Hukilau Cafe — Restaurant in Oʻahu

Do I remember this place?

Unlike Drew Barrymore, yes I do. This place is located in the middle of a neighborhood so it is kind of difficult to locate but once you see the sign, it's on.

First and foremost this is a real cozy place meaning that this is a rather small cafe. Probably like around 12 tables at most.

But whoa that's where the small category stops in this cafe. We ordered the shrimp burger and the loco moco.

The shrimp burger was really good as it didn't have a cheap taste to it and it was a BIG burger that fills you right up! It has the clean shrimp taste which doesn't taste fishy.

The loco moco (I think that's the right name) is just a behemoth of a plate. It includes steak, eggs, rice topped with a mouth watering mushroom sauce! Eating it was like eating a NFL lineman's meal. You just feel like you can run around the whole island of Oahu with that kind of meal!

Thinking back of the food is probably why Drew had short term memory because she just tasted some mind numbingly good food!

But do yourself a favor and come with a empty stomach to confront the loco moco if that is your choice of food, you can...

This is not the Hukilau Cafe that we see in 50 First Dates, it's better! My wife and I got up early and made it a point to stop and eat at this "true" local eatery. We were on our way to Kualoa Ranch for an off road adventure. Upon pulling up to the Hukilau, it was tucked away in a neighborhood, off the main road. I was selfishly on the hunt for some "spam and eggs." What did I find on their menu? Spam and eggs! I had the fried ride, scramble eggs, and spam for breakfast. Who knew fried rice could be such a great breakfast entree? Aside from the food being great, and at a great price, it just felt local. I'd like to think my wife and I are not the typical obnoxious tourist. As we sat there locals came and went. There was talk about the kids that were going to be playing in local high school football game later that day. It just felt like the Hukilau serves a a hub for locals to come get some good food and everyone to catch up on life.

All this to say, go eat at the Hukilau Cafe if you want something that is good and supports the local community!

TIP: this place...

Stopped by because we are fans of 50 First Dates, and although not the actual restaurant from the movie, the reviews were great. It is take-out only, and we took our breakfast across the street to Hukilau Beach.

Though they don't offer waffles for one to make a house, my wife and I ordered the full stack of banana pancakes to share and an order of bacon for each of us. The pancakes are large, very fluffy, and have the bananas cooked in. Honestly, probably the best pancakes I've ever had (and I've had A LOT). They tasted very fresh and light (didn't feel bloated after eating them), and didn't really need butter on them. The bacon was cooked nicely, not too crisp, not too "soggy" and had excellent flavor.

My only suggestions: put real butter with the order instead of "buttery spread", and include plastic utensils considering it's take-out only. We didn't notice the lack of utensils until we were at the beach, but had some with us.

If you're anywhere close to Hukilau Cafe, I definitely recommend grabbing breakfast...