8 Places With The Best Brunch in Oahu 2023
Welcome fellow brunch lover!
Looking for a delicious brunch spot in Oahu can be overwhelming with all of the options. My boyfriend and I, who are lovers of savoring a hearty meal to start off our days in Hawaii, have been on the hunt for the best spots around the island.
We’ve gone to many local cafes offering traditional breakfast meals, as well as larger resorts plating unique items, so I can confidently provide a list of top-notch places for brunches in Oahu!
I’ve taken into account many factors – menu variety, locations, price ranges and much more – when deciding which brunch spots make it onto this list of recommendations.
Get ready to see the best brunch spots in Oahu!
Koko Head Cafe – Best Brunch in Oahu
Founded by Celebrity Chef Lee Ann Wong, Koko Head Cafe serves the most delicious brunch on the island, with its Korean-inspired take on traditional Hawaiian breakfasts. However, you’ll need to make reservations before coming here to enjoy eating in the cozy indoor seating area.
Whether you’re here for breakfast or brunch, don’t miss the famous Breakfast Bibimbap with Portuguese sausage, kimchi, fresh vegetables, and eggs served over crispy garlic rice in a skillet. Also, try the Breakfast Congee; rice porridge with ham, sausage, poached eggs, cheese, and cinnamon-bacon croutons. Both items are local favorites and packed with flavor.
My boyfriend and I love the sweet and crispy Cornflake Crusted French Toast and come to Koko Head every time we’re in Oahu to have it.
You’ll love their variety of tasty menu items, and we guarantee it’ll become your go-to brunch spot in Oahu.
Here’s what makes Koko Head Cafe the best brunch in Oahu:
- Their Loco Moco is famous for its intense flavor of rich beef patties, crispy garlic rice, and kimchi tempura.
- They have sweets baked fresh daily, and you can ask your server to pair some with your meal.
- Their service is excellent.
Address: 1145 12th Ave Ste C, Honolulu, Oahu, HI.
Bogart’s Cafe – Best Oahu Brunch With a View
You’ll find this adorable cafe on the base of Diamond Head, just outside the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. With a small and cozy interior, and outdoor dining with views of the nearby volcano, Bogart’s is an excellent spot to enjoy brunch with a gorgeous view.
They’re famous for the breakfast acai bowls topped with fresh blueberries, strawberries, bananas, and granola, which are super tart and tasty. Although most people come here for breakfast, they stay for brunch, with delicious items like the Garlic Shrimp Plate – peeled shrimp tossed in garlic butter and served with white rice.
My boyfriend and I love their Crab Cake Eggs Benedict, made with toasted French bread, two eggs, and truffle oil scented hollandaise. Their sweet breakfast range is also delectable, like the French Toast and Banana Pancakes.
You’ll love the brunch at Bogart’s Cafe, as it’s one of the best in Oahu.
- The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.
- It’s a small space, so you’ll need to wait in lines for a while (try calling in and getting takeout which is much faster.)
- Try their loco moco and crab avocado omelet, which are filling and flavorful.
- The prices are relatively steep at $40-50 for brunch and coffee for two people.
Address: 3045 Monsarrat Ave Ste 9, Honolulu, Oahu, HI.
Scratch Kitchen – Best Sunday Brunch in Oahu
This upscale restaurant in a shopping area away from the main tourist hubs is a perfect spot to enjoy a quiet brunch. In addition, Scratch Kitchen’s brunch menu is terrific, which you can see cooked live from their open kitchen.
Don’t forget to make a reservation beforehand to enjoy the food without waiting in line.
Their Milk n Cereal Pancakes are exceptional from the brunch menu, topped with fruit and a milk syrup that takes you back to your childhood days. Also, try the delicious Brulee’d French Toast made with sweet bread and topped with maple syrup.
Scratch’s Marsala Mushrooms Grits with wild mushrooms and poached eggs are fantastic for a savory meal.
My favorite brunch item is the Scratch Loco Moco, made with your choice of pork adobo or Scratch chili, garlic rice, and two sunny island eggs. Pair it with their cheesy Chili Fries, Poema Cava, and Chai Latte, and you’ll thank me later.
Scratch serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, from 11 am to 3 pm. So drop by on your next trip as they’re the best brunch in Oahu.
- Try the Berry Collins and Lilikoi Margarita cocktails that pair well with brunch.
- The service is efficient, and the staff checks up on you often.
- For high-quality food, they’re reasonably priced at $25-35 for brunch.
Address: 1170 Auahi St Suite 175, South Shore Market, Honolulu, Oahu, HI.
Sweet E’s – Best Brunch in Waikiki Oahu
A trip to Honolulu is incomplete without stopping by Sweet E’s for brunch. They’re a local favorite for the traditional breakfast and lunch entrees like eggs benedict, sandwiches, and pancakes. However, they’re crowded all day, so come early.
You can choose between a range of delicious omelets, like the Kalua-style with ham and Monterey Jack cheese, and the Chicken Pesto. Also, try the Lox Bagel sandwich with smoked salmon and cream cheese on a toasted bagel.
A crowd favorite is the Stuffed Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast made with three thick slices of Hawaiian sweet bread, especially when paired with their iced coffee.
For savory items, try the refreshing Cobb Salad, Breakfast Burrito, and the Extreme Mess – a scrambled mixture of eggs, hash, ham, veggies, and cheese. They’re all incredibly flavorsome and must-try items at Sweet E’s.
We highly recommend Sweet E’s as they’re the best brunch in Waikiki, Oahu.
- The service is quick; you can get your order taken fifteen minutes after waiting in line.
- Prices are reasonable at nearly $25 per person for brunch.
- Their menu has nice vegetarian options available.
Address: 1006 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, Oahu, HI.
Mahina & Sun’s
Located next to the Surfjack Hotel, this somewhat hidden restaurant serves a delicious brunch in a 60s-style diner with local art on display. The chef, Ed Kinney, prepares farm-to-table meals, primarily Western with a few Hawaiian classics.
Try the Pork Adobo fried rice from their brunch menu with sunny side eggs, the malted waffles drizzled with maple butter syrup, and a hearty burrito with chorizo and purple sweet potatoes; all of which taste divine, with a picture-perfect presentation.
They have Happy Hour daily from 12 pm – 10 pm, with plate lunches like the Kalua Pork Tacos, and the Beef Burger, at great prices.
You’ll love this hip eatery for its food and ambiance, as they’re one of the best brunch places in Oahu.
- The servers are friendly and attend large parties and even children well.
- The brunch is only on weekends.
- They have vegan and vegetarian options on the menu.
- The food was cheap, and our bill came to $40 for brunch for two.
Address: 412 Lewers St Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, Honolulu, Oahu, HI.
Goofy Cafe & Dine
Not affiliated with Disney (I’m sorry kids), this laid-back cafe in Honolulu offers the best breakfast and lunch items in town, available all day. They’re famous among locals so expect long lines from their opening at 7 am but go by brunch time, and you’ll have a shorter wait.
You need to try the delicious Crab Cake Eggs Benedict served with a unique homemade lobster butter from the breakfast menu. They also have terrific French Toast with cinnamon-flavored pineapples that are tangy and sweet.
On a local’s recommendation, we tried the Big Island loco moco, which comes with a huge beef patty, sunny side golden-yolk eggs, homemade gravy, and brown rice. We’re so glad we tried the loco moco since it was delicious and packed with flavor!
From the lunch menu, try their famous Sweet Corn fried rice made with local corn, mushrooms, and kale, which comes in a large serving enough for two people.
Whether you have breakfast, lunch, or brunch (highly recommended), it’ll be a meal to remember since Goofy’s is one of the best brunch spots in Oahu.
- Their local Maui Blend Coffee pairs well with the brunch.
- The staff is efficient and gets you a table after a short wait in line.
- There’s no takeout available at Goofy’s.
Address: 1831 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, Oahu, HI.
Hoku’s – Best Brunch Buffet in Oahu
Located in the Kahala Resort, Hoku’s is an excellent fine dining experience, which has served celebrities, Presidents, and even the Queen, over the years. Their Sunday brunch is a reservation-only buffet that includes a four-course meal and drinks.
Their TeiHoku Sunday Brunch features courses in assorted boxes with a variety of island fish. The appetizer box includes fresh sushi, sashimi, lobster tail & shrimp, ahi poke musubi, and Kahala thin pancakes with maple butter. The box alone was so fulfilling and delicious, that we couldn’t finish it on our own!
After, the main box featured smoked salmon benedict, shrimp and vegetable tempura, bacon, snow crab legs, rib roast, and misoyaki butterfish, all with furikake white rice. The quality of seafood in the main box was fantastic and seasoned to perfection.
In addition, there’s a selection of three special desserts at the end. Pair it with their wine menu, and this meal is like no other you’ve had before!
Hoku’s is undeniably the best brunch spot in Oahu for an excellent dining experience.
- You can ask for vegan substitutions for your meal a day in advance and the chef prepares a special menu.
- The seating is beside gorgeous ocean views.
- After the brunch, you can walk to the Resort’s ocean water lagoon and see the dolphins!
- The brunch costs $90 per person.
Address: 5000 Kahala Ave The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Honolulu, Oahu, HI.
Morning Glass Coffee + Cafe
If you’re in Manoa, check out Morning Glass for their terrific coffee and even better Sunday brunch. Located in the heart of Manoa, right around the corner from Choco Leʻa, this cafe’s eclectic menu and Bohemian atmosphere make it a local favorite.
They’re usually crowded at brunch from their opening, but come early and snag a good seat.
Order their famous Mac n Cheese pancakes, made with Vermont cheddar and topped with applewood smoked bacon; these decadent pancakes can satisfy any cheese lover.
Their brunch menu has a unique approach to traditional breakfast items, like their famous fried rice omelet topped with spicy mayo, and oatmeal brulee with
caramelized brown sugar and fresh fruit.
The menu items change every other month as the chefs experiment and create new meals, meaning you’ll never have a dull bite at Morning Glass.
We tried the Iced Americano and Matcha Latte with brunch, which were both heavenly! Don’t leave this cafe without trying their freshly brewed and locally sourced coffee range.
We loved this hidden find in Oahu, and you will, too after trying their great brunch.
- The service is good here, and they offer takeout if you don’t want to wait in lines.
- Get here early for brunch; otherwise, you won’t find an empty table.
- They have a display case of pastries and baked goods in the cafe that are a must-try!
Address: 2955 E Manoa Rd, Honolulu, Oahu, HI
Wrap Up: The Best Brunch in Oahu
You won’t find better food in Hawaii than from the restaurants and cafes in Oahu. Locally owned, serving organic produce and fresh catch, make the eateries on this island terrific.
Visit any of the places mentioned above for a delectable brunch with great service that’ll upgrade your vacation experience by 100%!
Want to try the best Sunday brunch in Oahu? Visit Koko Head Cafe and Hoku’s Cafe.
Looking for the best brunch in Waikiki? Don’t miss Sweet E’s and Goofy Cafe & Dine.
Need a quiet brunch away from the crowds? Try Bogart’s Cafe and Scratch Kitchen.
The best brunch spots in Oahu never disappoint!
Last Updated on February 7, 2023 by Brigitte