By Ela Sathern By Ela Sathern | March 20, 2024 | Food & Drink, Guides,
There is nothing better than a perfect stack. Whether you prefer them topped with fresh fruit or drowning in syrup, these flapjacks are sure to hit the spot. We've rounded up our picks for the 13 best pancakes in Honolulu.
These pancakes are distinguished, delivering one of the tastiest pancakes in Hawai‘i. Built on years of expertise, their signature breakfast dish is the Macadamia Nut Sauce Original Pancakes which are light and carefree to savor. Whether you choose original, banana or blueberry pancakes, all will be topped with the famous Kimo’s Macadamia Nut Sauce. 1020 Keolu Drive, D1, Kailua, bootsnkimos.com
Smooth, fluffy, irresistible... the popular pancake house in Hawai‘i dishes out some of the best pancakes. You must try its Guava Chiffon Pancakes—the tropical guava sauce (in bright pink!) and whipped cream pairing is delicious, along with other signature pancakes, including Red Velvet, Cinnamon Roll, Pistachio and Lilikoi Chiffon. 315 Uluniu St., Kailua, cinnamons808.com
Enjoy the euphoria of biting into one of the freshest souffle pancakes in Hawai‘i. With choices of fruit, apple, banana or coconut, start your day with the special Diamond Head souffle pancake with orange and whipped cream or the Berry Berry served with housemade berry sauce on your plate. 432 Ena Road, Honolulu, alohakitchenhawaii.wixsite.com/alohakitchenwaikiki
The offerings here are a feast of flavors that bring a respite from standard breakfast fare. The must-try pancake on the menu is the Charcoal Buttermilk Pancakes served with a fresh guava-strawberry sauce, whipped cream and mixed fresh berries. 2255 Kuhio Ave., Honolulu, basaltwaikiki.com
Beat the lines outside of this beloved local breakfast spot and enjoy the abundance of fresh, wholesome foods to start your day. The fluffy buttermilk pancakes dusted with powdered sugar can be served with bananas, caramelized apples, fresh blueberries or strawberries. 2919 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu, cafe-kaila-hawaii.com
Enjoy pure delight and this Hawaiian jewel with a refreshing assortment of souffle pancakes. The ultimate crowd-pleaser is the Strawberries and Cream Pancake, and the tropical Pineapple Pancakes offer a further taste of the islands, with a gentle sprinkle of crisp pineapple chunks giving it an authentic Hawaiian twist. 444 Niu St., Honolulu, creampothawaii.com
Begin your day with featherlight pancakes topped with sumptuous whipped cream mountains that accompany each pancake stack. Enjoy your pick of fruit, though the fresh pineapple is a must. Multiple locations, eggsnthings.com
Swirling delightfully on the tongue, the Macadamia Nut Pancakes entrance with their nutty notes, while the Strawberry Cheesecake Pancakes provide an indulgent creamy tang. And the Banana Pancakes? They’re simply a tropical paradise on a plate. Multiple locations, koapancakehouse.com
Known for its locally sourced ingredients and creative takes on comfort food, these pancakes aren’t just food, they’re an experience. Try the Ricotta Pancakes with Hawaiian fruit compote, bacon and creamy black pepper maple or haupia syrup and toasted coconut, and be sure to add macadamia notes on top. 1120 12th Ave., Honolulu, kokoheadcafe.com
Since opening its doors in 1950, this full-service bakery and coffee shop has been committed to baking fresh cakes and pastries with local ingredients. Unparalleled fluffy pancakes await, with the star of the show being the Ultimate Berries & Nuts short stack with blueberries, strawberries, mixed nuts and whipped cream. Multiple locations, original at 515 N. Kuakini St., Honolulu, lilihabakery.com
These light, fluffy pancakes capture a comforting nostalgia yet retain a contemporary and refreshing narrative. Opt for classic buttermilk to indulge in its quintessential charm, or venture with flavors like Lilikoi (passion fruit), elevating the traditional breakfast to a tropical fiesta. Multiple locations, mokeshawaii.com
This café propels the humble pancake beyond the conventional, introducing a symphony of flavors that leave taste buds clamoring for more. Order the Elated Pancakes, which includes three fluffy pancakes—buttermilk, banana and blueberry—bursting with fresh fruit and blanketed in powdered sugar. 1006 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, sweetescafe.com
Bite after delightful bite, these outstanding pancakes have captured the hearts of locals and tourists. The Ube Pancakes, a unique twist on the classic breakfast staple, sees sweet purple yam infused into the batter, crowned with a generous dollop of thick coconut cream. The Strawberry Shortcake pancakes are another standout. Both offer a mouthful of flavors dancing across your palate. 745 Ke’eaumoku St., Honolulu, @yogurstory
Photography by: Robert Ingelhart/Getty Images