Café Haleiwa
A charming local cafe on Oahu's North Shore, offering a taste of traditional Hawaiian ambiance and delicious, hearty breakfast favorites.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Café Haleiwa
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming local cafe on Oahu's North Shore, offering a taste of traditional Hawaiian ambiance and delicious, hearty breakfast favorites.
"Experience a laid-back traditional North Shore Hawaiian breakfast with delicious local flavors."
Leisurely Pace Recommended
Visit for a relaxed breakfast experience; the leisurely pace adds to its charm, so don't come if you're in a rush.
Try Local Specialties
Consider local flavors like Loco Moco, Hawaiian Delight waffle, Kalua Pork Eggs Benedict, or Steak Ranchero.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American, Hawaiian
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(808) 637-5516
Address
66-460 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Hawaiian Ambiance
Experience the laid-back, traditional North Shore Hawaiian atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. Soak up the local charm.
Delectable Breakfast Plates
Indulge in hearty breakfast options, from classic French toast with bananas to unique twists like huevos rancheros and Loco Moco.
Hawaiian Delight Waffles
Savor the cafe's dessert Belgian waffles, a standout item praised for its delicious taste and generous portion sizes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Leisurely Pace Recommended
Visit for a relaxed breakfast experience; the leisurely pace adds to its charm, so don't come if you're in a rush.
Try Local Specialties
Consider local flavors like Loco Moco, Hawaiian Delight waffle, Kalua Pork Eggs Benedict, or Steak Ranchero.
Embrace the Charm
Be prepared for minor inconveniences like restroom conditions, but focus on the enjoyable overall dining experience.
Order at the Counter
You place your order at the counter and then find a seat. Service can be a bit slow, but food is made fresh.
Tips
from all over the internet
Leisurely Pace Recommended
Visit for a relaxed breakfast experience; the leisurely pace adds to its charm, so don't come if you're in a rush.
Try Local Specialties
Consider local flavors like Loco Moco, Hawaiian Delight waffle, Kalua Pork Eggs Benedict, or Steak Ranchero.
Embrace the Charm
Be prepared for minor inconveniences like restroom conditions, but focus on the enjoyable overall dining experience.
Order at the Counter
You place your order at the counter and then find a seat. Service can be a bit slow, but food is made fresh.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Café Haleiwa is celebrated for its authentic North Shore Hawaiian ambiance and hearty, flavorful breakfast dishes, with particular praise for its waffles and local specialties. While many enjoy the leisurely pace and friendly service, some diners note that it might not be ideal for those in a hurry and have occasionally mentioned issues with restroom cleanliness and coffee quality.
"I wanted to share my recent experience at Cafe Haleiwa, a charming local café with a genuine Surfside Hawaiian ambiance. This spot is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture. At Cafe Haleiwa, you place your order at the counter and then take a seat to be served. It's worth noting that if you're in a hurry, this might not be the best choice, but the leisurely pace adds to its authentic charm. For breakfast, I opted for the country breakfast with French toast. It was a delightful choice! The French toast came sprinkled with sugar, and I decided to add some bananas on top – they were absolutely fantastic. Everything tasted incredibly fresh, and the eggs were flavorful and cooked to perfection. Overall, it was a great experience that truly captured the essence of the local vibe. My wife chose the huevos rancheros, and of course, I had to give them a try. They were delicious and had an authentic Mexican taste, albeit with a unique twist that made them stand out. If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend stopping by Cafe Haleiwa for a taste of the local flavor and a relaxing breakfast experience. If you’re in a rush, this might not be the place for you. It is a truly laid-back traditional North Shore Hawaiian experience"
Kevin Kraft
"Great place to grab some Hawaiian breakfast - eggs with spam, banana pancakes Portuguese sausage and waffles. I had an omelette with bacon, cheese and asparagus. The French toast was a little tough on the crust. The food was delicious. The service was friendly.
No team bathroom - a porta potty."
Sherman On
"Café Haleiwa is a casual spot in Haleiwa on Oahu's North Shore, known for its breakfast and brunch with local flavors. We visited for lunch after golf and it was very busy. We tried the Loco Moco, which was excellent, and their bottled fresh juice, which was good. The Lion coffee wasn't as strong as I would have liked, but it was decent. However, the porta-potty was in terrible condition—smelly and dirty, so we ended up going to Starbucks to use the restroom."
Marie Kang-Scott
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Cafe Haleiwa is well-known for its laid-back, traditional North Shore Hawaiian atmosphere and hearty breakfast dishes, especially its waffles and local specialties.
It's recommended for a leisurely experience. The service can be slow as they make everything fresh, so it's not ideal if you're in a rush.
Popular choices include French toast with bananas, huevos rancheros, Loco Moco, and their dessert Belgian waffles.
Yes, the cafe has outdoor seating areas where you can enjoy your meal and the ambiance.
Restrooms are available, though some reviews mention they are porta-potties and their condition can vary.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Oahu's Tourist Gem
For a bigger, more filling breakfast, Café Haleiwa caters to every taste to start your day, offering everything from eggs and bacon to pancakes and healthy yogurt granola bowls. Lunchtime is never overlooked here, as these folks know the morning has most likely been jammed full of sunlit activities working up appetites. For your noontime noshing, try Killer Tacos (Jack Johnson spottings here are common!), Konos, Grass Skirt Grill.
favorite places to eat in Haleiwa
Historic Haleiwa town has a strong presence of history with several plantation-era buildings still up, present and operational today. This “landmark” country town known as Haleiwa has maintained most of its historical presence in these ever changing modern times. It’s just a quick and enjoyable detour on your bigger journey, but this town is just what we recommend in-between surfs or scenic stops.
12 Best Coffee And Cafes On The North Shore Of Oahu, Hawaii - Haleiwa And Beyond
Cafe Haleiwa beckons with the charm of a family-run eatery, steps away from Hawaii’s famous North Shore waves. Locals and visitors flock here to dig into a blend of classic American diner food twisted with island zest. Picture yourself biting into pancakes that taste like sunshine or savoring coffee that captures the essence of Hawaiian mornings.
Where to Eat on Oahu's North Shore
The North Shore staple has been serving generous portions of American cuisine to salt-crusted early morning surfers since it first opened in 1982. And though its traditional breakfast platters are good, the real winner here is the café’s dessert Belgian waffles. 66-456 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa, (808) 637-5516, cafehaleiwahawaiianislands.com.
12 Best Breakfast Spots on Oahu’s North Shore (2025)
When morning rolls around on North Shore Oahu and your stomach starts to rumble, Cafe Haleiwa is a bright spot for a satisfying breakfast. It’s a place where locals and visitors mingle over steamy mugs of coffee and plates piled high with fresh eats. Imagine sitting down to a meal where each bite is better than the last.
Restaurants in Oahu
Haleiwa's legendary breakfast joint is a big hit with surfers, urban gentry with weekend country homes, reclusive artists, and anyone who loves mahimahi plate lunches and heroic sandwiches. It's a wake-up-and-hit-the-beach kind of place, serving generous omelets with such names as…
Favorite Haleiwa Restaurants for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Pancakes, eggs, breakfast burritos, and sandwiches: Cafe Haleiwa and 9th Island Vegan are our top choices. The Waialua Bakery has amazing sandwiches, fresh bread, and pastries daily. Also, Farm to Barn and Kono's offer great food with outdoor seating.
The Best Food Options In North Shore, Oahu
Another diner that really stood out was Cafe Haleiwa in Haleiwa. We loved their breakfast so much that we ended up eating there twice. The second time was unplanned because our flight got delayed and it freed up our morning for some bacon and waffles!
Best of 19 salads in Haleiwa Honolulu
The salads are consistently impressive, crafted with fresh ingredients and flavorful dressings. Each salad is prepared to order, guaranteeing peak freshness. The chicken Caesar salad is a standout, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to quality.
Where to Find Brunch Places on Oahu
Whether you sit indoors or on the patio, the cozy Cafe Haleiwa will charm you immediately. It might be one of the most eclectic brunch places on Oahu. The cafe serves brunch from 7 am to 12:30 pm.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit