies from the islands and serve fresh meat, fruits, and vegetables in all their meals. 

Vegans will be glad to discover this joint in Waikiki serving terrific vegan and gluten-free meals with an excellent range of items and flavors. 

The hearty Kale & Organic Quinoa salad with ginger dressing is a must-try from their breakfast salad menu. Besides this, their acai bowls and avocado toast are packed with flavor and are a favorite among non-vegans as well.

We love their take on the loco moco, which comes with locally sourced beef, a ginger-soy glaze, organic veggies, and black beans. This is a crowd pleaser and a great gluten-free option too. 

Heavenly’s entire menu is terrific, and you’ll love it for any meal of the day. 

• They have excellent servers who are very considerate of your dietary needs.
• Their fish tacos, pho, and pasta are great lunch options. 
• If you like eggs for breakfast, their Flat Omelet is unmissable!

Address: 342 Seaside Ave Shoreline Hotel Waikiki 1F, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815-2527. 

M.A.C. 24/7 – Best Gluten-Free Breakfast in Waikiki

As the name suggests, this restaurant is open all day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Located inside the Hilton Waikiki Beach, it’s somewhat hidden from the crowds and makes for a perfect intimate setting for a meal.

Try their breakfast special M.A.C. Attack, which includes three fluffy pancakes, two eggs, flavorful breakfast potatoes, and sausages. A crowd favorite are their hickory-smoked chicken wings with pineapple slaw – hands down, the best wings we’ve had on the island.

My boyfriend is a big fan of their light and fluffy Mochi Pancakes, which are gluten-free and a local favorite. 

Speaking of pancakes, if you’ve worked up an appetite, try their M.A.C. Daddy Pancake challenge; finish three 14″ pancakes in 90 minutes, and the meal is on the house! (ahem, guess which brave man tried and failed)

No matter what you try at M.A.C., you’ll love it and keep coming here for all three meals! Here’s why we consider it the best breakfast in Waikiki:

• They were voted People’s Choice Best Breakfast in 2018!
• Since their portion sizes are enormous, you’ll be full for the whole day on breakfast.
• Don’t miss their delicious and crispy chicken & waffles for breakfast.

Address: 2500 Kuhio Ave Lobby Level of the Hilton Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815-3671. 

Wrapping Up: The Best Breakfast Waikiki

Stepping foot into the soft sands of Waikiki’s beaches and taking in its beautiful views is always a treat. But the fantastic food lining its streets enhances this experience by a hundred percent. 

The bars, cafes, shacks, and restaurants in Waikiki serve delicious breakfast packed with flavor, ensuring no traveler leaves on an empty stomach. 

From traditional breakfast options like Eggs Benedict, omelets, pancakes, and waffles to Hawaiian loco moco and vegan-friendly options, Waikiki has it all made to perfection. 

Want to try the best healthy breakfast that’s vegan and gluten-free? Visit Goofy Cafe & Dine and Heavenly Island Lifestyle.

Want a cheap but quality breakfast to fuel up for the day? Then, don’t miss Barefoot Beach Cafe.

Looking for good views and even better coffee? Have a fresh cup at the Hawaiian Aroma Caffe.

Wanna try the best breakfast buffet in Waikiki? Then, head to Duke’s Waikiki.

The best breakfast spots in Waikiki never disappoint!

Last Updated on January 10, 2023 by Brigitte