Ah, the pancake. Stoutly stacked, the sweet and fluffy pancake is a breakfast staple, and for good reason. The basic pancake is simple to make, yet the possible pancake permutations are endless. You’ve got the classics like banana pancakes and blueberry pancakes. In Hawaii, macadamia nut pancakes commonly pop-up on cafe menus. But beyond these #basic pancakes is a movement toward more intricate pancakes with much more vivid flavor profiles. In this 5 To Try, we highlight 5 of the most creative, drool-worthy, and instagrammable pancakes on the island. Hungry? You will be after you read this post.
Breakfast
Basalt At Duke’s Lane: Where Black Charcoal Buttermilk Pancakes Are A Thing
If you’ve been to Waikiki then it’s very likely that you’ve shopped in an ABC Store – the ubiquitous everything store for visiting tourists (and locals). Duke’s Lane Market & Eatery is a new concept food hall from the founders of ABC Stores. Of the handful of eateries in Duke’s Lane, Basalt stands out as the most modern and refined. Think fancy casual.
Lychee: A Waikiki Brunch Experience At The Alohilani Resort
Tucked away on the second floor of the reimagined Alohilani Resort is Waikiki’s newest brunch experience, Lychee. During a recent stay at the Alohilani, we were invited to experience the extensive brunch buffet. You’ll find the usual suspects, including eggs, sausages, and baked goods. Beyond that, expect a variety of seasonal fruits like rambutan and mango, seafood including sashimi, opihi, taegu prawns, and snow crab legs, a prime rib carving station, cuts of bone marrow, and even a milk tea and boba bar.
Moena Cafe at Kapolei’s Ka Makana Alii
We’ve dined at Moena Cafe’s Hawaii Kai location (see this post) on numerous occasions. So, when their new location at Ka Makana Alii (Kapolei’s newest mall) opened, we had to check it out…a few times.
The Royal Breakfast Buffet at the Royal Hawaiian
Opened in 1927, the Royal Hawaiian Resort is one of Hawaii’s oldest and most luxurious hotels. Experience a taste of that luxury and enjoy the Royal Breakfast Buffet at the Surf Lanai, featuring edible creations by Executive Chef Colin Hazama.
Siphon Coffee at Cafe Lani
All-you-can-eat bread & pastry, good coffee, lovely ambience, and notoriously long wait times. These were all things that I had either heard or read about before I stepped into Cafe Lani, one of the restaurant offerings in Ala Moana Center’s new Ewa Wing. But what would my actual experience be like?
Java Kai Coffee Bar And Their Japanese Flash Brew
Mission: Find great coffee…in Kauai. I quickly realized that I didn’t have to travel very far to taste the best coffee that Kauai has to offer. Java Kai, located in the bustling small town of Kapaa, is home to the best cuppa joe on the island.
Breakfast at Island Vintage Coffee
If you’re willing to spend some time standing in line and waiting for a table to open up, then Island Vintage Coffee should be on your list of must try breakfast spots. The food here is colorful, filling, and oh so worth the wait in line.