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    Café Kaila

    4.3 (2.3k reviews)
    Open • 7:00 am - 3:30 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Café Kaila Photos

    Business Info

    CAFÉ KAILA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Café Kaila

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    Banana Bread (unassuming and perfection) 2026
    Sunshine C.

    Go early (like when they open at 7am) on the weekends to avoid the lines! We enjoyed a meatloaf Loco Moco, made with a delicious homemade gravy, traditional eggs Benedict, and the Hawaiian Plate (fresh fruit and choice of starch). The banana bread was basically perfect. Soft, banana-y, almost custard, but not rubbery or dense, and no nuts. Lightly grilled to give it just a bit of crispy edge. Mmm. Breakfast entrees are around $20 after tax, while sandwiches/bagels are a little less. Coffee has free refills. We're already planning what we'll get the next time we come!

    Kalua pork benny
    Tiffie P.

    Quite possibly the best brunch in Honolulu! My aunt lives in Waikiki and recommended this restaurant. We arrived on a Thursday just before 11 and there was no wait. We were seated right away and greeted by what seemed like every single employee. They took the time to review the menu and their specials, and even gave us recommendations. Our coffee mugs were never even half empty and the food... oh the food! Excellent! Highly highly recommend their chicken and waffles. Yummmmm

    Two eggs with Portuguese sausage and fried rice
    Tania G.

    This place was sooo good!! A friend recommended this spot to us, she used to live in Oahu. It's a very popular place, and when we got there it was pretty busy, but honestly only waited like 15 min tops! Our server was super nice and we had a couple people check on us. Food came out super fast also which is a huge plus. To top it off it was actually hot! The restaurant itself was cute, it felt like I was eating at a friend's house if that makes sense. I got the two eggs with Portuguese sausage and fried rice with sourdough. And we also got some pancakes. All the food was soo delicious! I'd definitely recommend this place , and it also wasn't tooo expensive which is a major plus!

    Today's Special: Croissant French Toast with Caramelized Apples
    James L.

    There's certainly plentiful breakfast or brunch places in Hawaii but this place is special. A nice Sunday go to for some of my favorite breakfast choices. Their menu has a list larger than Denny's and the food quality was over the moon! Service style is very diner style, with an aloha twist. Server was very personal and had a very sweet and charming smile. Definitely what I want first thing in the morning. The cafe is very cute, personally I find it a little tight and a lot of background noise but makes it very festive. They are quite pack yet they are very efficient and the food comes out quick. For the food, Eggs Benedict was good egg was nice and yolky. The Canadian bacon is crispy and provides the perfect saltiness that balances the yolk of the egg. The French toast is sweet, both heavy and light. The heaviness of the croissant paired with the syrup creates a nice heavy punch with the whip cream and berries creating a fluffy light texture.

    Chicken
    Elle F.

    Overall good ! This was our 2nd time here but disappointed with my order today. I had the chicken & waffle- waffle was perfect but the chicken was overcooked & very salty.

    Lox and bagel with my cup of black coffee
    Virgie L.

    This is one of our other go to places for bread when we are in town. Service is on point with a chill vibe. Food is always good. Today's meal was lox and bagel which was a winner. The only complaint is maybe cut the tomato a little bit thinner.

    Michaela S.

    Great food, quick service, hits the spot! Came here on a Saturday morning and there was a little bit of a wait, but they move fast! We were in an out of the restaurant in about an hour! I got the french toast with eggs and portuguese sausage. Delicious and hit the spot. My friend got the pancakes with strawberries and boy did they load up the strawberries! It was the fresh kind too! Hit the brunch spot for sure!

    Belgian waffle with strawberries and meatloaf eggs Benedict
    Hailley O.

    I was craving something sweet, so I ordered the Belgian waffle with strawberries, while my boyfriend got the meatloaf eggs Benedict. Everything was delicious! The waffles were light and fluffy, and I appreciated how generous they were with the strawberries. I also tried my boyfriend's dish, the meatloaf was flavorful and moist. The service was quick and efficient. The only thing that felt a little awkward was when our server handed me the payment device and seemed to watch the screen closely while I completed the transaction. It would have felt more comfortable if she had stepped away or looked elsewhere for a moment. Aside from that small detail, we had a great experience, and Cafe Kaila definitely satisfied our brunch craving!

    Waffles
    Robert R.

    We always make it a point to stop by for Lunch or Dinner when we are in Oahu. They have the best Breakfast and Waffles along with their Meatloaf Benedicts. The people are so friendly here and it has a Family feel like ambiance. The Chicken and Waffles with the Maple syrup/ butter and paprika is really good. I also would like to mention our Server Kat's demeanor and personality made it feel like I was eating at a neighbor's house. Definitely best spot for a Breakfast or Lunch when we stay town.

    Combo French Toast and Eggs and Meat
    Richard L.

    The food was amazing! I ordered the Pastrami Benedict with fried rice as a substitute, along with a side of roasted potatoes, and everything was absolutely delicious. 10/10! The service was excellent, the staff was friendly, and the place was clean and welcoming. Definitely a great spot--I'll be back!

    Sungju K.

    This place is always busy for a reason! We came here after a hike and between the two of us, we had a hard time finishing two things off the menu (but we still ordered 3 things!! -waffle, eggs Benedict, and breakfast burrito). Their portion sizes are big and of course... they're one of the best breakfast restaurants on the island so the flavors are always good! Considering how busy they are, the servers are still always attentive and sweet. It's always such a great experience coming here. The only thing that stops me from coming is the line, but once I'm in, I'm reminded that it's worth waiting for!

    Spam, Portuguese sausage and cheddar cheese omelette. ONONLICIOUS!
    Tom D.

    Fantastic food and an amazing staff! Ambiance is also great. Graciously accommodated a group of 8 of us of all ages. Everyone LOVED the food.

    Portuguese sausage, eggs and pancakes
    Harlan K.

    Cafe Kalia is an excellent place to have brunch in Kaimuki. Located in the Market City Shopping Center with Foodland, the service is exceptional. The staff made us feel at ease like we were long time friends. I did enjoy their meatloaf eggs Benedict. The meatloaf was tasty and I loved the rich homemade gravy. You really don't see that combination at other restaurants. Oh and coffee refills were frequent, a big plus early in the morning. #bigboyproblems

    Cinnamon French toast, combo with bacon and scrambled eggs.

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    Café Kaila Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Café Kaila

    Do they seat part of the party or must all guests be there to be seated?

    I actually have a direct answer from a Manager. You have to have the whole party present before they sit you. Unless your parking car in parking lot, you all have to be present to be sat together. Hope this helps you out!! RR-:)

    Do you have gift cards?

    Yes, available in-person only

    Do they have any gluten-free pancakes gluten-free French toast or gluten-free waffles? Or sourdough bread?

    Sorry, I don't believe there are any GF pancakes, French toast, waffles or sourdough bread on their menu.

    Did they serve any gluten-free pancakes, waffles or gluten-free French toast?

    Not at this time

    Are there gluten free options?

    You can put together your own meal - eggs, bacon, potatoes, etc.

    Is there a virtual wait list you can join morning of?

    No, there is a paper wait list at the door.

    Is this place dog friendly?

    They don't allow dogs

    Are they still temporarily closed?

    No they are not.

    Do they offer gift cards that can be purchased over the phone or online?

    No. In-person purchase only.

    What are their hours of operation during the lockdown?

    on their recent instagram post it says 7am-3:30pm daily

    Do they offer take out?

    Yes. You can either order at the restaurant or call in ahead of time.

    Do they take Reservations for Mother's Day Breakfast?

    No, they don't. You put your name on a list and wait in line. The wait isn't that long anyways, only about 30 minutes. Once you get called in, you find your table and order.

    Do they have bottomless mimosas?

    Sorry, no they do not serve alcohol.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Helena's Hawaiian Food

    Helena's Hawaiian Food

    4.4(4.6k reviews)
    4.4 mi•Kalihi
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    Best local spot for Hawaiian food. The locals and visitors to the island alike love this spot. And…read morefor good reason. They are extremely consistent, since ever, and every dish tastes authentic. Pipikaula, which is the pulehu short rib, is my favorite. Lots of meat on the bone, and the fat in the meat you can taste with every bite. We got chicken long rice, beef stew, side rice, lau lau, haupia, and kalua pig with cabbage, lomi salmon, chili water, poi! Lau lau is Ono, definitely home made, and lots of meat inside. Almost forgot, we got watercress soup too. That's my favorite veggie! And the beef in the soup was cooked down so it was very moist. A little pricey overall but very worth it. Ambiance is nice and comfy inside. We went for takeout. Service was prompt and friendly even though they're so busy. Stop by if you craving Hawaiian food in kalihi!

    Visit September 2026:…read more What's Pidgin for OMG???? Because O...M...freaking...Geeeeeeeeee. Every trip to Hawai'i I look forward to upsetting my doc back at the mainland by gorging on some ono local grinds. Boy is he going to be angry. Give me a Chee Hoo for some Fried Butterfish Collar! How they are able to fry this fish without drying it out, allowing juices to just ooze out after breaking through the crisp exterior is mind bending. They know it's good bc when I excitedly ordered a second serving the waitress gave me a knowing wink. This is my new "last bite." Kalbi. Juicy. Well seasoned. Some of the best I've had. You know it's a popular dish when bc when I looked inside the kitchen you just see rows upon rows of ribs hanging ready to be pulled down and thrown on the grill. Lau lau-pork and butterfish steamed in ti leaves, a Hawaiian comfort food. The main reason for this trip was to bring my Mom back to her hometown in Ewa. She commented that she has not found a lau lau to her liking in San Diego so when this was brought to her and she went completely silent and smiling eating it up you know it's good lol. I was very happy Helena's take brought her joy. Kalua pork and cabbage. I can't attest to it bc it was being hoarded on the other side of the table and I was just happy with the butterfish and kalbi as is lol. Poke-Bruh, it's Hawai'i. Haupia-oh goodness. This was the perfect way to finish off the meal. The traditional coconut pudding was refreshing without being overbearingly sweet. Looks like Jello blocks but firm enough to pick up by hand. Outstanding. Service was ridiculously friendly and epitomized the Aloha spirit. This place is a foodies dream stop, serving locals and tourists alike since 1946. This place is a freaking institution!

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    Helena's Hawaiian Food - New larger inside dining area

    New larger inside dining area

    Helena's Hawaiian Food - Menu B: Kalua Pig And Pipikaula Short Ribs

    Menu B: Kalua Pig And Pipikaula Short Ribs

    Helena's Hawaiian Food - Inside

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    Highway Inn Kaka'ako - Mochiko Chicken

    Highway Inn Kaka'ako

    4.1(2k reviews)
    3.1 mi
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    Highway Inn is highly recommended for their classic Hawaiian dishes. We made our way over at…read moreopening last Thursday for an early lunch. Our server was very helpful and even brought out a pamphlet explaining each dish. After reading it over, the three of us decided to each try one of the signature Hawaiian combo plates. LAU LAU COMBO (PORK) - 22.99 + poi + lomi salmon The set came out in cafeteria-style trays, almost like a grade school lunch. Our server recommended eating the main entree and lomi salmon with poi, a fermented taro paste. Judging by how it looked, I thoroughly expected the poi to be sweet, but it was actually much more sour, almost like yogurt. I didn't enjoy it too much on its own, but it worked incredibly well with the pork lau lau. The pork was mostly tender and juicy, with a fragrant, leafy steamed flavor that reminded me of the Chinese zong zi my mom makes. The leaner parts of the pork were a bit dry, but the steamed taro leaves helped. The lomi salmon (salted salmon mixed with onions and tomatoes) was refreshing, although the pungent raw onions were a bit much for me. The 'uala (steamed sweet potatoes) had a natural, earthy sweetness that we all enjoyed. Lastly, the haupia (coconut pudding) was incredibly tasty, with a strong coconut flavor that made me sad when I took my last bite. One of my friends got the chicken lau lau, which we actually enjoyed even more. The chicken was delicious, and there was so much of it. Overall, we enjoyed getting to try some authentic Hawaiian dishes at Highway Inn, especially our server and the pamphlet gave us a better understanding of what we were eating.

    We came in a party of 9 and they accommodated us. Service was awesome- Jun-jun took care of us…read more We even brought an outside cake for my mom's birthday and they served it to us. Thank you. The food however, was disappointing. I had the lau lau combo. The lau lau was very dry. The leaves were dry, the pork was dry. There was not even a little fat in it. There were two of us that ordered it and same for both of us. My mom ordered the ribs, sherated it was tough and chewy. The ones that ordered the squid Lia were quite satisfied. I should've ordered the squid Lia combo instead. Not sure if I'd be back here though. But in all fairness, service was great!

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    Highway Inn Kaka'ako
    Highway Inn Kaka'ako - KALUA PIG NACHOS,FRIED RICE & SOUR CREAM

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    Rainbow Drive-In - Solid little place for some local food

    Rainbow Drive-In

    3.8(6.1k reviews)
    0.8 mi•Kaimuki
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    Locally owned & operated
    62 years in business

    Have you ever tried authentic Hawaiian food? Do you know what they eat in their houses very…read moreconfused? Check out this place homestyle Hawaiian plates with multiple different options and combinations don't judge the food you have to have it. It has subtle flavors deeply, rooted, cultural identity. Simple yet talk talks about history. When you use display, you can see old school Hawaiian folks explaining you what this food means to them and serve you a plate full of their food of different portions. It's plenty of food for one person to eat. They are very welcoming and they will feel proud of serving this to the guest. It's a very old-school vibe since it's Hawaii. It's mostly outdoor seating but this place is always. It's been there around for a while now and I don't think they're ever going downhill one of the best places to try even though they're plenty of other options for you.

    A local Hawaiian recommended Rainbow Drive-In to us, and I'm glad we stopped by. The loco moco was…read moreso good! Savory, satisfying, and an easy 5/5 for me. You order outside at the window, and there's plenty of outdoor seating. Our food came out pretty quickly, too. There's a restroom available; you just need to ask for the key. Definitely a delicious stop if you're craving a classic loco moco!

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    Rainbow Drive-In - Rainbows mixed plate

    Rainbows mixed plate

    Rainbow Drive-In - Loco Moco Plate

    Loco Moco Plate

    Rainbow Drive-In - Turns out I was wearing my GRAVY ALL OVER shirt so I had to get a pic with my loco moco!

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    Waiahole Poi Factory - Fresh, hand pounded poi, traditional staple of the Hawaiian people

    Waiahole Poi Factory

    4.5(1.6k reviews)
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    We had a family event in the area and decided to make a quick stop at Waiahole Poi Factory…read moreafterwards to grab a Sweet Lady of Waiahole! The Sweet Lady of Waiahole is definitely a treat! The warm kulolo paired with the haupia ice cream is such a delicious combination. Also you gotta get it with a double scoop of ice cream! I remember when my boyfriend first introduced me to this dessert, and I was instantly hooked! It's such a unique and satisfying local treat. Definitely a must stop if you're in the area!

    I heard about this spot from multiple people and was excited to see that it fit our itinerary…read moreperfectly! + my boyfriend really wanted to try Poi while we were visiting the Island. There is a really small parking lot available, but we just found parking on side of the street and walked over. There are tables outside for people to enjoy their foods. It can be filled up quickly since lots of people visit this spot. Many people are willing to share space. Single restroom stall available around the building. Staff is super friendly We ordered a plate with Squid Luau, Laulau, and Poi and a single plate with kalua pig. Both plate comes with some sort of coconut pudding? and a very delicious side of lomi with salmon bits in it. The food was so good! Portion was so good and super filling! One note is that we wish there were more squid bits. Overall, a 10/10 would recommend!

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    Waiahole Poi Factory - Amazing food. Ho'io salad is a must. Fresh poi is tops. You can't go wrong at Waiahole Poi Factory.

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    Musubi Cafe Iyasume - Teriyaki spam musubi, egg + eel + avocado musubi, spam + egg + bacon + avocado musubi

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    4.5(5.5k reviews)
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    Wow wow wow! We visited this little hole in the wall place twice while on vacation. Strictly take…read moreout... The selection is massive and they're a well oiled machine. Fast service...but not rushed. Everything is handmade...you can sort of sneak a peek in the back from the register. After trying this place, we're all obsessed with musubi! Try it out. You won't be disappointed!

    Musubi Cafe is such a fun, local gem, but be ready for a wait. We went early, midday timing, and…read morethe line was already about 15 people with roughly a 30 minute wait. It moves steadily though, and it is worth it. Inside is tiny, just one small table, so this is really an order and go kind of place rather than somewhere to sit and eat. They have every musubi combination you could think of, unagi, avocado, cucumber, egg, bacon, ume, tofu skin, shrimp, you name it. I got the tuna mayo onigiri and wished they had packed in a little more tuna filling, but it was still tasty. I also tried the cucumber spam musubi, which was really good too. We came as a group of seven and everyone ordered something different, and everyone loved every bite. My tip: get at least two musubis per person. A few people in our group got four each and had zero regrets. One thing to know ahead of time is parking. It is street parking only and pretty limited, so plan for that if you are driving. Overall such an easy, yummy stop and a great local experience in Waikiki.

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    Musubi Cafe Iyasume - Teriyaki Spam & Rice with Hawaiian drink

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    Café Kaila - breakfast_brunch - Updated October 2026

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