If you’re anything like me, you can think of nothing better than a good cup of coffee and some pancakes, or waffles, or bacon. After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and these 13 breakfast joints in Hawaii provide the perfect way to start your day in paradise.
1) Liliha Bakery, Honolulu
A full-service bakery, coffee shop and diner located in Honolulu, Liliha Bakery has been a community staple since its doors where opened in 1950. In addition to their famous coco puffs, the Coffee Shop serves up traditional Hawaiian breakfast favorites, including pancakes, and Portuguese sausage and eggs.
2) Gazebo Restaurant, Lahaina
This busy breakfast spot is located right on the beach at the Napili shores condo complex. Don’t allow the hour long line to discourage you, Gazebo Restaurant serves the best breakfast food for miles – you’ve got to try their famous macadamia nut pancakes. Pro tip: if you arrive and the line is too long for your liking, walk around the corner and order your food to go – you can then take your breakfast and eat on the beach, with the same view!
3) Kalaheo Café and Coffee Company, Kalaheo
Whether you're on your way to the beach to soak up the sun, or on your way to Kokee State Park for a hike, Kalaheo Café is the perfect place to stop for a coffee or espresso drink, and scrumptious breakfast offerings – from Anahola Granola and Fruit, to their Bonzo Burrito or a Double Bagel Benny.
4) Island Lava Java, Kailua-Kona
With 100 percent Kona Coffee, oceanside dining, and a bakery on site, could you think of a better breakfast experience than Island Lava Java? Oh, yeah, you could order one of their famous "cinnamon rolls and pull-a-parts" – if you get there before they're all gone, that is.
5) My Cafe, Kapolei
Serving breakfast all day, this café is wildly popular, and you should definitely call ahead for a reservation. Coffee is served in mismatched mugs, traditional breakfast favorites are cooked fresh and made to order. If you’re into pancakes, you’ve got to try the "Flight of Pancakes" with flavors like cookie butter and lilikoi, with syrups to complement the flavors.
6) Kihei Caffe, Kihei
Open everyday at 5 a.m., it’s always breakfast time at Kihei Caffe. From traditional bacon and eggs dishes, omelets, and fresh baked pastries, to fried rice and other local flavors, this local spot has got it all.
7) Hawaiian Style Cafe, Waimea
This quaint diner, located in Waimea, features a mix of Hawaiian dishes and American home cooking for breakfast and lunch. From massive pancakes and kalua pork hash to lighter or vegetarian options, there is something for everyone at this charming café.
8) Cinnamon's Restaurant, Kailua
Guava chiffon pancakes, cinnamon buns, banana cream cheese French toast, Hawaiian omelets and eggs benedict, oh my! This charming eatery located in the heart of Kailua town is an island favorite, and they serve some amazing breakfast foods.
9) Rainbeau Jo's, Lihue
An organic coffee and food truck located on Kauai, Rainbeau Jo’s is dedicated to sourcing organic, fair-trade coffee, local ingredients and produce to support Hawaii farmers and small businesses. Their signature espresso blend is top-knotch, they make a killer smoothie, and this salmon infused cream cheese bagel sounds heavenly.
10) Paul's Place, Hilo
Imagine this: Homemade Belgian waffles, topped with powdered sugar and fresh pineapple, banana and strawberry slices. Or maybe eggs benedict is more your style, with a perfectly toasted English muffin, a spin on classic hollandaise sauce and bacon. Either way, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for at Paul’s Place, a quaint café with a staff of one: Paul, the owner and one man behind this small eatery.
11) 808 Bistro, Kihei
Nestled in a cozy, casual and unassuming area next to the ocean, 808 Bistro features classic American breakfast offerings as well as a few uniquely Hawaiian dishes. The banana bread French toast, eggs benny, and hash browns are absolute show-stoppers.
12) Sweet E's Cafe, Honolulu
From stuffed French toast and amazing omelets to breakfast potatoes and corned beef benedict, Sweet E’s Café is where it’s at. This little breakfast joint may not look like much, but it is a must-stop while in Honolulu – I mean, just check out the reviews on Yelp: 4.5 stars with more than 1,000 reviews.
13) Red Salt, Koloa
Located within the Koa Kea Hotel & Resort on Kauai, is Red Salt, an inventive Hawaiian restaurant with ocean views. Their daily breakfast buffet combines traditional American fare with fresh tropical juice and fresh pastries. I have three words that will sell you on the experience: pineapple soufflé pancakes.
As Leslie Knope asked Ron Swanson once upon a time in Parks and Recreation, "Why would anybody ever eat anything besides breakfast food?" If you have an answer for us, or can lead us to a better breakfast in Hawaii, please comment below.
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