Seemor
Honolulu › Honolulu › Café Kaila
Café KailaA-Worth Trying
2919 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96816
· Cafe, Breakfast restaurant, Brunch restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1732 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout
Beloved local brunch cafe with friendly service, creative specials, and reliably tasty classics; expect waits at peak times and occasional service or seating hiccups.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Café Kaila delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional brunch execution featuring standout classics like kalua pork benedicts and meatloaf loco moco, paired with attentive, friendly service that keeps regulars returning. The generally consistent quality and strong local loyalty reflect a well-run neighborhood favorite, though tight seating and cramped conditions and occasional service inconsistencies prevent it from reaching grade A territory. Worth planning around the waits for reliable, well-executed comfort food with Hawaiian character.
Restaurant Summary
Lines form early at this neighborhood cafe, but the mood stays warm and bustling. Staff are widely described as friendly and helpful, with refills and suggestions offered even when it is busy. One diner summed it up: "Worth the wait for fluffy pancakes and a relaxed local feel." Parking can be tight and seating gets cozy, so timing helps. The cooking leans classic American brunch with Hawaiian touches rather than theatrics. Think benedicts with kalua pork, a crisp Belgian waffle under juicy fried chicken, and a meatloaf loco moco that regulars crave. Specials like cornbread waffles and seasonal French toast keep things interesting while the core menu stays reliable for those who want well-executed comfort. Families do well here: there is a keiki meal, familiar kid-pleasers like pancakes, PBJ panini, and simple eggs. Based on the menu, even selective eaters can find something straightforward, though swimsuits as tops were refused once, so come in casual but street-ready attire.
At a Glance
- Friendly, attentive service with quick refills and helpful recommendations
- Standout brunch classics with local twists (kalua pork benedict, meatloaf loco moco)
- Good value for Honolulu; hearty portions on many items
- Long waits and tight parking at peak times
- Occasional missteps (cold waffle, oversalted chicken, rigid seating policies)
What Sets It Apart
- Hawaiian twist benedicts
- Daily specials like cornbread waffle
- All-day breakfast availability
What People Love
- Fluffy pancakes and indulgent French toast
- Creative specials that rotate
- Kalua pork benedict and hearty loco moco
- Relaxed, local vibe with kind service
- Coffee with refills
Points of Concern
- Waits of 30–60 minutes on weekends; sign-in sheet system
- Parking stalls are small and fill up quickly
- Isolated reports of rude host/manager and inflexible seating moves
- A few dishes arrived cold or oversalted; consistency dips during peak
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$26-38 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For vegetarians: Eggs Florentine ($14.25) or Veggie Omelette ($14.95).
- For kids: Keiki Meals ($8.00) or PBJ Panini ($6.00).
- Value combo: Lunch Panini ($11.75-$11.95) plus Soup of the Day ($5.95-$6.95).
Perfect For
- Early-bird brunch before the rush
- Casual family breakfast after school drop-off
- Travelers seeking a local-feeling brunch
- Groups of 2–4 catching up over coffee
Location Insights
Area: Local shopping center setting with a casual daytime vibe; draws both neighborhood regulars and island visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, busy during daytime with steady foot traffic; no notable safety concerns in reviews.
Nearby: Located near Market City Shopping Center; convenient after school drop-offs and errands; parking stalls can be tight.
WaikikiWaikiki offers a lively dining environment with a wide range of options from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, catering primarily to tourists but also frequented by locals. The atmosphere is energetic and tourist-friendly, with many establishments open early to serve breakfast and brunch to visitors and residents alike.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday07:00–15:30
Tuesday07:00–15:30
Wednesday07:00–15:30
Thursday07:00–15:30
Friday07:00–15:30
Saturday07:00–15:30
Sunday07:00–15:30
Available: Reservations, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →