Koa Pancake House — Restaurant in Honolulu

My wife and I visited Kia Pancake House today, a place we typically enjoy for our weekend breakfast outings. However, this trip was far from pleasant.

Upon arrival, my wife received her meal promptly, but there was a glaring issue: her sausage was burnt on one side, which is never a good start. Meanwhile, I was left waiting—after 45 minutes—while I watched several groups of couples who came in after us receiving their food. This kind of wait time is unacceptable, especially in a breakfast spot where meals should be served quickly.

After my wife finished her meal, I approached the staff to inquire about my order. They seemed unaware that we had been waiting so long. The cook even asked if our order had been completed, which it clearly had not. I requested a refund, and instead of an apology or explanation, the staff simply shrugged it off. While I appreciated the promptness of the refund process, the lack of acknowledgment or courtesy left a sour taste in my mouth.

We’ve been loyal customers at Kia Pancake House, visiting weekly, but this experience has given us pause. As for the food, I’ve noticed a peculiar trend with their New York steak: if you prefer it cooked a certain way, it’s best to "downplay" how you order it. For instance, if you want a medium-well steak, you should request it as medium rare to ensure it comes out as desired. This shouldn’t be necessary at a reputable establishment.

In conclusion, while Kia Pancake House has the potential to be a great dining experience, today’s service and food quality fell flat. I hope they can improve in these areas, as we’d like to return and enjoy the meals we...

The factors important to me when it comes to a breakfast place: Easy to get to Lots of free parking I can go at a busy time and still have good service Price And tasty food, of course

Koa Pancake House achieved all of these! Located in the moanalua shopping center, it only took us 15 minutes to get there and there were plenty of open stalls. This was like 8 am on a Saturday so I'm not sure what it's like when it gets closer to brunch time.

It's an order at the register and bring your food to your table kind of place, which is great for a crowd when not everyone knows what they want yet. I ordered the traditional Benedict and the pecan pancakes, which weren't on the menu anymore but the nice cashier said they could still make them for me. Both dishes were great and I'd get them again if there wasn't other items I want to try next time.

The food came out quickly after ordering despite it being busy - every table in the place was full. I think there was outdoor seating but I'm not sure. If you have a baby, better to not bring the stroller since there isn't a lot of space between the tables. Our baby did well in the carrier and it was loud enough inside that we didn't feel too embarrassed when she was fussy.

Will definitely come again and...

Koa Pancake House is the kind of place that feels like home from the moment you walk in. The staff here? They treat you like ohana—always warm, always friendly, and quick to make sure you’re taken care of. It’s the kind of aloha spirit that keeps locals and visitors coming back.

Let’s talk about the food. The pancakes are unreal—fluffy, light, and just the right amount of sweetness. And the syrup? On point. But it’s not just about the pancakes. Their menu has all the local breakfast classics: loco moco, Portuguese sausage, eggs, rice—you name it. Everything comes out fresh, hot, and packed with flavor. You can tell they put their heart into every plate.

What’s really impressive is how efficient they are. Even when the place is busy (and it usually is), the line moves fast, and the food comes out in no time. It’s a well-oiled machine, but you never feel rushed. It’s all done with care and a smile.

Koa Pancake House isn’t just a place to grab breakfast—it’s part of the community. Whether you’re fueling up for the day or just craving some good local grindz, this spot delivers every time. Once you’ve had breakfast here, it’s hard to go anywhere else. Trust me, it’s one of those places that stays with you. Mahalo, Koa, for always...