




Hukilau Cafe
About
A Taste of Old Hawaii in Laie
Walking into Hukilau Cafe feels like stepping back into a quieter version of the North Shore. Tucked away on the grounds of the Polynesian Cultural Center, this spot has earned a cult following for its unpretentious approach to local breakfast and lunch plates. You will hear the distant hum of island music and the sizzle of griddles before you even reach the counter.
Legendary Breakfasts and Local Favorites
The menu leans heavily into comfort food that fuels surfers and families alike. Their Loco Moco is a standout, featuring a hearty beef patty and rich gravy that balances the sharpness of local traditions. If you arrive early, the Portuguese sausage and eggs are the standard order, served with enough rice to get you through a full day of exploring the nearby beaches. While the cafe is beloved for its flavors, be prepared for a bit of a wait during the morning rush—it’s a popular stop for those heading toward the windward side of Oahu.
Why It Works
This is not a white-tablecloth establishment; it is a utilitarian, vibrant hub where sand on your flip-flops is expected. The atmosphere is open-air and casual, making it the perfect pitstop if you are looking for an authentic meal without the high-end resort price tag. The space is tight, and the seating fills up quickly, so snagging a table can sometimes feel like a competitive sport. Whether you are a local resident or a traveler passing through Laie, Hukilau Cafe provides a grounded, honest experience that captures the unpolished charm of the North Shore.
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Amenities & Features
Location
55-662 Wahinepee St, Laie, Hawaii
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 344 community reviewsJustin WilliamsGoogle Maps
Recently
The food here was so good and satisfying. Loco Moco is the stuff dreams are made of. Portuguese sausage, bacon - wife and sons pancakes were also fantastic from what they told me. Oldest son got the teriyaki beef which was also very flavorful and tender. Portions are huge for the price - I am excited this will be leftovers later. 🤣 This is a must stop if you are on Oahu.
Lesley WilliamsGoogle Maps
Recently
Delicious good! Everything we tried was amazing! So glad we stopped here. Food portions are large, so be prepared to have leftovers or share your plates.
Sung-Yeh Naomi NordquistGoogle Maps
Recently
After watching 50 First Dates, my boyfriend said that the Hukilau Cafe was real & we could eat there! We made a trip down to Laie. My boyfriend ordered the Hungry Hawaiian - eggs, Portuguese sausage, bacon, rice, pancakes & I got a breakfast sandwich with bacon, egg & cheese & 2 coffees with cream & sugar(careful the lids aren’t too secure on the cup). I also got a T-shirt. Take out only. Definitely get there early before they sell out of stuff on their menu closer to closing. We ate our breakfast to go at a nearby beach. I didn’t notice any shoyu with the rice, bring your own. Definitely delicious!
Hanya LoskutoffGoogle Maps
Recently
10/10 food and service. take out only so we just ate at the beach, stopped here on our way to the north shore for the day would highly recommend! fair prices as well, mini loco moco and the regular very generous portions !
Alex Canul MendozaGoogle Maps
Recently
We tried some local food by recommendation, maybe it was my paladar or the plates we got, but it wasnt that tasty. Not my favorite meals but again, may be just that i am not use to the food. I would say, order one and try and share first, if its from your like there you go, just dont drive from honolulu just to eat here, have something before in case you dont like it, but hey, nothing like eating local food in hawaii!
Kylie DunkleyGoogle Maps
Recently
The banana pancakes were phenomenal. Take out only. Park on the side (right of the sign). This was recommended to me by a friend who went to school nearby and it did not disappoint. Very filling and reasonably priced for Hawaii.
Aaron HallstromGoogle Maps
Recently
Wonderful little take out place. Food was amazing! We ordered a Loco Moco, POG juice and Hot Chocolate (yes it works together 😁). Great food! Great Service! We're out here on vacation and couldn't help but try it. We'll be back next time we're up here
J Paige Polson EdwardsGoogle Maps
Recently
I’m torn. Food is good. We got our order and took it to the place we are staying. We ordered banana pancakes and a loco moco mini. That’s not what we opened up and were disappointed to find fried rice, eggs, and pork links and likely a regular loco moco with mushrooms. I’m lucky, i love mushrooms, still far too much food for me. Hubby was extremely disappointed. He’s been looking forward to banana pancakes since we got here. When we first came, they were closed and out of town. (Notice on the windows but not on Google profile) when we came on the day they said they would be open (twice) they still were not open. So we gave out one last try today. And our order was accidentally switched with someone else, which they were likely more disappointed than us. They are busy catching up from being closed, but it doesn’t change that it’s been frustrating. For us it’s not a big deal, it happens, it’s not a crisis by any means, (1st world problems), just disappointing. But again, the food was really good and the prices are very reasonable especially with the amount of food. Worth a stop, just bring extra patience.
Bruce SerranoGoogle Maps
Recently
Food tastes very homemade and simple. I tired the banana pancakes and fried egg Sandwhich. Take out only. We found a place next to the beach to eat.
Kris ClarkGoogle Maps
Recently
Did I come because of the movie? Of course. Did the food exceed my expectations? Most definitely. It’s a cute neighborhood spot! It was a bummer you can’t go inside to eat but the service and food make up for it! Seriously so good. The banana pancakes were so yummy and the loco moco is mouth watering.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Hukilau Cafe
Common questions from diners about Hukilau Cafe in Laie.
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