We ran in to this place by accident and wow. What an absolutely amazing experience from the moment we walked in the door. They made you feel at home and the food was incredible. Thank you for a wonderful experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
MS
We were in the area and stumbled upon this place and it was SO good. The servers were all very nice. The loco moco was delicious. We had never heard of a Vaifala drink so we tried that and it might have been the best thing I've ever drank in my life. We ended up going back a couple hours later to order a couple to go!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dan William
The chantilly pancake was the most awesome pancake.There is. The corned beef hash crusted on both sides,is to die for this place is excellent
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kapena Kahapea
Just go you wont be sorry. Blessing from the windward side.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Wehilani Aluli
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cafe Kalawa – A One-of-a-Kind Experience! Our experience at Cafe Kalawa was truly amazing! From the moment we walked in, we were warmly greeted not just by the staff but by everyone in the restaurant — such a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. This well-known, family-based restaurant really stands out. Our waitress, Danny, provided excellent customer service and took such great care of our group of 16 kupunas. They get to choose where they want to eat, and this was the spot — and now we know why! The food was outstanding — from the surf and turf (with your choice of fried or garlic shrimp) to Kalbi ribs, steak, French toast, and Shoyu chicken. The prices were very reasonable, and the portions were generous. Overall, I’d give Cafe Kalawa a solid 100%! We’ll definitely be recommending this place to all our family and friends. Mahalo to the entire Cafe Kalawa team for such a wonderful and memorable dining experience
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hamburger Steak Dinner Plate, Sweetbread French Toast, French Toast, Shoyu Chicken, Miso Butterfish
Ondrea Slade
Amazing quick breakfast! This is an off-the-beaten-path cafe clearly frequented by locals--so you know it's good. Nice Christian based atmosphere with wonderful servers. Everyone is so nice! Our group had a mix of pancakes, French toast and acai bowls (regular and coconut) and we loved every bite! Trust me, take the detour!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cechi “Cechi RR” Ruan
During Sunday they have live band playing in the background. I ordered mini loco moco and kim chee fried rice, and it’s delicious. I am feeling like most people dine in here are local. Recommend for visitors who want to try authentic local brunch.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
kim bryant
The cafe was very welcoming and full of hospitality by all that worked there! The breakfast food was awesome especially the lup cheong fried rice!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Christy Mendez
We came across this spot as we were leaving the botanical garden and are so glad we did! The food was excellent, with a great variety of options on the menu to choose from. The service was warm and attentive, making the experience even more enjoyable. Everything from start to finish exceeded our expectations. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
N.A. B
Located at the old Dean's Drive Inn, this is a very nice, friendly place! The food and the staff were so good. Definitely felt welcomed and will be returning soon! Please go and say hi to Handsome George😄
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Toast, Kimchi Fried Rice
Excellent comfort food cafe! Had two meals here during my week-long trip. The corned-beef hash-style moco was outstanding, and so was the sweetbread French toast. Had to come back a second time to try the chicken katsu, which was also very good.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Walter Bennyfield
Café Kalawe is a lively and popular breakfast spot that’s definitely worth a visit. The place is often busy, which speaks to its great reputation, so be prepared to wait a little during peak hours. Despite the crowd, the atmosphere remains cheerful and welcoming, making the experience enjoyable from start to finish.
I ordered both food and coffee for breakfast and was impressed by how delicious everything was. The standout for me was the potato dish—crispy on the outside, soft inside, and seasoned perfectly. It paired beautifully with their fresh, rich coffee, creating a truly satisfying morning meal.
One thing to note is parking. If you arrive late in the morning, finding a spot can be challenging due to the restaurant’s popularity and limited spaces.
Overall, Café Kalawe offers fantastic food, excellent coffee, and a vibrant vibe. It’s worth the wait and early arrival for a breakfast you’ll genuinely enjoy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Lisa Jones
Always good at Cafe Kalawe. Plenty of parking, breakfast and lunch options from open to close. Chantilly pancakes and waffles are so good.
They had some great looking desserts but we were too full from breakfast. Staff are so friendly too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
María José Guevara Ortúzar
Amazing food, best moco loco I've tried in Hawaii, and the costumer service is great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Donna Nooney
I love this homegrown local feel- good restaurant! Prices are reasonable and menu is moderate but ample to choose from. Today I ordered shoyu chicken and it was delicious. Today I had to order takeout so I did not go into check out their dessert display. I usually end up picking something from the showcase because it looks like stuff. My family makes at home for our potlucks. Lately, I have not gone on Sundays because it gets very busy with their great live entertainment.
We ran in to this place by accident and wow. What an absolutely amazing experience from the moment we walked in the door. They made you feel at home and the food was incredible. Thank you for a wonderful experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We were in the area and stumbled upon this place and it was SO good. The servers were all very nice. The loco moco was delicious. We had never heard of a Vaifala drink so we tried that and it might have been the best thing I've ever drank in my life. We ended up going back a couple hours later to order a couple to go!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The chantilly pancake was the most awesome pancake.There is. The corned beef hash crusted on both sides,is to die for this place is excellent
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Just go you wont be sorry. Blessing from the windward side.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cafe Kalawa – A One-of-a-Kind Experience!
Our experience at Cafe Kalawa was truly amazing! From the moment we walked in, we were warmly greeted not just by the staff but by everyone in the restaurant — such a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
This well-known, family-based restaurant really stands out. Our waitress, Danny, provided excellent customer service and took such great care of our group of 16 kupunas. They get to choose where they want to eat, and this was the spot — and now we know why!
The food was outstanding — from the surf and turf (with your choice of fried or garlic shrimp) to Kalbi ribs, steak, French toast, and Shoyu chicken. The prices were very reasonable, and the portions were generous.
Overall, I’d give Cafe Kalawa a solid 100%! We’ll definitely be recommending this place to all our family and friends. Mahalo to the entire Cafe Kalawa team for such a wonderful and memorable dining experience
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hamburger Steak Dinner Plate, Sweetbread French Toast, French Toast, Shoyu Chicken, Miso Butterfish
Amazing quick breakfast! This is an off-the-beaten-path cafe clearly frequented by locals--so you know it's good. Nice Christian based atmosphere with wonderful servers. Everyone is so nice! Our group had a mix of pancakes, French toast and acai bowls (regular and coconut) and we loved every bite! Trust me, take the detour!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
During Sunday they have live band playing in the background. I ordered mini loco moco and kim chee fried rice, and it’s delicious. I am feeling like most people dine in here are local. Recommend for visitors who want to try authentic local brunch.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The cafe was very welcoming and full of hospitality by all that worked there! The breakfast food was awesome especially the lup cheong fried rice!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We came across this spot as we were leaving the botanical garden and are so glad we did! The food was excellent, with a great variety of options on the menu to choose from. The service was warm and attentive, making the experience even more enjoyable. Everything from start to finish exceeded our expectations. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Located at the old Dean's Drive Inn, this is a very nice, friendly place! The food and the staff were so good. Definitely felt welcomed and will be returning soon! Please go and say hi to Handsome George😄
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Toast, Kimchi Fried Rice
Restaurantji Recommends
Excellent comfort food cafe! Had two meals here during my week-long trip. The corned-beef hash-style moco was outstanding, and so was the sweetbread French toast. Had to come back a second time to try the chicken katsu, which was also very good.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Café Kalawe is a lively and popular breakfast spot that’s definitely worth a visit. The place is often busy, which speaks to its great reputation, so be prepared to wait a little during peak hours. Despite the crowd, the atmosphere remains cheerful and welcoming, making the experience enjoyable from start to finish.
I ordered both food and coffee for breakfast and was impressed by how delicious everything was. The standout for me was the potato dish—crispy on the outside, soft inside, and seasoned perfectly. It paired beautifully with their fresh, rich coffee, creating a truly satisfying morning meal.
One thing to note is parking. If you arrive late in the morning, finding a spot can be challenging due to the restaurant’s popularity and limited spaces.
Overall, Café Kalawe offers fantastic food, excellent coffee, and a vibrant vibe. It’s worth the wait and early arrival for a breakfast you’ll genuinely enjoy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Always good at Cafe Kalawe. Plenty of parking, breakfast and lunch options from open to close. Chantilly pancakes and waffles are so good.
They had some great looking desserts but we were too full from breakfast.
Staff are so friendly too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing food, best moco loco I've tried in Hawaii, and the costumer service is great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love this homegrown local feel- good restaurant! Prices are reasonable and menu is moderate but ample to choose from. Today I ordered shoyu chicken and it was delicious. Today I had to order takeout so I did not go into check out their dessert display. I usually end up picking something from the showcase because it looks like stuff. My family makes at home for our potlucks. Lately, I have not gone on Sundays because it gets very busy with their great live entertainment.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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