Nestled in the charming town of Laie on Oahu’s North Shore, Hukilau Cafe has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike seeking an authentic Hawaiian breakfast and brunch experience. This unassuming eatery has garnered a well-deserved reputation for its mouthwatering menu, generous portions, and warm hospitality that embodies the spirit of the islands.
Stepping into Hukilau Cafe, you’re immediately transported to a laid-back tropical oasis, where the aroma of freshly brewed Kona coffee and sizzling local specialties fill the air. With its casual ambiance and friendly service, the cafe invites you to slow down, savor the flavors, and immerse yourself in the true essence of Hawaiian cuisine.
Loco Moco – Hawaii’s Iconic Dish
Hukilau Cafe’s rendition of the iconic Loco Moco is a true celebration of Hawaiian flavors. This beloved dish consists of a bed of steaming white rice, topped with a hearty hamburger patty and a perfectly cooked egg, smothered in a rich, savory brown gravy. The combination of textures and flavors is simply heavenly.
The hamburger patty is made from high-quality beef, seasoned with a blend of Hawaiian sea salt and aromatic spices, grilled to perfection to achieve a juicy, umami-packed patty. The egg, with its runny yolk, adds a velvety richness to the dish, complementing the savory gravy and the tender beef patty.
The gravy is a masterpiece in itself, a labor of love that takes time and patience to prepare. It’s a thick, deeply flavorful concoction made from a roux base, beef broth, and a secret blend of spices and seasonings. The gravy’s velvety texture and robust flavor tie all the elements together, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors in every bite.
Hukilau Cafe’s Loco Moco is a true embodiment of authentic Hawaiian cuisine, showcasing the islands’ love for hearty, comforting fare. Each bite transports you to the sun-drenched shores of Hawaii, where flavors are bold, portions are generous, and every meal is a celebration of the local culinary traditions.
The Hungry Hawaiian Plate
For those seeking a hearty and authentic Hawaiian breakfast, the Hungry Hawaiian Plate at Hukilau Cafe is a must-try. This generous platter showcases the flavors of the islands, featuring a stunning array of local favorites. At the center of this feast lies a mound of fluffy, white rice, providing the perfect base for the accompanying delicacies.
Crowning the rice is a thick, savory slice of Spam, a beloved ingredient in Hawaiian cuisine. Fried to perfection, the Spam offers a delightful saltiness that perfectly complements the other components of the dish. Nestled alongside the Spam are two scoops of creamy Portuguese sausage, infusing the plate with a rich, smoky aroma that tantalizes the senses.
Rounding out the Hungry Hawaiian Plate are two perfectly cooked eggs, prepared to your desired style, whether sunny-side up, over-easy, or scrambled. The eggs add a touch of richness and protein to the meal, ensuring you’ll stay satisfied until your next adventure.
But the true star of this dish is the generous portion of crispy, golden-brown hash browns. Crafted from shredded potatoes and fried to a delightful crunch, these hash browns are a testament to the cafe’s commitment to serving up hearty, comforting fare.
With its harmonious blend of flavors and textures, the Hungry Hawaiian Plate is a celebration of the islands’ culinary heritage. Each bite transports you to the sunny shores of Hawaii, offering a taste of the local culture and hospitality that has made Hukilau Cafe a beloved destination for both visitors and locals alike.
Omelette Specialties
Hukilau Cafe’s omelette offerings are a true testament to their dedication to serving authentic Hawaiian flavors. The star of the show is the Supreme Omelette, a towering creation that will leave you feeling like royalty. This behemoth of an omelette is packed with a mouthwatering combination of Portuguese sausage, bacon, ham, mushrooms, onions, and a blend of melted cheeses. Each bite is a flavor explosion, with the savory meats perfectly complementing the umami notes of the mushrooms and the richness of the cheese.
But the omelette menu doesn’t stop there. For those seeking a taste of the islands, the Hawaiian Omelette is a must-try. This delightful creation is filled with a harmonious blend of Kalua pork, caramelized onions, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, all enveloped in a fluffy egg embrace. The smoky flavors of the Kalua pork mingle beautifully with the sweetness of the onions, creating a truly unique and unforgettable taste experience.
Vegetarians need not worry, as Hukilau Cafe has you covered with their Veggie Omelette. This meatless marvel is a celebration of fresh, locally sourced vegetables, skillfully combined to create a dish that is both satisfying and bursting with flavor. From crisp bell peppers to juicy tomatoes and sautéed mushrooms, each bite is a delightful reminder of the bounty that Hawaii has to offer.
Pancake Paradise
Hukilau Cafe’s pancake offerings are a true celebration of Hawaiian flavors and ingredients. Their signature Macadamia Nut Pancakes are a must-try, featuring light and fluffy pancakes studded with crunchy macadamia nuts, adding a delightful texture and nutty flavor to every bite. The Coconut Pancakes are another local favorite, infused with the tropical essence of coconut and topped with a dollop of coconut syrup, transporting you to a beachside paradise with every forkful.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Banana Pancakes are a heavenly indulgence. Thick and fluffy pancakes are generously topped with fresh banana slices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will have you savoring every bite. These pancakes are often drizzled with a rich banana syrup, taking the sweetness to new heights.
What sets Hukilau Cafe’s pancakes apart is their commitment to using high-quality ingredients and generous portions. Each pancake is cooked to perfection, with a golden-brown exterior and a soft, pillowy interior that melts in your mouth. Whether you opt for the classic buttermilk pancakes or venture into the realm of Hawaiian flavors, you’re guaranteed a pancake experience like no other.
Local Favorites
Beyond the quintessential Hawaiian breakfast plates and pancake varieties, Hukilau Cafe’s menu showcases an array of local favorites that exemplify the diverse culinary influences found in the islands. One standout dish is the Local Fried Rice, a savory medley of rice, Portuguese sausage, bacon, eggs, and vegetables, infused with the flavors of shoyu (soy sauce) and furikake seasoning. This hearty offering is a testament to the melting pot of cultures that have shaped Hawaiian cuisine.
Another beloved item is the Corned Beef Hash, a comforting blend of tender corned beef, potatoes, and onions, often served with eggs and rice. This dish reflects the influence of American cuisine while embracing the local penchant for generous portions and satisfying flavors.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Hawaii French Toast is a must-try. Thick slices of Hawaiian bread are dipped in a rich custard batter, grilled to perfection, and served with a drizzle of tropical fruit syrup or haupia (coconut) sauce. This decadent treat exemplifies the islands’ affinity for combining sweet and savory flavors, creating a harmonious fusion of tastes.
Conclusion
Hukilau Cafe stands as a culinary gem on the North Shore of Oahu, offering an authentic taste of Hawaiian breakfast and brunch cuisine. From the mouthwatering Loco Moco to the fluffy Macadamia Nut Pancakes, the cafe’s menu is a celebration of local flavors and generous portions that will leave you craving for more.
The warm hospitality and casual atmosphere make Hukilau Cafe an ideal destination for a laid-back dining experience. Whether you’re a visitor seeking to immerse yourself in the island’s culinary traditions or a local in search of a familiar taste of home, this cafe promises to deliver an unforgettable dining experience.
So, if you find yourself on the North Shore of Oahu, make sure to add Hukilau Cafe to your list of must-visit spots. Indulge in the flavors of Hawaii, savor the friendly service, and let the cafe’s welcoming ambiance transport you to a place of pure bliss. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the true essence of Hawaiian breakfast and brunch at Hukilau Cafe.