Here’s our list of 10 of the best brunch places in Hawai‘i for your Sunday fun day.
9Bar HNL
Named for the ideal amount of pressure required to pull a perfect shot of espresso, this industrial-chic cafe serves up the perfect cup of joe alongside hearty breakfast bowls and decadent baked goods. The mammoth scuffins (a scone-muffin hybrid) in rotating flavors like blueberry, matcha and Oreo cheesecake are already insta-famous. 679 Auahi St., O'ahu, 9barhnl.com
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Ars Cafe
Located at the base of Diamond Head, this specialty coffee shop doubles as a monthly art gallery and is a perfect pre- or post-hike stop. Enjoy delicious menu items like the gourmet loaded toasts—the famous salmon toast platter comes with smoked salmon, red onion, capers, chive cream cheese, sprouts and greens on a crisp baguette—or sample a slice of fresh-baked banana bread while perusing inspiring and thought-provoking art pieces. 3116 Monsarrat Ave., Waikiki, ars-cafe.com
Blue Ginger Cafe
The fresh-baked bread and pastries at this family friendly hot spot are perfect for enjoying on-the-go. Order a few to-go items like the apple and blueberry turnovers, cream cheese danishes, ensemadas, cinnamon rolls, pigs-in-a-blanket and chocolate chip cookies, pack your best picnic blanket and head over to nearby Dole Park for a brunch best enjoyed al fresco. 409 7th St., Lana‘i, bluegingercafelanai.com
Grandma’s Coffee House
This rustic, family-owned coffee shop-turned-restaurant boasts some of the best beans in town. For the last four generations, coffee beans have been picked by hand, dried in the sun and roasted onsite, resulting in what locals say is the best-tasting cup on the island. Grab a seat among the old coffee plantation memorabilia and treat yourself to a spread of cornbread waffles, cheesy sausage-stuffed omelettes and a slice of the aptly-named pineapple-banana dream cake. 18 Wahelani St., Maui, grandmascoffee.com
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Koko Head Cafe
Here, celeb chef Lee Anne Wong (who made a name for herself on the first season of Top Chef) features all-day brunch favorites with a creative local twist, such as breakfast bibambap, congee, dumplings and other Pan-Asian eats. Dine like a local and order “secret” menu items like the mega hash browns and fried tofu salad. 1145 12th Ave. Ste. C, O'ahu, kokoheadcafe.com
Kountry Kitchen
Serving brunch in Kapaa since 1975, you can count on an extensive menu full of hearty portions that utilize fresh, local ingredients. The plate-sized macadamia nut pancakes with house-made coconut syrup are a fan favorite along with the kalua pork eggs Benedict and homemade corned beef hash. Finish your meal off strong with an espresso made with locally roasted coffee from Kauai Roastery. 4-1489 Kuhio Highway, Kaua‘i, kountrystylekitchen.com
Lava Lava Beach Club
Grab a seat directly on the beach and enjoy delicious, relaxed island cuisine with an open-air ambience. You don’t want to miss the Sunday Bloody Mary Beach Brunch featuring an a la carte menu of loco moco, eggs Benedict and fully loaded breakfast burritos alongside a selection of complementary bloody marys. Your dining experience is complete with DJ-curated background jams. 69-1081 Ku‘uali‘i Place, Hawai‘i Island, lavalavabeachclub.com
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Leonard’s Bakery
Hawai‘i’s original malasada bakery since 1952, Leonard’s is to thank for the island’s Portuguese donut craze. The generously sized balls of dough are fried to golden-brown perfection while remaining light and fluffy on the inside, then coated in plain or cinnamon sugar and filled with custard, chocolate, macadamia nut, coconut or guava. 933 Kapahulu Ave., O‘ahu, leonardshawaii.com
The Fish Hopper
Take your taste buds on a trip around the world with brunch faves like traditional New York deli bagels and lox, southern-style biscuits covered in gravy, Mexican huevos rancheros and Asian fried rice. Prefer something more classic? Fill up your plate with eggs, bacon and pancakes, best washed down with a mimosa or two. 75-5683 Alii Drive, Hawai‘i Island, fishhopperkona.com
100 Sails Restaurant & Bar
100 Sails Restaurant & Bar has reinvisioned its classic buffet-style brunch with the new and improved Indulge menu (Sundays, 9AM-1PM). At this all-you-can-eat concept, sip on a mimosa or bloody mary as you nosh on steamed Dungeness crab, slow-roasted prime rib, salt and pepper Kauai shrimp and eggs Benedict. Top off the indulgence with100 Sails’ signature Prince Bread Pudding. 100 Holomoana St., Honolulu, 100sails.com
Photography by: Photo courtesy of iStock
