Pancakes are among the “can’t-miss” foods in Hawaii, with their sweet and fluffy appeals. They are perfect for beach days, hikes, and lazy mornings, making them the ideal source of energy. Here are 18 pancake favorites on Oahu, from iconic legends to places locals quietly love. We included a signature pancake for each spot, plus helpful info so you can plan your visit efficiently.
Tip: Lines can get long, especially on weekends, so you may want to consider arriving early or ordering takeout when available.
Waikiki
Lulu’s Waikiki — Ube Mochi Pancakes ($24)
If you want to dine on pancakes while enjoying the ocean breeze, Lulu’s Waikiki is your go-to spot. It’s open-air and adjacent to Waikiki beach. It’s the kind of place just immerses you into the Hawaii milieu from the moment you step into the restaurant.
The mochi pancakes boast a chewy, bouncy texture, and the Ube Mochi Pancakes are the star. Imagine purple sweet potato blended right into the batter, with a generous ube sauce slathered on top. Popular with locals and Asian visitors, get your fill of these purple delights.
Information
- Address: 2586 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Hours: Mon 7:00 AM–2:00 AM / Tue–Sun 7:00 AM–12:00 AM
- Website: https://www.luluswaikiki.com/
Basalt — Charcoal Milk Pancakes ($20)
Inside Duke’s Lane Market & Eatery, Basalt is a stylish Waikiki brunch stop known for local ingredients and creative comfort food.
Their most famous pancake is shockingly jet-black: the Charcoal Milk Pancakes. While charcoal has almost no flavor on its own, what you experience is a chewy texture that may have detoxing properties, but has a neutral flavor that goes perfectly with the fruity strawberry-guava sauce.
Information
- Address: 2255 Kūhiō Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Hours (varies by day/season): Breakfast 7:00 AM–1:00 PM, Dinner 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
- Website: https://www.basaltwaikiki.com/
IHOP (Waikiki) — Strawberry Banana Pancakes ($22.99)
When Americans think pancakes, IHOP is one of the first names that comes to mind. It’s a reliable brand that appeals to all ages with its expansive menu. A tried and true flavor is the Strawberry Banana Pancakes, leaving no regrets on taste. IHOP continues to please with its classic flavors, big portions, and fun syrups at the table.
Information (Waikiki location)
- Address: 2211 Kūhiō Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Hours: 6:00 AM–10:00 PM (daily)
- Website: https://restaurants.ihop.com/en-us/hi/honolulu/breakfast-2211-kuhio-ave-3133
M.A.C. 24/7 — The Giant “M.A.C. Daddy” Pancake Challenge ($42)
Located inside the Hilton Waikiki Beach, M.A.C. 24/7 is famous for one thing: a stack of pancake so immense, that it’s almost legendary in Waikki.
The M.A.C. Daddy Pancake Challenge brandishes three enormous pancakes with toppings, making it a 5-pound monolith. If you can polish this plate off by yourself within 90 minutes, you get that dish for free, along with a shirt and bragging rights. We may suggest requesting a shirt one size larger though.
Information
- Address: 2500 Kūhiō Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Restaurant Hours: Breakfast 6:00 AM–11:00 AM / Dinner 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
- Challenge details: 5 lbs, 90 minutes, prize shirt
- Website: https://mac247waikiki.com/
Forty Niner (Waikiki) — Forty Niner Pancakes ($12.75+)
A solid, good-value breakfast in Waikiki is discovered at Forty Niner, located on the ground floor of the Island Colony building.
The Forty Niner Pancakes feature banana macadamia nut pancakes topped with a coconut (haupia) macadamia nut sauce. Besides seeming quintessentially Hawaiian, it is very satisfying and may cause what locals call “Kanak attack” or a Hawaiian form of paralysis induced by the overconsumption of food.
Information
- Address: 445 Seaside Ave Ste 3C, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Hours: 7:00 AM–2:00 PM (daily)
- Website: https://www.fortyniner808.com/
Cream Pot — Mixed Berry Soufflé Pancakes ($27.50+)
If you love uber-fluffy pancakes, Cream Pot is the spot for you.
Their soufflé-style pancakes are airy and soft, almost cloud-like. The Mixed Berry Soufflé Pancakes are the popular choice, especially if you want something sweet but not too heavy. Sweet and tart freshness complement these delicate puffs.
Information
- Address: 444 Niu St, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Hours: Thu–Mon 8:00 AM–2:00 PM (check latest)
- Website: https://creampothawaii.com/
Waikiki / Ala Moana Area
Eggs ’n Things (Waikiki Beach Eggspress) — Fresh Strawberry Whip Pancakes ($17.95)
This is one of Hawaii’s most iconic names in the pancake world.
If you want the “classic Hawaii pancake photo,” this is it: Fresh Strawberry Whip Pancakes with a mountain of whipped cream that looks daunting, but tastes surprisingly light.
Information (Waikiki Beach Eggspress)
- Address: 2464 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Hours: 6:00 AM–1:00 PM (daily)
- Website: https://eggsnthings.com/locations/
Kailua
Cinnamon’s Restaurant — Guava Chiffon Pancakes (2 for $13.75+)
A Kailua watering hole for over 30 years, Cinnamon’s is always a strong brunch choice for Windward residents.
Their signature is the Guava Chiffon Pancakes, which are soft pancakes glazed with a sweet-tart pink guava sauce that keeps begging another bite.
Information
- Address: 315 Uluniu St, Kailua, HI 96734
- Hours: 7:00 AM–2:00 PM (daily)
- Website: https://cinnamons808.com/
Boots & Kimo’s — Macadamia Nut Sauce Pancakes (2 for $20.99)
This is one of the first pancake spots that people mention when hearing Kailua.
Boots & Kimo’s is exceptionally famous for its rich, creamy macadamia nut sauce slathered over its light, slightly salted pancakes, resulting in a nice sweet and savory balance.
Information
- Address: 1020 Keolu Dr, Suite D1, Kailua, HI 96734
- Hours: Mon/Thu/Fri 8:00 AM–1:00 PM; Sat/Sun 8:00 AM–2:00 PM; Closed Tue/Wed
- Website: https://www.bootsnkimos.com/
Moke’s Bread & Breakfast (Kailua / Kaimuki) — Lilikoi Pancakes (2 for $16.95+)
Moke’s is loved for local-style comfort brunch, and the Lilikoi (passion fruit) Pancakes are worthy of a trip.
The house lilikoi sauce is creamy and fruity, but not overly sweet, making finishing off a big plate of pancakes effortless, even if you’re not a “dessert breakfast” person.
Information (Kailua)
- Address: 27 Hoolai St, Kailua, HI 96734
- Hours: Tue–Fri 7:30 AM–1:00 PM; Sat–Sun 7:00 AM–2:00 PM; Closed Mon
- Website: https://www.mokeshawaii.com/
Information (Kaimuki)
- Address: 1127 11th Ave, Ste 201, Honolulu, HI 96816
- Website: https://www.mokeshawaii.com/
Kapahulu / Monsarrat
Café Kaila — Buttermilk Pancakes ($12)
If you love fruit-topped “Hawaii style” pancakes, Café Kaila may be credited to bringing that trend to the mainstream.
Start off with a base of Buttermilk Pancakes, and then add fruit toppings such as strawberries, blueberries, banana, or caramelized apple to impart that flamboyant zhuzh.
Information
- Address: Market City Shopping Center, 2919 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96826
- Hours: 7:00 AM–3:30 PM (daily)
- Website: https://www.cafe-kaila-hawaii.com/
Sweet E’s Café — Pancakes ($10.50+)
Busy, lively, and always popular, Sweet E’s is a dependable Kapahulu brunch stop.
The cafe churns out pancakes that are chaste and affordable, but absolutely delicious. Consider buttermilk, banana, or blueberry pancakes and the add-on option of fresh fruit.
Information
- Address: 1006 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
- Hours: 7:00 AM–2:00 PM (daily)
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetescafe/
Waikiki Leia — Soufflé Pancakes ($18)
With a Diamond Head view and an open-air vibe, Waikiki Leia feels like a special occasion brunch spot if not an intimate venue for a wedding reception.
The Soufflé Pancakes come with whipped cream and berries, plus three sauces (macadamia nut sauce, maple syrup, berry sauce) to keep things engaging from start to finish.
Information
- Address: 3050 Monsarrat Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Hours: Brunch Sat–Sun 9:30 AM–2:30 PM; Dinner 5:30 PM–8:30 PM
- Website: https://www.waikikileia.com/
Ala Moana
Cloud Nine Café — Brown Sugar Cream + Boba Soufflé Pancakes ($14.99)
Another spot for soufflé pancakes, Cloud Nine Café does them right: fluffy, light, and made to order. Their flavors are more on the unorthodox side, with the most popular flavor being a brown sugar cream with boba. There are also matcha, mango, and chocolatey options to complicate the decision-making.
Information
- Address: 1221 Kapiolani Blvd, Ste 111, Honolulu, HI 96814
- Hours: 8:00 AM–7:00 PM; Closed Tue
- Website: https://cloud9cafehi.com/
YogurStory — Ube Pancakes ($15.95)
A local favorite spot near Ala Moana is known for big brunch energy and long weekend lines.
YogurStory’s Ube Pancakes look bold and purple, but the flavor is smooth and creamy, especially with the coconut-infused sauce.
Information
- Address: 745 Keeaumoku St, Ste 100, Honolulu, HI 96814
- Hours: 7:00 AM–3:30 PM (daily)
- Online ordering (official): Clover order page
Hawaii Kai
Moena Café — Cinnamon Roll Pancakes ($15+)
Located at Koko Marina Center, Moena Café is a Hawaii Kai breakfast favorite known for brilliant executions and satisfying portions.
Among them is the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, which taste just like what it should, with warm spice dancing to sweet glazed vibes, while delivering comfort in every bite.
Information
- Address: 7192 Kalanianaole Hwy, Suite D-101, Honolulu, HI 96825
- Hours: 7:00 AM–2:30 PM (daily)
- Website: https://www.moenacafe.com/
Kalihi
Egghead Cafe — S’mores Pancakes ($18)
Egghead Cafe is popular for its modern Asian twist on traditional brunch items. If you are in the mood for something out of the ordinary, this is the place for you.
In the pancake lineup is the S’mores Pancakes, inspired by the classic American campfire treat (marshmallow + chocolate + graham cracker). The best part is that you get the warming flavors of camping without the pesky bugs.
Information
- Address: Kapalama Shopping Center, 1210 Dillingham Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96817
- Hours: Tue–Fri 7:00 AM–1:00 PM; Sat–Sun 7:00 AM–2:00 PM; Closed Mon
- Website: https://www.eggheadhonolulu.com/
The Original Pancake House (Honolulu) — “Forty-Niner Flapjacks” ($14.25)
For that classic, old-school American pancake house experience, The Original Pancake House lives up to its name.
Featuring a wide variety of pancakes, and other breakfast plates such as omelettes but served with a side of pancakes, this place feeds your inner pancake beast. Try the Forty-Niner Flapjacks: thin, crepe-like pancakes that are fluffy and moist at the same time—perfect with butter and maple syrup.
Information
- Address: 1414 Dillingham Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96817
- Phone: (808) 847-1496
- Website: https://www.originalpancakehouse.com/
How many of these pancakes have you already tried? Consider this a starting checklist of spots to check out on your next Oahu trip. Head back to one of your favorites, or pick a new spot you’ve never been and forge a new memory on flapjacks.
