7 Divinely Delicious Waikiki Breakfast Spots You Just Have to Try
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Inside: When it comes to breakfast Waikiki is a foodie paradise. Here’s where to find the best breakfasts in Waikiki to kick off your day with aloha.
No matter how many days you have to spend in fabulous Waikiki, one thing is certain – you need a delicious way to start your day!
Luckily, the Waikiki Beach area is home to an overwhelming number of terrific breakfast spots. But, let’s be honest, you probably won’t have enough time to hit them all.
And that’s where I come in!
Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and when we moved to the island, I wasted no time hitting up all the top-rated breakfast places in Waikiki.
Some lived up to the hype, others did not.
But the truth is, it’s tough to find a bad breakfast in Waikiki. From colorful acai bowls and souffle pancakes submerged in fresh local fruits to fluffy omelets and creative Benedicts, Waikiki’s best breakfast spots have something for everyone.
Here are my 7 favorite Waikiki breakfast places to get your day in paradise started off right. (Yep, that’s one for every day of the week!)
1. Aloha Kitchen
When I first started searching for Waikiki breakfast spots, this was the first one that popped up in my search – mostly because it’s the closest to our building.
And boy did that turn out to be a lucky break for me!
I’m fortunate to have one of Waikiki’s best breakfast places right in my own backyard. Unfortunately, I still have to wait in line like everyone else when I come to this popular local spot.
Known for its light and fluffy souffle pancakes, Aloha Kitchen is a charming, low-key diner with friendly, efficient service and delish breakfast offerings. It’s truly a hidden gem tucked away down a side road near the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
How’s the wait?
They don’t take reservations. When you arrive, just add your name to the sign-in sheet at the door. Plan to wait at least 30 minutes at peak times (9am-11am). We try to time it on the weekends to arrive around noon and rarely have much of a wait, if any.
So go early, go late, or be ready to wait. There’s a little bit of shade under the front awning but if it’s busy you’ll likely be waiting in the sun. There’s no seating while you wait but there is an ABC Store nearby (naturally) to peruse in the AC until your name comes up.
What to order at Aloha Kitchen
My favorite things on the menu here are the Lobster Benedict and the Fruit Souffle Pancake. My husband loves their acai bowls.
Can I get a breakfast cocktail with that?
Yes, they do serve mimosas. In fact, the guava mimosa is the perfect complement to the souffle pancakes.
Where to find it: 432 Ena Road, Honolulu, HI 96815
When to go: Breakfast is served Tuesday – Sunday (closed Mondays) from 7:30am to 1:30pm. Note: Last order is at 1:00pm.
Check out the Menu Here: Aloha Kitchen Menu
Tip: If you get there and the wait is truly unbearable, check out the cute little coffee shop just a bit farther up the road, Sunny’s Local Grind. They’re new in the neighborhood and also serve a pretty great breakfast.
2. Monkeypod Kitchen Waikiki
If you prefer your Waikiki breakfast with a stunning ocean view, you can’t beat the scenery at the new Monkeypod Kitchen Waikiki. This is the new kid on the block when it comes to Waikiki breakfast spots and they’ve had no trouble drawing a crowd since opening in July.
Unlike the other Monkeypod Kitchen locations (on Maui and in Ko Olina) the new Waikiki location is the only Monkeypod Kitchen that serves breakfast.
And it’s a pretty darn good one.
Like the rest of their menu, the breakfast menu is creative and locally-inspired featuring Chef Peter Merriman’s legendary “Hawaii Regional Cuisine.”
Whether you come for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Monkeypod Kitchen is one restaurant that should definitely be at the top of your list when you visit Waikiki.
How’s the wait?
It’s new, so it’s difficult to nail down an average wait time just yet. The good news is that this relaxed, open-air restaurant is huge (a sprawling 13,000 square feet) so there are plenty of tables unlike some of the more intimate restaurants on this list.
When I visited on a recent Friday at 10:30am, I walked right in. But according to the hostess they do typically have a bit of a wait starting around 8:30am.
They do take limited reservations but on our other visits (in the evening) we haven’t had to wait more than 5 or 10 minutes without a reservation.
What to order at Monkeypod Kitchen Waikiki
The Monkeypod Mai Tai is my favorite drink so it’s no surprise that the Monkeypod Mai Tai Flapjacks are my top pick on the breakfast menu.
Griddled to perfection on the outside and light and fluffy inside, they’re drizzled with kula rum butter syrup and topped with their signature honey lilikoi foam (added at the table just before serving).
These are honestly the best pancakes I’ve ever eaten. Anywhere. Ever.
The avocado toast is another favorite menu item. And if you had too many Monkeypod Mai Tais the night before, try The Cure, a hearty ramen dish with kalua pork, veggies, and a poached egg in a red chili chicken broth.
Can I get a breakfast cocktail with that?
Not only can you get a cocktail with that, you can get the best mai tai in all of Hawaii (says me). Or try the 24k coffee, a delicious blend of cold brew with selva rey cacao rum.
Where to find it: Inside the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, 2169 Kalia Road, Honolulu, HI 96815
When to go: Breakfast is served daily from 7:00am – 11:00am.
Check out the Menu Here: Monkeypod Kitchen Waikiki Breakfast
3. Eggs n Things
Founded by Jerry and Jan Fukunaga, the focus at Eggs n Things has always been fresh ingredients, reasonable prices, and treating everyone like family (Ohana). And since 1974, the flagship location on Saratoga Road in Waikiki has been ground zero for both locals and visitors looking for sweet and savory breakfasts dishes.
Today, there are 3 additional locations around Oahu (Ko Olina, Ala Moana, and a 2nd Waikiki location on the beach at 2464 Kalakaua Ave).
Eggs n Things is easily the most popular choice for breakfast in Waikiki and if you go, be prepared to wait. Which brings me to…
How’s the wait?
They don’t take reservations, it’s walk up or waitlist only. Expect to wait 45 minutes to an hour during peak times. Luckily, at the Saratoga location, they have plenty of benches outside and a cute shop downstairs to browse while you wait.
Tip: Save time by checking the current wait time on Yelp via the Eggs n Things website and then just add yourself to the wait list before you walk over.
What to order at Eggs n Things
I come here for the omelets and the Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese is my favorite. But the Signature Rainbow Pancakes are another great choice. They come buried under colorful tropical fruit and topped with a huge tower of whipped cream (like all their pancakes and waffles).
Can I get a breakfast cocktail with that?
No, at Eggs n Things you’ll have to settle for a hot Kona coffee or fresh tropical fruit juice.
Where to find it: 343 Saratoga Road, Honolulu, HI 96815
When to go: Breakfast is served daily from 6:00am – 2:00pm.
Check out the Menu Here: Eggs n Things Saratoga Menu
4. Cinnamon’s
The original Cinnamon’s in Kailua has been serving up tasty breakfasts since the mid-80’s. But if you’re staying in Waikiki, you’re in luck, their other location is a little closer to home.
Located inside the Ilikai Hotel, this open-air casual dining restaurant features terrific breakfast treats with a waterfront marina view.
How’s the wait?
Usually, it’s not bad. They don’t take reservations unless you have a party of 10 or more during the week. But we’ve never had to wait when we head over to Cinnamon’s for breakfast.
Granted, we are late breakfast people. We typically eat closer to noon, because breakfast cocktails are a thing.
So if you show up at 9am on a weekend you might have to wait a few minutes. Luckily, you’re inside the hotel where there are plenty of shady places to sit and enjoy the marina views while you wait.
What to order at Cinnamon’s
Cinnamon’s is well known for their signature Guava Chiffon Pancakes but I also love the Kalua Pork Eggs Benedict.
Other favorites here are the Red Velvet Pancakes and the Tropical Stuffed French Toast (made with Portuguese sweet bread and a mango cream cheese stuffing).
Can I get a breakfast cocktail with that?
Yes, you can. Cinnamon’s has a full bar complete with one of the best tropical cocktail menus in town.
Tip: Try the Smoked Cinnamon Mai Tai or the Guava Mai Tai (or both, you’re on vacation!).
Where to find it: Inside the Ilikai Hotel, 1777 Ala Moana Blvd #150, Honolulu, HI 96815. (The original Cinnamon’s is located in Kailua.)
When to go: Breakfast is served daily from 8:00am – 2:00pm.
Check out the Menu Here: Cinnamon’s at the Ilikai Breakfast Menu
5. Cream Pot Waikiki
Opened in 2008, Cream Pot claims to be home to the original souffle pancake. True or not, there’s no doubt this charming French farmhouse-style cafe wins the prize for ambiance on this list.
With white-washed stone walls, elegant chandeliers, lovely antiques, and a massive wooden farmhouse table running down the middle of the dining room, the interior oozes French country charm.
In addition to the printed menu with a blend of sweet and savory breakfast options, there’s also a daily list of creative specials on a blackboard. Aside from the famous souffle pancakes and French toast, they also offer a delicious assortment of crepes, omelets, and benedicts.
Keep in mind if you order an egg dish that they prepare them in the “soft” French style which isn’t for everyone (including my husband). But they will serve them more well done if you ask.
The only downside for me at Cream Pot is the price. I find $25 a little high for pancakes without an ocean view.
How’s the wait?
They don’t take reservations. The line system here is to queue up at the stairs and wait your turn. During popular times, the line can get long but it moves pretty fast. Unfortunately, there’s no shade while you wait and nowhere to sit.
The first time we went was a Sunday around 11:00am. The line was 12 people deep and we waited about 15 minutes. The second time it was 1:00pm on a Thursday and we walked right in with no wait.
What to order at Cream Pot Waikiki
The signature dish at Cream Pot is the souffle pancakes and they are delicious (my pick is the version with mixed berries). My other favorite here is the Pineapple and Bacon French Toast with brandy caramel sauce.
Can I get a breakfast cocktail with that?
Sadly, no. They don’t serve alcohol at Cream Pot but they do allow you to bring a bottle of wine or champagne (for a $15 corkage fee) if you want to enjoy a mimosa with brunch.
Where to find it: 444 Niu Street, Honolulu, HI 96815
When to go: Breakfast is served Thursday – Monday 8:00am to 2:00pm (last order at 1:30pm). Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Check out the Menu Here: Cream Pot Waikiki Menu (they don’t post an online menu since it changes frequently but this link goes to the photo gallery on their website)
6. Goofy Cafe & Dine
Named for the right-foot-forward surfing stance (not the Disney character) this relaxed surfer’s cafe in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village is a terrific choice for breakfast in Waikiki.
The focus at Goofy Cafe is squarely on healthy, natural food made fresh with local ingredients. Service is friendly and fast and the prices are pretty reasonable by Waikiki standards.
How’s the wait?
Like most of the best breakfast places in Waikiki, it gets busy during the prime breakfast hours of 8am-11:00am. But unlike many others, they do take reservations!
So, if Goofy’s is on your must-eat list, make a reservation.
What to order at Goofy Cafe
If you haven’t tried loco moco yet, this is the place! The Big Island Beef Loco Moco is one of their most delicious dishes.
My other favorite here is the Big Island Honey French Toast (available loaded with a berry mix or Hawaiian style with papaya, pineapple, and banana).
The best part about Goofy Cafe is both of the above breakfast dishes are also available on the dinner menu. Because sometimes you just need breakfast for dinner. Am I right?
Can I get a breakfast cocktail with that?
Indeed you can! Goofy’s has a full bar including a wide array of mimosa options and a pretty fantastic Bloody Mary.
Where to find it: This one is easy to miss! It’s upstairs above Kpop Donuts. 1831 Ala Moana Blvd #201, Honolulu, HI 96815.
When to go: The full breakfast menu served 7:00am to 2:00pm. Luckily, some of their most popular breakfast items are also available during the dinner hours from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.
Check out the Menu Here: Goofy Cafe & Dine Breakfast Menu
7. Island Vintage Coffee
It’s hard to find a place in Waikiki that is equally popular with locals and visitors, but this one truly is.
For years, Island Vintage has been my pre-Honolulu Marathon stop for a delicious race-morning bagel (I buy the bagel the evening before and it’s still yummy in the pre-dawn hours while I’m fueling up for the race).
But Island Vintage is so much more than a simple cafe and bakery. In fact, it’s a full service restaurant with breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the week. There’s even a wine bar next door!
How’s the wait?
While the cafe and the wine bar have different menus, you can order from either menu at both. On the cafe side, there’s always a long line. Once you order, they give you a number and then you have to find a seat (which can be tough).
But what most people don’t realize is that you can sit down right next door at the wine bar and order off the same menu without waiting in a line. You can even make a reservation at the wine bar if you want to be sure you’ll get a table at a particular time (like if you have a scheduled island tour that day).
If you’re just after a quick coffee and a bagel, hop in the cafe line. But if you want to sit down for a hot breakfast and a mimosa, go next door to the wine bar.
What to order at Island Vintage
Island Vintage is my go-to breakfast place in Waikiki for an acai bowl. Their acai bowls are as gorgeous as they are delicious.
The Lilikoi Moana Acai Bowl is my absolute favorite but they also serve a pretty fabulous Wagyu Beef Loco Moco. You’ll also find other island favorites like eggs benedict, avocado toast, and fresh fruit smoothies.
Can I get a breakfast cocktail with that?
Yep! The restaurant side is a full service wine bar. Tip: Try the lilikoi mimosa.
Where to find it: On the 2nd floor of the Royal Hawaiian Center, 2301 Kalakaua Avenue, #C215, Honolulu, HI 96815.
When to go: The coffee shop is open daily from 6:00am – 10:00pm. At the wine bar, breakfast is served all day from 7:00am – 9:00pm.
Check out the Menu Here: Island Vintage Coffee Menu
Still hungry? Bonus Waikiki breakfast spots!
While they didn’t make my Top 7 list, there are 2 more fun breakfast places I recommend to family and friends when they visit:
Basalt Waikiki (for charcoal pancakes)
Okay, this one might be a bit of a “one trick pony’ but it’s still a Waikiki breakfast spot well worth mentioning.
Why?
Because this upscale restaurant located in the Duke’s Lane Market & Eatery (2255 Kuhio Ave) has one thing you won’t find on any other Waikiki breakfast menu.
Instagrammers flock to Basalt Waikiki for their unique charcoal pancakes. A play on the restaurant’s name (Basalt is a dark volcanic rock), the dramatic black color comes from an ultra fine, high-grade Japanese charcoal that’s pulverized into a powder.
The result? Black color without the charcoal taste (I promise, they don’t taste anything like charcoal!). The volcanic pancakes are topped with a lava-like blend of guava and strawberry puree and whipped cream with mascarpone cheese. The combination is a uniquely delicious breakfast treat.
And yes, you can get a breakfast cocktail with that.
Brunch at Basalt is served from 8:00am – 1:00pm Monday – Friday (except Wednesday) and Saturday and Sunday from 7:00am – 1:30pm, you can check out the full brunch menu here. And if you really love the pancakes you can even purchase a package of the mix to take home.
Barefoot Beach Cafe
After a morning stroll down Waikiki Beach, there’s no better place to stop for an affordable oceanfront breakfast than the Barefoot Beach Cafe.
Located at Queen’s Surf Beach, 2699 Kalakaua Ave, this casual outdoor cafe sits in a prime location with a terrific view of Waikiki. My favorite breakfast here is the Egg Lust Sandwich (be sure to add the bacon and avocado!) and my husband loves their omelets.
Breakfast is served daily from 8:00am – 2:00pm and you can check out the menu here. No mimosas here, unfortunately.
Due to the outdoor beachfront location of this one, it falls under the “no alcohol” rules of Parks & Recreation. No cocktails are served and there’s no BYOB.
But you will find a great meal any time of day which is why Barefoot Beach Cafe also makes my list of the best Cheap Eats in Waikiki.
Tip: Barefoot Beach Cafe is another fun place to watch the Friday night fireworks across the bay, they have plenty of seating and live music from 5:30pm – 8:30pm every Friday night.
And there you have it!
All the best Waikiki breakfast spots you just have to try.
How many have you already been to on this list? Did you find a new one to try?
Are you craving an acai bowl and a lilikoi mimosa right now? I know I am.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned since moving to Oahu, you’ll never go hungry in Waikiki! Especially not at breakfast time.
