The resort oasis on Oahu’s west side and the nearby boomtown of Kapolei hold several breakfast spots that will get you ready for a day in the sun and surf. Try some classic Hawaiian breakfast dishes like the Loco moco — white rice, topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy — is a popular dish, as is Spam musubi and Hawaiian French toast made with Portuguese sweet bread. Here are some of the top spots in Ko Olina for the most important meal of the day.
But wait, there’s more. We’re here to help demystify some of the unusual words you might see on menus like furikake, laulau and lilikoi — and explain which meat is being served and why. And possibly most importantly of all, provide the fun facts on the origins of local dishes.
If you’re happy with your meal, tag us @HawaiiIslander on Instagram to share the love.
The Beach House By 604
85-010 Army St., Waianae
808.725.2589
The Beach House offers some of the best dining views on the west side of Oahu. Serving brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, try a Bloody Mary with their signature 604 Breakfast. Open Monday to Thursday 11am to 9pm, Friday 11am to 11pm, Saturday 10am to 11pm, and Sunday from 10am to 9pm.
Country Side Cafe
Bring your ohana and enjoy some brunch beachside! The Country Side Cafe menu has all the favorites — get ready for some savory and filling dishes like the kalua pork eggs Benedict and Da Braddhaz Breakfast. Open Monday through Sunday 7am to 1pm.
Eggs ’n Things
92-1047 Olani St. #1-101, Ko Olina
808.312.3447
Come hungry and leave full and ready for a nap at the beach. The Eggs ‘n Things menu is meant to be shared and offers some local breakfast favorites including the infamous loco moco, sweet macadamia nut pancakes, and refreshing acai bowls. Open daily 7am to 2 pm.
Longhi’s
Ocean views, tropical greenery, surrounded by a beautiful koi pond creates a tranquil oasis for the Ko’Olina outpost of Longhi’s, which also has a second location in Wailea, Maui. Known for its Italian cuisine at lunch and dinner, breakfast features island specialties such as Loco Moco, Hawaiian Style Banana Mac Nut Pancakes and their signature breakfast dishes — Eggs Benedict served traditional with Ham, Florentine with Spinach and Tomatoes, and the indulgent Lobster or Crab Cake Benedicts. On the lighter side, Longhi’s offers açai bowls with acai and mango sorbetto, topped with coconut granola and tropical fruit. Imbibers should try a mimosa with guava, passion fruit or freshly squeezed orange juice. Open daily for brunch from 9am to 3pm and dinner 4pm to 9pm.
Makahiki
Celebration at the Makahiki is better known as Aulani’s Disney character breakfast, and reservations are a must for this beachside buffet offering appearances by Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Goofy in their Hawaiian garb. Adults can graze on the ample, locally sourced Western and Asian options, from an omelet station and fresh island fruits to miso soup, pickled vegetables and fried rice. Kids who aren’t too distracted by the photo ops and live entertainment courtesy of Aunty and her ukulele will enjoy their own buffet station offering banana “dolphins,” Mickey-shaped waffles (don’t miss the coconut syrup), bacon, scrambled eggs, tater tots and pastries. Open daily for breakfast from 7am to 11am and dinner from 5pm to 8:30 pm. disneyaulani.com
My Cafe
563 Farrington Hwy., Kapolei
808.200.5737
We’re sweet on the sweet stuff here, like chocolate taro haupia (coconut pudding) pancakes with gooey chocolate chips, malasada (doughnut)-style pancakes with crispy sugar coating and vanilla custard, and loaded French toast with berries, banana, coconut flakes and a taro-haupia sauce. The pretty presentations on colorful plates don’t hurt, either. Open Monday through Friday 6:30am to 2pm and Saturday and Sunday 7am to 2pm. mycafehi.com
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