Whether you're setting out on an island sightseeing tour or want to build up your strength before you tackle an early morning waterfall hike, you probably need coffee. And maybe some breakfast! Or perhaps you've already been stationed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, MCB Hawaii, or another Oahu base for a while and just want to try out a new spot. And why settle for regular old eggs and coffee when you can sample macadamia nut pancakes, breakfast bibimbap, or Kalua pig Eggs Benedict?
Is your mouth watering yet? We've got you! We polled locals and military stationed on Oahu for their favorite breakfast and brunch spots, so whether you prefer to savor a long brunch or simply need a quick bite, try one of these recommended spots on your next outing.
1) Moena Cafe
Moena Cafe is a thriving brunch spot located in in Hawaii Kai. Voted “Best New Restaurant” by
the Hawaii Restaurant Association and winner of the 2017 Silver Award People’s Choice for “Best Breakfast,” Moena Cafe strives to give you a taste of the islands.
Recommended: Cinnamon roll pancakes, short rib loco moco, Portuguese sausage omelette with fried rice, a variety of crepes, Kalua pig Eggs Benedict.
Location: 7192 Kalanianaole Hwy Suite #D-101, Honolulu, HI 96825
Hours: Open daily from 7:00 am - 2:30 pm
2) Island Brew
Coffee lovers, take notice! Island Brew serves up Kona and Ka'u specialty brews and 100% Hawaiian coffee and espresso. Enjoy your coffee and a fresh pastry on the waterfront at Hawaii Kai, and take advantage of one of the outside sitting areas to take in the island's gorgeous views. You'll find three Island Brew locations on Oahu.
Recommended: Loco Moco, guava strudel, PB & J smoothie, acai smoothie.
Locations and hours:
Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu HI 96814
3rd Level Ewa Wing near entrance to Bloomingdales
Hours: 7:30 am - 8:00 pm M-Sat, Sun. 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Hawaii Kai
377 Keahole St, Honolulu HI 96825
Along the waterfront in the Hawaii Kai Shopping Center (Safeway)
Hours: 6:00 am - 6 :00 pm
Ward Village
1108 Auahi St, Honolulu HI 96814
Located directly across Whole Foods in Kaka'ako near Merriman's
Hours: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Photo from Canva
3) Koa Pancake House
Koa Pancake House is a local icon, serving up breakfast and lunch plates with a Hawaiian flair. This is a busy spot with a diner atmosphere! Known for large portions of delicious food and quick service at a great price, grab a quick bite or coffee to go.
Recommended: Koa Moco, strawberry cheesecake pancakes, Koa omelette, Macadamia Nut pancakes.
Locations and hours: 7 locations on Oahu. All locations are open daily from 6:30 am -2:00 pm.
Kaimuki
1139 12th Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
Moanalua Shopping Center
930 Valkenburgh St #101, Honolulu, HI 96818
Hawaii Kai Town Center
333 Keahole St #2e8, Honolulu, HI 96825
Kapolei Marketplace
91-590 Farrington Hwy, Kapolei, HI 96707
Waipahu Town Center
94-050 Farrington Hwy C1-2, Waipahu, HI 96797
Ka Makana Ali'i
91-5431 Kapolei Pkwy, Kapolei, HI 96707
Wahiawa
703 California Ave, Wahiawa, HI 96786
Image via Koa Pancake House
4) Cafe Kaila
Cafe Kaila is a popular breakfast cafe and coffee shop proudly serving fresh, wholesome, and beautiful food, and they've expanded with a location in Japan. Winner of four consecutive gold medals in the Best Breakfast category of Honolulu Magazine's Hale 'Aina awards.
Recommended: Eggs Florentine, smoked salmon Eggs Benedict, Local scramble, cinnamon French toast, Café Au Lait.
Location: Market City Shopping Center, 2919 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu HI 96826
Hours:
7:00 am - 6 pm on Mon-Fri
7:00 am - 3 pm on Sat-Sun
5) Koko Head Cafe
Brunch all day? Yes, please! You'll enjoy a unique breakfast experience at Koko Head Cafe, which combines casual Hawaii dining with an Asian flair. Check online for the waitlist before you head out, as this is a popular spot!
Recommended: Cornflake French toast, miso smoked pork omelette, breakfast bibimbap, The Queen's mimosa, ricotta pancakes. Gluten-free and vegan options.
Location: 1120 12th Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
Hours: Daily 7:00 am - 2:30 pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
Breakfast Bibimbap via Yelp! reviewer
6) Cinnamon’s Restaurant
Located in Kailua on the windward side of the island near MCB Hawaii, Cinnamon's is also worth the drive from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Cinnamon's is known as "Kailua's Favorite Breakfast Since 1985!" If you're going to Cinnamon's after 1 pm, it's recommended to call ahead, as at times the busy restaurant will stop seatings before 2 pm: (808) 261-8724.
Recommended: Red velvet pancakes, breakfast skillet, Baja breakfast, Guava chiffon pancakes, a variety of Eggs Benedict choices.
Location: 315 Uluniu Street, Kailua, HI 96734
Hours: Daily 7:00 am– 2:00 pm
Cinnamon's famous red velvet pancakes via Yelp! reviewer
Are you stationed on the beautiful island of Oahu? We'd love to hear about your favorite breakfast spot. Please share in the comments below!
And if you're about to move to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, download our Military Family Guide to JBPHH for more information about the local area, including things to do, local culture, schools, military spouse employment, neighborhoods, and much more!
