Best Brunch Spots in Honolulu 2026 — From Waikiki to Kaimuki

Brunch in Honolulu is more than a meal — it's a weekend ritual. Whether you're craving macadamia nut pancakes with a view of the Ko'olau Mountains, a perfectly poached egg in the heart of Waikiki, or a creative fusion plate in one of Honolulu's coolest neighborhoods, there's a brunch spot waiting for you. Here's our guide to the best brunch restaurants across O'ahu's south shore in 2026, from beloved local favorites to upscale hotel buffets.

Boots & Kimo's Homestyle Kitchen — Kailua

No list of Honolulu-area brunch spots is complete without Boots & Kimo's. Located in Kailua on the windward side, this no-frills breakfast institution has been drawing lines since 1989. The star of the menu is the macadamia nut pancake sauce — a rich, buttery topping that locals and visitors alike travel across the island to taste. The pancakes themselves are fluffy and generous, but it's that signature sauce that makes them unforgettable.

Beyond the pancakes, the loco moco and fried rice plates are solid picks that reflect the restaurant's local comfort food roots. Portions are huge and prices are reasonable.

Pro tip: The line can stretch 45 minutes to over an hour on weekends, especially between 8 and 10 AM. Arrive early or go on a weekday. There's no reservation system — it's first come, first served. The wait is worth it, but bring your patience (and sunscreen if it's sunny).

Over Easy — Kaimuki

Over Easy has become one of Kaimuki's most popular morning destinations, and for good reason. The menu balances local Hawaiian flavors with mainland brunch classics, and everything is executed with care. The loco moco Benedict is a crowd favorite — a mashup of two breakfast icons that somehow works perfectly. Their açaí bowls are thick, colorful, and loaded with fresh toppings.

The space is small and cozy, with a relaxed neighborhood vibe that makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit. Kaimuki itself is one of Honolulu's best food neighborhoods, so if you're waiting for a table, take a short walk up Wai'alae Avenue and explore the local shops.

Best for: Couples and foodies who want a quality brunch without the Waikiki tourist scene.

Moke's Bread & Breakfast — Kailua & Kaimuki

Moke's has earned a loyal following for its lilikoi (passion fruit) pancakes, which are arguably the best fruit pancakes on the island. The batter has a slight tang from the lilikoi, and the fresh fruit compote on top is bright and tropical. It's the kind of dish that instantly reminds you that you're in Hawai'i.

Originally a Kailua staple, Moke's now has a second location in Kaimuki, making it more accessible for those staying in the Honolulu metro area. The menu also includes solid egg dishes, breakfast sandwiches, and daily specials that change with the seasons. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly — kids are welcome and portions are shareable.

Pro tip: The Kaimuki location tends to have shorter wait times than the Kailua original. Both open at 6:30 AM, so early birds can usually skip the line entirely.

Sweet E's Café — Downtown Honolulu

Tucked into a downtown side street, Sweet E's Café is a hidden gem that locals love and visitors stumble upon with delight. The menu covers all the brunch bases — omelettes, Benedicts, waffles, French toast — but does each one with a little extra attention. The red velvet pancakes are a signature item, as eye-catching as they are indulgent.

What sets Sweet E's apart is the warm, personal service. It's a family-run operation, and you can feel the care in every plate. The café also makes its own pastries and baked goods, so grab a cinnamon roll or muffin on your way out. On weekdays, this spot is popular with the downtown work crowd, but weekends bring a more relaxed, brunch-dedicated atmosphere.

Best for: Anyone looking for a charming, off-the-tourist-path brunch with homemade pastries.

Heavenly Island Lifestyle — Waikiki

For a brunch that feels distinctly Hawaiian, Heavenly Island Lifestyle is a standout in Waikiki. Located near the International Market Place, this restaurant emphasizes locally sourced, farm-to-table ingredients with a focus on health-conscious options. Their açaí bowls are among the best in Waikiki, and the avocado toast uses high-quality, locally grown avocados.

The space is bright and airy, with tropical decor that matches the menu's island-forward approach. It's one of the few Waikiki brunch spots where you can eat well without feeling weighed down afterward. They also offer solid coffee drinks and fresh-pressed juices.

Best for: Health-conscious diners and visitors who want a Waikiki brunch with genuine local flavor rather than a generic hotel restaurant.

Bills Sydney — Waikiki

Fans of Australian-style brunch will feel right at home at Bills, the Waikiki outpost of Sydney chef Bill Granger's international chain. Granger is widely credited with popularizing the ricotta hotcake, and the version served here lives up to the reputation — pillowy, slightly sweet, and served with honeycomb butter and fresh banana.

The restaurant occupies a stylish open-air space that captures the breezy, relaxed energy of both Sydney and Honolulu. Beyond the famous hotcakes, the corn fritters and the full breakfast plate are excellent. It's a slightly more upscale brunch experience, but without pretension.

Best for: Visitors looking for an elevated Waikiki brunch with an international twist. Reservations are accepted and recommended for weekend mornings.

Koko Head Café — Kaimuki

Chef Lee Anne Wong (of Top Chef fame) runs this Kaimuki brunch destination, and her culinary chops shine in every dish. The menu is creative and unapologetically bold. The cornflake French toast — coated in a crispy cornflake crust and served with a macadamia nut butter — is one of the most unique brunch items on the island. It's crunchy, sweet, and utterly satisfying.

Other highlights include the dumplings (yes, dumplings for brunch, and they're incredible), the kimchi fried rice, and rotating seasonal specials that keep regulars coming back. The vibe is hip but approachable, and the restaurant reflects Wong's pan-Asian and Hawaiian influences throughout.

Pro tip: Koko Head Café doesn't take reservations and lines form quickly on weekends. Arrive before 8 AM or be prepared to wait 30–45 minutes. The food is worth every minute of that wait.

First Watch — Multiple Locations

First Watch has expanded to several O'ahu locations and brings a reliable, polished brunch experience to the island. While it's a mainland chain, the execution is consistently strong. The Million Dollar Bacon (thick-cut, oven-baked with brown sugar and spices) is a menu standout, and their seasonal specials rotate frequently enough to keep things interesting.

The menu covers a wide range — from healthy egg white omelets and fresh juices to hearty skillets and indulgent pancake stacks. The restaurants are spacious and clean, service is efficient, and wait times are generally shorter than the popular local spots. It's an excellent option when you want a solid brunch without a long wait.

Best for: Families and groups who want a dependable brunch with lots of menu options and shorter waits.

Sunday Brunch Buffets — Hotel Style

Plumeria Beach House at The Kahala Hotel

The Sunday brunch buffet at Plumeria Beach House is one of the most celebrated on O'ahu. Set right on Kahala Beach with views of the ocean and the hotel's resident dolphins, the setting alone is worth the visit. The buffet spreads across multiple stations: fresh seafood (poke, sashimi, shrimp), carved meats, a made-to-order omelet bar, tropical fruits, pastries, and an impressive dessert selection.

It's a splurge — expect to pay around $75–90 per person — but the quality and variety are exceptional. This is the kind of brunch you book for a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion. Reservations are essential and should be made at least a week in advance, especially during peak tourist season.

Hau Tree at The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel

Hau Tree offers a more intimate, relaxed hotel brunch experience right on Sans Souci Beach at the quiet end of Waikiki. Named for the sprawling hau tree that shades the patio, this restaurant has a storied history — Robert Louis Stevenson is said to have dined under the original tree. The brunch menu features classic dishes like eggs Benedict, banana pancakes, and fresh fish plates, all served with an ocean view just steps from the sand.

It's less buffet-style and more sit-down, which gives it a calmer, more personal feel compared to the big hotel spreads. Prices are moderate for what you get — the setting is truly priceless.

Best for: Romantic brunches and anyone who wants ocean-side dining without the crowds of central Waikiki.

Brunch Tips for Honolulu

• Go early or go late. The worst wait times at popular spots are between 9 and 11 AM on weekends. Arriving at opening (usually 7–7:30 AM) or after 11:30 AM will save you significant time.
• Weekday brunch is underrated. Many of these restaurants serve brunch daily, not just on weekends. Tuesday morning at Koko Head Café? Almost no wait.
• Check for reservations. Bills, Plumeria Beach House, and Hau Tree accept reservations. Use them. The no-reservation spots (Boots & Kimo's, Koko Head Café, Over Easy) are walk-in only, so plan accordingly.
• Parking matters. Kaimuki spots have street parking that fills up fast. Downtown can be tricky on weekdays. Waikiki restaurants are easiest to reach on foot if you're staying in the area.
• Cash and cards. Most restaurants accept cards, but a few smaller spots may be cash-preferred. Check before you go.

Quick Reference: Best Brunch by Vibe

Vibe	Go Here
Classic local comfort food	Boots & Kimo's, Sweet E's Café
Creative and chef-driven	Koko Head Café, Over Easy
Ocean view / romantic	Hau Tree, Plumeria Beach House
Healthy and farm-to-table	Heavenly Island Lifestyle
International flair	Bills Sydney
Family-friendly / no long wait	First Watch, Moke's
Special occasion splurge	Plumeria Beach House buffet

Plan Your Weekend in Honolulu

Brunch is just the start of a great weekend on O'ahu. After your meal, check out Aloha Calendar for live music, art shows, festivals, and events happening across the island. From free beachside concerts to gallery walks in Chinatown, there's always something happening — and the best weekend starts with a great brunch.