#10WANDERFOODHAWAII
(Click on the hashtag for more food recommendations)
Kailua is a popular destination on the east side of Oahu where we usually find ourselves in the early morning looking for a nice breakfast spot. We spend our time on the pristine beaches of Lanikai or playful waters of Kailua Beach. Occasionally, if we hadn’t already stuffed ourselves with breakfast, we’ll head to an eatery we haven’t eaten at in a while to fuel up for lunch. After realizing how many food stops we love, we thought we’d share some of our recommendations!
1. Kalapawai Café & Deli
There’s a lot to say about this cafe! Let’s just share the favorite dishes: crab and artichoke dip, crab crusted opah over lobster cream pasta, butternut squash ravioli, and amazing desserts! There’s also a Kalapawai Café & Deli in Kapolei but the original spot is located in Kailua.
Check out Kalapawai Café & Deli on Yelp.
750 Kailua Rd Kailua, HI 96734
Hours: Monday-Thursday 6am-9pm, Friday 6am-9:30pm, Saturday and Sunday 7am-9pm
2. Cinnamon’s Restaurant
One of the four locations in Hawaii and Japan is in Kailua. This is actually the original restaurant and is frequently drawing crowds on the weekend! Cinnamon’s is a breakfast and lunch place where they serve local food and some of the best-flavored pancakes! One of our favorites is the red velvet pancakes!
Check out Cinnamon’s Restaurant on Yelp.
315 Uluniu St Kailua, HI 96734
Hours: Monday-Sunday 7am-2pm
3. Boots & Kimo’s
Another famous breakfast spot in Kailua! I don’t think I’ve seen a short line at Boots & Kimo’s. It’s a great place for local breakfast and is known for their macadamia nut sauce served with french toast or pancakes.
Check out Boots & Kimo’s on Yelp.
151 Hekili St Kailua, HI 96734
Hours: Monday-Sunday 7:30am-3pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
4. Bella Bistro
This was recommended by our friend, Brooke, who lives in Kailua. She mentioned that it’s a great place for Italian food.! We have yet to try this one as we aren’t around during the evenings. We definitely need to check it out: I’m coming for you, onion soup!
Check out Bella Bistro on Yelp.
201 Hamakua Dr. Kailua, HI 96734
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11am-3pm 5pm-9pm, Sunday 9am-2pm 5pm-9pm
5. Over Easy
I give the food presentation alone five stars! They also use fresh, local ingredients for their dishes! Everything on their breakfast menu looks amazing – Crispy edge pancakes, Custard french toast, Brunch bowl – I’ll take each one with a side order of crispy bacon, please!
Check out Over Easy on Yelp.
418 Kuulei Rd Ste 103 Kailua, HI 96734
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 7am-1pm, Saturday-Sunday 7am-1:30pm
6. Aloha Salads
Salad! Yes, salad! For all you vegans and vegetarians out there, we got you! Make your own salad with an array of salad dressings and toppings to choose from. They also have the best pita bread and tomato bisque combo!
Check out Aloha Salads on Yelp.
600 Kailua Rd Ste 103 Kailua, HI 96734
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 10am-4pm
7. Moke’s Bread & Breakfast
Another local breakfast spot to try. If you’re not sick of flavored pancakes from the other restaurants mentioned, try their lilikoi pancakes! TO DIE FOR!
Check out Moke’s Bread & Breakfast on Yelp.
27 Hoolai St Kailua, HI 96734
Hours: Monday-Sunday 6:30am-2pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
8. Lanikai Juice
Great place for smoothies and delicious acai bowls! If you’re heading to the beach or a post-hike, stop by Lanikai Juice!
Check out Lanikai Juice on Yelp.
600 Kailua Rd Kailua, HI 96734
Hours: Monday-Saturday 6am-8pm, Sunday 7am-7pm
9. Crepes No Ka ‘Oi
Landon’s favorite place to go when we’re in Kailua. He loves crepes! Who doesn’t? From breakfast to dessert crepes, they got it all! We’ve always had great service here.
Check out Crepes No Ka ‘Oi on Yelp.
143 Hekili St Ste 130 Kailua, HI 96734
Hours: Monday, Wednesday-Saturday 7am-8pm & Saturday 7am-2pm
10. Cactus – THIS LOCATION IS CLOSED
It’s 5’oclock somewhere! Cactus serves delicious drinks on the menu! If you’re looking for a great happy hour, this is your place to be!
Check out Cactus on Yelp.
767 Kailua Rd Kailua, HI 96734
Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-10pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-10pm
Kailua Food Map
2026 Updated Information
Great news – most of these Kailua favorites are still going strong! Here is what has changed:
Still Open: Kalapawai Cafe and Deli, Boots and Kimo’s, Buzz’s Steakhouse, Cinnamon’s, Island Snow, Aloha Salads, Moke’s Bread and Breakfast, and Lanikai Juice are all still serving.
Closed: Crepes No Ka Oi and Cactus (already noted) have permanently closed.
Cinnamon’s Note: Their Waikiki location at the Ilikai closed in 2024, so the original Kailua location is now their only spot.
Boots and Kimo’s Tip: Hours have changed – they are now closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Open Thursday-Friday 8 AM – 1 PM, Saturday-Sunday 8 AM – 2 PM, Monday 8 AM – 1 PM. Arrive early as lines still get long!
Kalapawai Expansion: Kalapawai now has four locations across Oahu, including the original Kailua Beach market, the Kailua Town cafe, and spots in Kapolei and at their newest location.
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