One of my favorite things about going on a trip is waking up to enjoy a delicious breakfast in a new destination, so if you’re headed to Hawaii, I’ve got the complete guide on where to find the best breakfast in Waikiki.
The smell of fresh Hawaiian coffee will fill the air as you head out to explore the top Waikiki breakfast spots that serve tasty and unique dishes.
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From traditional American-style favorites like pancakes and eggs to local dishes such as poke bowls and loco moco, there are endless restaurant options serving tasty breakfasts throughout Waikiki.
These are my top recommendations on where to find the best breakfast in Waikiki!
The Best Breakfast in Waikiki
1. Koko Head Cafe
Koko Head Cafe is well-known and beloved by many mainlanders for its celebrity chef, Lee Anne Wong, making it one of Waikiki’s most popular breakfast restaurants.
With one-of-a-kind dishes like Breakfast Congee with Portuguese sausage and cinnamon bacon fat croutons (how yummy does that sound?), you’re in for a real treat at Koko Head Cafe.
If you have a taste for something sweeter, the Cornflake French Toast and purple sweet potato Cinnamon Roll are to die for.
2. Barefoot Beach Cafe
Barefoot Beach Cafe is an excellent spot if you’re looking for a tasty breakfast near Waikiki Beach.
With an expansive menu of delicious and unique dishes, this charming oceanfront cafe is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal.
Try local favorites like Sweetbread French Toast or an Ahi Poke Bowl and prepare for an incredible meal.
Barefoot Beach Cafe also has great lunch and dinner options like a Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Plate and Kalua Pork Sandwich—my mouth is watering!
3. Basalt
Basalt is the restaurant to beat when it comes to the best breakfast places in Waikiki.
Located inside Dukes Lane Market & Eatery, a gourmet food hall, Basalt is where all your breakfast dreams will come true.
The Charcoal Buttermilk Pancakes are Basalt’s signature dish because they’re out of this world, topped with guava-strawberry sauce, whipped cream, and fresh berries.
For a lighter, more savory option, try the Veggie Scramble or Avocado Garden Toast—both are packed with flavor and will keep you fueled for a full day of adventuring.
Unlike some breakfast spots in Waikiki that close as soon as the morning rush subsides, Basalt stays open until 2:00 pm, so you can sleep in late and still enjoy a tasty breakfast!
4. Island Vintage Coffee
Starting your morning with one of the best coffees in the world is a can’t-miss when you’re in Waikiki, so make your way over to Island Vintage Coffee.
Island Vintage Coffee at the Royal Hawaiian Center has made a name for itself and is often tourists’ first stop after landing in Waikiki.
With various unique drinks like the Hawaiian Honey Latte and Vintage Kona Mocha, there’s plenty for coffee lovers to enjoy at this local favorite.
Island Vintage Coffee is great if you’re looking for plant-based dishes since they serve unique options like Vegan Poke and a Vegan Bacon and Egg Sandwich.
This coffee shop is also where I like to stock up on a few bags of Kona Coffee to bring back for myself and as gifts for friends and family.
5. Cinnamon’s at the ‘Ilkai
For an unforgettable breakfast experience, head to Cinnamon’s at the ‘Ilikai Hotel (on Ala Moana Blvd) for the one-of-a-kind Guava Chiffon Pancakes.
The atmosphere of this cozy diner is reminiscent of a country kitchen and offers all your favorite American homestyle classics like hash browns, eggs, and sausage.
Of course, there are plenty of local dishes, like Kalua Pork Eggs Benedict and Portuguese Sweet Bread French Toast.
The real star of the menu is the bright pink and fluffy Guava Pancakes served with a side of locally-made guava butter.
Cinnamon’s delicious but it’s def not a hidden gem—expect a long wait on weekends!
6. Hawaiian Aroma Caffe
Hawaiian Aroma Caffe is an excellent spot for breakfast and lunch, especially if you want to grab something to eat on the go.
You can experience the heavenly taste of Hawaiian Aroma Caffe’s creations at four locations throughout Waikiki, but their signature cafe is located on Kalakaua Ave.
This laidback restaurant offers sweet and savory items such as a matcha Green Tea Waffle and an Acai Bowl loaded with fresh fruits and granola.
The coffee at Hawaiian Aroma Caffe is always freshly brewed, and you can get several different espresso drinks, too.
If you’re looking for the best breakfast in Waikiki, you’ll surely find it at Hawaiian Aroma Caffe.
7. Aloha Kitchen
Aloha Kitchen is another must-try spot for breakfast in Waikiki if you’re looking to get a real taste of Hawaiian culture.
Nestled among the side streets of Waikiki, Aloha Kitchen is an adorable cafe known for its souffle pancakes—not to mention they make some of the best mimosas around!
One of Aloha Kitchen’s best dishes is the Diamond Head Souffle Pancake, topped with orange and whipped cream.
Seating can be hard to come by since this spot is so popular, but I promise it’s worth the wait.
8. Heavenly Island Lifestyle
Get ready for some of the best eggs Benedict you’ve ever had!
Tucked away on the ground floor of Waikiki’s Shoreliner Hotel, Heavenly Island Lifestyle is a gem for those seeking an exquisite all-day breakfast experience.
The organic and locally sourced ingredients make for some of the freshest and most flavorful breakfast dishes.
Experience a taste of paradise with the signature Local Eggs Benedict made with poached eggs, purple potato, and your choice of protein (I recommend the pork belly), all from local vendors.
A lighter option is the Hawaiian Fruit Bowl which features a refreshing blend of pineapple, papaya, and banana topped with honey and granola.
9. daCove Health Bar
daCove Health Bar, located on a quiet residential street in Honolulu, is known among locals for having the best smoothies and juices around.
This breakfast spot is popular with the University of Honolulu students since it’s off the beaten and cheaper than many nearby restaurants.
The menu at daCove includes an array of smoothies, juices, and acai bowls packed with nutritious deliciousness.
The best part is all the ingredients are locally sourced, so every bite is bursting with fresh flavor—plus, you can choose from various toppings to customize your bowl.
Try something new with their Pitaya Lava Bowl, topped with coconut flakes, strawberries, and bananas, or keep it simple with a fresh Papaya Boat.
10. Sweet E’s Cafe
My last recommendation on where to find the best breakfast in Waikiki is Sweet E’s Cafe, a charming spot that will make you feel right at home with classic diner vibes.
The menu at Sweet E’s features all your favorite breakfast dishes, such as omelets, pancakes, and French toast.
What makes this cafe stand out is the unbelievably delicious locally-sourced ingredients that the restaurant isn’t skimpy with, and it also has gluten-free options available upon request.
The menu at Sweet E’s Cafe is full of variety and reasonably priced, making this the perfect spot to grab breakfast with friends, family, or a date!
Next time you find yourself craving the best breakfast in Waikiki, pull out this list for all the mouth-watering inspo!
Tag me on Insta (@wtfab) if you visit any of these restaurants so I can see what you order and live vicariously through your travels.😉
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FAQs
Waikiki is known for its white-sand beaches, clear blue waters, unique local culture, and incredible food.
Yes, Waikiki is home to many restaurants serving fresh, locally-inspired dishes.
I suggest grabbing breakfast at Koko Head Cafe or Aloha Kitchen.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
