Ilima Cafe - Honolulu Restaurant Image
#185 of 1,736 Restaurants in Honolulu American

Ilima Cafe

4.1(102 community reviews)
Moderate ($$)

About

Discover Ilima Cafe, offering the best American experience in Waikiki. Enjoy Moderate ($$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

Start Your Morning with Local Flavor

Stepping into Ilima Cafe feels like a neighborhood secret tucked away in the heart of Honolulu. This isn’t a place for white tablecloths or formal service; it is a straightforward, no-nonsense breakfast spot where the coffee is hot and the portions are meant to keep you fueled for a day of island exploring.

Island Comfort Classics

The menu leans heavily into local comfort food, with a focus on plate lunches and breakfast staples that define the Hawaii culinary scene. You will find their version of the loco moco is a local favorite, featuring a hearty patty and rich gravy that perfectly anchors a slow Sunday morning. The cafe is popular with residents heading to work, so be prepared for a bit of a hustle during the early morning rush.

The Lay of the Land

Located in a convenient corner of Honolulu, the cafe maintains an unpretentious environment. You might find the seating a bit snug and the background chatter of regulars filling the air, but that is all part of the charm. It is the kind of place where you can smell the bacon searing on the flat-top grill the moment you push through the door. Whether you are craving a traditional island-style breakfast or a quick plate lunch before hitting the beach, Ilima Cafe offers a genuine slice of daily life in the city.

Photos

Ilima Cafe - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Ilima Cafe - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Ilima Cafe - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Ilima Cafe - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Ilima Cafe - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Ilima Cafe - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Ilima Cafe - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Ilima Cafe - Honolulu Restaurant Image

Location

2460 Koa Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96815-3243

Directions

Reviews

Showing 10 of 102 community reviews
J

Joyce ScalesGoogle Maps

Recently

I had the pancake tacos with bacon and a mimosa. I wasn't disappointed. Everything was hot, fresh and delicious.

D

Dmytro StorozhukGoogle Maps

Recently

Underestimated place. A really good breakfast is not for all the money in the world. I came back here for breakfast again. Smiling waiters, very nice. Relatively clean place. (Tables, floor, clean, does not stink of the kitchen, the only thing is dirty windows and you can’t really see the ocean, but that isn’t the main thing in this place). Steak, 2 eggs - $15!!! (April special). I recommend it!

S

silvia gonzalezGoogle Maps

Recently

Breakfast here was very enjoyable & savory! Server was so sweet! Yum, yum, yum!

J

Jordan JobGoogle Maps

Recently

Pancakes were horrible but otherwise the food was good (not great), and service was friendly. If you like pancakes do not go here - they use a pre-made mix and likely over-stir it, use too much mix, let it sit for too long, or all of the above. The result is a rubber-like substance that you can barely cut with a knife. They tried to remake it but the second batch was only slightly better.

K

Kxena PetrovaGoogle Maps

Recently

Nice place for breakfast. They have delicious food and friendly service. The prices are a bit higher than in other places, but there is no line here. Portion size is big, so we shared. I liked the papaya boat with granola and berries a lot!

S

Sarah HortonGoogle Maps

Recently

Cute little café inside the Waikiki Resort Hotel. We originally planned to go to one of the more popular breakfast spots in Waikiki, but it was packed with a very long wait, so we walked around looking for another option and stumbled upon this place. It was very laid-back and low-key, and our food came out super quickly. The waitress/hostess was incredibly kind, and I truly can’t say enough nice things about her. A different waitress took our order, but when our food came out, it wasn’t what we had ordered. We decided to eat it anyway since it looked good, though my fiancé was really looking forward to the French toast he originally ordered. She added it to the order and brought it out shortly after. When we received the bill, she was very apologetic and explained that she applied all the discounts she could to make up for the mistake. She gave us employee discounts and even comped the French toast, which we definitely didn’t expect. We were very thankful, and I tipped her well. If we ever get the chance to visit Oahu again, we will definitely be back!

B

Brian BurgmanGoogle Maps

Recently

This is a cozy breakfast place that has a relatively small menu. The food was good, but it's hard to mess up bacon and eggs. Service was a little slow, but on par for what I've experienced in Waikiki.

K

Keith HwangGoogle Maps

Recently

Nestled inside the Waikiki Resort Hotel, this awesome hidden gem serves up some of the best breakfast in Waikiki. The 'Ilima Loco Moco was immensely satisfying, and the Omelette plate comes packed with vegetables and carbs. Quality of food is excellent, and the wait staff was very friendly even though they were only an army of 2 serving 8 tables. If you're staying at the resort, you'll get a huge discount. Definitely come here for breakfast if you're in Waikiki!!

T

TylerGoogle Maps

Recently

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Ilima, the charming restaurant located within the Waikiki Resort Hotel, and I must say, it was a delightful experience from start to finish. The culinary offerings here are truly a testament to the rich flavors and vibrant culture of Hawaii. The highlight of my meal was undoubtedly the Ube pancakes. These pancakes were a feast for both the eyes and the palate, boasting a beautiful purple hue that comes from the Ube, a type of sweet yam. The pancakes were perfectly fluffy, with a delicate sweetness that was complemented by the rich, creamy Ube flavor. They were a unique and delightful twist on a breakfast classic, and I found myself savoring every bite. In addition to the Ube pancakes, I also tried the loco moco, a quintessential Hawaiian dish that did not disappoint. The loco moco at Ilima was a hearty and satisfying meal, featuring a perfectly cooked hamburger patty atop a bed of rice, smothered in a rich, savory gravy, and topped with a perfectly fried egg. Each element was cooked to perfection, and the combination of flavors and textures was truly delicious. The ambiance at Ilima is warm and inviting, with a relaxed yet refined atmosphere that makes it a perfect spot for both casual meals and special occasions. The service was attentive and friendly, adding to the overall positive experience. Overall, my dining experience at Ilima was exceptional. The Ube pancakes and loco moco were both delicious and showcased the unique flavors of Hawaii in a delightful way. I highly recommend Ilima to anyone visiting Waikiki, whether you're looking for a memorable breakfast or a satisfying meal at any time of the day.

V

VAPA JeannineGoogle Maps

Recently

Nice breakfast spot within walking distance of our hotel. I had the Portuguese sausage and eggs. Also tried the papaya fruit bowl and ube pandesal toast. Coffee was hot and good. Good was prepared well. Staff was friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable. The place is reasonable too with many options for different menu choices.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Ilima Cafe

Common questions from diners about Ilima Cafe in Honolulu.

They serve buttermilk pancakes, sweet bread French toast, tropical papaya boats, and loco moco.

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