Back room, lots of seating at this location
1 / 10

Hawaiian Style Cafe

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A beloved local eatery serving massive portions of authentic Hawaiian comfort food with a friendly, laid-back vibe.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Back room, lots of seating at this location

Hawaiian Style Cafe

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beloved local eatery serving massive portions of authentic Hawaiian comfort food with a friendly, laid-back vibe.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Portions the size of your head, with food that's always delicious and staff that makes you feel like family!"

TIP

Arrive Early

Beat the crowds by arriving early on weekends to secure a table, especially during peak breakfast hours.

Cash Only Policy

Remember to bring cash as the cafe operates on a cash-only basis, though an ATM is available inside.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Friday 7AM

Cuisine

Hawaiian

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(808) 885-4295

Address

65-1290 Kawaihae Rd, Waimea, HI 96743, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Massive Pancakes

Massive Pancakes

Indulge in enormous, fluffy pancakes that are a must-try, often described as larger than your head!

TikTok10 Best Big Island Restaurants to Experience Traditional Hawaiian Food11 Things you Must Eat on the Big Island+1
Hearty Hawaiian Comfort Food

Hearty Hawaiian Comfort Food

Savor generous portions of classic Hawaiian dishes like Loco Moco and tender short ribs, perfect for sharing.

The Kohala Dining Scene is a Food-Lover's ParadiseThe 10 Best Restaurants on Hawaii IslandGoogle Review+1
Authentic Local Atmosphere

Authentic Local Atmosphere

Experience a friendly, laid-back vibe that feels like home, with locals and tourists mingling as family.

10 Best Big Island Restaurants to Experience Traditional Hawaiian FoodGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Hawaiian Style Cafe - Waimea. Pancakes bigger than my head 😮‍💨 #brunch #lunch #hawaii #waimea #food
@kaanihisills
730 likes • 13.4K views

Arrive Early

Beat the crowds by arriving early on weekends to secure a table, especially during peak breakfast hours.

Cash Only Policy

Remember to bring cash as the cafe operates on a cash-only basis, though an ATM is available inside.

I go to Hawaiian Style Café at least once on every trip to the Big Island #travelvloggers #hawaiianfoods
@monybseattle
57 likes • 2.2K views
thinking of the haupia pancakes at hawaiian style cafe 🥞🥲 #hawaii #pancake #bigisland #foodie #waimea
@daphmaala
181 likes • 3.2K views

Share Generous Portions

Portions are very large, making them ideal for sharing and allowing you to sample more dishes.

Try Local Flavors

Don't miss out on unique local tastes like coconut cream with pancakes or pineapple sausage.

Hawaiian style cafe in Waimea Hawaii #waimea #hawaii #cafe #pancakes #bigisland #kona #foodie #ShowUrGrillSkillz #breakfast #hawaiianstylecafe #mahalo
@c3vc4m2
22 likes • 1.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Arrive Early

Beat the crowds by arriving early on weekends to secure a table, especially during peak breakfast hours.

Cash Only Policy

Remember to bring cash as the cafe operates on a cash-only basis, though an ATM is available inside.

Share Generous Portions

Portions are very large, making them ideal for sharing and allowing you to sample more dishes.

Try Local Flavors

Don't miss out on unique local tastes like coconut cream with pancakes or pineapple sausage.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Hawaiian Style Cafe is lauded for its incredibly generous portions and authentic Hawaiian comfort food, with many praising the delicious pancakes and hearty Loco Moco. The friendly, laid-back atmosphere makes it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. While the food consistently receives high marks, some diners mention occasional slow service and the inconvenience of the cash-only policy.

"All the meat is so juicy and tasty. Lock moco is good! But the lamb ribs is a must-try. After all the grease, finish up the meal with refreshing and flavorful water cress soup… highly recommended!!"

Why can I eat so much

"The food is great, portions are huge, and the staff is friendly. It has classic diner breakfast options with a few loco moco options to try. They had a handful of nice breakfast specials too. Our whole group was happy with their food, and I would recommend this and go again.

FYI - We had about a 25 minute wait for a table on a Saturday morning for breakfast.

This should have been a five star, but the waitress just forgot an item (even after a 2nd reminder from us). For that reason it can’t be a perfect 5."

Joe

"05/10/2025 (Sat)
On the last day of our stay, we decided to stop by Hawaiian Style Café in Waimea, as we had heard that it’s a popular local spot known for its generous portions and welcoming, laid-back vibe. Curious and eager to experience it for ourselves, we made it our final breakfast stop — and it turned out to be a great choice.🌺

We arrived around 10:30 AM and found a small line, with two or three groups waiting ahead of us. Thankfully, we were seated in about 10 minutes. The restaurant has a cozy and cheerful atmosphere, with a small main dining area and an additional space in the back. That back section had two 2-person tables and about three larger tables that could seat 6 to 8 people. We were shown to one of the back tables, which felt quiet and relaxed.🌴

For our meal, we ordered the Kalua Omelet ($17.95) with an added Haupia Pancake (+$4.95), and the Beef Stew ($15.95) with a side of French Fries (+$1.50). We also got a coffee ($2.95) and a glass of POG juice ($3.95). The staff let us know in advance that the beef stew would take a bit longer, and it arrived after about 30 minutes, while the omelet was served in about 20.

Though we usually don’t eat such hearty meals in the morning, we were impressed by how flavorful and tender the beef stew was — it had been slowly cooked to perfection and we finished every bite. The Kalua Omelet was satisfying as well, and the haupia pancake added a sweet, creamy island touch to the meal.

All of the staff were cheerful and pleasant, and their warm service added to the experience. Overall, we really enjoyed our visit and would love to return if we ever come back to Waimea. It’s a great spot to enjoy a relaxed, local-style breakfast in a friendly and inviting setting.😊✨"

Yulily

What People Like

Massive, delicious pancakes
Hearty Hawaiian comfort food
Friendly, local atmosphere

What People Dislike

Cash-only policy
Occasional slow service

Frequently Asked Questions

Many visitors rave about the giant pancakes, Loco Moco, and tender short ribs. The Haupia pancakes are also a unique local favorite.

TikTokThe Kohala Dining Scene is a Food-Lover's ParadiseGoogle Review

Yes, the cafe operates on a cash-only basis. There is an ATM available inside for your convenience.

TikTokGoogle Review

Yes, the portions are famously generous, often described as being the size of your head, making them perfect for sharing.

TikTokGoogle Review+1

Weekends can be very busy. Arriving early, especially on weekend mornings, is recommended to minimize wait times.

Google Review

While the menu focuses on traditional Hawaiian dishes, some vegetarian options may be available. Inquiries are recommended.

Best restaurants Kohala & Waimea, Hawaiʻi the Big Island

Yes, there is a large parking lot in front of the shop, which makes it convenient for diners.

Google Review

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