Why Breakfast Might Be Your Best Meal in Waikiki
You came for the sunsets and shirtless surfers, but let’s be honest: breakfast in Waikiki is the real main character. Between the loco moco that could end wars, the ube pancakes sent straight from heaven, and the bottomless coffee poured by someone who calls you “uncle,” mornings here hit different. You’re not just breaking your fast—you’re making a scene. And, to the tourists who are waking up at 4am after their first night in Hawaii, an early breakfast could help you ease into island life quickly.
Here’s our breakdown of Waikiki’s finest. Next week, we’ll venture outside of Waikiki and give you 5 more of our top selections.
🥇 1. Heavenly Island Lifestyle
🏆 Best for: Healthy Gays Who Still Want Pancakes
Heavenly isn’t just a name—it’s a lifestyle. This place screams “I do yoga, but I’ll still eat carbs.” They use local and organic ingredients, and their Big Island Honey French Toast could convert even the most dedicated keto bro. The interior feels like a beach house designed by a surfer-turned-minimalist, and their fresh smoothies are basically a facial in a glass.
Must-try: Big Island Honey French Toast or the Organic Acai Bowl with Big Island Honey.
🥈 2. Hula Grill Waikiki
🏆 Best for: Breakfast With a View (and a Mimosa)
Located right above Duke’s and directly facing the beach, Hula Grill serves up classic Hawaiian breakfast with a side of salty breeze and light flirtation. If you want your eggs with ocean views and the chance of spotting a shirtless surfer jogging by, this is the move. It’s also one of the few places where both the loco moco and the avocado toast slap.
Must-try: Loco Moco or the Hawaiian Sweet Bread French Toast.
🥉 3. Eggs ’n Things
🏆 Best for: Iconic Tourist Energy That Still Slaps
Yes, it’s always busy. Yes, you’ll probably be waiting with your beeperwait in line next to a MAGA family of six from Missouri. But it’s worth it. Since 1974, Eggs ’n Things has been pumping out rainbow pancake stacks, cloud-level whipped cream, and omelets the size of your carry-on. It’s the breakfast version of a Pride parade: colorful, loud, and unapologetically extra.
Must-try: Pancakes with coconut syrup. No regrets.
🥐 4. Kona Coffee Purveyors + b.patisserie
🏆 Best for: The Bougie Breakfast Date
This is where you take your situationship when you want to impress them without committing to a full brunch sit-down. The coffee? Immaculate. The black sesame kouign-amann? Legendary. It’s a quick-service spot, but everything about it—from the aesthetics to the pastries—feels curated for your morning Instagram story.
Must-try: 100% Kona Cold Brew + Black Sesame Kouign-Amann (thank us later).
🍳 5. Goofy Café & Dine
🏆 Best for: Chill Vibes and Local Flavor
This tiny upstairs joint near the Hilton Hawaiian Village is all about casual charm and killer local ingredients. It's the spot where the surfer boys, hungover tourists, and in-the-know locals all eat in harmony. The kalua pork eggs benedict will heal your sins. It’s Waikiki without the chaos, and a perfect stop before beach day.
Must-try: Kalua Pork Eggs Benedict or the Local Acai Bowl.
