Moena Café
7192 Kalanianaole Hwy,Ste D 101, Honolulu, HI, 96825
Moena Café Menu
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Address :
7192 Kalanianaole Hwy,Ste D 101
Honolulu, HI, 96825 - Phone (808) 888-7716
- Website https://www.moenacafe.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :6:30 am - 3:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Breakfast
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Soapy N.
Perfect spot to grab a bite to eat after hiking the Koko Head trail! This is my second visit...and let me tell you, after my first visit, I've been dreaming of coming back here for one dish in particular, the short rib loco moco. One bite and I'm in Loco Moco heaven! The short rib was oh so tender, the gravy was rich and flavorful, and then you add the egg, best bite ever! Service is great. Can't wait to come back again!
(5)Dani R.
Is our first day in Hawaii and we came to have breakfast, Brian the lead server was very nice and has a very good attitude, we are definitely coming back. I had the Benedict eggs and it was delicious. the cinnamon pancakes were amazing also. Definitely a most go here in Honolulu.
(5)Gina L.
After hiking the Koko Crater Trail, we were ready for some FOOD! So we found Moena Cafe to be a perfect and convenient spot to refuel. There was a line and after about a 35 min wait we were seated. Service was super friendly and considerate. The fact that our nice waitress apologized to the fact that we had to wait made it worth while. We ordered the breakfast sandwich and a veggie panini. Both were served piping hot with generous portions and tasty! My coffee was even hot, freshly brewed. Thank you Moena Cafe!! See you again next time!
(5)Ellen O.
Food has improved since beginning when first opened - but still way over priced and portion way too small. Some dishes are much better than others. Service is just okay but depending on which server you have. Some aren't attentive to customers.
(2)Aubry A.
Cute place in Hawaii Kai to have brunch! I had the Denver omelette with added tomatoes and mushrooms, while my sister had the Moena breakfast which had 2 eggs, Portuguese sausage, and fried rice! It was a bit busy that morning so we had to wait about 30 minutes for our table. Maybe next time it'll be better to come around 7 or 8. Service is good! Our server was coming around consistently to fill our waters, etc. Definitely coming back to eat a nice brunch before a hike or something!
(5)Eula B.
This place was suggested by my coworker's cousin who also attended the wedding in Hawaii. I was driving along the scenic route on the east side and this was on the way so my friend and I stopped here for lunch. The place is small, seats about 25 people. We came around lunch time so there was a bit of a wait. 15-20 minutes. Their populars are listed on the board outside: banana pancakes, corned beef hash brown, and short rib loco mono with fried rice. I got loco moco two days before so I opted out and ordered hash brown. My friend ordered the loco moco and the pancakes to share for dessert. The hash brown was just a regular meal in my opinion. Although, I actually expected the shredded look type of beef, I was surprised to get chunks. The potatoes were soft and mixed with the beef. I tried my friend's loco moco and I liked it. She ordered the better meal out of us two. The fried rice specifically! Crunchy! Sweet with the gravy! Also good on it's own! the short rib was juicy and tender! The pancakes were delicious! the vanilla syrup was drizzled at the right amount to at least enjoy the pancake's taste and texture. Very soft. The toasted coconut added the crunch. I love crunchy! My coworker's cousin actually recommended to get the french toast, instead, we got the recommended from the board. I'm not disappointed by our choice though! Definitely next time, I'll get the toast.
(4)Diana L.
Who doesn't love brunch?? First off - come early. Arrive anytime after 9am and you're going to end up waiting for a bit for your table. Approximately 40-60 minutes. The food is really just that good, though! I've tried a lot of their menu items: lox bagel, fried rice, pancakes, coffee... I have not yet been disappointed. Prices are average, I would say. You'd definitely need to come here more than once to really get a taste of all their foods. Unless you come with a whole bunch of friends and try some off their plate. Parking lot is huge, but there are other businesses in the area. You shouldn't have a difficult time looking for parking though, if you are willing to walk a little. Next time I go, I'll take pictures. I always forget when I'm here since the food is just so inviting! Enjoy!
(4)Sharon H.
Quite possibly the best breakfast/brunch find in Hawaii Kai, this cute cafe has charming ambience, friendly service, well prepared food and special touches that makes it well worth the half hour wait to get seated. While we basked in the sun, liked that the hostess brought out a tray of bite sized pieces of Apple cinnamon scone and apologized for the long wait. Also liked that the food came out quickly, all together. Eggs scrambled perfectly, potatoes diced into bite sized cubes, the cinnamon roll pancake ... Wow! Crispy edges, fluffy texture and the right balance of sweetness with a creamy swirl glaze. Simply ahhh-maaaaz-zing! Even the presentation of the ketchup made me smile, as it came in a small dish swirled into flower petals. Delightful. My friend ordered an Americano coffee and she liked that they served it cup half full with a small demitasse cup of hot water on the side so she could dilute as needed. Loved that when I forgot my hydro flask, they took the time to ask around and the hostess had found and stored it safely away. Super duper service. All in all, one of the top places I'd choose for breakfast! Go check it out!
(5)Nakita C.
My absolute favorite thing in the whole world to do is go out to breakfast or brunch. I go all the time and it's one of my favorite things to do when meeting friends or when I have guests in from out of town. That being said, even though Moena is right down the street from my house I always forget it's there. The food is good and it has a cute atmosphere. However, the service is very slow. Seeing as how breakfast places are very popular in Hawaii I expect to have to wait for a table and have slower service because they are busy but this goes beyond that. The menu is also priced higher than most breakfast places. Bottom line: if you're looking for a cute setting with good food in the area then Moena is great just be prepared to wait and spend a little extra money.
(4)Kelly D.
Don't let the stars fool you, I thought this place wasn't bad but prices and service could be a tad better xP My friend and I love breakfast places so I did my research on yelp and this place seemed pretty awesome! Even though it was in Hawaii Kai, I thought the drive wasn't so bad considering it was located in Koko Marina Center right next to Zippy's and Bubbies! The wait took maybe 15 minutes or so? It was pretty packed so I understand lol My friend was an idiot and ate before this because she thought we were meeting up later but plans got mixed up so we met up sooner LOL she got the mango-peach iced tea (most popular) and it was pretty good :oo just remember to mix the syrup on the bottom so the tea isn't bland xD I got the fried rice with poached eggs and we both shared the petite stack of strawberry and milk pancake. The fried rice at first bite tasted too "American" to me but after a couple more bites, I actually liked it :) it looked small but it actually filled me up O_O' which wasn't good because I had to finish my half of the pancake LOL Don't be fooled by the word "petite" because even though they only give you one pancake, it's humongous! It was bigger than the size of my head! Honestly, one pancake is enough for two people (we didn't even finish it since it was too big T_T) It's worth your money too! It was nice and fluffy and the strawberry cream on top tasted like the cream from the Japanese snack Pocky :3 there were real strawberries too and it comes with a choice of maple or coconut syrup but the pancake was good enough without unless the strawberries are sour then the syrup helps a lot xD I wish I knew that the pancake would fill me up pretty good so I wouldn't have to spend another $9 on fried rice I didn't really need :( everything was pretty pricey. Honestly, it's probably better (depending how hungry you are) to just share a pancake and get a side of meat~ The service was okay but it could be better. Our server/waiter seemed a bit monotone but at least she was helpful xP a smile really does go a long way!
(3)Sasha L.
Came here for breakfast and had the Mo' Eggs. Portions here are a little smaller, but if it's really delicious it's not that big of a deal to me. Hence, came here and had the Mo' Eggs and house freshly made corned beef hash. I would come back here for the Mo' Eggs alone, it was that good. Corned beef hash was also yummy, especially if you are one to like fresh corned beef over canned.
(5)Rosalynn E.
What can I say, I'm up at 4:30-5 am everyday. That being said, I love breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day. It sets the mode for the day. Can I just say wow! I can normally just have a few bites of pancakes and be done with it. As I talked and talked I was mortified to see that I had eaten all of the banana chantilly pancake. It's evil on my diet. The flavors marry together and it's not overly sweet topped with coconut flakes to add some texture. The ribeye loco moco is good with a nice dark gravy (makes the loco moco). I prefer traditional hamburger style, but the taste is right on. We couldn't make up our mind on the salmon or crab Benedict and our very friendly waitress suggested we can order one of each. Awesome!! Not too fishy, uses real crab and hollandaise served at just the right temperature not too hot and not cold. The sauce has just the right amount of tangy with cream. Coming back with my daughter to try the cinnamon bun pancake.
(5)Maimiti H.
This cafe is very cute and a great choice for breakfast seeing as the only other nearby options would be zippys or fatboys. The decor, decorations and accessories are subtle and pleasant. I ordered the Banana Chantilly short-stack for $9 which is one large pancake as compared to the $12 full order which has 2. One is definitely filling enough! The sauce was plentiful and delicious and topped off with toasted coconut shavings. I decided to add on a side order of Portuguese sausage for $5. 4 tiny cuts of sausage was not worth the price! I would suggest ordering an eggs/rice/meat dish and splitting that with a friend instead for a better deal. I for sure will be back but will skip the side meat orders in the future lol. When I order meat, I want some MEAT!
(4)Donna Lyn B.
I happened to see Moena's mentioned in an article about the 10 best places for brunch so when I Yelped it I saw something that I said I need to try: Strawberry Milk Pancakes! I'm not a fan of pancakes, but I'm a slut for anything strawberry so I made plans for my husband and my friend to drive there all the way from the other end of the island. I woke up at 6-ish AM to make sure we'd get there early so we wouldn't have to wait too long to get a table. Well, we got there around 7:30 AM and there was a wait, but it was only for 20 minutes before we got a table. I ordered the Pineapple Sausage Hash with over easy eggs. The sausage tastes just like the ones I buy from Costco. Is that a bad thing? Not really. I was hoping they made the sausages in house and I could be wrong that they were bought from Costco, but Moena Cafe could comment on my post to set the record straight if I am wrong. My friend ordered the Corned Beef Hash with sunny side eggs. She said she liked it. My husband ordered the Short Rib Loco Moco with friend rice. Both my husband I said the meat tasted like pot roast, which isn't bad but we were hoping the meat would be marinated like kalbi style. For dessert, we shared the short stack order of Strawberry Milk Pancake and it came out the size of a medium pizza. It was so pretty and we the topping was light and not too sweet. We were so stuffed from our entrees that we literally had to force ourselves to eat the pancakes, even resorting to coercing one other to finish it off. Overall, Moena Cafe is a pleasant and trendy restaurant and I hope to be back soon to try out their Banana Chantilly pancakes.
(4)Corie J.
Love the food here! Highly recommend eggs Benedict for breakfast. My friends always get it with avocado and say that's the best. For lunch the grilled chicken sandwich and kale chicken Caesar were amazing. Service is usually slow to very slow but the waitresses are very nice
(5)POOH L.
I had the acai bowl for breakfast and was very pleased with it. A little costly but I loved it!
(4)Elaine P.
This is a cute, quaint little cafe!! You need to sign in and wait to be seated. Thank goodness it was not busy yet and we were seated right away. The waitress was very attentive and gave recommendations. They are known for their banana chantilly pancakes, short ribs loco moco, and ham, crab or salmon eggs Benedict with the homemade hollandaise sauce. Portions are just right. I ordered the crab eggs Benedict and it was AMAZING!! Instead of the usual English muffin, they used garlic bread and made it much more tasty!! The hollandaise sauce was perfect...light and savory. My hubby had the Kalua pork omelette and it was also good. My son had the short ribs loco moco bowl and it was a lot of food! The bowl was filled to the brim!! We will definitely return!! The 1 less star is because the restroom is outside of the restaurant.
(4)Daniel L.
Amazeballs! Chantilly pancakes are da bomb. Lol. Great small place with lots of Aloha.
(5)Kylee K.
The service here is good. The banana chantilly pancakes are delicious. The petite stack is pretty large so I always have leftovers. I also like the fried rice. I've only eaten here in the mornings, but I strongly recommend it for breakfast or brunch.
(5)James T.
The is a great place to go after hiking KoKo Head. They have a really good Acai bowl with lots of fresh fruits. Sometimes we also drive out to Moeno Cafe to just get the acai bowl. My kids love it and my wife loves it. They just do not make it the same elsewhere. We also stop by every time we visit Hawaii. Today we tried the Kalua Benedict. It was quit flavorful. We added avocados to the order which went very well with the order. We definitely would order this dish again. If you are in the neighborhood, you should stop by and try the restaurant.
(4)Stacia S.
The coffee and the eggs Benedict were delish! The Denver omelette was so underwhelming and blah, I don't know how that can be, but it was. Our wait for the food was longer than most, but our server admitted fault in ringing the wrong order in, and I give her props for that! I hate it when servers blame everything else, plus she was super nice so that bumps the stars up. I'll be back to try the pancakes soon.
(4)Steven L.
After hearing much hype about this breakfast/brunch place, my family and I finally had the chance to check it out. Unfortunately, they were quite a letdown. Prices were high and portions were small. The food itself was subpar as well. We ordered the Strawberry & Milk Pancakes, the Short Rib Loco Moco, a Denver Omelet, a Keiki Fried Rice & scrambled eggs, and an affogato. The concoction on top of the pancakes was great, but the pancakes themselves were average at best. Liliha bakery makes much much much better pancakes. The short rib in the loco moco was tender, but very bland. If you took a bite of it by itself, there was barely any taste to it. Not to mention that there was only two small chunks of it. The Denver omelet was just okay.....nothing good, nothing bad.....just okay. The affogato was actually pretty good, but just a tad small. The service here was actually very good, so I gave them an extra star.
(2)Shelly N.
Went here during my lunch break for the first time recently. I've been meaning to come here, but haven't found the time. I ordered the turkey sandwich with avocado, which came with salad. It was delicious! Just the right amount of food too - I was full but not uncomfortable. This was a surprise to me, because usually I'll need to take left over food with me. I enjoyed my lunch, but did not enjoy the wait. I think it took about 20 minutes before the food arrived. I know there's usually a line outside, which luckily there wasn't one when I went. It just took a long time for the food to come out. While I was waiting, they served a scone (I believe it was chocolate, banana). I'm not really a scone fan so I took it back to the office to share with coworkers.
(4)Luna W.
I had the short rib loco moco with the fried rice and it was super delicious! Since its a rare circumstance to be in Hawaii for me, we went all out and got their house favourite, banana Chantilly pancakes as well. Both were delicious but I loved the loco moco the most. Only drawback was the price, ~18 with the fried rice option, regular 15. Also tried their flavoured ice tea which was yummy but tasted a little too artificially sweet for me -- also on the pricier side at 3.75 I believe. Overall great place, very clean, definitely worth a visit. Also don't think they have a bathroom fyi.
(4)Tara B.
Short Rib Loco Moco is a must try!!! I heard about this gem and I absolutely LOVE it! Friendly staff and AMAZING food is the best combo. I would definitely recommend the short rib loco moco and the chantilly pancakes. Yuuuuuuuuuuuum
(5)S Q.
This place has great breakfast food so don't pass this place up they also have sandwich & burgers just incase your not in the breakfast mood.
(5)Kathy D.
So we stumbled upon this restaurant after hiking Diamond Head and I'm sure glad we did. The braised short rib was incredible, cooked to perfection...sooo sooo good. The dish consisted of fried eggs on top of tender short ribs drenched in a flavorful brown gravy sauce on top of rice. It was a hearty meal worth getting. I couldn't help but say mmmm mmm with almost every bite! The salmon benedict was excellent. Instead of the usual muffin, it came on crunchy garlic bread. I believe they make their own hollandaise sauce, and the whole dish was tasteful. Great job Moena Cafe for making great food for breakfast/brunch. I highly recommend!!
(5)David T.
I've always enjoyed the food at Moena Cafe. It is wholesome and well presented. The Choices are not that extensive, however, I have found that they are more than willing to make the necessary changes to make your order fit your needs. The omelets are very good as well as their signature dishes. The coffee is freshly made at their expresso machine and one order gets you a refill of really good coffee. It tends to get busy on the weekends but the wait is not too long. Perhaps 20 minutes. The problem is that there is no place to wait but outside and the morning sun is very hot in front of the restaurant. That said, it's worth the wait for such a good breakfast experience.
(4)Vince B.
4.5 Stars! This was a good breakfast experience! Venue: Small modern and clean looking restaurant in Hawaii Kai Koko Marina Shopping Center. Small counter in the back for solo customers, sign in sheet in the front and lots of tables for small or large groups. Nicely done space. Closed for dinner. This is a step up from Eggs and Things Ala Moana location. Just to use that as a comparison. Customers: Mostly Hawaii Kai locals in here. But, I would suggest this place to visitors if you want to get out of Waikiki. Food: Pancakes, omelets, loco moco, crepes and eggs plus breakfast meats. Sandwiches, salads and panini at lunch time. Our group: Eggs, sausage and fried rice, eggs benedict and (me) Fruity Pancakes. My friends cleaned their plates without complaining. Although one did not eat her fried potatoes. I'm guessing she wasn't impressed with those. Pancake Challenge: This Fruity Pancake was so huge I thought I was doing a "pancake challenge"!! I wonder if one person has actually finished eating this in less than an hour. But, really all I was looking for was a vegetarian breakfast with fruit. This was a 5 star plate of pancakes. Artfully prepared and consisting of 2 huge thick dinner plate size pancakes, I was defeated! I was not able to finish it. Great tasting pancakes though. Better than the ones I had last week. See my photo. It was bigger than it looks in the photo. It would serve 3 easily and possibly 4 people. Coffee: It wasn't clear on the menu but they serve some sort of special flavorful coffee with only one refill allowed. I did not try this but my friends did and really enjoyed it. The waitress did offer the free refill. Service: Friendly and helpful waitress.
(4)Kris M.
First Timer! Banana Chantilly Pancake - YUUMM! Perfect amount of sweet, fluffy goodness! Eggs Benedict on Garlic Toast - DELISH! Eggs poached perfectly, an essential piece to a proper Benedict. Added spinach for a healthy look. Garlic Toast was flavorful but not overpowering with garlic. A nice amount of Hollandaise. Had a Sunday Brunch with 5 of us, seated in 15 mins. Cute, Clean, A/C, Perfect Brunch Music. We had a very nice, local waitress. Public Restrooms located upstairs in a minorly sketchy area (no fault of the restaurant, it is what it is) Will definitely be back again! :)
(5)Leah P.
The food here is so delicious! Fast service. If it's busy, it's worth the wait. I take all my visitors here!
(5)Rachel W.
Unlike a lot of the newer breakfast joints popping up on Oahu, Moena Cafe offers a more modern atmosphere as compared to that trendy rustic look. You know, the one where all the drinks are served in mason jars. It's a nice change of a pace! Even though the cafe is relatively small, it's a cute space with a look elevated by sleek, monochrome decor. You'll find it near Zippy's in Koko Marina Center. Both eager to try this place out, I met fellow yelper Celia Z. here for brunch on a Friday morning. They don't take reservations, so after about about a 20 - 30 minute wait, we were seated. At first glance, the menu didn't really blow my mind. Nothing looked particularly unique until I saw the pancake section -- so many creative flavors, each sounding incredibly delicious. Cinnamon Roll? Banana Chantilly? I was in heaven. $9 will get you one pancake, while $12 will get you two -- and they're MASSIVE. I ended up ordering the Strawberry & Milk Pancakes ($14). Like strawberries and cream? You'll LOVE this. It's topped with a bright pink sauce and sprinkled with a heaping helping of pistachios and even more strawberries -- definitely eye-catching. There's no option for a short stack on the menu, but I would recommend trying to ask for it. I was stuffed after eating just half... Get ready for that take out box! Normally I like to have at least some meat for breakfast, so I ordered a side of bacon (pricey at $5). I obviously didn't know what I was getting into when I ordered the pancakes, because I definitely didn't need anymore food! However, I was originally disappointed that the pancake + breakfast meat combo is only available with regular pancakes and not any of the other flavors. Celia ordered the Short Rib Loco Moco with fried rice ($17.50 -- it's an extra $2 for the fried rice), and it definitely lived up to the hype. I tried a few pieces of short rib and they were juicy and tender. Portions here definitely do not disappoint -- what you're getting is worth the price tag! While the food was good, we waited at least another 20 minutes for our plates after ordering. After comparing notes, friends of mine who have been here say that a slow kitchen is a common experience. Make sure you brought a great conversationalist as your brunch partner! On the bright side, our server was very nice and attentive. While I probably wouldn't become a regular here, I can see myself returning to try some of those other pancake flavors... This time sans the extra bacon! What can I say? I've got a sweet tooth... PARKING: Free in the Koko Marina Center parking lot.
(3)Shay F.
I was in the area so I came back to try other things on the menu. When I sat down, the menu was put down upside down. Little things matter... I knew the crab benedict wasn't anything special so I got the veggie omelet this time. The veggies were drenched in oil. Blah. The flavor? Meh. I got it with the rice instead of the toast and the rice was flaky. I even tried their pumpkin latte and didn't like that either. I won't be rushing back.
(2)Tamlyn M.
MOENA IS MY FAVORITE CAFE! I absolutely love the atmosphere and the food is amazing! In recommend the banana chantilly pancakes and the fried rice!! If there is a wait, WAIT! It's so worth it! The scones and coffee are also fantastic!! You can't go wrong!
(5)Katy T.
I love this place! I've been several times, and it's been wonderful every time. The most recent time was on a Saturday around 1pm. I signed my name on the waiting list for a table, but there was only one other party before me and I got a table within 5 minutes. The restaurant itself is so cute, clean, bright and friendly. I love the decor! The service was also very friendly. As a person who doesn't eat eggs, pancakes are my go-to for breakfast food. I've had both the cinnamon roll pancakes and the banana chantilly pancakes. Both are AMAZING. I also love that they have a lunch menu, so I could have a panini if I wanted. My sister had an acai bowl AND a burger, lol. Both were great. My parents both loved their "MC breakfast" and veggie omelette. Cute restaurant, friendly service, awesome food. PERFECT little neighborhood brunch place.
(5)Emi H.
Today I had to make one of the toughest decisions of my life: Should I order strawberry milk pancakes OR cinnamon roll pancakes?! Yes, these are seemingly trivial problems but breakfast sets the tone for your entire day and if you choose wrong, everything else goes completely haywire. As I laid my head on the table silently sobbing and screaming about why life is so difficult and unfair, the waitress told me I could have one of each. I then replied that she was the most brilliant person I'd ever met. Pure genius in an apron and possibly the next President of the Universe! My pancakes came on two separate plates which were as big as my face. It takes a lot to impress me these days and I was blown away by their size and flavor! The strawberry milk pancake is slathered in a creamy strawberry cream cheese and topped with slices of fresh strawberries, while the cinnamon roll is pure decadence with the perfect swirl of white icing. I had so much fun bouncing back and forth between each flavor while taking bites of savory bacon. If you love pancakes this will be your new favorite place on Earth! This is my new Koko Head hike motivation and bribery tool for the future. Proof you can always have the best of both worlds!!!
(5)Celia Z.
This was definitely worth leaving Waikiki for. In the middle of the Koko Marina shopping center, this unassuming little place lies towards the back, next to Zippy's. The place doesn't take reservations, so fellow Yelper Rachel W. and I arrived early, around 10am, and were seated approximately 20 minutes later. After what seemed like an eternity, we finally got our food. I ordered the short rib loco moco with fried rice - a dish other reviewers were raving about. The dish certainly did the positive responses justice - rich and hot, the ribs soaked in the deep flavors of the gravy. The perfectly cooked eggs, nestled gently on top, mixed with the gravy as soon as it was cut open, leading to utter goodness. The two scoops of fried rice on the bottom tasted more like a hybrid between regular and sticky rice, and amidst a combination of crunchy veggies and bacon, completed the dish perfectly. Rachel got the strawberries and cream pancakes, which was some of the best pancakes I ever had. Soft, fluffy, and light, the pancakes made me feel like I was in some kind of fantasy or wonderland. Beware, however, unless you're starving, get the mini size, as these pancakes are huge! The food here was top notch, but both the wait time and the overpriced food brings it down a star. It's technically 4.5 stars, but this is unfortunately a time to round down.
(4)Trisha J.
Whoa. SO GOOD. We just completed a sweaty hike up Koko Head Trail, happy to be alive with no bee stings and no one falling through the broken train tracks, and we were starving. I used trusty Yelp to find this place, and upon arrival, this small place was packed. There was a wait for 7 of us, so we headed a few doors down to Bubbies to quiet our stomachs for a little. We finally got a table 45 minutes later (i dunno exactly how long it was, whatever). The waitress was super cute, and super helpful in directing us to the absolute best dishes this place had to offer. Here's what I tried... Banana Chantilly Pancakes: Holy eff, literally the best pancakes I've ever had, in life. We split these among 7 people, and I'm kinda sad we did. I wanted more, damnit. Super fluffy and moist pancakes. Amazing chantilly sauce. There were coconut flakes on top, and I hate coconut, so I just brushed those aside. GET THESE AND DON'T SHARE. Short Rib Loco Moco with fried rice: This was freaking amazing too. Such a delicious spin on the traditional Loco Moco. The sauce soaking into the fried rice was amazeballs. Acai Bowl: Delicious, refreshing, full of fruit. Felt healthy AF after this. Unfortunately I live in Chicago, so I don't know when I'll be back here! But, you bet I'm gonna pay them another visit if/when I go back to Oahu. I still dream about the pancakes.............................
(5)Rachael O.
I can't believe it took me so long to try this place! I could practically walk here from my house and probably should, to burn off some of this decadent and delicious food. The gravy on the short rib loco moco with fried rice ($17.50) was absolutely perfect, deep, dark, smooth, and full of rich flavor. We split a banana chantilly pancake ($9) which could easily be a full breakfast full a hungry hiker. I tend to prefer savory to sweet breakfasts but this place is going to change all that. The ambience is just right for a special breakfast or brunch to celebrate a birthday or just because. I love the beautiful light fixture and service was on point. Don't be like me. Don't wait. Get down there but get there fast because they close at three, like all the best breakfast places. You can thank me later!
(5)Jana T.
Breakfast was really good. For the omelets, you need to ask for rice or fried rice becuz it comes with toast. The crab bene was good but needed extra sauce, which they gave with no charge. Coffee was good, but remember to drink the whole cup before getting ur refill since you only get one refill. All in all, I would go back again but go early that way you don't have to wait.
(4)Ivy Lou H.
TIP: This place gets SUPER busy on weekends because of the Koko Head Crater Hike Refugees and all us locals that know how great it is. Food wise this is the tastiest breakfast place I've ever eaten at on Oahu. It's obvious that the owners have invested a lot of energy in their recipes and acquiring top ingredients and that's why they have such great Yelp reviews. If you like high quality this is your place. The Eggs Bennedict is outstanding and hubby loved his MC Two Eggs with Country Fried Potatoes and Portugese Sausage. They have an Espresso machine too so they can do nice coffees.
(5)Lars P.
Excellent service, good food! Just the wait on Sunday morning is a bit long. We had the crab Benedict and the 'Mo'egga' -- both were decent size and taste just right. The young staff was very attentive
(4)Angela Y.
The only reason why I would drive across the island to HK is because of Moena Cafe. I know I said another breakfast eatery has caught my eye, but Moena Cafe has got to be the winner. If you're looking for a place to grab some brunch, skip Zippys or Paina. Your belly will thank you for the heavenly food from Moena! Also, they accept iDcards:) 15% off your bill M-F Atmosphere/Location: 5 stars. More upscale than other eateries, cute decor. Gives you a fresh, clean feel just walking in here. Parking is easy; its located in the centre, so plenty of parking to choose. Service: 4 stars Friendly, but some are a little sassy. When asked for an acai bowl to go, we were given a dim sum box which was awkwardly unsuitable for anything liquid or may turn into liquid. Included with the review is a picture of our sad little acai box :( The friendly ones gave suggestions on whats popular and what would suit my stomach since I get sick easily from certain foods. However, whenever I request for eggs overeasy, they end up being cooked by the potatoes or rice under it because I notice they take a while to serve the dish, or forget, even when I see it sitting in the kitchen after being prepared. Food: over 5!! Their food is to die for. I highly recommend their acai bowls as well as their FRENCH TOAST. Acai is deliciously creamy and smooth, not chunky. I love their pineapple sausage and potato hash and sausage omelette. Large portions, so you'll definitely have to loosen your belt a couple holes! ;3 For drinks, they do refill on house coffee and soft drinks. I had the pomegranate iced tea which wasnt too bad if there were less ice. Overall, I definitely take the time to come all the way here. Have not experienced any lines, but would wait if I had to. Anything to get my breakfast fix from here! Their prices are reasonable and well worth, being their portions are share-worthy.
(4)Paul P.
I've been to Hawaii four times and this is always a spot that I HAVE to go to. Their short rib loco moco is amazing and so is their chantilly pancakes! This place should be an easy 5 star restaurant on Yelp. I had the hash brown four years ago and that was ok. However everything else I had was great! Probably won't be back in HI for a while and will def miss this place!
(5)Andrea P.
The banana chantilly pancakes were nice and light with coconut syrup. One piece is gigantic! We also really like the sausage hash with pineapple sausage!
(4)Kristine L.
A-freaking-mazing !!!! Everything was soooo good. Not an ounce of disappointment. Kinda mad that we found this place on our last day in Hawaii cause we definitely would've been here way more.
(5)Will N.
Moena Cafe is probably the best place to eat in Koko Marina. Only reason I say probably is because the only place I haven't been to yet is the Greek spot right next to Kona Brewing Co. The food and service is great. I like the workers there. The only flaw they have is on busy days, they won't always answer the phone. And that's a business no no. You always have to answer the phone. Other than that you won't have any complaints on the food or the service once you arrive. Weekends are super busy. So come early
(4)Fran C.
My friend had mentioned to me about this breakfast spot in Hawaii Kai, and upon reading a few of my Yelp buddies reviews - (Ariana M., Brian M., Kristen K., Denalee C.), I figured it would be a good idea to catch up with my homie, & have breakfast this past Sunday. Hate to give sub-par reviews, but at this place I got sub-par service, sub-par food, and a very expensive breakfast! As I walked in around 7:45 AM, the place was already packed with people. I put my name in, and we waited for a very short time (I wanna say around 10 minutes or so) before my name was called & we got seated. Upon being seated, we waited forever before someone came by our table to drop off a menu & take our order. In fact it took them longer to take our order, then it took me to get my name called to get a table. Once we finally got our order of food in, it took forever for us to get our food.........I even noticed some people who came in after us, being seated, got their food, and was eating. I'm thinking "wth"???? Anyways, my friend ordered the Belgian waffles and a coffee. I ended up ordering the Petite Pancake Stack which comes with one choice meat, and I ordered another breakfast side. I also ordered a coffee, & a glass of milk. Before we left, my friend also ordered another Belgian waffle "to go", to take back home for his wife. What can I say about the grub..........all I can say is - it is really hard to mess up Eggs, & Portuguese sausage........there was absolutely no problem with that. As for my pancake..........well, all I can say about that was my pancake was "hard"! The pancake was not fluffy at all.........if you look at the picture of my petite pancake, you can see how thin it was, therefore I'm not surprised it was hard! My friend did not mentioned anything about his meal, but he did mention the service was slow too. Later during our meal, the waitress did apologize for the slow service, as she mentioned something was "going on" but did not elaborate, nor did I care to know. I'm not sure if I would come back here again, after all, I paid just under $50.00 (with tip) for our breakfast, but felt I didn't get a good deal out of it..............
(2)Angie L.
Only been twice and the first time, it was excellent, the 2nd time was ok. It wasn't as long of a wait this time around but once we sat and ordered, the food took awhile including a scone we ordered which should've came out pretty quickly. When it did, it was cold. The fried rice was very salty. These were food items we didn't try the last time except for the scone. The waffles were crispy pretty good but nothing special.
(2)Jeannie L.
Great (albeit pricey) brunch/lunch spot in Hawaii Kai serving interesting variations on Hawaiian favorites, with fantastic desserts! In 2012, I happened to stop by here after driving around the island. At the time, they had just opened and I only saw 1 yelp review for the place. It was in a nondescript mall and I took a while to find it. I was the last customer for lunch before they closed and they were patient with me while I finished my meal. The owner and chef was friendly, also came out to chat. I normally get the Short Rib Loco Moco, and the Blueberry Cheesecake. I found the ribs tender and slathered with sauce, and the cheesecake very generously portioned. Fast forward to today, I'm happy to see that the crowd has picked up and the owner is looking into expanding the business. I hope that in the hurry to expand, the food quality and customer service standards don't fall. I normally do my mileage redemption to Honolulu once a year so I might be back soon...
(4)Dwayne Y.
So we decided to drive from town to Hawaii Kai this morning. I read some high reviews for this places so I figured we would check it out. I wish I didn't! I have to say I would give this place a 0-1 star if it wasn't for our nice waitress. The cooks on the other hand? Well that leave a lot to be questioned. We ordered the Banana Chantilly Pancakes, Fresh Corned Beef Hash, and Short Rib Loco Moco. The pancakes had a nice flavor and were quite large. But they were very fry and dense on the inside. They were quite hard to chew and swallow since they were not moist. That was a little disappointing since the Banana Chantilly had a nice flavor to it. the Fresh Corned Beef was pretty good. It had cubed pieces of corned beef brisket. the potatoes had a nice char on it. And the onions were nicely caramelized. This was the only thing we enjoyed her. The worst dish of our meal was the Short Rib Loco Moco. The only thing decent about this dish was the short rib was actually tender. First of all, the rice was crunch and severely under cooked. Next it was supposed to come with an over easy egg. When I cut into the egg, expecting egg yolk to ooze out, nothing happened. The egg was overcooked. I mean how hard it is to make proper rice and cook an over easy egg? That means the egg was left on the flattop probably 3-5 minutes too long. Either you're not a good cook or you're not paying attention in the kitchen. Also, who in Hawaii doesn't know how to cook rice? My goodness! The gravy had an old taste to it and the short rib was so bland. Anyway our server was friendly and took the short rib loco moco off our bill. She also gave us 2 Scones for the road. So the server was nice and friendly. Hopefully the chef can get some training. I usually feel some chefs have a bad day every so often. But eggs and rice? I probably won't go back here again.
(2)Allison D.
Moena Café is a lovely little café tucked into the Hawaii Kai shopping center. It's bright and friendly and the food is good. We had: - Eggs benedict - I wasn't a fan of this because it was served on sourdough bread, which I hate. If I had known, I would not have ordered it, but the menu did not specify what bread they used, it only said "garlic bread." But, it didn't seem like garlic bread to me. However, my partner liked it. - MC Breakfast - you can't go wrong with a simple breakfast and that's what this is - eggs, meat, and potatoes; yummy. - Banana Chantilly Panckaes - short stack. These were amazing! My only issue is that we paid $8 for ONE pancake. Eek! Very overpriced, but very delicious.
(4)Jennifer M.
This was a great cafe near Hanauma Bay. There was a bit of a wait - about 45 minutes at 10:30 on a Friday. But the area in front of the cafe is shaded with chairs and picnic tables, and there is a larger shopping strip around it, so it is not a bad wait at all. We got the sweet bread French toast and the short rib loco moco and shared each plate. We both agreed that these dishes were better here than the cafe we went to near Hauula. The gravy was high quality, not too thick in the loco moco. The sweet bread was light, fluffy, and a good balance of sweet and savory. As a bonus, the coffee was excellent - freshly brewed for each cup -- there is a reason you are limited to one refill. Superb.
(5)Amy C.
We came to Moana's because of the great reviews and it surpassed our expectations. There was five of us and every dish was better than the next. The banana Chantilly pancakes were warm and perfection! Not too sweet either. The pork sandwich was amazing and the service comes with a smile! Mahalo!!
(5)Mark Y.
I wish I could say I hit up Moena Cafe after running up/down the Koko Head stairs (I know a lot of friends that do this) but in reality, I'm usually here after relaxingly watching the sunrise from somewhere on the windward side of the island. One thing I love is it that they open at 630am every day so right after the sun comes up, we head straight to Moena. My favorite thing here is the Short rib loco moco. Succulent pieces of short rib in a tasty brown gravy and rich runny egg yolk. How in the world can that NOT be good. They have some pretty good benedicts and omelettes as well. I have yet to try their signature pancakes but they look crazy good every time one passes by our table. This would be a very good reason to come back to this place. Maybe next time I WILL do the Koko Head stairs before eating here...but then again. that's highly unlikely.
(4)Lixi L.
Tried Moena café for breakfast with my three best friends. I was craving for Acai bowl and expecting something decent from Moena Cafe based on their good ratings. I have to say I was disappointed by what I ordered. While my Acai bowl looked vibrant and inviting, my first bite of the Acai purée and granola was over-the-top-sweet! It made the fruit topping bland and even sour in comparison. The purée was also runnier than the ones I enjoyed. My friends tried it and all grimaced in unison. We asked our server whether their Acai bowl has always been this sweet. Our server replied that it has always been made to the same standard. To the standard I couldn't understand, I thought as my brain became numb by the sugar. Seeing that our server didn't have the intention to adjust it for me and not wanting to waste my money on it, I chowed down the bowl with what my friends saw as apparent reluctance on my face. I think I just had my whole day worth of sugar back there and I am starting to crash from the rush. The bowl is a NOT AGAIN for me. On a lighter note, my friends' MC and sausage hash were both very good. The potatoes were delectable, though the rice on the short rib loco moco was unpleasingly stale and hard. I am not sure if I want to come back.
(2)Janet B.
Great food and service! You can't go wrong with the short rib loco moco with fried rice. My favorite pancakes is the banana chantilly, but my kids love the cinnamon roll pancakes. My daughter loves their acai bowl as well. Four stars because their wait can be long. Wish they could expand!
(4)Hope Y.
First time visiting Moena Cafe, and I was surprised just how busy that place is. We didn't have a wait, and were lucky enough to score a seat right away. The people who arrived after us had a short wait, so it was perfect timing! Hubs had the Ahi and eggs, and I went for the savory crepe that had ham, spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Everything was yummy, and not a really long wait. Definitely will come back to try the benedict!
(4)P C.
The pancakes are really that good. Light fluffy and the sauces are delicious. They are priced well as the portions are huge. They serve kona coffee as well. Definstely coming here again.
(5)Queena W.
There might be a line at the door but it is worth the wait! Food is amazing. Their short rib loco moco is a must try!
(5)Joanne V.
I had a hard time locating Moena cause I parked closer to 24 Hour Fitness. Why, you ask? I don't know. Actually, I do! I haven't roamed this shopping center in years. I'm from 94-block! Lol. Anyway, upon stepping in, I was in awe. Such a beautiful place... Beautiful decor... Beautiful food! Casual-classy. That's how I would describe this place. We ordered pomegranate iced tea, a Cuban panini with side salad & the prosciutto salad. The pomegranate iced tea was flavorful. The panini was ok, the pickle have it more flavor. More seasoning to the meat would have made me love the dish. Finally, the prosciutto salad... This salad was amazing! Toppings included craisins, bleu cheese? Candied pecans, & prosciutto, of course! A little bit of everything & greens created this tasty combo in my mouth. It was delish. Definitely will get this again. Prices & portions were reasonable; both dishes were $12 & some change each & we were both really full. Also, the bleu cheese is definitely not the best for fresh breath, but luckily I always have floss, a toothbrush & toothpaste handy! I'll definitely come back for more. When I'm not with my gluten-free friend, I wanna try the banana chantilly pancakes & the short rib loco moco with fried rice... Drool.
(4)Dara Y.
Tried this place for the first time and it was 5-stars good. Banana Chantilly pancake for me and short rib loco moco for my pal. Both dishes were unbelievable. The wait wasn't that bad, either -- of course we were okay sitting at the bar. I look forward to going again soon. What a gem!
(5)Chelsea L.
Came here with my friend for breakfast for the first time after doing the Koko Head hike on a Sunday. The wait was about 20 minutes. We ordered to share the potato hash and short rib loco moco over fried rice..both dishes were with over medium egg They were both DELICIOUS! If I had to choose one of the two, I would choose the short rib loco moco and my friend would choose the potato hash. The only reason why I would choose the short rib loco moco dish is because there is a lot of meat! And I like my meat!!! After eating here I thought to myself, Oh my gosh! Why haven't I been here before?!?! I need to come back again...soon! The wait is a bit long...so don't come here when you're already starving for food.
(4)Joyce B.
We've wanted to come here since they opened, but there was always a line. That wasn't the case when we dropped by on a Monday sometime in the afternoon. Yay, finally! My husband ordered the Crab Benedict which had big chunks of real crab meat. I say "real crab meat" because other restaurants sometimes use imitation crab meat, which is a huge difference. I ordered the Kalua Pig Benedict which is my favorite. Both were very delicious! The server was very helpful (I think his name was Jim) and we left very satisfied, so we'll definitely be coming back!
(4)Mista H.
The short rib loco moco gets the 5 stars by itself. Best loco moco on the island. Worth the wait.
(5)Abby S.
Finding ourselves in Hawaii Kai, Yelp led us to this place for breakfast, and we're so glad it did! Arrived around 8am Saturday and there was just one other couple waiting outside. Couple of chairs right in front for those waiting, which we only sat in for about 5 minutes before being called in. Love the decor; which is the one and only pic I took of cause the food was just that good not to devour once served. It's a bit tight and might be hard if you have a big party, but so worth it if you give this place a try. Service was fantastic! Immediately after being seated, took our drink order and refills kept coming without us even asking. Also after placing our food order, our food came out super fast despite the cafe being full. And oh the food! We ordered the short rib loco moco, crab Benedict, and regular order of banana chantilly pancakes to share between my hubby, son, and I. All were delicious!!! Short rib was tender and gravy was so good my son whose a loco moco fanatic didn't peep a word and simply devoured his plate! My hubby made a comment about how light and fluffy the pancakes were when he cut into the them; but they were even more heavenly when you tasted them (though on a side note, the regular order was 2 huge pancakes and we could've been fine with the small order which is 1 pancake). Lastly, the crab Benedict was so scrumptious, and we elected the upgrade to include avocado, spinach, and tomato, which took it over the top. Overall, what a great breakfast spot, and we can't wait to come back and try the rest of their menu...and that's saying a lot since we're from the Leeward side.
(5)Lulu R.
My husband and I stopped here while riding mopeds around the island on a recent getaway to Waikiki. We are so glad we listened to other yelp reviews and stopped because this was the best meal! We shared the loco moco and the chantilly pancake-both were perfection. Service was prompt and friendly and the restaurant was adorable. Do yourself a favor and seek out this gem of a breakfast spot!
(5)Natalia Natka T.
We came in around 10 am after hiking Koko Head!we had to put our name on the list but waited maybe 10 min to be seated. Not a big place but it's worth visiting!i love breakfasts and it's hard to disappoint me with that meal but this place was amazing!i ordered a Hawaiian omelet with kalua pig and grilled onions and it was delicious!the also have a big variety of pancakes(humongous), waffles and other breakfast choices!everything was fresh and very tasty so I can high recommended it for breakfast!
(5)James V.
I Dined at Moena Cafe for the first time recently and my first impression of the establishment and its food was beyond delightful. My waitress was a cute and well mannered young lady named "Kat". This is not to be confused for "Ekat". Kat Was very personable and polite. I work in customer service and I will use her service as an example as I train my employees. I believe Her work ethic is the epitome of customer service at its finest. Moena is lucky to have her and should take note of her astonishing work. It's because of her that I believe my experience at Moena was so great and prompted me to write this review. Also, their banana chantilly pancake was quite tasty. Most definitely going back!
(5)Sarah B.
The service was awesome (thanks Jim- our server!), the coffee was perfect, and don't even get me started on the food. Really great experience all around. This was perfect for my mom, grandma and I- we went on a Monday morning so no wait! I definitely want to try the fresh corned beef next time, but the Portuguese sausage omelet, Chantilly pancakes, and Belgian waffle our table had were delicious too!
(5)Jordan S.
We stopped by this place on a whim as we were in the area for another event and hadn't had breakfast yet. It was one of the best decisions we made that day. I had the Kalua Pig Eggs Benedict, which is not severed on the traditional English Muffin, but on a couple of slices of really good french bread. The pork was not overly salty, but had enough to cut the richness of the hollandaise, the sauce was great and the eggs were poached perfectly. I also had a side of fried rice, which was good, but nothing fantastic. Between the two, it was too much food, so I could easily skip the fried rice as a side next time. Alicia D. had the cinnamon roll pancakes, which are HUGE, and delicious. The frosting/syrup is just sweet enough to not make the dish overwhelming, even if very rich. With a side of ham, it was again, too much food, but delcious.
(4)Ray L.
This is a small coffee shop in Hawaii Kai. They have a few breakfast items and sandwiches. Servings are on the moderate side so dont come too hungry.
(3)May L.
I've been on a loco moco hunt and short ribs just sounds too good to be true! We came on a Sunday noon time, the wait was 25 min but ended up being around 40. The service was prompt and we got our food pretty quickly after we ordered. The portions were pretty big. I gave 3/4 of my fried rice to my bf who was eating corned beef hash. They do not serve any side starch with the corn beef hash here. The gravy was well seasoned and fried rice was good. Eggs were perfectly cooked. But the short ribs could really be cooked a bit longer. It was not falling off the bone tender, so good thing there was a knife to use. They also serve fancy smancy coffee that you can only get 1 refill from. It'd be nice if they add on the not so fancy coffee choice so us coffee snobs can drink bottomless.
(4)Tracy S.
Yum yum yum!! Short rib locomoco with fried rice and cinnamon roll pancakes are the best! Can't say I have had anything bad here. The waitress are always kind and timely. Love the free refill on your coffee and if you are about to leave they send it with you in a to-go cup!
(5)Zen Y.
Good food. Great service. Great atmosphere. The menu could be expanded ever so slightly... otherwise it's our go-to spot in Hawaii Kai. Tourists stay away. You are not welcome here ;)
(4)Shama O.
FYI: I'm not the average, run of the mill breakfast eater. Sadly, eggs and meat don't agree with me, so I'm left with mostly carbs or if by chance there's fish on the menu, that's what I'll be eating. My friends and I arrived on a Sunday midday. We were told that it would be a 25 minute wait for a group of 4. There were a handful of groups before us. We were starving after out intense workout morning but were willing to wait a half hour. Tick tock tick tock...we sat there in the blazing, sun-burning sun for at least an hour! We were led to our table which was right at the front of the tiny restaurant, provided with menus and asked for our drink requests. Water for 3, coffee for me. Coffee comes with only one refill, and after taking a sip, I realized why, it was basically an Americano! We put in our orders: 2 short rib loco mocos, 1 corned beef hash and for me, you guessed it, the fish of the day: Kajiki. It came with a side of eggs, so I requested a substitute and was offered fresh avocado; yum! The wait for our food did not seem long, though I had a second cup of coffee and water was topped off a few times. The plates of food looked so delicious! I enjoyed my fish, which was simply flavored with salt, pepper and garlic, I think. The potatoes were a disappointment though, not much flavor at all and no onions like traditional home fried potatoes have. I had to gussy them up with salt and pepper and ketchup. The avocado was good but didn't really compliment the food, not the best substitute. The friend that had the corned beef hash had reminisced about hanabatta days of hash made with canned corn beef and shaped into patties. Moena's version was much meatier cubes of beef and cubes of potatoes. He ended up adding his gf's fried rice, pepper and ketchup and then mixing it with the eggs, into a brand new concoction that he was able to enjoy. The loco moco peeps: one's easy to please and ate the whole thing. While the other analyzed all the parts and concluded that the short ribs was a nice twist, but the fried rice was still not up to her standards. All in all, besides the long wait, the meal was enjoyable. Not much on the menu for me, but I think regular breakfast eaters would like it here.
(3)Katherine L.
We came on a whim for Valentine's Day breakfast. It had very cute decor. I ordered the short rib loco moco after the friendly waitress said that the loco moco and benedicts were good. My boyfriend got the egg benedict. The loco moco was so good but needed just a little more gravy. I ran out of gravy to eat with some of the meat and rice that was hidden under the egg so it was a little dry. Still, it was so good!!! My boyfriend's egg Benedict was so good...so basically what I'm saying is we are going back cuz I wanna try all their other good food. :)
(4)Ted P.
The food was excellent. Got the petite cinnamon roll pancakes...don't even need syrup. My wife got the fruit French toast and liked that as well. Service was pretty good and the pricing was reasonable. Would go back again!!
(4)Maka K.
I've been to Moena a few times now, and I can safely say that the food is always of a consistently good quality! Parking: It's in Koko Marina Shopping Center. If you're going for breakfast/brunch, you normally won't have any problems finding parking because many of the other businesses aren't open yet. Waaaaaiting: It's a small restaurant, so the earlier you get there the better. In fact, if you can manage getting there when they open, that's the best! That's why I love going there after a sunrise hike on the east side! Otherwise, you'll have to write your name on their waitlist & stand/sit outside until there's a table available. That wouldn't be so bad except that the rising sun over Hawaii Kai is HOT and there isn't a lot of shade in front of the restaurant. Venue: I really love the quaint decor of the place. Mostly white paint with small bits of accent colors here and there. Their entry way tends to have a bouquet of flowers to greet their guests. The color/decor of the place makes it feel so bright & clean, especially with all the morning/daytime sun shining through all the storefront glass that faces east. Food: Honestly, I've only ever personally ordered their omelets, but I really likes those omelets---not rubbery or burnt, consistent thickness throughout, and the fillings are perfectly cooked! It comes with a nice pineapple wedge, half a strawberry & a choice of white or wheat toast. I especially like the Hawaiian omelet because the kalua pig that they use is always nice and moist! I've tried the dishes of my friends, and I think both the hash and benedicts are also great buys! Next time, I'm pretty sure I'm also going to get an affogato (ice cream + espresso). A little bit of sweet, creamy, caffeinated goodness always seems like a great way to start the day, don't you think?
(4)teresa v.
Came here for lunch after hiking the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. THANK GOD as I was about to enter hangry mode. Ordered the short rib loco moco w/ fried rice, a tropical iced tea (blend of passionfruit, mango, and pineapple - I believe), and the scone of the day (blueberry cream cheese) to hold me over while we waited for our food. EVERYTHING was delicious as previous reviews and pictures suggest. I would definitely recommend and can't wait to go back to try their sandwiches (we totally missed the back side of the menu since we were so hungry).
(4)Kelli K.
I've been to koko marina a million times and i have never been here before. This cafe is truly amazing! Service is great and food is soo ono!! Cinnamon swirl pancakes made to perfection!!!! I will definitely be coming again!!
(5)Sandra B.
This place is fantastic! The wait is almost always killer and they do not take reservations, unfortunately. Tried to go on Easter and gave up waiting after 1.5 hour wait. It's tiny so there are limited tables. The best thing is the banana chantilly pancakes. I tried something else once, the short rib loco moco. It was insanely salty and I couldn't eat it. If u like really salty then maybe you might like it. Regardless, I recommend this little cafe! It is my first choice when they are open. Only open til 2.
(5)Paul P.
Went there this morning while we were driving around the island. I had the eggs Benedict and my wife had the fried rice and eggs. Both were excellent!
(5)Mele R.
The only reason I'm giving them one star is because they have a really bad way of sitting people. When we arrived there to sign in, there were 10 parties ahead of us and the waitress gave us 40-45 min wait time. We waited over an hour... for a party of 6!!....During our wait, they took SEVERAL parties that signed in AFTER us, sitting more than 10 people! (I don't get it) When they finally sat us, they did not apologize for the inconvenience. They could've suggested us to sit on separate tables (tables that could move by the way) that were next to each other instead of sitting people that arrived AFTER us. Hopefully they will see this comment and use some common sense to make better decisions of sitting people.
(1)Paul J.
Been here twice for breakfast and have enjoyed the food both times. This is how breakfast should be done, and they may make the best cup of joe on the island. Only negative is the wait, so make sure you're not in a rush when you go there. Wait staff are friendly and attentive and do a great job. Prices are similar to other sit down places and servings are adequate. Nice place to go with the family or that special person in your life.
(4)Gary N.
After hike noms! There are many places in Koko Marina and Hawaii Kai to get your caloric refill post-hike, but I chose to eat here with fellow Yelpers. I had never been here before and have heard many good things. When we arrived we got placed on the waiting list. Wait time was not too bad. I think we waited about 15 minutes. This place sure is busy on Saturday mornings. The first thing that caught my eye was the Monchong special. I had no clue what it was. In my head I thought that it had to be a type of sausage like lap cheong, but I was no where close. Monchong is actually a type of fish! Who knew? I had a choice between the Monchong bene or Monchong with rice and eggs. I chose the rice and eggs because I had already nom-nomed a few McMuffins pre-hike. I was excited for my dish. It was something new! When my Monchong arrived, it was cooked perfectly. I've never had Monchong before, but I sure know how fish is supposed to be when it's done cooking. Not burnt or undercooked, it was just right. My whole meal was so tasty and healthy. It was clean and not overly saturated with butter or oil. Service was topnotch and the server was very knowledgeable and fast. The ambiance was casual and pleasant. Parking was readily available with many stalls open. I will come again!
(5)Bianca F.
This place is a gem. We are not from this side of the island and because we were going to the gun range, we wanted to try it out. Yelp reviews were good. The food was really delicious. A little pricey but. Worth every penny. The chantilly pancakes were yummy. The best dish was the corned beef hash. A winner! Try it out, you will be very pleased.
(5)Kelsey R.
Cool little place outside of Hanauma Bay! The cafe is small and you are definitely going to have a wait (we waited for about 45 minutes) but the food is pretty great. I had the short rib loco moco on fried rice. It was really delicious! Husband had a chicken panini that was so-so. Coffee is great and local - I had a mocha. The prices are a little high for my tastes but they're also in line with every other place in the area, so you can't knock them for that. Fun bonus: next door to the Dog the Bounty Hunter store. Who knew that was a thing.
(4)Courtney Y.
I did my share of work today: researching the best breakfast/brunch place to take a dear friend of mine, then mapquesting it, then while there reading reviews and looking at the highlights for just what to order. Yes, that work has done me in. I write this, hours later, still reeling from the food that was ingested with happy memories attached to them. Of course, this is a tale of a foodie; an overcaffeinated (yes, I'm aware this is not a word) foodie. Happy memories are prancing around in my head of the caramel machiatto that was had (iced, even when the waitress said that they "could probably make it iced"), banana chantilly pancakes, and of course their popular short rib loco moco. These things are highlights for a reason, people! First off, the caramel machiatto trumps Starbucks, and legasp, even that of my dear Coffee Bean. Not overly sweet, and not watered down despite being iced. Maybe next time I'll opt for the hot version. Banana chantilly pancakes were full of win. It would have been super awesome if they loaded up on the chantilly syrup (maybe even have some in a little dish on the side) for extra dipping? Some of it got absorbed in the pancakes and I was like, "Merp, where's ze chantilly action?" But despite that, it was delish. Banana slices were embedded in it, and the coconut shavings were a nice touch (talk about pretty plating!) Let's not forget the short rib loco moco to which I opted to get with FRIED RICE. Seems like I've been craving loco mocos these days. The gravy was not overly salty, and even though there were a lot of flavors going on (from the fried rice, the gravy, and the short rib, which was oh-so-tender), the egg balanced everything out. There was no wait to be seated (amazingly... Must have been since I prepared for it to be crowded, leaving super early and getting there around 8:30). There's even a sign-in which can be convenient if it were crowded. Also, the service there is pretty spot on. They are really efficient and attentive to their customers. Food + service = 5 stars, BAM!
(5)Kurt W.
Some of the best acai bowls I've had. Cool little spot. Often has a wait. Right on the water. The fried rice is good also. Ate here twice. Will be back next time I'm in Hawaii Kai.
(5)Holly B.
We arrived at 1 p.m. with mean appetites! We enjoyed the cinnamon swirl short stack with the cream cheese sauce. It was perfect, light and crispy at the edges! And the sauce was just scrumptious! I also had the kalua eggs benedict with hollandaise sauce on the side. It was good, but not outstanding. My significant other had the burger and he said it was good; unusual that it came with potato chips instead of fries. Overall good service and tasty food. The seating arrangement, though, left much to be desired as our dining neighbors were so close we could hear every unsavory word they shared between them, nothing we wanted or needed to hear but were subjected to nonetheless!
(4)Eunice F.
I can see why there's always a line at this place now! The staff are all friendly and super on point.... The food there was all made with fresh ingredients and flavorful, prices were fair for brunch and it has a decent amount of parking available in the Complex where the movie theater is kokohead marina plaza The have the best eggs Benedict... Thick slab of ham... Perfectly poached eggs...on garlic bread and yummy Hollandaise sauce :) so yummy! And the chantilly banana pancake is to die for!! My absolute favorite! Make sure you get one to share! Great brunch spot! They close at 3p, so make sure you get there before that!
(5)Kim T.
Would have rated higher if we didnt wait over an hour. So we found this place on yelp and because we were in the area we decided to check it out. We did as many yelpers recommended... as soon as you get there sign in. We were told it would be about a 30 to 45 min wait because of the holiday. So we walked around and came back in 30 min. The waitress siad im glad you waited because many people left...they decided to eat else where because of the wait. When we check the sign in they seated 4 groups after us. I asked what the wait was she said we are waiting for other parties to leave so they could seat us...then i couldnt belive they would think it is okay to break up our group of 8 and wanted to slpit is on opposite sides of the restaurant, granted the place is only so big but if we wanted that then we would have separated our group on the sign in sheet (fyi i wasnt going to have my kids sit by themselves) All the food that was recommended by our server was good so that wasnt a problem, the environment is very clean but i wonder how long the seats and walls will stay white, and the food didnt take long to come out. I believe they are off to a good start if they can figure out how to move more people in and out *tip- when people are done eating start taking away dirty dishes and ask politely if there is anything elses they would like and if not bring them their check right away so more peopke can be serviced. *** will give them another shot when in the area and update review as needed.
(2)Sara S.
In Hawaii Kai and feeling a little classier than ZIppy's this morning? Look no further! This place was growing cobwebs sitting on my bookmarks list for ages. WIth my BF visiting from Cali, I finally had an excuse to go and we managed to score a table for 4 on what appeared to be a pretty busy (but probably regular) Saturday afternoon. But then the next obstacle was wading through the menu and trying to decide what to order. Breakfast? Lunch? Ah too many choices! Everything looked ono! KALUA PIG BENEDICT: Not your standard boring eggs benedict. The mound of kalua pig, eggs, spinach and hollandaise kind of melded into one gargantuan eggs benedict blob on toast, but I think it's two pieces? I've seen this dish before so while I can't entirely give Moena Cafe credit for innovation, I can give them credit for doing it well! MO'EGGA: wasn't sure what to expect from this but it basically tastes like an olive tapenade spread on toasted sourdough(?) with a beautifully poached egg. It's tasty, very garlicky, but not the most filling... perfect for a lighter breakfast! Truthfully, I was still a little hungry afterwards, but that's what Bubbies is for... HAHA SHORT RIB LOCO MOCO: while the gravy is not as good as Bogart's, it's still a hearty and delicious meal!! TURKEY CRANBERRY SANDWICH: didn't get to try this but it didn't look too special. A standard turkey salad sandwich. Everyone seemed to enjoy their meals. Next time, I am going with my gut (quite literally), and getting the banana chantilly pancakes! A little on the pricey side, but delicious and a definite upgrade from the other breakfast options in the area. For out of towners (or locals alike!), It would be a nice place to go before/after jetskiing or wake boarding at the water sports center next door.... or snorkeling at Haunama Bay!
(4)Taizo I.
Good taste, clean store. Enjoyed very much. I can recommend.
(4)Janine K.
Our brunch club of 3/4 tried thus stop. We ordered crab Benedict, chantilly Belgium waffles and a burger. Food was great. Washed it down with the house ice tea! Another winner.
(4)LeaDan Y.
When your business cares about your customers, your customers will care about your business. When we arrived we were told the wait would be 1 1/2 hours. I really wanted to try this place so we waited hoping they were just giving us the worst case scenario. After about 15 a waitress came out holding a tray of scones which she proceeded to hand out to those who were outside waiting for a table. In another 15 minutes we were seated. I ordered the beet and goat cheese salad, which was one of the best salads that I've ever ordered in a restaurant, and the cinnamon pancakes. The pancakes were tasty but I probably would not order them again over all of the other tasty alternatives. My boyfriend got the short rib loco moco with fried rice, which was tasty and tender. I really wish we had more room. The short stack pancake was just one huge plate sized pancake. I need to return and try their various salmon dishes. The servers were friendly and worked as a team. While this is a small cafe, the arrangement lends to flexibility with seating and party sizes. Great example of how a business should be run. Thank you, Moena Cafe, for the experience!
(5)Harry L.
Just had the short rib loco mock with fried rice...how've I lived this long without having this in my life? Soooooo good!!!!
(5)Chantelle M.
Tried the Banana Chantilly Pancakes and fried rice loco Moco. Sooo yummy!
(5)Norielys B.
Food is amazingly good! But only three stars because of the service. I was sitting at the bar and kind of heard all the waiter conversations and issues, just weird. This one waitress was behind the bar almost the entire time I was there sipping on some coffee, her tables keep calling her over. Then another waitress served the wrong food to a customer, the other one tell her to let him know but she said she will correct it if he notices... Integrity goes a long way and more important than good food at least for me. I was never asked if I was doing ok... If they improver their courtesy and service, they could be one of the most awesome breakfast place on island.
(3)Laura K.
After snorkeling at Hanauma bay all morning we were starving and this cafe was just 5 minutes away. As we were a larger party of 7, we had to wait a few minutes for a table as there is only room for about 30 diners. Still, we only waited about 15 minutes so it wasn't bad. The decor is nothing special, basic and uncluttered. They have many great dishes on their menu, one of the more popular items being the Short Rib Loco Moco, which two of our party ordered and quite enjoyed. I finally settled on the Hawaiian omelette, with kaluah pork, onions, cheese, and green onion. The omelette came stuffed FULL of shredded pork. I didn't seem that big, but I couldn't finish it. The flavor was amazing and I would order it again. Another amazing dish that I stole a bite from was the cinnamon roll pancakes. They look like pancakes, HUGE pancakes, taking up the entire circumference of the plate, but they taste like a cinnamon roll. If you have a large appetite or you want something to share, I would recommend getting this dish as well.
(4)Natalie K.
While working in the restaurant business, I have learned what to overlook and what actually matters. For example, this morning I waited 30 minutes for a table, which is exceptionally reasonable for two people on a Sunday morning. Once we were seated, the server immediately took our drink orders. We ordered a latte and a cup of coffee. They both arrived relatively quickly, and the server asked if we were ready to order. Unfamiliar with the menu, we expected the server to make a few suggestions or make any conversation in general. There was nothing. Eventually, we placed our orders. 5 then 10 minutes went by, and no one offered to refill our cup of coffee or if we needed anything. Had we wanted to make any changes to our order or order something more to drink, we would not have had the opportunity to. After getting up to go to the bar to ask for more coffee, we learned that the coffee machine was broken - also reasonable and not the establishment's fault. However, my issue with the experience was the awful customer service. There was nothing personable about the experience. The server did not seem interested in educating new guests to the menu, and was not concerned to check in on the guests in a timely manner. With that being said, the food was excellent and exactly to our specifications. Notch up the customer service a level or two, and I will definitely come back.
(2)Ian G.
Moena Cafe is one of my favorite restaurants on Oahu. It's a really quaint and contemporary restaurant. The food is great and the atmosphere is very pleasant. Definitely a must do breakfast/lunch spot on the island. I just wish they opened for dinner! Must try: Sausage Hash (Potato Hash with Egg and Pineapple Port Sausage) Chantilly Pancakes Strawberry Nutella Crepe. Their crepes are even better than Crepes No Ka Oi.
(5)Kaitlin A.
We came here after a beautiful day of snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. We ordered a little bit of everything. The stars of the show were the acai bowl and the Mo'egga. The one downfall of this place is that they're a little slow with the service but maybe it's because they are busy and make most things gourmet.
(4)Mark G.
Couldn't find one negative thing to say about this place.
(5)Michael C.
This is by far the best place for your brunch craving needs! Service was exceptional thanks to our server Emilee. (Side note to the owner and manager: She's a keeper! Always on point and despite on how busy it was, she always kept a positive attitude! And high level of service!) Thank you Emilee! :) Located at the koko marina shopping center just a few minutes from sandys or koko head. We got the short rib loco moco which was very delicious! Food presentation was very nice. Unlike all the other restaurants, you can tell the chefs took time make our food top notch delicious. Ambiance was nice also green and white really blends in well!
(5)Jamie M.
This place is right next to Dog the Bounty Hunter's store. One time while we were waiting outside, we caught a glimpse of dog bringing stuff into his store...but about the food... I really enjoy the chai tea lattes at this place. One time I ordered it and it was off, but most of the time the "yumminess" is pretty consistent. When I have a sweet tooth, I go for the Chantilly pancakes just like everyone else. In my opinion, they are way better than the cinnamon ones. I have also tried the corned beef hash. I would call it more of a skillet than a hash, as it is big cubed pieces of corned beef mixed with other ingredients. It tasted good and was a large portion, but just be aware that it is not what you would expect of a "hash." I had the acai bowl, and I wouldn't recommend it. It was watery, and I was basically drinking it by the end. I don't think it is worth deducting a star though. My boyfriend said the eggs benedict is delicious. All in all, this is a great place to eat. During the weekend, expect a wait. But it will still probably be a shorter wait than for Cinnamon's or Boots & Kimo's. (Last time I went, the table next to me told me they were from Kailua and that they drove down to Hawaii Kai to get away from the crowds at the breakfast places up where they live!)
(5)Christyann S.
No need for filter. Thanks to yelp commenteers(lol) we got the banana chantilly petite pancakes, which was SO SO SO SOOOO ONO!! He had the corn beef hash, and I had the short rib loco Moco. We will definitely be coming here again and again. Great service and yummy food
(5)Nat W.
Moena Cafe is a very cute breakfast/brunch place in Hawaii Kai. I made a trip all the way there just to try their fried rice Loco Moco and I was happy I did. It was really really good. The time we went was almost the closing time so we didn't have to wait at all. I couldn't try their pancakes but will do next time!
(4)Jerry E.
Not bad, but its price is definitely not $$, considering the fact that one side order of one egg is $3.00; when one adds up other extras, he/she will be shocked. Simply put, this spot is not geared for the locals. Pancake was good, but at $10.00+ per piece? I know it is huge, but what is the point? How about make it smaller and lower its price to make it more customer friendly? Well, I think most people can get bigger bang for their hard earned buck at other places.
(3)Jessica R.
Located in Hawaii Kai, an area I want to continue to explore. It doesn't look like much, located in a little strip mall but I had the Mahi Benedict special and was thrilled that the chunks of fish were huge and fresh. Ordered a hazelnut latte and it was perfect in the air conditioned restaurant. Nice and efficient service, I would definitely return.
(4)Malia H.
I walked by this place a couple of times but it was always closed. It looked cute and the menu looked yummy. So since I made a new foodie friend, I thought then trying a new place was in order and immediately thought of this place. Plus it was on her side of the island. It's soo far for me to go...but it was totally worth the drive. I don't know if it's because it's so far from everything (in Koko Marina Shopping Center) or it's a hidden secret. The line for breakfast on a Saturday around 930am was not too crazy like all the other breakfast places (Bogarts, Cafe Kaila, etc). There's tons of parking and they take credit card unlike some of those other breakfast places. It's a small but cute place. The staff is friendly and very helpful when we asked for some tips on what to get. Decisions, decisions so we decided to share. Always share...then you get the best of both worlds...loads of carbs in the form of pancakes, waffles or French toast and eggs in omelette or Benedict style. So... Petite stack banana chantilly pancakes -OMG, that one pancake was huge! I'm glad the waiter recommended us to just get the petite order since the regular order has two. The pancakes had huge pieces of bananas in it and chantilly sauce on the top...not overly sweet but it certainly complimented the banana flavor really well. yelp.com/biz_photos/moen… Side of corned beef hash -fresh corned beef, none of that canned stuff mixed with potatoes and onions. This was the best corned beef I ever had, minus the fat pieces that I know were needed for flavor but I couldn't eat so I late around them. yelp.com/biz_photos/moen… Crab Benedict It was yummy but nothing super special that I had to have again, considering it was $17.95. That's pretty pricey for breakfast in my opinion. yelp.com/biz_photos/moen… This was the best new friend, girl date I ever had! And I believe Moena Cafe contributed. I have come back another time after this first time (I thought I posted this review, but I guess in my excitement, I didn't), food and service were still excellent. And my friendship is still thriving too! Hugs and kisses Moena!
(5)Debbie L.
What an adorable, unassuming place. It's in a strip mall, but is a cute brunch spot. Food and service on par (if not better) than the places in San Francisco and LA like Mission Beach Cafe and Toast (prices are too, though). Food is awesome. Banana Chantilly pancake and short rib loco moco are the way to go. My boyfriend and I got the mahi mahi breakfast plate (special that day), short rib loco moco with fried rice, and banana Chantilly pancake short stack. We ate everything. The short rib loco moco is flavorful but not too greasy or rich. The serving size is pretty generous, but since it wasn't too rich I still had enough room for half a pancake. The pancake short stack is one thick, plate sized pancake. Its fluffy and delicious without being too sweet. This place gets the right amount of flavor in the food without being too rich or making you feel sick. The mahi was great as well, but I mostly ate the loco moco. Their coffee is hand made slow drip. The tropical iced tea is passion fruit and pineapple mix. Its refreshing and perfect after hiking or snorkeling. Our waitress was attentive and generous with refills. Definitely would come again.
(5)Shannon H.
A cute place for breakfast/brunch. I really liked the atmosphere (cool music, cool deco, cool overall vibe). I came here for breakfast with a couple friends visiting from out of town and was quite impressed. We got there at about 9:30a on a Monday and there was no wait, but the place was pretty busy. I had the short rib loco moco and one of my friends got the kalua pork benedict with spinach. Also shared banana chantilly pancakes. All good. My friend said that the benedict would probably have been better without the spinach and was also pretty bummed that her dish didn't come with potatoes. The loco moco was good though; I had it with fried rice which I thought was average (I'm really picky about my fried rice) and I'd say not worth the $2 upcharge. The pancakes were good. Fluffy and tasty but the chantilly was a little too light for my taste (I LOVE chantilly so, for me, the more the better). One huge plus for this place is the parking. Lots of parking in the koko marina shopping center, esp in the morning before everything opens up.
(4)D S.
If you're into gourmet food, less the frufie atmosphere and price, this is your place. Luau loco moco with fried rice, coconut pancake, French toast and avacado bacon burger. Seriously 5STAR food. Don't let he strip mall location fool you. Trust me, it's yum!
(5)Jenet Y.
Food was fantastic as usual but the service was very lacking today enough to give it 1 star down. It took our waitress ( Michelle) a long time to get our coffee and forever to get a refill on water. It was very frustrating to watch everyone get their coffees and water immediately and not to mention food too. But when we got it... Fannnntastic! Added back the 1 star. Bad service was only once so far. Food is still fantastic!
(4)Ariana M.
After spending all morning at the Koko Head Shooting Complex, my friends and I were ready to GRIND. When we arrived to Moena Cafe, we put our names down on the waiting list. We had a group of 8, and I was surprised how fast we were seated. I thought it would take a lot longer. I think we just got lucky and came at the right time. Lucky us!! Our waitress was Kasha, she was super friendly, constantly filled out water and checked to see if we were doing okay. She was also very helpful when describing items on the menu when we asked for some suggestions. The Grub. [[ EGGS BENEDICT w/ SPINACH $13 ]] yelp.com/biz_photos/moen… Benedict is my favorite of all time breakfast food! When our waitress Kasha highly recommended it on the menu (with the add on of spinach), I just had to get it. I am happy to report, it was AMAZING :) I love how they use garlic bread for the Benedict! NOM NOM NOM! [[ BANANA CHANTILLY PANCAKES $11 ] ] yelp.com/biz_photos/moen… My boyfriend decided to go with two of the famous Chantilly pancakes. It was HUGE and tasted super good. My only suggestion is to give a side of extra sauce, because it was a bit dry since it was two pancakes. Needed more sauce or syrup or just something. [[ HAWAIIAN OMELET $8.95 ]] yelp.com/biz_photos/moen… [[ DENVER OMELET $8.95 ]] yelp.com/biz_photos/moen… [[ PORTUGUESE SAUSAGE $3.50 ]] yelp.com/biz_photos/moen… [[ FRIED RICE w/ EGGS $8.95 ]] yelp.com/biz_photos/moen… Overall I had a great experience here. The service was great, the food was good, and the prices were reasonable. I definitely would recommend this place to others!
(5)Jon C.
Be ready for a heckuva wait. The place is clearly popular. Nice decor and attention to detail. Really too small for the amount of demand that it generates. This is not a super fast operation. What they lack in efficiency, and they make up with their food. About 40 minutes to bring the food. Yikes! The short lib loco moco was a must-try, and I don't even like loco moco that much. Red gravy and shaved green onions on top. Fried rice on the bottom. "Spectacular" was the word my wife used, and she's the connoisseur. Coffee was nice, too. Had plenty of time to enjoy refills... My wife ordered the bleu cheese burger but found it over cooked. Just ok tasting. Not juicy, but the bleu cheese helped. Better to stick to the basics here. We'd give the food FOUR STARS! The service was friendly and fairly attentive, but the wait times were unacceptably long. Need to fix that somehow, please.
(3)Pete T.
I love this place for breakfast. We come here with all of around the island with my biker buddies, and meet here for breakfast. Great service, fantastic food, fresh and delicious. I haven't had anything bad yet, and I've tried the eggs benedict, pancakes, and corned beef hash. We will be back again...
(5)Ronda D.
There was a 15 minute wait but it was worth it. The cafe was pleasant. I liked the eggs benedict which two of my other work mates also ordered. One ordered the kale salad (also large portion) and he laughed that the three of us might need a nap since our serving size seemed extra large. It was a wonderful place to catch up on work flow and progress. I would definitely come again!
(4)Daniel N.
Strawberry milk pancakes were perfect. Not overly sweet. The pancakes in general are light and fluffy. The Denver omelette is also very tasty
(5)Andrew P.
Nice brunch and breakfast spot. Good service and quality food. Presentation is nice as well. Gets crowded in the mornings.
(4)Teresa G.
Love coming here for breakfast!!! I just wish the lines were not so long and that they did take out. The restaurant is small so you pretty much always have to wait to be seated. FOOD IS EXCELLENT!!! I had the Crab Benedict and it was one of the best that I had ever had!!! Their coffee is really full bodied and i loved it!!! i look forward to going back. i wish they had a larger space!!!
(4)Andrew D.
Pulled up around 750am and the place was full with a small line. We put our names down and within 15 minutes or so we got sat at a nice small table. It's pretty small inside but it reminded me of a quaint beach house. Jim was our server and he was very nice and super helpful with suggestions. I got the Short Rib Loco Moco. It took a while for it to come out but it was well worth the wait. Fall apart tender pork with a fried egg on top, I opted to go with the fried rice which sealed the deal for me. Keep it simple, keep it delicious. I'm staying in Hawaii Kai for a week and I will absolutely come back. Wash it down with an ice coffee and I'm ready for the beach.
(4)Psyche S.
4 stars is just about right for this quaint lil spot. They're smartly located and operated, as they open nice and early when the only other option in the area is Zippy's. For those times when Zippy's just won't cut it, this place is like a mini vacation. I had the regular eggs benny (I considered the kalua but our server said her favorite was the regular, so went with that). The presentation was spot on and everything about this place matches the clean sheik feel of this cozy eatery. My son had the lox and bagel, and loved it! The wife and dots ate pancakes (cinnamon and banana respectfully). They loved that too, although a bit too sweet to finish. They maybe should have shared and ordered a side instead. We will definitely visit this oasis again should we find ourselves on that side and hungry for a "better quality" meal at "not Roy's prices".
(4)Will L.
Moena Cafe is a very classy and clean place to have breakfast or brunch. It has all the breakfast favorites to begin an enjoyable weekend day. You may have a little sticker shock as the crab omelette as well as the ahi omelette were both $17. I had the salmon omelette than went for $12 which was actually really good and it was ample. It included toast and what seemed to be house made jelly that made for a nice touch. A pineapple was also included as garnish. For $12 or $17 one would have expected some home style potatoes to come with it.. The coffee was really good, but like someone else mentioned, you only get one refill which is a little odd and stuffy. Overall though this is a great place to have breakfast.
(4)Jayson L.
After long morning hiking at hawaii kai area we decide to try out this new place call Moena cafe. Moena cafe had some mix review so i wanted to try it for it myself. we had a large group and it was on sunda so we knew it would be a long wait. estimated wait time they gave us was about an hour. After big group of people left, we sat inside and server came right away with the water. she said you guys look thirsty which i thought that's a brownie points for her. i took a look at the meal menu and OMG it's expensive for breakfast place. i know for sure breakfast is one of the cheapest meal to make and some of the item cost over $14. service was good and friendly but for the quality of the food and the cost didn't seem right to me. portion wasn't even big to match the price. i didn't see anything special. Order the fried rice with 2 eggs because it was most reasonable price and it tasted ok. i would of give this place 2 star but i gave 3 due to great service.
(3)Cecelia K.
Huge portions! Loved the Acai Bowl, very refreshing and a perfect post hiking snack. The crepe was light and flaky and a good option if you're not wanting a heavy meal. Great cup of Kona coffee. Not acidic. Drink it black to enjoy the flavors of the coffee.
(5)Takashi H.
By far the best Acai Bowl in Honolulu. The consistency and texture of the Acai, amount of fruits and the balance of flavor is quite addicting. Their breakfast also is the best in town except for the ones in upscale hotels. Their servers are very friendly and helpful. Their prices are very fair considering what other major diners are charging in Honolulu.
(4)Jessica H.
I was very excited to try Moena Cafe, my expectancies were something like Cafe Kaila because of the pictures I saw and excellent reviews. When the server asked us if we wanted something to drink she asked in this manner: " Do you want anything other than water?" It came off strong. And of course I did, I order oj, tea, and cafe latte. They charge for the refill of iced tea which we were surprised. Not many places do that. She asked if we wanted some more, so of course. I believe it should be specified to the guest that there are no free refills. Unfortunately it did not meet our expectations. Our food was brought to us after 30 minutes of already being sat down. My boyfriends food was brought first and the server brought some other dish I did not order. She said sorry. Then we inquired what was going on with our order and she basically said that the order was taken to another table. So we waited another 10 minutes and by that time it was almost 45 minutes for my food to come. My boyfriend got sides but he was not impressed with his tiny $4 dollar pankcake. The picture on Yelp showed a fluffy, delectable pancake. No, ours was a sad, burnt little pancake. The plate was bigger than the pancake. :( Okay, I'm sure you're all waiting to hear what I thought of my food. Sincerely the taste was there. Crepe was a little cold. Sundried tomato and cream cheese crepe. My fried rice was good. The plan was to get something sweet as a desert after but we didn't want to at the end. When we were done with our meals, the check was brought to us and a scone in forgiveness to our bad experience. All and all ... would we go back to Moena Cafe? Moena Cafe would have to make it up to us. Because paying $50 was not worth it at all. When you pay that kind of money for a breakfast you expect quality.
(2)Martin D.
Great food and service. We loved the Moco Loco and Banana Pancakes...All great!! The service was awsome... Very attentive. Atmosphere of restaurant was great also! Highly recommend! Aloha
(5)C R.
This place has awesome food! First of all, I came into the restaurant looking like a bum cause I had just spent some time at Makapu'u Beach Park (about 5 miles down the road from here. It is gorgeous during sunrise, btw). The waitress didn't bat an eye. The restaurant is nice looking inside, the staff friendly and, the food was great. If I ever come back to the island I will come back here for breakfast.
(4)Erica W.
This was my first time here and I was pleaseantly surprised. The place is clean and the staff is friendly. I had the Mo'egga, which is their take on egg benedicts. It was a artichoke spread with poached eggs on top or regular bread. My dad had their cornbeef hash, which is their signature dish, but looked liked they used can cornbeef instead of fresh cornbeef. No worries. My mom had the veggie omelet and wish the it was cooked a little longer in able to melt the cheese better. Breakfast is served all day. Lunch is served starting at 11am. All in all, the food was good an I will definitely be back to try other things on the menu.
(5)Kate V.
Moena Cafe is a small and elegantly simple breakfast place in Koko Marina. It's not overlooking the water like some other businesses in the area, but it's definitely just a few steps away from the many outdoor activities of Hawaii Kai. I think a lot of folks find it the perfect brunch spot after a morning run or hike up Koko Head for the sunrise. My parents like it because the coffee is better than Zippy's next door. Some nice things: * Pretty, contemporary decor. Lots of white, light green, and light blue. There's a spiritual quote written on the wall, which makes me think that they're going for an ethereal theme. It works! * The coffee tastes great--they brew it by the cup. And you get one free refill. * The pineapple sausage, which is almost exactly like Portuguese sausage, but with bits of pineapple in it. It's not OMG, AMAZING good, but I do like it. When compared side by side to the Portuguese sausage here, it's a slightly sweeter sausage overall, while the plain Portuguese is quite peppery. Goes great with the fried rice (try the MC Breakfast). * If you're a big fan of corned beef, they do a fresh corned beef here (a stir-fry like combo of potatoes and cubes of corned beef). It is also gigantic. * Friendly, attentive service. Also, the place is small, but you definitely don't feel rushed to leave. Some things that are ok: * Perhaps given the small space, it seems to take a little longer than usual to get seated here, even when it is not filled to capacity. Expect a long wait on the weekends especially. * Though it's a step above the typical island breakfast in terms of selection and presentation, nothing food-wise really stands out to me too much. Ok, maybe except the pineapple sausage... which is good, but not great. Overall a very consistent four stars :)
(4)Jason P.
With not many options in Hawaii Kai and reading a few reviews, I decided to give this place a try for the 1st time. I ordered the fried rice breakfast and shared the sweet bread french toast. The fried rice was pretty good with my eggs cooked perfectly. The portion size was good and prices were reasonable. I did however see someone else order the eggs benedict and they looked amazing. I will have to try that next time. It was a lot bigger than most benedicts I've ordered before. If you're in the area, this is definitely one of the better restaurants in Hawaii Kai. The place does get packed on a weekend though for brunch. My 2nd time eating here, the food was still good. But for the people who truly love a good Eggs Benedict, the importance of a perfectly poached egg is crucial. My egg yolks were hard. I still enjoyed my breakfast but it could have been a lot better.
(4)Lauren C.
Okay people, I don't understand why you like this place. Is it because it's the only breakfast joint in Hawaii Kai? Honestly, the food is mediocre at best and is a bad rip off of Tango's in town. The Eggs Benedict is so rich that I actually threw up from it later in the day. The fried rice is too sweet and the omeletes are bland. The kicker was when I saw the owner/chef actually purchasing the bread from Costco for the meals, which he also used for the Eggs Benedict!?! With over priced food, needless to say, I will not be going back and will stick to Zippy's next door when I feel like going out for breakfast.
(1)Tash M.
I have eaten at Moena Cafe on 3 separate occasions, so I believe it warrants a review! I have been here for breakfast and lunch. The wait, if any, is fairly quick, be it 8:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. They have a sign-in sheet in the front, so put in your name if need be. Atmosphere: Reminds me of a chic-er Sweet E's. Has that homey feel with the stripped wallpaper, but with a more savvy chic design. They have tables that could seat maybe 15 parties? With a small bar area up front. Food: They are known for their chantilly sauce and fresh corned beef hash. I've had both. Corned beef hash: Lots of fresh little red/russet potatoes, parsley, corned beef minced with onions. Pretty good, but a tad overcooked. Chantilly sauce over pancakes: Pretty good, not too sweet. Not enough sauce for the pancake. Last visit, the bf and I shared the veggie omlette--not too much cheese, but nice amount o spinach, mushrooms and onions--and the eggplant panini. This was also good, but it could've used more salt and less oil. They serve breakfast all day, lunch starts at 11. They've got omlettes (comes with 2 slices of toast), paninis/sandwiches (comes with chips or house salad) pancakes (choice of meat), Rice plates, Acai bowls, and coffee drinks. Service: They are pretty friendly and accommodating. Looks like they also host little parties and can cater. They take iDcard btw! Its more of a boutique eatery, so expect a little higher prices/portions. Lots of free parking. Nice, quaint place for breakfast and/or brunch!
(4)Joanne A.
My co-workers and I decided to go to Moena Cafe for lunch yesterday around noon. All the tables were filled but fortunately, the wait wasn't too long--about 10 minutes. I love loco mocos, so I decided to try the short rib loco moco that I kept hearing about. It was one the best loco mocos that I ever had! The meat was very tender and juicy, and the gravy was rich and tasty. Definitely recommending it to my other loco moco loving friends! PS. Use your ID card Monday-Friday for 15% off
(5)Roxxy S.
We were looking for a breakfast place on our way towards sandy beach from Waikiki. We yelped this place and stopped in for breakfast. I ordered the eggs Benedict and my hubby and kids got the basics and waffles. With a side of fried rice. My meal was the best I've had so far. My hubby agreed. The eggs Benedict are the way to go. With ham. I highly recommend this place. There was no wait and the food came out at a decent time. Their koan coffee was pressed in house and was very fresh.
(5)Marifer S.
The Chantilly pancakes was my reason for trying this place for breakfast. However, there was nothing special about it. I think it was because the pancakes were too dense. I like fluffy, light pancakes.
(3)Judy L.
Thank you, YELPers for the high reviews and led me to the Kalua Pig Benedict. It was so flipping good. No, it is so flipping GREAT! Moist and flavorful Kalua Pig on a muffin and a perfectly poached egg. And the Hollandaise sauce on roasted garlic bread. WHOA! Then I added a pancake with coconut syrup. I was happy and so was my tummy.
(5)Tristin R.
The food here is fantastic, the service was great as well! We had the waffles, crepe, chicken sandwich and eggs Benedict! All was delicious! Definitely a place to go!!! Oh and also the banana chantilly pancake! A must!!
(5)Yamamoto C.
i been dying to try this place for the longest. finally decided that today would be the day to. i knew that it would be busy seeing how today is sunday, and it was around breakfast / lunch time. but they do phone orders!! which is what i decided to do. it was a 25 minute wait, which was expected as how busy they are. i would have loved to have been able to dine-in but at least i was finally able to try this place. MC breakfast: choice of rice, eggs, and meat. i got the over easy eggs, fried rice, and bacon. i would have liked if the bacon was on the crispy side, but the fried rice was good. banana chantilly pancakes: i ordered this after seeing the pictures and reviews on yelp. and it is just perfection. it was better than i expected. it was something different. it had coconut flakes on top (which i was not expecting) but it was still great! it made the pancakes have even more flavor actually. definitely recommend this. short rib loco moco: w/ fried rice, i thought this was okay. would have preferred it with a hamburger patty, but it did have a lot of flavor i must say ^ this all, plus a side bacon came out to $48. it is good portioning and was enough for two people. the servers there were also very nice. definitely be back, hopefully able to dine in next time
(4)Jocelyn L.
A good option for weekend brunch in the HI Kai area. I was drawn to the Short Ribs Loco Moco which my friend raved about. Short Ribs Loco Moco on Fried Rice: i had it with poached eggs; the eggs were a tad overdone, which meant it wasn't super yolky, which was too bad. I really wanted a nice, creaminess to add to the gravy. The short ribs were pretty tasty. The fried rice was OK. Overall, a pretty pricy loco moco for what it is. A good loco moco, but ironically, HRD in SF has a Much tastier non-trad loco moco than most loco mocos i've tasted in HI.
(3)Elliot O.
Finally tried out this breakfast place in Koko Marina after my sister's recommendation. We went here about 1pm so the place wasn't completely packed. Luckily there was ONE table left for us to sit at. No wait! (Yay) I got the Eggs Benedict (my very first!) and it was delicious. My sister got the Denver Omelette and that was good too! In addition to our entrees, we ordered Cinnamon Roll Pancakes on the side. Oh mannn that hit the spot. Really tasted like cinnamon rolls. Service was very friendly too. Will definitely be back!
(5)Micah W.
I'd like to preface this review by saying that the food is decent and the service is pretty good as well. That being said, it probably isn't worth the time or the money you'll end up paying for those two things. The place is pretty busy, and with good reason. Decent amount of choices that sound good and appeal to different eaters. Took about 15 minutes to get seated, but another 35 for any food to come out. Had the short rib loco moco. Ordered it with white rice and sunny side up eggs. It came out over-hard and with fried rice. Not complaining, but it was inaccurate. None of this would have mattered had the food been amazeballs, but while decent, this reviewer did not think it was quite worth it.
(3)Glenn L.
Finally! After being told that this place was legit! We finally had the opportunity to try Moena Cafe for an incredible breakfast. After living in SF for 5 years I was very spoiled with great breakfast joints. So was skeptical going in. We met family from Kailua who were in the area for an appt. So this gave us A reason to trek to east O'ahu. Now living in Ewa Beach places east of Waialae seem to be the cut-off for how far I'll drive, but given the glowing reviews thought this deserved trying. We weren't disappointed. The four of us each went with egg dishes. A classic egg benedict with thick cut ham on toasted French bread vs! English muffin. A lighter spin, than traditional. There was a special for the day. Fresh grilled ahi bene, looked Ono! I emphasis the fresh, while waiting for our meal we saw this humongous ahi being delivered. My mom went with the lump crab egg bene with spinach and sautéed onions. We all agreed for us we could have used a bit more lemon in the sauce for our taste, but this was mo or e We just asked for a side lemon wedge. II tried this and it was really good. I went more carnivore and went with the loco moco with braised short ribs on fried rice! First time with that rice option and it was excellent the braised short rib was so soft and tender with great flavor the gravy was from scratch. The server was named Kasha and she was very good and engaging. Nice to meet waits staff that seem to enjoy their job. Our family frequent the restaurant so they ordered a side pancake for us to try. It was light and fluffy, they told us the chantilly pancake is huge but Ono! So for me the icing was the excellent coffee drinks from mochas to lattes even the straight joe was like a cafe Americano or Italian brew thicker and richer than just old Bunn pot drip industrial coffee, this explains the two cup limit. So for those uneducated palettes that don't like the small mugs, this isn't cheap drip coffee and you can tell, for us this makes the breakfast for us. You can ruin a meal with "junk old pot coffee. So kudos to Moena cafe! Only detriment for us is that theiy're so far from where we live now! :-( Big hint open one in either Ewa beach or Kapolei you would kill it given Ko'olina is out our side too. In final reflections this was the best way to have an excellent breakfast! Good food, good coffee, good company and good service. We can always hope they open our side down the road. It is on the high end of the price scale but for us on par with cafe Kaila or Sweetee's or Moke's Cinamons in Kailua. So we will be back just don't know when? Try Em I think your put Moena on your return list for breakfast joints. It was worth the drive.
(5)Jenna S.
The food here is freaking delicious! This place has become my #1 spot for breakfast or brunch. It's small inside so I recommend going on the weekday to avoid the wait. The braised short rib loco moco with fried rice is the BOMB! The meat was really tender and the gravy was on point, so tasty! The crab panini was delicious too, it had large chunks if fresh crab inside. I also got the afogotto (fresh brewed espresso over vanilla bean ice cream)...why have I never had this before?! Perfect way to end breakfast. I also tried the Chantilly banana pancake... oh my good god, the absolute best tasting pancake I have ever had! I have been so disappointed by every other place on this island known for their pancakes and I stumble upon this hidden delight lol, I have a new love for pancakes.
(5)Michelle G.
3 stars is an average based on about a dozen visits in the past year, prompted by today's experience - sometimes it's 5, sometimes it's 1. i.e. It's inconsistent. Today was a 2 due to our server. Unfriendly, monotone voice, no eye contact, no energy, and she literally responded to EVERY question/comment by saying "No problem." Actually, sometimes there WAS a problem, and you saying it wasn't, was irritating. Repeatedly saying it made it insincere. Today's food was a 4, but some comments about the following after having tried them more than once: - The Kalua pork is dry. It's fine to finish with a sear on the flat top, but the pork has to have started out moist. If it's dry to begin with, searing it just makes it drier. - The texture of the pancakes is gluey. Totally made up for by the toppings, but still. - Seasoning is inconsistent. Today, my omelet was super salty, and I love salty. - Not a fan of peas in fried rice. Guess it's not meant to be local-style. - Please source better sausages. The link and Portuguese sausage are MUCH better at Zippys. As for our "no problem" girl - if you didn't automatically add the 15% gratuity, you would've gotten 20%, not because you deserved it, but because short of a server peeing in our food, we don't tip badly in restaurants that we plan to go back to. I get that people with big parties can undertip, but adding the 15 is a crapshoot, and servers would be well advised to exercise some judgment here. My rule is that if you add it, that's all you're getting. If you let me decide, you'll get at least 20, great gets 25 to 50. And FYI, "no problem" girl, you didn't work any harder on our party of 6 than you did on your parties of 2-5. The fact that we had to keep asking for things multiple times (water, coffee, extra gravy that was requested when the order was placed, etc.) should have been a hint. We'll keep going back with the hopes of getting one of the 5-star servers, and I've now figured out what not to order, cause it's not all good. It's still better than Zippy's.
(3)annie L.
Delicious short rib loco moco. I want to Just chow down the whole order but I didn't. Clean and nice, slightly inconspicuous even though the location or right by bubbies. I'll definitely be back here. Slightly annoyed by the last across the table that kept starring at me because I was eating one and she's with her guy.
(5)Janelle A.
The food and service was great. Unfortunately, we went on a Saturday morning, and there was a 7-top in front of us. The wait for a table was long and the food took just as long, but well worth the wait. Had the crab benedict, husband got the cinnamon roll pancakes w/ a side of bacon. The lump crab meat was flavorful & I got a piece of bacon which was nice and crispy. Our server kept our glasses filled & she was very attentive.
(4)Hhw L.
The two younger Caucasian waitress lacks experiences and customer service. Management should have them re-trained. I was seated after 10 minutes waiting while several tables along the walls were available. Only when another older couple came in, they seated us at un-cleared table from the previous patrons. The older couples got the nicer booth, ordered before us and got their food ahead of us. The waitress seen that we were upset and recognized their mistakes. Unfortunately, I was too disgusted and could not enjoy my meal. The supervisor was in the back office and did not see any of this.
(1)Alyson Y.
After seeing so many delicious looking pictures from Moena Cafe, I decided to check it out. When we got there it was 9 am on a Saturday and I was expecting to wait, but we only had to stick around for about 10 minutes before we were seated. Once we sat down, I decided on the Kalua Pork Benedict ($13.75) and my boyfriend got the Salmon Crepes (about $15). We also both ordered a cup of coffee ($2.50), though I thought it was strange that they limit you to one refill per cup. When they gave us our cups of coffee, they were very small. I would say they were about half the size of a coffee mug. So, even with one free refill, it's only a cup of coffee for $2.50. That seemed less than generous considering the prices of the other items on their menu. When the food came, everything looks delicious. My Kalua Pork Benedict was really nicely presented, as was the Salmon Crepes. My boyfriend noted that the salmon was delicious and that were was a generous amount. However, I was less impressed. The Kalua Pork Benedict was good, but it was smaller than I was expecting and the sauce was a little too salty. I had to add hot sauce to make it taste a little better. The whole thing ran about $45, including tip and that felt grossly over priced for what we got. If the food portions were bigger, the food was better or the decor was nicer - I might have reasoned with paying those prices for breakfast. But, as it stands, I don't think it tastes as good as it looks. Overall, I have it 3 out of 5 stars for the unreasonable price tag for decent food.
(3)Hannah Q.
Ambiance: great! It's very clean, very modern and earthy which I love. On ambience alone i would rate it a 5. Service: amazing! Our server Emily was very sweet, attentive and helpful. On service alone is rate 5. Food: this is where it brings the ratings down to 3. We ordered the salmon omelette, cranberry chicken sandwich and side pancakes. The omelette was just okay--it was a bit salty and a little plain. It is something that we could easily put together at home. The cranberry sandwich was small, too much mayo and not enough cranberries/nut in the filling. Not too much meat either. It had potential though and the ciabatta bun went well with the flavor. The side salad that came with the sandwich was good but the dressing was way too sweet! The side pancake was perfect for me. I hate ordering the main meal pancakes because I can never finish and I feel horrible wasting the food. So this small pancake was a perfect addition as a side plate. I would definitely come back again with a gf to try some different dishes but not again with my fiancé--he was still hungry. Overall, great service, ambiance and beautiful clean plate presentations. Small portions, might need to work on the balancing of flavors
(3)Mark M.
Moena Cafe has become my favorite breakfast spot. I just wished they were a little closer to where I live, but we can't all get what we want in life, can we? With that being said, it's easily worth the drive from anywhere on this island to eat at Moena. I've tried several dishes, including the short rib loco moco which is my new favorite, the cinnamon roll pancakes (which is now my old favorite), and the salmon benedict. I've also tried the house potatoes and fried rice. Oh, and even the vanilla shake. So far, everything has been nothing short of delicious. The well planned out menu has something for everyone, depending on if you feel like having something sweet, savory, hearty, or healthy. The prices may seem a little steep, but don't let that scare you away. You absolutely must try this place. Like I said, it's worth the drive out here.
(5)Kelley L.
I am usually a sucker for breakfast/ brunch places but Moena Cafe's wait was way too long for the quality and price of the food. I got the Hawaiian omelette, which had cheese, onions, Kalua pork, and green onions. It came with a cute pineapple slice and a strawberry half. The Kalua pork was solid, not too salty, but the onions were unevenly distributed throughout the omelette and the cheese was located in a chunk at the back of the omelette. Not too appetizing once the cheese got cold and solidified. ~ Bf got the Short Rib Loco Moco with fried rice and eggs over easy.. even though he ordered it with white rice and sunny side up eggs. Inaccurate order, but he wasn't complaining. Tl;dr I would only get takeout from this place to avoid the wait, but even then the food is pricey for what it is.
(3)Dawn S.
They quoted us 25 minutes for 2 people. 40 minutes later we checked on our table and they said it would be another 10 min. The least they could've done is come & let us know.
(1)Nora T.
Stopped here for lunch after hiking koko head. For being in a strip mall, the interior was surprisingly well decorated, warm and welcoming. My bf and I were starving so we were happy to sit down to a nice meal. We ordered the blackened ono fish special as a sandwich and the braised short rib sandwich and shared. Both were very tasty and the ciabbatta buns were also very good, however, the service was sub par. It was 2pm in the afternoon so the place was not very busy. We never received refills on our drinks and our server was slow and not very attentive. Best healthy option for food in that shopping center. I rate the food a 4 and the service a 3.
(3)Jason D.
Short-rib loco moco with over-easy eggs and fried rice. That was my inspiration to finish my first hike ever at Koko Head. The gooeyness of the egg mixing with the tenderness of the short-rib and the fried rice was extremely satisfying. The pomegranate iced tea hydrated me back to my normal self too. I'm really a fan of this place. If I didn't live so far away, I'd come all the time. Hmm, I guess I have to hike Koko Head more?
(4)Mahina C.
I'm so sad to report that i haven't come here in a few months, but after returning with a few of my friends, I'm so happy to report that it's still just as good as i remembered! Everything from beginning to end is enjoyable, especially if you have the right company to wait with. Don't get me wrong, I hate waiting just like any other person but this place is well worth the wait just like i said before in my previous post, i'll say it again...WORTH THE WAIT! Because everything looks and sounds delicious, i highly recommend going with others so you can share plates. Order...everything...okay, if you can't handle everything at least order the following.... Cinnamon pancakes Short rib loco moco (extra gravy, trust me this is very important) kalua pig eggs benedict any omelet...maybe veggie to be slightly healthy and to wash it all down, COFFEE. not that crappy coffee, but legit smooth coffee, plus if you don't finish it or didn't have your refill, they'll gladly ask if you'd like it to go. You can't go wrong with the service and quality of food here. Clean, friendly, and delicious. best of all worlds!
(5)Jeannie T.
Came here for brunch as our last meal before heading back to Cali. I didn't realize that the portions would be so big until our other group of friends who ordered before us got their food. Really big portions so definitely bring an appetite. I got the corned beef hash with sunny side eggs and my boyfriend got the Kahlua pig benedict. Lets just say everything was really good and I wish I got to try a piece of everyone's food because it smelled good and tasted equally delicious. I love that they add a piece of pineapple and strawberry to each dish as a garnish. It serves as a great little palate cleanser after eating all that breakfast food. Also, their pancakes are bigger than your head so if you order that, be prepared it eat a lot because you get two pieces of pancakes.
(5)Kristen K.
Update! Service this past time was great! Wait is still long if you go during peak times though.
(4)Jean P.
Hate to be the bearer of disappointment, but after so many good reviews we decided to give this place a try. We waited for about 15 mins for a table.... not bad for how busy it looked. We ordered the famous corned beef hash and eggs, French Toast, chicken panini, and a side of rice and kalua pig (my daughter's favorite meal). Then the disappointment started........ We waited, and waited, and waited..... about 40 mins went by. That was long with a 7 month and 4 year old. The food finally arrived, but not all of it. The panini was missing and the server said "sorry it will be out shortly, there was a mix up." Um, okay? She never mentioned anything while we waited 40+ mins. The panini arrived about 10 mins later. My daughter's plates were hot, but the rice was crusty and hard and the kalua pig had a crispy crust and was bone dry. Signs of sitting under aheat lamp for a while. We didn't complain at first because we didn't want to wait any longer, but i finally said something when my daughter couldn't eat it. The server dropped off a scone to compensate, but would have been nice to just take the rice and pig of the check, especially when only 3 fork fulls were eaten. No one at the damn scone either. The other dishes were standard, nothing that special. My standard for tipping stays at 20%+ and usually decreases as the situations occur. Needless to say the was no tip. The server can thank the manager for that, since he didn't want to comp, or even to come talk to us. NEVER AGAIN!
(1)Allen N.
I have always wanted to try this restaurant for breakfast. Heard the food was good... Yes, the food was just awesome. Tried the short rib fried rice which was super tender. Much Mahalo!
(5)George K.
I don't mind waiting in line but it disappoints me when you're told that the wait time is 20 to 25 minutes but you check in later at 35 minutes and then are told an additional 10 minutes at least. If I was told the wait was going to be 30 to 45 minutes we would of gone some other place. It's a bit misleading and now you've wasted 35 minutes of your time when you could have been seated at some other establishment. Never coming back here again.
(1)La P.
We decided to try it out before our hike up to the Makapu'u Lighthouse lookout. So we got there shortly after 7am and being that it was a Tuesday, it wasn't crowded and we were seated right away. As we looked over the menu, it became harder and harder to choose because everything sounded better and better. We finally decided on the short rib loco moco for me and a petite stack of the banana pancake with chantilly topping. OMG!! That pancake is huge! It's the size of a dinner plate and they don't skimp on the thickness either. It was so delicious. I'm partial to chantilly of the Liliha Bakery likeness but oh boy, Moena Cafe, you did it right!!!! Not too buttery or thick, just right. I can't wait to have my leftovers. The short rib loco moco was delish also. I requested brown rice and they happily obliged me. The brown gravy is perfectly seasoned and those short rib pieces are so fork-tender. My husband got the Cinnamon roll pancakes. He thoroughly enjoyed them as well. As we were about to leave, the cafe was filling up so I really recommend going early. The waitstaff seems efficient and not rushed. The ambience is relaxed and the music overhead reminds me of the music that plays in Williams Sonoma. Perfect. We will definitely be returning soon to try some of their Eggs Benedict dishes.
(4)Elise M.
Meh. I came here with a large group of friends, which might have started us off on the wrong foot, but overall I was unhappy with my experience. We didn't have to wait too long for a table, maybe 30 min for a group of 8. I think this was just lucky timing though. The place is tiny and a little pretentious. There were about 5 female servers and 1 male manager(?) who had the first 2 buttons of his shirt open. Ew. A little sleazy for breakfast. Everyone, including some guests, seemed annoyed at the presence of a large group. Once seated, we ordered coffees and juice, which came fairly quickly, then waited about 15 minutes for the waitress to come back to answer any questions and take our food order. My corned beef hash was ok, the potatoes were bland. I wouldn't order it again. The cinnamon roll pancakes were delicious. One of my friends raved about her bacon. Otherwise most said their food was mediocre. Food is definitely overpriced. $12.50 for my entree. Omelets come with toast, potatoes or rice are extra. Eggs Benedict comes with no sides, for $13-18, depending on type. The food was not that good. If you're in Hawaii Kai and want breakfast - just go to Zippy's.
(2)Blanca C.
Good price, great service, friendly staff. Food is a master piece, crafted to your bellies desire. It's going to be a small portion but u will never feel guilty for over eating. It's a family type of place so don't bring your smokes or bad mouth. Came early cause the line gets long but well worth the wait.
(5)Annette S.
Great family place! The food is to die for and the service is incredibly fast. My whole family loved it and were pretty much full for the rest of the day!
(5)Justin F.
I could write a long extensive review with lots of details, instead I will do this: If you ever want to have an actual experience like Meg Ryan did in "When Harry met Sally", order the cinnamon roll pancakes and put them in your mouth.
(5)Monica R.
I haven't eaten here, so I know this review is pretty useless, but I got a cup of coffee while I was waiting for boyfriend to finish his surfing lesson. It was delicious!
(4)Brian M.
I must admit that I was a little sceptical about coming to eat at Moena Cafe after hearing about long waiting times to get a seat and for food to come out......But... I was proven wrong! Maybe I should move to Hawaii Kai because I lucked out again and didn't have to wait for a table.(Timing Is everything!). We came came to eat at 10:00am and was greeted with a smile and seated right away. Awesome! First thing I noticed was the modern contemporary design of the MC. Very clean hipster type of place. Nice.. Food Order: *Short Rib Loco Moco: Two eggs on top of two nicely cooked pieces of boneless Short Rib. yelp.com/biz_photos/moen… Eggs perfectly cooked,perfect gravy very good,short ribs tender and generous portions. *MC Breakfast: Wife enjoyed the portuguese sausage,eggs and potatoes, sausage wasn't real spicy. I really enjoyed the flavor of their coffee and happy that it was on the stronger side. Service was friendly and very attentive,loved the way that the servers acknowledge waiting customers. "I AM A BELIEVER NOW'! Nice to have a great place to eat in Hawaii Kai.
(5)Michele C.
Service was stellar for LA , for Hawaii, off the chain! The only problem, they have very complicated names. Greyson and Emily were fun and accommodating to my lame mainland demands of attention. Thank you! The loco moco was way better then the usu. short rib instead of a fatty fat grizzle slab of hamburger. Well done kids. The coffee gets a free refill, nice touch but... Come on guys, you got nothing on the iced thai latte at the powerhouse corporation (Starbucks) down the way.
(5)Jane A.
BIG BREAKFAST (3.5 stars) Different twist on hash. - FOOD, good - PRICES, kind of pricy for island prices - SERVICE, good - AMBIANCE, small cafe - nothing fancy Came here to eat before heading out in Maunalua to do some scuba diving. So one of the golden rules is to not eat something you don't digest very well before diving. I'm a hash kind of gal, I love it. I took my chances and it was worth it. Clean and simple place. The presentation was simple and clean as well. HEFER STATUS. Fresh Corned Beef Hash ($12.50) - Made with Potatoes and Onions and Served with Two Eggs. What I loved about it was that it was nice chunks of hash. Although I prefer my corn beef to be diced a little more, this was still good. It didn't look too filling but I couldn't even half my food - its can get filling. The hash wasn't combined together, it was almost mixed together - but it was still good. I had to fork each piece to get one bit to taste the entire hash. Not sure if $12.50 was worth it but you'd pay anything if your hungry and your about to be on a boat/ocean for a couple of hours. Will I be back? Yes. I want to try their delicious looking short rib loco moco. JABA APPROVED. Until the next review...
(4)jeannemarie v.
Living out in Hawaii Kai, there aren't really any breakfast joints to go to. Here comes Moena Cafe! Loacted in the Koko Marina Shopping center, this is your last stop on your way to Hananuma Bay. To start, each cup of coffee is served Americano style and they will allow one re-fill so hold off on your coffee cravings for Starbuck's. I've been here several times now and it's crazy busy so try going during the week after the rush. This time I had the eggs Benedict. Cooked to perfection with a nice slab of ham and the right amount of hollandaise. Don't expect the typical english muffin underneath as they use toasted French bread which I think is a change to this dish as the EM tend to be too much bread for me. My one companion ordered the pancakes and thank goodness they ordered the short stack as these pancakes are the size of a skillet! And they were fabulous as well. We asked for sauces on the side and the waitress was very attentive to our requests. My other companion ordered the crepe with Nutella and bananas and devoured the whole thing. In the past, we're also have had the Short-Rib Loco Moco and if you have the appetite for it, go for it! It's a great twist on a local favorite!
(4)Scott F.
Wow!!! Short rib loco moco is off the hook!! Soooo good and now soooo full :) Service was awesome too. Our waitress took time to suggest several places to see on the island, being that she is a local. Fruit topped French toast was Great too. We devoured it in under a minute! :)
(5)Maria G.
Great breakfast place in Hawaii Kai. We usually go here after we do one of the ridge hikes and are subsequently starving from 4 hours of activity. The food is delicious, well priced and well portioned. The only caveat is that it's super busy so be prepared to wait at least 40 minutes on the weekend. I'm assuming that if you come earlier and if you come on a weekday the rush isn't too bad.
(3)Elk's R.
Upon entering the first impression was that the decor and seating arrangement was a little cramped and unimaginative...not a deal breaker, but not a positive either. Ordered an eggs benedict, which as noted before didn't include potatoes or rice (you need something to counter the saltiness and sop up the remaining egg yolk and ham grease), so ordering a side of either makes this rather overpriced (the taste was good but not special). And for God's sake at least use some decent (not tap) water for customers if you're going to charge that much. The final and telling factor was the overall atmosphere...it was obvious things were very forced and technical, rather than naturally enthusiastic. People were nice because they had to be. So it doesn't appear there is any meaningful integration between ownership and staff (reminds me of when I worked some part-time jobs in university). Overall, this place exhibits adequate cooking knowledge but comes off as rather souless.
(2)Brandy W.
Located in the Koko Marina area across from the theater, we never had a reason to come across the island just for breakfast. However, on our way home from Bellows, this was the perfect opportunity to try something new. There was about a 15 minute wait when we arrived at 930 on veterans day, which I though was honestly not bad for breakfast. You walk in and write your name on the list, but the waiting area is outside with chairs available. My husband ordered the kalua pork benedict. This is a three star in our book. It was very small (only one piece) on bread instead of english muffin. It seemed quite tasteless in our book. I ordered the homemade corn beef hash. This was a 4 star for us. Although the corned beef was a little fatty for my taste, you can't beat homemade corned beef hash. I am very picky about eggs, but they nailed scrambled soft exactly as I like it. Our meal was topped off by some fresh fruit. I had enough food for two breakfasts, so my husband snacked off mine. We took a strawberry cream cheese scone home. That was absolutely delicious, but not as hearty as diamond head's blueberry cream cheese. I did not have trouble with service at all while there. Maybe they took some previous reviews to heart. The decor is beautiful, and the breakfast was satisfying. I can confidently say we'll return if we're in the area.
(4)Pamela S.
I have only great things to say about this place... except for the wait time, but 20 minutes is nothing for such a great breakfast! We ordered the savory crapes and added an egg inside and it was mouth watering. The french toast is perfectly crispy on the outside and warm and soft in the middle. We got it with fruit on top. The syrup has a hint of fruit or something yummy in it. I will warn that it's borderline dessert. Once we sat down, the service was good too.
(5)Phoebe L.
This is my first time here but LISTEN TO OTHER REVIEWERS! Come if you're not too hungry, because you'll have to wait approximately 30-45 mins for ordering and for your food. Don't forget wait time to get your seats! Food looks good, but taste is okay.
(2)Austin L.
This is my second time here and I always come when I'm on the island. It's delicious and I would highly recommend it
(5)Jennee G.
Brandi took care of us this morning. She was very sweet and attentive. Never let our water glasses go dry. Quick and efficient service. Food here... Hands down the best breakfast on the island. And I don't cook, we eat out every meal of everyday! It's far away from home but who cares, I'll drive for good food. I had a veggies omelet, added ham and bacon with wheat toast and a side of potatoes. The hubby had fried rice(so Ono), eggs and bacon. Two thumbs up for the fried rice! Omelet was the bomb! We also shared a Nutella and strawberry crepe. The best crepe I've ever had!
(5)Matthew J.
This is one of the best breakfast places on the island. The pancakes are fantastic, the crepes are to die for, the service is amazing. My guys and I go here after early morning workouts a few times a month. The server always remembers us/me which is great. If you're near hanauma or Hawai'i Kai and need a place to eat look here.
(5)Stacey K.
Flavorful food, nice atmosphere. We had the short rib loco moco and kailua pig Benedict. Good portions and very well seasoned. Not too crowded on a weekday morning. Good coffee too!
(4)Elizabeth C.
The food is Amazing here. Best breakfast place for sure! The Chantilly banana pancakes were to die for. However, the wait help is not the fastest and we had to wait awhile just to order. Once we did order the food came in a reasonable amount of time.
(4)Gauslin J.
A hole in the wall rare find. We stumbled on this cafe on a hunt for a good spot after settling into Hawaii loa ridge. So far we have been here 5 times in 2 weeks. Best short rib sandwich I have had, they also have a great chicken sandwich, enjoyed the short rib loco moco, try the pancakes too!!! and tasty vanilla latte...I ordered 3!
(5)S.T. E.
The food here is decent, but overpriced for what you get when you compare it with other brunch spots that are just as good, if not better than this place. They charged is $1.50 to substitute rice for toast... so they took away our toast, gave us one little scoop of rice, and charged us $1.50 for it. Oh, and there's a quote plastered on the wall about how God has a plan for your future, so unless you want your eggs with a side of God, this might not be the place for you. In the grand scheme of things, I guess these aren't such major issues, just good to be aware of when trying to decide where to eat :)
(3)Owen I.
Great place for brunch. Menu of breakfast n lunch items. High quality, well prepared, great tasting food. Clean dining room and friendly service. We had the short rib loco moco, cinnamon roll pancake and crab benedict. All were very tasty. I would have given them 5 stars but they're pricey. The benedict was $18! Good for special occasions but not every weekend, too expensive for my budget.
(4)Ashley C.
We rather regrettably showed up at Moena Cafe for the first time post-hike, covered in the salt-spray that comes with walking along rocks near the water, tank-top-clad, and probably pretty smelly. Sorry, Moena! We had no idea what we were walking into! The staff were very courteous despite how much we stood out among the considerably classier clientele, we were attended to efficiently, and the food came out reasonably quickly. I had an acai bowl, and let me just say, for the price, it was GOOD. I've had acai bowls of similar price that were less than half as packed as this one and not nearly as delicious. I'd come back here just for the acai bowl, honestly, which is stuffed with fruits and loaded with honey honey honey~ It was so good, but the size was a bit much for me and I had to rely on my friends to help me finish it. Another of my friends had the banana chantilly pancake as well, which was massive and oh-so-ono. Holy moly. In short, I give this place five stars pretty much because the acai bowl rocked so hard. I would go back just for that. AND the staff were fabulous.
(5)Kristiana H.
I ordered the short ribs with friend rice, beet and goat cheese salad and cinnamon roll pancakes. Everything was good! Service was good. I got here about 1pm so I think I just missed the breakfast and lunch rush
(4)Nadia K.
Dear Santa, I've been good this year and all I want for Christmas is for Moena Cafe to take reservations. Thank you! Nadia Seriously, this place is great! Totally worth the drive from Mililani to Koko Marina Shopping Center (located next to Bubbies) in Hawaii Kai and the 30 minute wait with two crazy-energetic little ones. Although, I prefer no wait, I tried to wait patiently and peruse the menu on the window while I was really screaming GET UP!!!!!! in my head to the patrons enjoying their food as I attempted (and failed) to keep my children in one place. We shared the cinnamon roll pancakes and a savory crepe with ham, spinach, mushroom, tomato, and mozzarella. The pancakes were really yummy! Probably the best I've ever had and the light cream cheese syrup was beyond delicious. It was like no other! The cinnamon roll pancakes are a must! I'd pass on the savory crepe. I thought it would be more cheesy or that the filling would mesh better with the crepe itself. Instead when I cut into it with my fork, the filling just fell out and I had to pretty much eat the filling separate from the crepe. It wasn't bad, but I would not order it again. I heard their coffee was really good and I wasn't disappointed! But I was a little sad they didn't offer me the one refill that is allowed. I could have asked, but thought they could have offered as most places do. The cafe itself is nice and the staff was friendly and service was quick. I look forward to returning and trying their other menu items, like their omelettes, fried rice, sandwiches, french toast. Okay, I look forward to returning many times!
(5)Darlene L.
We had breakfast there a few days ago. The food was really good and service was really fast and friendly. Breakfast portions are generous. Eggs Benedict and Corn Beef Hash were so delicious! Iced french vanilla latte hit the spot too...best place in town for breakfast or brunch!
(5)Alejandra F.
Great place for lunch on this side of the island. Fancy looking and nicely decorated, but you can definitely manage the casual look. Took the waitress a little while to show up with waters, but after that she was pretty good. Had a Cuban sandwich panini. It didn't compare to a Cuban sandwich from Miami, but it was still pretty good. Everyone else was happy with their food also. Prices were good and so was the service.
(3)Rochelle A.
***** Food was great! First off, Let me say that our food was delicious. Ordered the parfait, chantilly pancakes, french toast and loco mocos. My whole family loved their food. The reason I'm giving Moena Cafe 2 stars is because the service was terrible. I ordered take out. How hard is it to service a customer for a take out order. I went straight to the counter to place my order. Waitress took my order. Said it will be about 15 minutes. I said ok and that I'll be right outside. Where everyone is waiting. Standing between tables is awkward in there. 20+ minutes go by and no food. I went in to check and waitress that took my order said they were waiting for one more item then it'll be packed up. Ok fine. Stood by the door for another 5 minutes waiting. Took too long so I went outside again. Waited another 5-10 minutes outside until I asked another waitress who was calling out names, what's going on with my order? She then tells me, I don't know, I didn't take your order. How about, whats your name, let me check. Don't you work together? Isn't this a team effort? Communicate lately? So Annoyed at this moment. Went straight in and asked where's my order? Found out it's been sitting there for awhile.i was not a happy camper. What topped it off was that my "Take Out" order didn't have any utensils or napkins. Let's just say we all took turns eating from the same Mcdonalds spoon found in my car.
(2)Phil K.
What brought me here was the Eggs Benedict I spied on the online menu. It's is my favorite morning meal and since the restaurant is close to home, I had to try it. I was pleasantly surprised. It came with a thick slice of Canadian bacon; over a 1/4" thick. It tasted like it was carved on a nice leg of ham. The egg was poached perfectly (runny in the center as it should be) and the hollandaise sauce excellent. I don't know if it was homemade or restaurant supply but it was good and far superior to the usual sauces I've sampled in coffee shops. My only thing was that it was a solo Benedict. I prefer two of them plus some fries or hash browns which I guess I could have asked for a twice+ the price. They should drop the "s" and change the name to Egg Benedict. So it was a little pricey for how much you get. But very tasty.
(4)Melissa M.
I have eaten here once before and loved it. The food was good and service was okay. I am a server and have worked in the industry for 7 years. Today I went in and it took over 35 minutes for our food. I wasn't going to say anything, but I was very upset that everyone around us had gotten their food before we did. Some even arrived and left. So after paying, I asked our server if it usually takes that long. She replied that the ticket had malfunctioned. I'm appalled that she wasn't even going to say anything! This is the first time that being a server sucked. I wish I could have not left a 20% tip but I work in a restaurant and know how it is. But BE HONEST WITH YOUR GUESTS! I'm never going back.
(1)Nate T.
Wow an Awesome restaurant! They were really busy but they moved the people fast. The food was top hotel style quality, and the service was friendly and fast. I wood highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Jason C.
The prices are high but they deliver tasty food. If you don't mind spending a couple of dollars extra come here instead of koa pancake house
(3)Darlene L.
Our very favorite place for breakfast........and sometimes lunch, too! Love their French toast made with Hawaiian sweet bread and their pancakes are the best. Several choices of Egg Benedict and they are delicious, never heavy, just right. Plus they serve only fresh made Kona coffee made by the cup. Great. Owner is a chef and it really shows in the taste and presentation. Worth every penny.
(5)Kimi L.
Moena Cafe is located in the Koko Marina Shopping Center, close to Zippy's. As soon as you walk in, take in the clean, bright decor that reminds you of a beach side, country-style cafe. Moena is well-lit with its bright white walls and fresh color scheme. They're definitely tech savvy - integrating IPads to take down your order. Their menu...let's touch on that. They offer a wide variety of updated, breakfast and local favorites. - Eggs Benedict, but offer the option to get crab or salmon benedicts. - Their twist on a loco moco is adding tender, short ribs (Short Rib Loco Moco). - Sweet Bread French toast is light and fluffy, light dusted with powdered sugar. - Salmon & Cream Cheese crepe with a side of capers to really top it off. - Vanilla Latte to get your morning started or opt for the traditional island favorite, POG (passion orange guava juice). Like I said, I just 'touched' on their menu. They offer a unique selection of tasty desserts, such as Snicker Bar Surprise and Your Not-Traditional Lemon Meringue Pie. On the other hand if you wanna go the healthier route, they have a variety of delicious, fresh salads to choose from. Just a few other items they have on their menu. - Panini Sandwiches - Acai Bowl - Lox & Bagel - Crepes - Waffles and pancakes - Lattes, cappuccinos, Italian soda, shakes, espressos just to name a few And to top it off, the service is top-notch. To sum it up - I'll definitely be returning again and again (I didn't get to try everything on the menu yet!).
(5)James B.
Amazing Food vs Poor Customer Service. Pricey for breakfast, but excellent quality. Wish I could say the same about the staff. I've eaten here twice, both times I was rushed to leave by the waitress before I was done eating. I understand they are popular and busy but when waiting 30 minutes to dine at a restaurant, I expect to enjoy my meal. I ordered the Banana Chantilly, amazing. And the Short-rib Loco Mocco was outstanding. But 2 stars given due to the poor staffing.
(2)Leigh N.
I wanted to like Moena Cafe. The pictures posted by other Yelpers look incredibly awesome so I had very high expectations for our Sunday brekkie. Sadly, we were very disappointed. "Don't judge a book by its cover" couldn't be truer at this restaurant. Food looks pretty but unfortunately tasted blah. I ordered traditional eggs Benny, the husband ordered the corned beef hash and we also got the "must have" banana chantilly pancake to share. The disappointment began the moment our order arrived and the eggs on my Benny were poached FIRM. *Insert mad face here* I cut into it anticipating that sexy, oozy, yolky deliciousness that for me defines an awesome Benny but what I got was hard, dry, over cooked yuck. I ended up eating just the toast and ham. Hubby's corned beef hash tasted a bit "off" so he left majority of that on his plate. The pancake was ok but definitely nowhere near good enough for me to assume that maybe the cook was having a bad day and we should come back to give Moena another chance. No thank you.
(1)Raych D.
Finally got to try this place out this past Saturday for lunch. Got here a little before 1pm hoping we missed the breakfast rush but that wasn't the case and we had to wait about 30 minutes for a table for 2. Located right in Koko Marina, right next to the Dog the bounty hunter store. Just like everyone mentioned this is a cute family owned business that only has a handful of tables so it does get busy. The decor is very cute and inviting. The utensils were also cute as also the salt and pepper shakers. I ordered the breakfast platter ($9) of 2 scrambled eggs, roasted potato's (really yummy) and 3 sausage links that I gave to the guy I was with. The eggs were okay, but it needed more salt. And he got the braised short rib loco moco ($14). He said it was a cool new version of a loco moco with good gravy and to much rice. I like the concept of the chef coming out to bring our entrees...very cute! We were debating on getting the banana Chantilly pancake or the cinnamon bun pancake for $9 a slice but opted to have bubbies (next door) for a cheaper sugar rush. For our meal, total came out to a little over $23 which is kind of expensive for just okay food. Maybe I ordered the wrong thing but I would much rather eat at Cafe Kaila for a cheaper price and bigger portion.
(3)Mike O.
Came here twice this weekend and it was great. Food selection is comparable with all other places like this (i.e. Kaila and Sweet E's). The word is not out yet so there is no wait (we'll see how long this last with it being on Yelps front page). Looks like a family owned restaurant. Everyone is so Friendly. My wife ate the Sweet Bread French toast w/fresh strawberries on both days. This is her usual order anywhere and she says this is her favorite. She also says their coffee is really good and HOT. They only give one refill so be careful, all you heavy coffee drinkers. Looks like they have an expensive coffee/expresso machine, which is why it tastes so good. I had the Eggs benedict on Sat and Bacon and Eggs w/Fried rice on Sun. The EB was really good with a thick slice of ham on perfect eggs and a french bread bottom, really yum. The bacon and eggs were standard with a really good fried rice. Interior is simple and clean with a nice 3 seat counter/bar. We'll keep coming until the wait gets too long. Open 630a-3p, right next Dog the Bounty Hunters shop.
(5)Yvonne M.
Pregnancy craving #6. I had to try this hot, new business. The pics looked like a culinary breakfast treat. They have a breakfast, coffee/tea, lunch, and dessert menu. Selection is not as extensive as Cafe Kaila and portions not as large. FOOD ORDERED 1) MK breakfast - comes with 2 eggs, meat, and fried rice or country potatoes. The bacon I chose was flavorful and crispy. Fried rice was ok. Not much flavor. At least it wasn't oily. 2) Sweet bread French toast. Good. 3) Short rib loco moco. Wow, the meat was absolutely ono and soft. Gravy had a nice consistency and taste. It is a salty version, not a teri sauce. Rice was soggy though :( 4) Chantilly pancake samples- OK! AMAZING! Now this is their signature dish!!! I will order this next time, no doubt! ENVIRONMENT Modern hawaiian designed decor. Beautiful Orchids. Clean. Can fit about 50-60peeps in restaurant with a coffee bar that seats 3. Located in Koko Marina Shopping Center by Zippys. Decent amount of parking. SERVICE 30 minute wait on a weekday holiday at 9:45am for us. Pay attention to where your name is on the list and who is around you. Apparently, they skipped over names, twice. Communication problem? And customers confronted them. They were apologetic though. Otherwise, when we finally got to our seat, it was quick, fast and efficient. The owner & chef even came around to greet people. Friendly staff. TIPS Use the iDcard to get 15% off.
(4)Mark G.
I don't know what to say except ,absolutely AMAZiNG !!' We stopped on by chance for breakfast and the food was perfectly cooked ,the French Toast was crazy good and the Omelette was to die for ....in from LA ,it was just fabulous
(5)Jason M.
Went here for breakfast. Nice small place. I had the fish and eggs. Im glad i tried it but prob not going back.
(3)Alyson Y.
After seeing so many delicious looking pictures from Moena Cafe, I decided to check it out. When we got there it was 9 am on a Saturday and I was expecting to wait, but we only had to stick around for about 10 minutes before we were seated. Once we sat down, I decided on the Kalua Pork Benedict ($13.75) and my boyfriend got the Salmon Crepes (about $15). We also both ordered a cup of coffee ($2.50), though I thought it was strange that they limit you to one refill per cup. When they gave us our cups of coffee, they were very small. I would say they were about half the size of a coffee mug. So, even with one free refill, it's only a cup of coffee for $2.50. That seemed less than generous considering the prices of the other items on their menu. When the food came, everything looks delicious. My Kalua Pork Benedict was really nicely presented, as was the Salmon Crepes. My boyfriend noted that the salmon was delicious and that were was a generous amount. However, I was less impressed. The Kalua Pork Benedict was good, but it was smaller than I was expecting and the sauce was a little too salty. I had to add hot sauce to make it taste a little better. The whole thing ran about $45, including tip and that felt grossly over priced for what we got. If the food portions were bigger, the food was better or the decor was nicer - I might have reasoned with paying those prices for breakfast. But, as it stands, I don't think it tastes as good as it looks. Overall, I have it 3 out of 5 stars for the unreasonable price tag for decent food.
(3)Hannah Q.
Ambiance: great! It's very clean, very modern and earthy which I love. On ambience alone i would rate it a 5. Service: amazing! Our server Emily was very sweet, attentive and helpful. On service alone is rate 5. Food: this is where it brings the ratings down to 3. We ordered the salmon omelette, cranberry chicken sandwich and side pancakes. The omelette was just okay--it was a bit salty and a little plain. It is something that we could easily put together at home. The cranberry sandwich was small, too much mayo and not enough cranberries/nut in the filling. Not too much meat either. It had potential though and the ciabatta bun went well with the flavor. The side salad that came with the sandwich was good but the dressing was way too sweet! The side pancake was perfect for me. I hate ordering the main meal pancakes because I can never finish and I feel horrible wasting the food. So this small pancake was a perfect addition as a side plate. I would definitely come back again with a gf to try some different dishes but not again with my fiancé--he was still hungry. Overall, great service, ambiance and beautiful clean plate presentations. Small portions, might need to work on the balancing of flavors
(3)Mark M.
Moena Cafe has become my favorite breakfast spot. I just wished they were a little closer to where I live, but we can't all get what we want in life, can we? With that being said, it's easily worth the drive from anywhere on this island to eat at Moena. I've tried several dishes, including the short rib loco moco which is my new favorite, the cinnamon roll pancakes (which is now my old favorite), and the salmon benedict. I've also tried the house potatoes and fried rice. Oh, and even the vanilla shake. So far, everything has been nothing short of delicious. The well planned out menu has something for everyone, depending on if you feel like having something sweet, savory, hearty, or healthy. The prices may seem a little steep, but don't let that scare you away. You absolutely must try this place. Like I said, it's worth the drive out here.
(5)Kelley L.
I am usually a sucker for breakfast/ brunch places but Moena Cafe's wait was way too long for the quality and price of the food. I got the Hawaiian omelette, which had cheese, onions, Kalua pork, and green onions. It came with a cute pineapple slice and a strawberry half. The Kalua pork was solid, not too salty, but the onions were unevenly distributed throughout the omelette and the cheese was located in a chunk at the back of the omelette. Not too appetizing once the cheese got cold and solidified. ~ Bf got the Short Rib Loco Moco with fried rice and eggs over easy.. even though he ordered it with white rice and sunny side up eggs. Inaccurate order, but he wasn't complaining. Tl;dr I would only get takeout from this place to avoid the wait, but even then the food is pricey for what it is.
(3)Dawn S.
They quoted us 25 minutes for 2 people. 40 minutes later we checked on our table and they said it would be another 10 min. The least they could've done is come & let us know.
(1)Nora T.
Stopped here for lunch after hiking koko head. For being in a strip mall, the interior was surprisingly well decorated, warm and welcoming. My bf and I were starving so we were happy to sit down to a nice meal. We ordered the blackened ono fish special as a sandwich and the braised short rib sandwich and shared. Both were very tasty and the ciabbatta buns were also very good, however, the service was sub par. It was 2pm in the afternoon so the place was not very busy. We never received refills on our drinks and our server was slow and not very attentive. Best healthy option for food in that shopping center. I rate the food a 4 and the service a 3.
(3)Jason D.
Short-rib loco moco with over-easy eggs and fried rice. That was my inspiration to finish my first hike ever at Koko Head. The gooeyness of the egg mixing with the tenderness of the short-rib and the fried rice was extremely satisfying. The pomegranate iced tea hydrated me back to my normal self too. I'm really a fan of this place. If I didn't live so far away, I'd come all the time. Hmm, I guess I have to hike Koko Head more?
(4)Mahina C.
I'm so sad to report that i haven't come here in a few months, but after returning with a few of my friends, I'm so happy to report that it's still just as good as i remembered! Everything from beginning to end is enjoyable, especially if you have the right company to wait with. Don't get me wrong, I hate waiting just like any other person but this place is well worth the wait just like i said before in my previous post, i'll say it again...WORTH THE WAIT! Because everything looks and sounds delicious, i highly recommend going with others so you can share plates. Order...everything...okay, if you can't handle everything at least order the following.... Cinnamon pancakes Short rib loco moco (extra gravy, trust me this is very important) kalua pig eggs benedict any omelet...maybe veggie to be slightly healthy and to wash it all down, COFFEE. not that crappy coffee, but legit smooth coffee, plus if you don't finish it or didn't have your refill, they'll gladly ask if you'd like it to go. You can't go wrong with the service and quality of food here. Clean, friendly, and delicious. best of all worlds!
(5)Jeannie T.
Came here for brunch as our last meal before heading back to Cali. I didn't realize that the portions would be so big until our other group of friends who ordered before us got their food. Really big portions so definitely bring an appetite. I got the corned beef hash with sunny side eggs and my boyfriend got the Kahlua pig benedict. Lets just say everything was really good and I wish I got to try a piece of everyone's food because it smelled good and tasted equally delicious. I love that they add a piece of pineapple and strawberry to each dish as a garnish. It serves as a great little palate cleanser after eating all that breakfast food. Also, their pancakes are bigger than your head so if you order that, be prepared it eat a lot because you get two pieces of pancakes.
(5)Kristen K.
Update! Service this past time was great! Wait is still long if you go during peak times though.
(4)Jean P.
Hate to be the bearer of disappointment, but after so many good reviews we decided to give this place a try. We waited for about 15 mins for a table.... not bad for how busy it looked. We ordered the famous corned beef hash and eggs, French Toast, chicken panini, and a side of rice and kalua pig (my daughter's favorite meal). Then the disappointment started........ We waited, and waited, and waited..... about 40 mins went by. That was long with a 7 month and 4 year old. The food finally arrived, but not all of it. The panini was missing and the server said "sorry it will be out shortly, there was a mix up." Um, okay? She never mentioned anything while we waited 40+ mins. The panini arrived about 10 mins later. My daughter's plates were hot, but the rice was crusty and hard and the kalua pig had a crispy crust and was bone dry. Signs of sitting under aheat lamp for a while. We didn't complain at first because we didn't want to wait any longer, but i finally said something when my daughter couldn't eat it. The server dropped off a scone to compensate, but would have been nice to just take the rice and pig of the check, especially when only 3 fork fulls were eaten. No one at the damn scone either. The other dishes were standard, nothing that special. My standard for tipping stays at 20%+ and usually decreases as the situations occur. Needless to say the was no tip. The server can thank the manager for that, since he didn't want to comp, or even to come talk to us. NEVER AGAIN!
(1)Allen N.
I have always wanted to try this restaurant for breakfast. Heard the food was good... Yes, the food was just awesome. Tried the short rib fried rice which was super tender. Much Mahalo!
(5)George K.
I don't mind waiting in line but it disappoints me when you're told that the wait time is 20 to 25 minutes but you check in later at 35 minutes and then are told an additional 10 minutes at least. If I was told the wait was going to be 30 to 45 minutes we would of gone some other place. It's a bit misleading and now you've wasted 35 minutes of your time when you could have been seated at some other establishment. Never coming back here again.
(1)Micah W.
I'd like to preface this review by saying that the food is decent and the service is pretty good as well. That being said, it probably isn't worth the time or the money you'll end up paying for those two things. The place is pretty busy, and with good reason. Decent amount of choices that sound good and appeal to different eaters. Took about 15 minutes to get seated, but another 35 for any food to come out. Had the short rib loco moco. Ordered it with white rice and sunny side up eggs. It came out over-hard and with fried rice. Not complaining, but it was inaccurate. None of this would have mattered had the food been amazeballs, but while decent, this reviewer did not think it was quite worth it.
(3)Jessica R.
Located in Hawaii Kai, an area I want to continue to explore. It doesn't look like much, located in a little strip mall but I had the Mahi Benedict special and was thrilled that the chunks of fish were huge and fresh. Ordered a hazelnut latte and it was perfect in the air conditioned restaurant. Nice and efficient service, I would definitely return.
(4)La P.
We decided to try it out before our hike up to the Makapu'u Lighthouse lookout. So we got there shortly after 7am and being that it was a Tuesday, it wasn't crowded and we were seated right away. As we looked over the menu, it became harder and harder to choose because everything sounded better and better. We finally decided on the short rib loco moco for me and a petite stack of the banana pancake with chantilly topping. OMG!! That pancake is huge! It's the size of a dinner plate and they don't skimp on the thickness either. It was so delicious. I'm partial to chantilly of the Liliha Bakery likeness but oh boy, Moena Cafe, you did it right!!!! Not too buttery or thick, just right. I can't wait to have my leftovers. The short rib loco moco was delish also. I requested brown rice and they happily obliged me. The brown gravy is perfectly seasoned and those short rib pieces are so fork-tender. My husband got the Cinnamon roll pancakes. He thoroughly enjoyed them as well. As we were about to leave, the cafe was filling up so I really recommend going early. The waitstaff seems efficient and not rushed. The ambience is relaxed and the music overhead reminds me of the music that plays in Williams Sonoma. Perfect. We will definitely be returning soon to try some of their Eggs Benedict dishes.
(4)Elise M.
Meh. I came here with a large group of friends, which might have started us off on the wrong foot, but overall I was unhappy with my experience. We didn't have to wait too long for a table, maybe 30 min for a group of 8. I think this was just lucky timing though. The place is tiny and a little pretentious. There were about 5 female servers and 1 male manager(?) who had the first 2 buttons of his shirt open. Ew. A little sleazy for breakfast. Everyone, including some guests, seemed annoyed at the presence of a large group. Once seated, we ordered coffees and juice, which came fairly quickly, then waited about 15 minutes for the waitress to come back to answer any questions and take our food order. My corned beef hash was ok, the potatoes were bland. I wouldn't order it again. The cinnamon roll pancakes were delicious. One of my friends raved about her bacon. Otherwise most said their food was mediocre. Food is definitely overpriced. $12.50 for my entree. Omelets come with toast, potatoes or rice are extra. Eggs Benedict comes with no sides, for $13-18, depending on type. The food was not that good. If you're in Hawaii Kai and want breakfast - just go to Zippy's.
(2)Brian M.
I must admit that I was a little sceptical about coming to eat at Moena Cafe after hearing about long waiting times to get a seat and for food to come out......But... I was proven wrong! Maybe I should move to Hawaii Kai because I lucked out again and didn't have to wait for a table.(Timing Is everything!). We came came to eat at 10:00am and was greeted with a smile and seated right away. Awesome! First thing I noticed was the modern contemporary design of the MC. Very clean hipster type of place. Nice.. Food Order: *Short Rib Loco Moco: Two eggs on top of two nicely cooked pieces of boneless Short Rib. yelp.com/biz_photos/moen… Eggs perfectly cooked,perfect gravy very good,short ribs tender and generous portions. *MC Breakfast: Wife enjoyed the portuguese sausage,eggs and potatoes, sausage wasn't real spicy. I really enjoyed the flavor of their coffee and happy that it was on the stronger side. Service was friendly and very attentive,loved the way that the servers acknowledge waiting customers. "I AM A BELIEVER NOW'! Nice to have a great place to eat in Hawaii Kai.
(5)Michele C.
Service was stellar for LA , for Hawaii, off the chain! The only problem, they have very complicated names. Greyson and Emily were fun and accommodating to my lame mainland demands of attention. Thank you! The loco moco was way better then the usu. short rib instead of a fatty fat grizzle slab of hamburger. Well done kids. The coffee gets a free refill, nice touch but... Come on guys, you got nothing on the iced thai latte at the powerhouse corporation (Starbucks) down the way.
(5)Jane A.
BIG BREAKFAST (3.5 stars) Different twist on hash. - FOOD, good - PRICES, kind of pricy for island prices - SERVICE, good - AMBIANCE, small cafe - nothing fancy Came here to eat before heading out in Maunalua to do some scuba diving. So one of the golden rules is to not eat something you don't digest very well before diving. I'm a hash kind of gal, I love it. I took my chances and it was worth it. Clean and simple place. The presentation was simple and clean as well. HEFER STATUS. Fresh Corned Beef Hash ($12.50) - Made with Potatoes and Onions and Served with Two Eggs. What I loved about it was that it was nice chunks of hash. Although I prefer my corn beef to be diced a little more, this was still good. It didn't look too filling but I couldn't even half my food - its can get filling. The hash wasn't combined together, it was almost mixed together - but it was still good. I had to fork each piece to get one bit to taste the entire hash. Not sure if $12.50 was worth it but you'd pay anything if your hungry and your about to be on a boat/ocean for a couple of hours. Will I be back? Yes. I want to try their delicious looking short rib loco moco. JABA APPROVED. Until the next review...
(4)Stacey K.
Flavorful food, nice atmosphere. We had the short rib loco moco and kailua pig Benedict. Good portions and very well seasoned. Not too crowded on a weekday morning. Good coffee too!
(4)Elizabeth C.
The food is Amazing here. Best breakfast place for sure! The Chantilly banana pancakes were to die for. However, the wait help is not the fastest and we had to wait awhile just to order. Once we did order the food came in a reasonable amount of time.
(4)jeannemarie v.
Living out in Hawaii Kai, there aren't really any breakfast joints to go to. Here comes Moena Cafe! Loacted in the Koko Marina Shopping center, this is your last stop on your way to Hananuma Bay. To start, each cup of coffee is served Americano style and they will allow one re-fill so hold off on your coffee cravings for Starbuck's. I've been here several times now and it's crazy busy so try going during the week after the rush. This time I had the eggs Benedict. Cooked to perfection with a nice slab of ham and the right amount of hollandaise. Don't expect the typical english muffin underneath as they use toasted French bread which I think is a change to this dish as the EM tend to be too much bread for me. My one companion ordered the pancakes and thank goodness they ordered the short stack as these pancakes are the size of a skillet! And they were fabulous as well. We asked for sauces on the side and the waitress was very attentive to our requests. My other companion ordered the crepe with Nutella and bananas and devoured the whole thing. In the past, we're also have had the Short-Rib Loco Moco and if you have the appetite for it, go for it! It's a great twist on a local favorite!
(4)Scott F.
Wow!!! Short rib loco moco is off the hook!! Soooo good and now soooo full :) Service was awesome too. Our waitress took time to suggest several places to see on the island, being that she is a local. Fruit topped French toast was Great too. We devoured it in under a minute! :)
(5)Maria G.
Great breakfast place in Hawaii Kai. We usually go here after we do one of the ridge hikes and are subsequently starving from 4 hours of activity. The food is delicious, well priced and well portioned. The only caveat is that it's super busy so be prepared to wait at least 40 minutes on the weekend. I'm assuming that if you come earlier and if you come on a weekday the rush isn't too bad.
(3)Elk's R.
Upon entering the first impression was that the decor and seating arrangement was a little cramped and unimaginative...not a deal breaker, but not a positive either. Ordered an eggs benedict, which as noted before didn't include potatoes or rice (you need something to counter the saltiness and sop up the remaining egg yolk and ham grease), so ordering a side of either makes this rather overpriced (the taste was good but not special). And for God's sake at least use some decent (not tap) water for customers if you're going to charge that much. The final and telling factor was the overall atmosphere...it was obvious things were very forced and technical, rather than naturally enthusiastic. People were nice because they had to be. So it doesn't appear there is any meaningful integration between ownership and staff (reminds me of when I worked some part-time jobs in university). Overall, this place exhibits adequate cooking knowledge but comes off as rather souless.
(2)Brandy W.
Located in the Koko Marina area across from the theater, we never had a reason to come across the island just for breakfast. However, on our way home from Bellows, this was the perfect opportunity to try something new. There was about a 15 minute wait when we arrived at 930 on veterans day, which I though was honestly not bad for breakfast. You walk in and write your name on the list, but the waiting area is outside with chairs available. My husband ordered the kalua pork benedict. This is a three star in our book. It was very small (only one piece) on bread instead of english muffin. It seemed quite tasteless in our book. I ordered the homemade corn beef hash. This was a 4 star for us. Although the corned beef was a little fatty for my taste, you can't beat homemade corned beef hash. I am very picky about eggs, but they nailed scrambled soft exactly as I like it. Our meal was topped off by some fresh fruit. I had enough food for two breakfasts, so my husband snacked off mine. We took a strawberry cream cheese scone home. That was absolutely delicious, but not as hearty as diamond head's blueberry cream cheese. I did not have trouble with service at all while there. Maybe they took some previous reviews to heart. The decor is beautiful, and the breakfast was satisfying. I can confidently say we'll return if we're in the area.
(4)Pamela S.
I have only great things to say about this place... except for the wait time, but 20 minutes is nothing for such a great breakfast! We ordered the savory crapes and added an egg inside and it was mouth watering. The french toast is perfectly crispy on the outside and warm and soft in the middle. We got it with fruit on top. The syrup has a hint of fruit or something yummy in it. I will warn that it's borderline dessert. Once we sat down, the service was good too.
(5)Phoebe L.
This is my first time here but LISTEN TO OTHER REVIEWERS! Come if you're not too hungry, because you'll have to wait approximately 30-45 mins for ordering and for your food. Don't forget wait time to get your seats! Food looks good, but taste is okay.
(2)Austin L.
This is my second time here and I always come when I'm on the island. It's delicious and I would highly recommend it
(5)Jennee G.
Brandi took care of us this morning. She was very sweet and attentive. Never let our water glasses go dry. Quick and efficient service. Food here... Hands down the best breakfast on the island. And I don't cook, we eat out every meal of everyday! It's far away from home but who cares, I'll drive for good food. I had a veggies omelet, added ham and bacon with wheat toast and a side of potatoes. The hubby had fried rice(so Ono), eggs and bacon. Two thumbs up for the fried rice! Omelet was the bomb! We also shared a Nutella and strawberry crepe. The best crepe I've ever had!
(5)Matthew J.
This is one of the best breakfast places on the island. The pancakes are fantastic, the crepes are to die for, the service is amazing. My guys and I go here after early morning workouts a few times a month. The server always remembers us/me which is great. If you're near hanauma or Hawai'i Kai and need a place to eat look here.
(5)Gauslin J.
A hole in the wall rare find. We stumbled on this cafe on a hunt for a good spot after settling into Hawaii loa ridge. So far we have been here 5 times in 2 weeks. Best short rib sandwich I have had, they also have a great chicken sandwich, enjoyed the short rib loco moco, try the pancakes too!!! and tasty vanilla latte...I ordered 3!
(5)S.T. E.
The food here is decent, but overpriced for what you get when you compare it with other brunch spots that are just as good, if not better than this place. They charged is $1.50 to substitute rice for toast... so they took away our toast, gave us one little scoop of rice, and charged us $1.50 for it. Oh, and there's a quote plastered on the wall about how God has a plan for your future, so unless you want your eggs with a side of God, this might not be the place for you. In the grand scheme of things, I guess these aren't such major issues, just good to be aware of when trying to decide where to eat :)
(3)Owen I.
Great place for brunch. Menu of breakfast n lunch items. High quality, well prepared, great tasting food. Clean dining room and friendly service. We had the short rib loco moco, cinnamon roll pancake and crab benedict. All were very tasty. I would have given them 5 stars but they're pricey. The benedict was $18! Good for special occasions but not every weekend, too expensive for my budget.
(4)Ashley C.
We rather regrettably showed up at Moena Cafe for the first time post-hike, covered in the salt-spray that comes with walking along rocks near the water, tank-top-clad, and probably pretty smelly. Sorry, Moena! We had no idea what we were walking into! The staff were very courteous despite how much we stood out among the considerably classier clientele, we were attended to efficiently, and the food came out reasonably quickly. I had an acai bowl, and let me just say, for the price, it was GOOD. I've had acai bowls of similar price that were less than half as packed as this one and not nearly as delicious. I'd come back here just for the acai bowl, honestly, which is stuffed with fruits and loaded with honey honey honey~ It was so good, but the size was a bit much for me and I had to rely on my friends to help me finish it. Another of my friends had the banana chantilly pancake as well, which was massive and oh-so-ono. Holy moly. In short, I give this place five stars pretty much because the acai bowl rocked so hard. I would go back just for that. AND the staff were fabulous.
(5)Kristiana H.
I ordered the short ribs with friend rice, beet and goat cheese salad and cinnamon roll pancakes. Everything was good! Service was good. I got here about 1pm so I think I just missed the breakfast and lunch rush
(4)Nadia K.
Dear Santa, I've been good this year and all I want for Christmas is for Moena Cafe to take reservations. Thank you! Nadia Seriously, this place is great! Totally worth the drive from Mililani to Koko Marina Shopping Center (located next to Bubbies) in Hawaii Kai and the 30 minute wait with two crazy-energetic little ones. Although, I prefer no wait, I tried to wait patiently and peruse the menu on the window while I was really screaming GET UP!!!!!! in my head to the patrons enjoying their food as I attempted (and failed) to keep my children in one place. We shared the cinnamon roll pancakes and a savory crepe with ham, spinach, mushroom, tomato, and mozzarella. The pancakes were really yummy! Probably the best I've ever had and the light cream cheese syrup was beyond delicious. It was like no other! The cinnamon roll pancakes are a must! I'd pass on the savory crepe. I thought it would be more cheesy or that the filling would mesh better with the crepe itself. Instead when I cut into it with my fork, the filling just fell out and I had to pretty much eat the filling separate from the crepe. It wasn't bad, but I would not order it again. I heard their coffee was really good and I wasn't disappointed! But I was a little sad they didn't offer me the one refill that is allowed. I could have asked, but thought they could have offered as most places do. The cafe itself is nice and the staff was friendly and service was quick. I look forward to returning and trying their other menu items, like their omelettes, fried rice, sandwiches, french toast. Okay, I look forward to returning many times!
(5)Darlene L.
We had breakfast there a few days ago. The food was really good and service was really fast and friendly. Breakfast portions are generous. Eggs Benedict and Corn Beef Hash were so delicious! Iced french vanilla latte hit the spot too...best place in town for breakfast or brunch!
(5)Alejandra F.
Great place for lunch on this side of the island. Fancy looking and nicely decorated, but you can definitely manage the casual look. Took the waitress a little while to show up with waters, but after that she was pretty good. Had a Cuban sandwich panini. It didn't compare to a Cuban sandwich from Miami, but it was still pretty good. Everyone else was happy with their food also. Prices were good and so was the service.
(3)Rochelle A.
***** Food was great! First off, Let me say that our food was delicious. Ordered the parfait, chantilly pancakes, french toast and loco mocos. My whole family loved their food. The reason I'm giving Moena Cafe 2 stars is because the service was terrible. I ordered take out. How hard is it to service a customer for a take out order. I went straight to the counter to place my order. Waitress took my order. Said it will be about 15 minutes. I said ok and that I'll be right outside. Where everyone is waiting. Standing between tables is awkward in there. 20+ minutes go by and no food. I went in to check and waitress that took my order said they were waiting for one more item then it'll be packed up. Ok fine. Stood by the door for another 5 minutes waiting. Took too long so I went outside again. Waited another 5-10 minutes outside until I asked another waitress who was calling out names, what's going on with my order? She then tells me, I don't know, I didn't take your order. How about, whats your name, let me check. Don't you work together? Isn't this a team effort? Communicate lately? So Annoyed at this moment. Went straight in and asked where's my order? Found out it's been sitting there for awhile.i was not a happy camper. What topped it off was that my "Take Out" order didn't have any utensils or napkins. Let's just say we all took turns eating from the same Mcdonalds spoon found in my car.
(2)Phil K.
What brought me here was the Eggs Benedict I spied on the online menu. It's is my favorite morning meal and since the restaurant is close to home, I had to try it. I was pleasantly surprised. It came with a thick slice of Canadian bacon; over a 1/4" thick. It tasted like it was carved on a nice leg of ham. The egg was poached perfectly (runny in the center as it should be) and the hollandaise sauce excellent. I don't know if it was homemade or restaurant supply but it was good and far superior to the usual sauces I've sampled in coffee shops. My only thing was that it was a solo Benedict. I prefer two of them plus some fries or hash browns which I guess I could have asked for a twice+ the price. They should drop the "s" and change the name to Egg Benedict. So it was a little pricey for how much you get. But very tasty.
(4)Melissa M.
I have eaten here once before and loved it. The food was good and service was okay. I am a server and have worked in the industry for 7 years. Today I went in and it took over 35 minutes for our food. I wasn't going to say anything, but I was very upset that everyone around us had gotten their food before we did. Some even arrived and left. So after paying, I asked our server if it usually takes that long. She replied that the ticket had malfunctioned. I'm appalled that she wasn't even going to say anything! This is the first time that being a server sucked. I wish I could have not left a 20% tip but I work in a restaurant and know how it is. But BE HONEST WITH YOUR GUESTS! I'm never going back.
(1)Nate T.
Wow an Awesome restaurant! They were really busy but they moved the people fast. The food was top hotel style quality, and the service was friendly and fast. I wood highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Jason C.
The prices are high but they deliver tasty food. If you don't mind spending a couple of dollars extra come here instead of koa pancake house
(3)James T.
The is a great place to go after hiking KoKo Head. They have a really good Acai bowl with lots of fresh fruits. Sometimes we also drive out to Moeno Cafe to just get the acai bowl. My kids love it and my wife loves it. They just do not make it the same elsewhere. We also stop by every time we visit Hawaii. Today we tried the Kalua Benedict. It was quit flavorful. We added avocados to the order which went very well with the order. We definitely would order this dish again. If you are in the neighborhood, you should stop by and try the restaurant.
(4)Dani R.
Is our first day in Hawaii and we came to have breakfast, Brian the lead server was very nice and has a very good attitude, we are definitely coming back. I had the Benedict eggs and it was delicious. the cinnamon pancakes were amazing also. Definitely a most go here in Honolulu.
(5)Gina L.
After hiking the Koko Crater Trail, we were ready for some FOOD! So we found Moena Cafe to be a perfect and convenient spot to refuel. There was a line and after about a 35 min wait we were seated. Service was super friendly and considerate. The fact that our nice waitress apologized to the fact that we had to wait made it worth while. We ordered the breakfast sandwich and a veggie panini. Both were served piping hot with generous portions and tasty! My coffee was even hot, freshly brewed. Thank you Moena Cafe!! See you again next time!
(5)Maimiti H.
This cafe is very cute and a great choice for breakfast seeing as the only other nearby options would be zippys or fatboys. The decor, decorations and accessories are subtle and pleasant. I ordered the Banana Chantilly short-stack for $9 which is one large pancake as compared to the $12 full order which has 2. One is definitely filling enough! The sauce was plentiful and delicious and topped off with toasted coconut shavings. I decided to add on a side order of Portuguese sausage for $5. 4 tiny cuts of sausage was not worth the price! I would suggest ordering an eggs/rice/meat dish and splitting that with a friend instead for a better deal. I for sure will be back but will skip the side meat orders in the future lol. When I order meat, I want some MEAT!
(4)Donna Lyn B.
I happened to see Moena's mentioned in an article about the 10 best places for brunch so when I Yelped it I saw something that I said I need to try: Strawberry Milk Pancakes! I'm not a fan of pancakes, but I'm a slut for anything strawberry so I made plans for my husband and my friend to drive there all the way from the other end of the island. I woke up at 6-ish AM to make sure we'd get there early so we wouldn't have to wait too long to get a table. Well, we got there around 7:30 AM and there was a wait, but it was only for 20 minutes before we got a table. I ordered the Pineapple Sausage Hash with over easy eggs. The sausage tastes just like the ones I buy from Costco. Is that a bad thing? Not really. I was hoping they made the sausages in house and I could be wrong that they were bought from Costco, but Moena Cafe could comment on my post to set the record straight if I am wrong. My friend ordered the Corned Beef Hash with sunny side eggs. She said she liked it. My husband ordered the Short Rib Loco Moco with friend rice. Both my husband I said the meat tasted like pot roast, which isn't bad but we were hoping the meat would be marinated like kalbi style. For dessert, we shared the short stack order of Strawberry Milk Pancake and it came out the size of a medium pizza. It was so pretty and we the topping was light and not too sweet. We were so stuffed from our entrees that we literally had to force ourselves to eat the pancakes, even resorting to coercing one other to finish it off. Overall, Moena Cafe is a pleasant and trendy restaurant and I hope to be back soon to try out their Banana Chantilly pancakes.
(4)Corie J.
Love the food here! Highly recommend eggs Benedict for breakfast. My friends always get it with avocado and say that's the best. For lunch the grilled chicken sandwich and kale chicken Caesar were amazing. Service is usually slow to very slow but the waitresses are very nice
(5)POOH L.
I had the acai bowl for breakfast and was very pleased with it. A little costly but I loved it!
(4)Elaine P.
This is a cute, quaint little cafe!! You need to sign in and wait to be seated. Thank goodness it was not busy yet and we were seated right away. The waitress was very attentive and gave recommendations. They are known for their banana chantilly pancakes, short ribs loco moco, and ham, crab or salmon eggs Benedict with the homemade hollandaise sauce. Portions are just right. I ordered the crab eggs Benedict and it was AMAZING!! Instead of the usual English muffin, they used garlic bread and made it much more tasty!! The hollandaise sauce was perfect...light and savory. My hubby had the Kalua pork omelette and it was also good. My son had the short ribs loco moco bowl and it was a lot of food! The bowl was filled to the brim!! We will definitely return!! The 1 less star is because the restroom is outside of the restaurant.
(4)Daniel L.
Amazeballs! Chantilly pancakes are da bomb. Lol. Great small place with lots of Aloha.
(5)Kylee K.
The service here is good. The banana chantilly pancakes are delicious. The petite stack is pretty large so I always have leftovers. I also like the fried rice. I've only eaten here in the mornings, but I strongly recommend it for breakfast or brunch.
(5)Stacia S.
The coffee and the eggs Benedict were delish! The Denver omelette was so underwhelming and blah, I don't know how that can be, but it was. Our wait for the food was longer than most, but our server admitted fault in ringing the wrong order in, and I give her props for that! I hate it when servers blame everything else, plus she was super nice so that bumps the stars up. I'll be back to try the pancakes soon.
(4)Steven L.
After hearing much hype about this breakfast/brunch place, my family and I finally had the chance to check it out. Unfortunately, they were quite a letdown. Prices were high and portions were small. The food itself was subpar as well. We ordered the Strawberry & Milk Pancakes, the Short Rib Loco Moco, a Denver Omelet, a Keiki Fried Rice & scrambled eggs, and an affogato. The concoction on top of the pancakes was great, but the pancakes themselves were average at best. Liliha bakery makes much much much better pancakes. The short rib in the loco moco was tender, but very bland. If you took a bite of it by itself, there was barely any taste to it. Not to mention that there was only two small chunks of it. The Denver omelet was just okay.....nothing good, nothing bad.....just okay. The affogato was actually pretty good, but just a tad small. The service here was actually very good, so I gave them an extra star.
(2)Shelly N.
Went here during my lunch break for the first time recently. I've been meaning to come here, but haven't found the time. I ordered the turkey sandwich with avocado, which came with salad. It was delicious! Just the right amount of food too - I was full but not uncomfortable. This was a surprise to me, because usually I'll need to take left over food with me. I enjoyed my lunch, but did not enjoy the wait. I think it took about 20 minutes before the food arrived. I know there's usually a line outside, which luckily there wasn't one when I went. It just took a long time for the food to come out. While I was waiting, they served a scone (I believe it was chocolate, banana). I'm not really a scone fan so I took it back to the office to share with coworkers.
(4)Luna W.
I had the short rib loco moco with the fried rice and it was super delicious! Since its a rare circumstance to be in Hawaii for me, we went all out and got their house favourite, banana Chantilly pancakes as well. Both were delicious but I loved the loco moco the most. Only drawback was the price, ~18 with the fried rice option, regular 15. Also tried their flavoured ice tea which was yummy but tasted a little too artificially sweet for me -- also on the pricier side at 3.75 I believe. Overall great place, very clean, definitely worth a visit. Also don't think they have a bathroom fyi.
(4)Tara B.
Short Rib Loco Moco is a must try!!! I heard about this gem and I absolutely LOVE it! Friendly staff and AMAZING food is the best combo. I would definitely recommend the short rib loco moco and the chantilly pancakes. Yuuuuuuuuuuuum
(5)S Q.
This place has great breakfast food so don't pass this place up they also have sandwich & burgers just incase your not in the breakfast mood.
(5)Kathy D.
So we stumbled upon this restaurant after hiking Diamond Head and I'm sure glad we did. The braised short rib was incredible, cooked to perfection...sooo sooo good. The dish consisted of fried eggs on top of tender short ribs drenched in a flavorful brown gravy sauce on top of rice. It was a hearty meal worth getting. I couldn't help but say mmmm mmm with almost every bite! The salmon benedict was excellent. Instead of the usual muffin, it came on crunchy garlic bread. I believe they make their own hollandaise sauce, and the whole dish was tasteful. Great job Moena Cafe for making great food for breakfast/brunch. I highly recommend!!
(5)David T.
I've always enjoyed the food at Moena Cafe. It is wholesome and well presented. The Choices are not that extensive, however, I have found that they are more than willing to make the necessary changes to make your order fit your needs. The omelets are very good as well as their signature dishes. The coffee is freshly made at their expresso machine and one order gets you a refill of really good coffee. It tends to get busy on the weekends but the wait is not too long. Perhaps 20 minutes. The problem is that there is no place to wait but outside and the morning sun is very hot in front of the restaurant. That said, it's worth the wait for such a good breakfast experience.
(4)Vince B.
4.5 Stars! This was a good breakfast experience! Venue: Small modern and clean looking restaurant in Hawaii Kai Koko Marina Shopping Center. Small counter in the back for solo customers, sign in sheet in the front and lots of tables for small or large groups. Nicely done space. Closed for dinner. This is a step up from Eggs and Things Ala Moana location. Just to use that as a comparison. Customers: Mostly Hawaii Kai locals in here. But, I would suggest this place to visitors if you want to get out of Waikiki. Food: Pancakes, omelets, loco moco, crepes and eggs plus breakfast meats. Sandwiches, salads and panini at lunch time. Our group: Eggs, sausage and fried rice, eggs benedict and (me) Fruity Pancakes. My friends cleaned their plates without complaining. Although one did not eat her fried potatoes. I'm guessing she wasn't impressed with those. Pancake Challenge: This Fruity Pancake was so huge I thought I was doing a "pancake challenge"!! I wonder if one person has actually finished eating this in less than an hour. But, really all I was looking for was a vegetarian breakfast with fruit. This was a 5 star plate of pancakes. Artfully prepared and consisting of 2 huge thick dinner plate size pancakes, I was defeated! I was not able to finish it. Great tasting pancakes though. Better than the ones I had last week. See my photo. It was bigger than it looks in the photo. It would serve 3 easily and possibly 4 people. Coffee: It wasn't clear on the menu but they serve some sort of special flavorful coffee with only one refill allowed. I did not try this but my friends did and really enjoyed it. The waitress did offer the free refill. Service: Friendly and helpful waitress.
(4)Rachel W.
Unlike a lot of the newer breakfast joints popping up on Oahu, Moena Cafe offers a more modern atmosphere as compared to that trendy rustic look. You know, the one where all the drinks are served in mason jars. It's a nice change of a pace! Even though the cafe is relatively small, it's a cute space with a look elevated by sleek, monochrome decor. You'll find it near Zippy's in Koko Marina Center. Both eager to try this place out, I met fellow yelper Celia Z. here for brunch on a Friday morning. They don't take reservations, so after about about a 20 - 30 minute wait, we were seated. At first glance, the menu didn't really blow my mind. Nothing looked particularly unique until I saw the pancake section -- so many creative flavors, each sounding incredibly delicious. Cinnamon Roll? Banana Chantilly? I was in heaven. $9 will get you one pancake, while $12 will get you two -- and they're MASSIVE. I ended up ordering the Strawberry & Milk Pancakes ($14). Like strawberries and cream? You'll LOVE this. It's topped with a bright pink sauce and sprinkled with a heaping helping of pistachios and even more strawberries -- definitely eye-catching. There's no option for a short stack on the menu, but I would recommend trying to ask for it. I was stuffed after eating just half... Get ready for that take out box! Normally I like to have at least some meat for breakfast, so I ordered a side of bacon (pricey at $5). I obviously didn't know what I was getting into when I ordered the pancakes, because I definitely didn't need anymore food! However, I was originally disappointed that the pancake + breakfast meat combo is only available with regular pancakes and not any of the other flavors. Celia ordered the Short Rib Loco Moco with fried rice ($17.50 -- it's an extra $2 for the fried rice), and it definitely lived up to the hype. I tried a few pieces of short rib and they were juicy and tender. Portions here definitely do not disappoint -- what you're getting is worth the price tag! While the food was good, we waited at least another 20 minutes for our plates after ordering. After comparing notes, friends of mine who have been here say that a slow kitchen is a common experience. Make sure you brought a great conversationalist as your brunch partner! On the bright side, our server was very nice and attentive. While I probably wouldn't become a regular here, I can see myself returning to try some of those other pancake flavors... This time sans the extra bacon! What can I say? I've got a sweet tooth... PARKING: Free in the Koko Marina Center parking lot.
(3)Shay F.
I was in the area so I came back to try other things on the menu. When I sat down, the menu was put down upside down. Little things matter... I knew the crab benedict wasn't anything special so I got the veggie omelet this time. The veggies were drenched in oil. Blah. The flavor? Meh. I got it with the rice instead of the toast and the rice was flaky. I even tried their pumpkin latte and didn't like that either. I won't be rushing back.
(2)Tamlyn M.
MOENA IS MY FAVORITE CAFE! I absolutely love the atmosphere and the food is amazing! In recommend the banana chantilly pancakes and the fried rice!! If there is a wait, WAIT! It's so worth it! The scones and coffee are also fantastic!! You can't go wrong!
(5)Katy T.
I love this place! I've been several times, and it's been wonderful every time. The most recent time was on a Saturday around 1pm. I signed my name on the waiting list for a table, but there was only one other party before me and I got a table within 5 minutes. The restaurant itself is so cute, clean, bright and friendly. I love the decor! The service was also very friendly. As a person who doesn't eat eggs, pancakes are my go-to for breakfast food. I've had both the cinnamon roll pancakes and the banana chantilly pancakes. Both are AMAZING. I also love that they have a lunch menu, so I could have a panini if I wanted. My sister had an acai bowl AND a burger, lol. Both were great. My parents both loved their "MC breakfast" and veggie omelette. Cute restaurant, friendly service, awesome food. PERFECT little neighborhood brunch place.
(5)Emi H.
Today I had to make one of the toughest decisions of my life: Should I order strawberry milk pancakes OR cinnamon roll pancakes?! Yes, these are seemingly trivial problems but breakfast sets the tone for your entire day and if you choose wrong, everything else goes completely haywire. As I laid my head on the table silently sobbing and screaming about why life is so difficult and unfair, the waitress told me I could have one of each. I then replied that she was the most brilliant person I'd ever met. Pure genius in an apron and possibly the next President of the Universe! My pancakes came on two separate plates which were as big as my face. It takes a lot to impress me these days and I was blown away by their size and flavor! The strawberry milk pancake is slathered in a creamy strawberry cream cheese and topped with slices of fresh strawberries, while the cinnamon roll is pure decadence with the perfect swirl of white icing. I had so much fun bouncing back and forth between each flavor while taking bites of savory bacon. If you love pancakes this will be your new favorite place on Earth! This is my new Koko Head hike motivation and bribery tool for the future. Proof you can always have the best of both worlds!!!
(5)Celia Z.
This was definitely worth leaving Waikiki for. In the middle of the Koko Marina shopping center, this unassuming little place lies towards the back, next to Zippy's. The place doesn't take reservations, so fellow Yelper Rachel W. and I arrived early, around 10am, and were seated approximately 20 minutes later. After what seemed like an eternity, we finally got our food. I ordered the short rib loco moco with fried rice - a dish other reviewers were raving about. The dish certainly did the positive responses justice - rich and hot, the ribs soaked in the deep flavors of the gravy. The perfectly cooked eggs, nestled gently on top, mixed with the gravy as soon as it was cut open, leading to utter goodness. The two scoops of fried rice on the bottom tasted more like a hybrid between regular and sticky rice, and amidst a combination of crunchy veggies and bacon, completed the dish perfectly. Rachel got the strawberries and cream pancakes, which was some of the best pancakes I ever had. Soft, fluffy, and light, the pancakes made me feel like I was in some kind of fantasy or wonderland. Beware, however, unless you're starving, get the mini size, as these pancakes are huge! The food here was top notch, but both the wait time and the overpriced food brings it down a star. It's technically 4.5 stars, but this is unfortunately a time to round down.
(4)Trisha J.
Whoa. SO GOOD. We just completed a sweaty hike up Koko Head Trail, happy to be alive with no bee stings and no one falling through the broken train tracks, and we were starving. I used trusty Yelp to find this place, and upon arrival, this small place was packed. There was a wait for 7 of us, so we headed a few doors down to Bubbies to quiet our stomachs for a little. We finally got a table 45 minutes later (i dunno exactly how long it was, whatever). The waitress was super cute, and super helpful in directing us to the absolute best dishes this place had to offer. Here's what I tried... Banana Chantilly Pancakes: Holy eff, literally the best pancakes I've ever had, in life. We split these among 7 people, and I'm kinda sad we did. I wanted more, damnit. Super fluffy and moist pancakes. Amazing chantilly sauce. There were coconut flakes on top, and I hate coconut, so I just brushed those aside. GET THESE AND DON'T SHARE. Short Rib Loco Moco with fried rice: This was freaking amazing too. Such a delicious spin on the traditional Loco Moco. The sauce soaking into the fried rice was amazeballs. Acai Bowl: Delicious, refreshing, full of fruit. Felt healthy AF after this. Unfortunately I live in Chicago, so I don't know when I'll be back here! But, you bet I'm gonna pay them another visit if/when I go back to Oahu. I still dream about the pancakes.............................
(5)Rachael O.
I can't believe it took me so long to try this place! I could practically walk here from my house and probably should, to burn off some of this decadent and delicious food. The gravy on the short rib loco moco with fried rice ($17.50) was absolutely perfect, deep, dark, smooth, and full of rich flavor. We split a banana chantilly pancake ($9) which could easily be a full breakfast full a hungry hiker. I tend to prefer savory to sweet breakfasts but this place is going to change all that. The ambience is just right for a special breakfast or brunch to celebrate a birthday or just because. I love the beautiful light fixture and service was on point. Don't be like me. Don't wait. Get down there but get there fast because they close at three, like all the best breakfast places. You can thank me later!
(5)Jana T.
Breakfast was really good. For the omelets, you need to ask for rice or fried rice becuz it comes with toast. The crab bene was good but needed extra sauce, which they gave with no charge. Coffee was good, but remember to drink the whole cup before getting ur refill since you only get one refill. All in all, I would go back again but go early that way you don't have to wait.
(4)Ivy Lou H.
TIP: This place gets SUPER busy on weekends because of the Koko Head Crater Hike Refugees and all us locals that know how great it is. Food wise this is the tastiest breakfast place I've ever eaten at on Oahu. It's obvious that the owners have invested a lot of energy in their recipes and acquiring top ingredients and that's why they have such great Yelp reviews. If you like high quality this is your place. The Eggs Bennedict is outstanding and hubby loved his MC Two Eggs with Country Fried Potatoes and Portugese Sausage. They have an Espresso machine too so they can do nice coffees.
(5)Lars P.
Excellent service, good food! Just the wait on Sunday morning is a bit long. We had the crab Benedict and the 'Mo'egga' -- both were decent size and taste just right. The young staff was very attentive
(4)Angela Y.
The only reason why I would drive across the island to HK is because of Moena Cafe. I know I said another breakfast eatery has caught my eye, but Moena Cafe has got to be the winner. If you're looking for a place to grab some brunch, skip Zippys or Paina. Your belly will thank you for the heavenly food from Moena! Also, they accept iDcards:) 15% off your bill M-F Atmosphere/Location: 5 stars. More upscale than other eateries, cute decor. Gives you a fresh, clean feel just walking in here. Parking is easy; its located in the centre, so plenty of parking to choose. Service: 4 stars Friendly, but some are a little sassy. When asked for an acai bowl to go, we were given a dim sum box which was awkwardly unsuitable for anything liquid or may turn into liquid. Included with the review is a picture of our sad little acai box :( The friendly ones gave suggestions on whats popular and what would suit my stomach since I get sick easily from certain foods. However, whenever I request for eggs overeasy, they end up being cooked by the potatoes or rice under it because I notice they take a while to serve the dish, or forget, even when I see it sitting in the kitchen after being prepared. Food: over 5!! Their food is to die for. I highly recommend their acai bowls as well as their FRENCH TOAST. Acai is deliciously creamy and smooth, not chunky. I love their pineapple sausage and potato hash and sausage omelette. Large portions, so you'll definitely have to loosen your belt a couple holes! ;3 For drinks, they do refill on house coffee and soft drinks. I had the pomegranate iced tea which wasnt too bad if there were less ice. Overall, I definitely take the time to come all the way here. Have not experienced any lines, but would wait if I had to. Anything to get my breakfast fix from here! Their prices are reasonable and well worth, being their portions are share-worthy.
(4)Paul P.
I've been to Hawaii four times and this is always a spot that I HAVE to go to. Their short rib loco moco is amazing and so is their chantilly pancakes! This place should be an easy 5 star restaurant on Yelp. I had the hash brown four years ago and that was ok. However everything else I had was great! Probably won't be back in HI for a while and will def miss this place!
(5)Andrea P.
The banana chantilly pancakes were nice and light with coconut syrup. One piece is gigantic! We also really like the sausage hash with pineapple sausage!
(4)teresa v.
Came here for lunch after hiking the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. THANK GOD as I was about to enter hangry mode. Ordered the short rib loco moco w/ fried rice, a tropical iced tea (blend of passionfruit, mango, and pineapple - I believe), and the scone of the day (blueberry cream cheese) to hold me over while we waited for our food. EVERYTHING was delicious as previous reviews and pictures suggest. I would definitely recommend and can't wait to go back to try their sandwiches (we totally missed the back side of the menu since we were so hungry).
(4)Kelli K.
I've been to koko marina a million times and i have never been here before. This cafe is truly amazing! Service is great and food is soo ono!! Cinnamon swirl pancakes made to perfection!!!! I will definitely be coming again!!
(5)Fran C.
My friend had mentioned to me about this breakfast spot in Hawaii Kai, and upon reading a few of my Yelp buddies reviews - (Ariana M., Brian M., Kristen K., Denalee C.), I figured it would be a good idea to catch up with my homie, & have breakfast this past Sunday. Hate to give sub-par reviews, but at this place I got sub-par service, sub-par food, and a very expensive breakfast! As I walked in around 7:45 AM, the place was already packed with people. I put my name in, and we waited for a very short time (I wanna say around 10 minutes or so) before my name was called & we got seated. Upon being seated, we waited forever before someone came by our table to drop off a menu & take our order. In fact it took them longer to take our order, then it took me to get my name called to get a table. Once we finally got our order of food in, it took forever for us to get our food.........I even noticed some people who came in after us, being seated, got their food, and was eating. I'm thinking "wth"???? Anyways, my friend ordered the Belgian waffles and a coffee. I ended up ordering the Petite Pancake Stack which comes with one choice meat, and I ordered another breakfast side. I also ordered a coffee, & a glass of milk. Before we left, my friend also ordered another Belgian waffle "to go", to take back home for his wife. What can I say about the grub..........all I can say is - it is really hard to mess up Eggs, & Portuguese sausage........there was absolutely no problem with that. As for my pancake..........well, all I can say about that was my pancake was "hard"! The pancake was not fluffy at all.........if you look at the picture of my petite pancake, you can see how thin it was, therefore I'm not surprised it was hard! My friend did not mentioned anything about his meal, but he did mention the service was slow too. Later during our meal, the waitress did apologize for the slow service, as she mentioned something was "going on" but did not elaborate, nor did I care to know. I'm not sure if I would come back here again, after all, I paid just under $50.00 (with tip) for our breakfast, but felt I didn't get a good deal out of it..............
(2)Angie L.
Only been twice and the first time, it was excellent, the 2nd time was ok. It wasn't as long of a wait this time around but once we sat and ordered, the food took awhile including a scone we ordered which should've came out pretty quickly. When it did, it was cold. The fried rice was very salty. These were food items we didn't try the last time except for the scone. The waffles were crispy pretty good but nothing special.
(2)Jeannie L.
Great (albeit pricey) brunch/lunch spot in Hawaii Kai serving interesting variations on Hawaiian favorites, with fantastic desserts! In 2012, I happened to stop by here after driving around the island. At the time, they had just opened and I only saw 1 yelp review for the place. It was in a nondescript mall and I took a while to find it. I was the last customer for lunch before they closed and they were patient with me while I finished my meal. The owner and chef was friendly, also came out to chat. I normally get the Short Rib Loco Moco, and the Blueberry Cheesecake. I found the ribs tender and slathered with sauce, and the cheesecake very generously portioned. Fast forward to today, I'm happy to see that the crowd has picked up and the owner is looking into expanding the business. I hope that in the hurry to expand, the food quality and customer service standards don't fall. I normally do my mileage redemption to Honolulu once a year so I might be back soon...
(4)Dwayne Y.
So we decided to drive from town to Hawaii Kai this morning. I read some high reviews for this places so I figured we would check it out. I wish I didn't! I have to say I would give this place a 0-1 star if it wasn't for our nice waitress. The cooks on the other hand? Well that leave a lot to be questioned. We ordered the Banana Chantilly Pancakes, Fresh Corned Beef Hash, and Short Rib Loco Moco. The pancakes had a nice flavor and were quite large. But they were very fry and dense on the inside. They were quite hard to chew and swallow since they were not moist. That was a little disappointing since the Banana Chantilly had a nice flavor to it. the Fresh Corned Beef was pretty good. It had cubed pieces of corned beef brisket. the potatoes had a nice char on it. And the onions were nicely caramelized. This was the only thing we enjoyed her. The worst dish of our meal was the Short Rib Loco Moco. The only thing decent about this dish was the short rib was actually tender. First of all, the rice was crunch and severely under cooked. Next it was supposed to come with an over easy egg. When I cut into the egg, expecting egg yolk to ooze out, nothing happened. The egg was overcooked. I mean how hard it is to make proper rice and cook an over easy egg? That means the egg was left on the flattop probably 3-5 minutes too long. Either you're not a good cook or you're not paying attention in the kitchen. Also, who in Hawaii doesn't know how to cook rice? My goodness! The gravy had an old taste to it and the short rib was so bland. Anyway our server was friendly and took the short rib loco moco off our bill. She also gave us 2 Scones for the road. So the server was nice and friendly. Hopefully the chef can get some training. I usually feel some chefs have a bad day every so often. But eggs and rice? I probably won't go back here again.
(2)Allison D.
Moena Café is a lovely little café tucked into the Hawaii Kai shopping center. It's bright and friendly and the food is good. We had: - Eggs benedict - I wasn't a fan of this because it was served on sourdough bread, which I hate. If I had known, I would not have ordered it, but the menu did not specify what bread they used, it only said "garlic bread." But, it didn't seem like garlic bread to me. However, my partner liked it. - MC Breakfast - you can't go wrong with a simple breakfast and that's what this is - eggs, meat, and potatoes; yummy. - Banana Chantilly Panckaes - short stack. These were amazing! My only issue is that we paid $8 for ONE pancake. Eek! Very overpriced, but very delicious.
(4)Jennifer M.
This was a great cafe near Hanauma Bay. There was a bit of a wait - about 45 minutes at 10:30 on a Friday. But the area in front of the cafe is shaded with chairs and picnic tables, and there is a larger shopping strip around it, so it is not a bad wait at all. We got the sweet bread French toast and the short rib loco moco and shared each plate. We both agreed that these dishes were better here than the cafe we went to near Hauula. The gravy was high quality, not too thick in the loco moco. The sweet bread was light, fluffy, and a good balance of sweet and savory. As a bonus, the coffee was excellent - freshly brewed for each cup -- there is a reason you are limited to one refill. Superb.
(5)Amy C.
We came to Moana's because of the great reviews and it surpassed our expectations. There was five of us and every dish was better than the next. The banana Chantilly pancakes were warm and perfection! Not too sweet either. The pork sandwich was amazing and the service comes with a smile! Mahalo!!
(5)Mark Y.
I wish I could say I hit up Moena Cafe after running up/down the Koko Head stairs (I know a lot of friends that do this) but in reality, I'm usually here after relaxingly watching the sunrise from somewhere on the windward side of the island. One thing I love is it that they open at 630am every day so right after the sun comes up, we head straight to Moena. My favorite thing here is the Short rib loco moco. Succulent pieces of short rib in a tasty brown gravy and rich runny egg yolk. How in the world can that NOT be good. They have some pretty good benedicts and omelettes as well. I have yet to try their signature pancakes but they look crazy good every time one passes by our table. This would be a very good reason to come back to this place. Maybe next time I WILL do the Koko Head stairs before eating here...but then again. that's highly unlikely.
(4)Lixi L.
Tried Moena café for breakfast with my three best friends. I was craving for Acai bowl and expecting something decent from Moena Cafe based on their good ratings. I have to say I was disappointed by what I ordered. While my Acai bowl looked vibrant and inviting, my first bite of the Acai purée and granola was over-the-top-sweet! It made the fruit topping bland and even sour in comparison. The purée was also runnier than the ones I enjoyed. My friends tried it and all grimaced in unison. We asked our server whether their Acai bowl has always been this sweet. Our server replied that it has always been made to the same standard. To the standard I couldn't understand, I thought as my brain became numb by the sugar. Seeing that our server didn't have the intention to adjust it for me and not wanting to waste my money on it, I chowed down the bowl with what my friends saw as apparent reluctance on my face. I think I just had my whole day worth of sugar back there and I am starting to crash from the rush. The bowl is a NOT AGAIN for me. On a lighter note, my friends' MC and sausage hash were both very good. The potatoes were delectable, though the rice on the short rib loco moco was unpleasingly stale and hard. I am not sure if I want to come back.
(2)Janet B.
Great food and service! You can't go wrong with the short rib loco moco with fried rice. My favorite pancakes is the banana chantilly, but my kids love the cinnamon roll pancakes. My daughter loves their acai bowl as well. Four stars because their wait can be long. Wish they could expand!
(4)Soapy N.
Perfect spot to grab a bite to eat after hiking the Koko Head trail! This is my second visit...and let me tell you, after my first visit, I've been dreaming of coming back here for one dish in particular, the short rib loco moco. One bite and I'm in Loco Moco heaven! The short rib was oh so tender, the gravy was rich and flavorful, and then you add the egg, best bite ever! Service is great. Can't wait to come back again!
(5)Aubry A.
Cute place in Hawaii Kai to have brunch! I had the Denver omelette with added tomatoes and mushrooms, while my sister had the Moena breakfast which had 2 eggs, Portuguese sausage, and fried rice! It was a bit busy that morning so we had to wait about 30 minutes for our table. Maybe next time it'll be better to come around 7 or 8. Service is good! Our server was coming around consistently to fill our waters, etc. Definitely coming back to eat a nice brunch before a hike or something!
(5)Joanne V.
I had a hard time locating Moena cause I parked closer to 24 Hour Fitness. Why, you ask? I don't know. Actually, I do! I haven't roamed this shopping center in years. I'm from 94-block! Lol. Anyway, upon stepping in, I was in awe. Such a beautiful place... Beautiful decor... Beautiful food! Casual-classy. That's how I would describe this place. We ordered pomegranate iced tea, a Cuban panini with side salad & the prosciutto salad. The pomegranate iced tea was flavorful. The panini was ok, the pickle have it more flavor. More seasoning to the meat would have made me love the dish. Finally, the prosciutto salad... This salad was amazing! Toppings included craisins, bleu cheese? Candied pecans, & prosciutto, of course! A little bit of everything & greens created this tasty combo in my mouth. It was delish. Definitely will get this again. Prices & portions were reasonable; both dishes were $12 & some change each & we were both really full. Also, the bleu cheese is definitely not the best for fresh breath, but luckily I always have floss, a toothbrush & toothpaste handy! I'll definitely come back for more. When I'm not with my gluten-free friend, I wanna try the banana chantilly pancakes & the short rib loco moco with fried rice... Drool.
(4)Dara Y.
Tried this place for the first time and it was 5-stars good. Banana Chantilly pancake for me and short rib loco moco for my pal. Both dishes were unbelievable. The wait wasn't that bad, either -- of course we were okay sitting at the bar. I look forward to going again soon. What a gem!
(5)Chelsea L.
Came here with my friend for breakfast for the first time after doing the Koko Head hike on a Sunday. The wait was about 20 minutes. We ordered to share the potato hash and short rib loco moco over fried rice..both dishes were with over medium egg They were both DELICIOUS! If I had to choose one of the two, I would choose the short rib loco moco and my friend would choose the potato hash. The only reason why I would choose the short rib loco moco dish is because there is a lot of meat! And I like my meat!!! After eating here I thought to myself, Oh my gosh! Why haven't I been here before?!?! I need to come back again...soon! The wait is a bit long...so don't come here when you're already starving for food.
(4)Joyce B.
We've wanted to come here since they opened, but there was always a line. That wasn't the case when we dropped by on a Monday sometime in the afternoon. Yay, finally! My husband ordered the Crab Benedict which had big chunks of real crab meat. I say "real crab meat" because other restaurants sometimes use imitation crab meat, which is a huge difference. I ordered the Kalua Pig Benedict which is my favorite. Both were very delicious! The server was very helpful (I think his name was Jim) and we left very satisfied, so we'll definitely be coming back!
(4)Mista H.
The short rib loco moco gets the 5 stars by itself. Best loco moco on the island. Worth the wait.
(5)Abby S.
Finding ourselves in Hawaii Kai, Yelp led us to this place for breakfast, and we're so glad it did! Arrived around 8am Saturday and there was just one other couple waiting outside. Couple of chairs right in front for those waiting, which we only sat in for about 5 minutes before being called in. Love the decor; which is the one and only pic I took of cause the food was just that good not to devour once served. It's a bit tight and might be hard if you have a big party, but so worth it if you give this place a try. Service was fantastic! Immediately after being seated, took our drink order and refills kept coming without us even asking. Also after placing our food order, our food came out super fast despite the cafe being full. And oh the food! We ordered the short rib loco moco, crab Benedict, and regular order of banana chantilly pancakes to share between my hubby, son, and I. All were delicious!!! Short rib was tender and gravy was so good my son whose a loco moco fanatic didn't peep a word and simply devoured his plate! My hubby made a comment about how light and fluffy the pancakes were when he cut into the them; but they were even more heavenly when you tasted them (though on a side note, the regular order was 2 huge pancakes and we could've been fine with the small order which is 1 pancake). Lastly, the crab Benedict was so scrumptious, and we elected the upgrade to include avocado, spinach, and tomato, which took it over the top. Overall, what a great breakfast spot, and we can't wait to come back and try the rest of their menu...and that's saying a lot since we're from the Leeward side.
(5)Lulu R.
My husband and I stopped here while riding mopeds around the island on a recent getaway to Waikiki. We are so glad we listened to other yelp reviews and stopped because this was the best meal! We shared the loco moco and the chantilly pancake-both were perfection. Service was prompt and friendly and the restaurant was adorable. Do yourself a favor and seek out this gem of a breakfast spot!
(5)Natalia Natka T.
We came in around 10 am after hiking Koko Head!we had to put our name on the list but waited maybe 10 min to be seated. Not a big place but it's worth visiting!i love breakfasts and it's hard to disappoint me with that meal but this place was amazing!i ordered a Hawaiian omelet with kalua pig and grilled onions and it was delicious!the also have a big variety of pancakes(humongous), waffles and other breakfast choices!everything was fresh and very tasty so I can high recommended it for breakfast!
(5)James V.
I Dined at Moena Cafe for the first time recently and my first impression of the establishment and its food was beyond delightful. My waitress was a cute and well mannered young lady named "Kat". This is not to be confused for "Ekat". Kat Was very personable and polite. I work in customer service and I will use her service as an example as I train my employees. I believe Her work ethic is the epitome of customer service at its finest. Moena is lucky to have her and should take note of her astonishing work. It's because of her that I believe my experience at Moena was so great and prompted me to write this review. Also, their banana chantilly pancake was quite tasty. Most definitely going back!
(5)Ellen O.
Food has improved since beginning when first opened - but still way over priced and portion way too small. Some dishes are much better than others. Service is just okay but depending on which server you have. Some aren't attentive to customers.
(2)Eula B.
This place was suggested by my coworker's cousin who also attended the wedding in Hawaii. I was driving along the scenic route on the east side and this was on the way so my friend and I stopped here for lunch. The place is small, seats about 25 people. We came around lunch time so there was a bit of a wait. 15-20 minutes. Their populars are listed on the board outside: banana pancakes, corned beef hash brown, and short rib loco mono with fried rice. I got loco moco two days before so I opted out and ordered hash brown. My friend ordered the loco moco and the pancakes to share for dessert. The hash brown was just a regular meal in my opinion. Although, I actually expected the shredded look type of beef, I was surprised to get chunks. The potatoes were soft and mixed with the beef. I tried my friend's loco moco and I liked it. She ordered the better meal out of us two. The fried rice specifically! Crunchy! Sweet with the gravy! Also good on it's own! the short rib was juicy and tender! The pancakes were delicious! the vanilla syrup was drizzled at the right amount to at least enjoy the pancake's taste and texture. Very soft. The toasted coconut added the crunch. I love crunchy! My coworker's cousin actually recommended to get the french toast, instead, we got the recommended from the board. I'm not disappointed by our choice though! Definitely next time, I'll get the toast.
(4)Diana L.
Who doesn't love brunch?? First off - come early. Arrive anytime after 9am and you're going to end up waiting for a bit for your table. Approximately 40-60 minutes. The food is really just that good, though! I've tried a lot of their menu items: lox bagel, fried rice, pancakes, coffee... I have not yet been disappointed. Prices are average, I would say. You'd definitely need to come here more than once to really get a taste of all their foods. Unless you come with a whole bunch of friends and try some off their plate. Parking lot is huge, but there are other businesses in the area. You shouldn't have a difficult time looking for parking though, if you are willing to walk a little. Next time I go, I'll take pictures. I always forget when I'm here since the food is just so inviting! Enjoy!
(4)Sharon H.
Quite possibly the best breakfast/brunch find in Hawaii Kai, this cute cafe has charming ambience, friendly service, well prepared food and special touches that makes it well worth the half hour wait to get seated. While we basked in the sun, liked that the hostess brought out a tray of bite sized pieces of Apple cinnamon scone and apologized for the long wait. Also liked that the food came out quickly, all together. Eggs scrambled perfectly, potatoes diced into bite sized cubes, the cinnamon roll pancake ... Wow! Crispy edges, fluffy texture and the right balance of sweetness with a creamy swirl glaze. Simply ahhh-maaaaz-zing! Even the presentation of the ketchup made me smile, as it came in a small dish swirled into flower petals. Delightful. My friend ordered an Americano coffee and she liked that they served it cup half full with a small demitasse cup of hot water on the side so she could dilute as needed. Loved that when I forgot my hydro flask, they took the time to ask around and the hostess had found and stored it safely away. Super duper service. All in all, one of the top places I'd choose for breakfast! Go check it out!
(5)Nakita C.
My absolute favorite thing in the whole world to do is go out to breakfast or brunch. I go all the time and it's one of my favorite things to do when meeting friends or when I have guests in from out of town. That being said, even though Moena is right down the street from my house I always forget it's there. The food is good and it has a cute atmosphere. However, the service is very slow. Seeing as how breakfast places are very popular in Hawaii I expect to have to wait for a table and have slower service because they are busy but this goes beyond that. The menu is also priced higher than most breakfast places. Bottom line: if you're looking for a cute setting with good food in the area then Moena is great just be prepared to wait and spend a little extra money.
(4)Kelly D.
Don't let the stars fool you, I thought this place wasn't bad but prices and service could be a tad better xP My friend and I love breakfast places so I did my research on yelp and this place seemed pretty awesome! Even though it was in Hawaii Kai, I thought the drive wasn't so bad considering it was located in Koko Marina Center right next to Zippy's and Bubbies! The wait took maybe 15 minutes or so? It was pretty packed so I understand lol My friend was an idiot and ate before this because she thought we were meeting up later but plans got mixed up so we met up sooner LOL she got the mango-peach iced tea (most popular) and it was pretty good :oo just remember to mix the syrup on the bottom so the tea isn't bland xD I got the fried rice with poached eggs and we both shared the petite stack of strawberry and milk pancake. The fried rice at first bite tasted too "American" to me but after a couple more bites, I actually liked it :) it looked small but it actually filled me up O_O' which wasn't good because I had to finish my half of the pancake LOL Don't be fooled by the word "petite" because even though they only give you one pancake, it's humongous! It was bigger than the size of my head! Honestly, one pancake is enough for two people (we didn't even finish it since it was too big T_T) It's worth your money too! It was nice and fluffy and the strawberry cream on top tasted like the cream from the Japanese snack Pocky :3 there were real strawberries too and it comes with a choice of maple or coconut syrup but the pancake was good enough without unless the strawberries are sour then the syrup helps a lot xD I wish I knew that the pancake would fill me up pretty good so I wouldn't have to spend another $9 on fried rice I didn't really need :( everything was pretty pricey. Honestly, it's probably better (depending how hungry you are) to just share a pancake and get a side of meat~ The service was okay but it could be better. Our server/waiter seemed a bit monotone but at least she was helpful xP a smile really does go a long way!
(3)Sasha L.
Came here for breakfast and had the Mo' Eggs. Portions here are a little smaller, but if it's really delicious it's not that big of a deal to me. Hence, came here and had the Mo' Eggs and house freshly made corned beef hash. I would come back here for the Mo' Eggs alone, it was that good. Corned beef hash was also yummy, especially if you are one to like fresh corned beef over canned.
(5)Rosalynn E.
What can I say, I'm up at 4:30-5 am everyday. That being said, I love breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day. It sets the mode for the day. Can I just say wow! I can normally just have a few bites of pancakes and be done with it. As I talked and talked I was mortified to see that I had eaten all of the banana chantilly pancake. It's evil on my diet. The flavors marry together and it's not overly sweet topped with coconut flakes to add some texture. The ribeye loco moco is good with a nice dark gravy (makes the loco moco). I prefer traditional hamburger style, but the taste is right on. We couldn't make up our mind on the salmon or crab Benedict and our very friendly waitress suggested we can order one of each. Awesome!! Not too fishy, uses real crab and hollandaise served at just the right temperature not too hot and not cold. The sauce has just the right amount of tangy with cream. Coming back with my daughter to try the cinnamon bun pancake.
(5)May L.
I've been on a loco moco hunt and short ribs just sounds too good to be true! We came on a Sunday noon time, the wait was 25 min but ended up being around 40. The service was prompt and we got our food pretty quickly after we ordered. The portions were pretty big. I gave 3/4 of my fried rice to my bf who was eating corned beef hash. They do not serve any side starch with the corn beef hash here. The gravy was well seasoned and fried rice was good. Eggs were perfectly cooked. But the short ribs could really be cooked a bit longer. It was not falling off the bone tender, so good thing there was a knife to use. They also serve fancy smancy coffee that you can only get 1 refill from. It'd be nice if they add on the not so fancy coffee choice so us coffee snobs can drink bottomless.
(4)Maka K.
I've been to Moena a few times now, and I can safely say that the food is always of a consistently good quality! Parking: It's in Koko Marina Shopping Center. If you're going for breakfast/brunch, you normally won't have any problems finding parking because many of the other businesses aren't open yet. Waaaaaiting: It's a small restaurant, so the earlier you get there the better. In fact, if you can manage getting there when they open, that's the best! That's why I love going there after a sunrise hike on the east side! Otherwise, you'll have to write your name on their waitlist & stand/sit outside until there's a table available. That wouldn't be so bad except that the rising sun over Hawaii Kai is HOT and there isn't a lot of shade in front of the restaurant. Venue: I really love the quaint decor of the place. Mostly white paint with small bits of accent colors here and there. Their entry way tends to have a bouquet of flowers to greet their guests. The color/decor of the place makes it feel so bright & clean, especially with all the morning/daytime sun shining through all the storefront glass that faces east. Food: Honestly, I've only ever personally ordered their omelets, but I really likes those omelets---not rubbery or burnt, consistent thickness throughout, and the fillings are perfectly cooked! It comes with a nice pineapple wedge, half a strawberry & a choice of white or wheat toast. I especially like the Hawaiian omelet because the kalua pig that they use is always nice and moist! I've tried the dishes of my friends, and I think both the hash and benedicts are also great buys! Next time, I'm pretty sure I'm also going to get an affogato (ice cream + espresso). A little bit of sweet, creamy, caffeinated goodness always seems like a great way to start the day, don't you think?
(4)Shama O.
FYI: I'm not the average, run of the mill breakfast eater. Sadly, eggs and meat don't agree with me, so I'm left with mostly carbs or if by chance there's fish on the menu, that's what I'll be eating. My friends and I arrived on a Sunday midday. We were told that it would be a 25 minute wait for a group of 4. There were a handful of groups before us. We were starving after out intense workout morning but were willing to wait a half hour. Tick tock tick tock...we sat there in the blazing, sun-burning sun for at least an hour! We were led to our table which was right at the front of the tiny restaurant, provided with menus and asked for our drink requests. Water for 3, coffee for me. Coffee comes with only one refill, and after taking a sip, I realized why, it was basically an Americano! We put in our orders: 2 short rib loco mocos, 1 corned beef hash and for me, you guessed it, the fish of the day: Kajiki. It came with a side of eggs, so I requested a substitute and was offered fresh avocado; yum! The wait for our food did not seem long, though I had a second cup of coffee and water was topped off a few times. The plates of food looked so delicious! I enjoyed my fish, which was simply flavored with salt, pepper and garlic, I think. The potatoes were a disappointment though, not much flavor at all and no onions like traditional home fried potatoes have. I had to gussy them up with salt and pepper and ketchup. The avocado was good but didn't really compliment the food, not the best substitute. The friend that had the corned beef hash had reminisced about hanabatta days of hash made with canned corn beef and shaped into patties. Moena's version was much meatier cubes of beef and cubes of potatoes. He ended up adding his gf's fried rice, pepper and ketchup and then mixing it with the eggs, into a brand new concoction that he was able to enjoy. The loco moco peeps: one's easy to please and ate the whole thing. While the other analyzed all the parts and concluded that the short ribs was a nice twist, but the fried rice was still not up to her standards. All in all, besides the long wait, the meal was enjoyable. Not much on the menu for me, but I think regular breakfast eaters would like it here.
(3)Sandra B.
This place is fantastic! The wait is almost always killer and they do not take reservations, unfortunately. Tried to go on Easter and gave up waiting after 1.5 hour wait. It's tiny so there are limited tables. The best thing is the banana chantilly pancakes. I tried something else once, the short rib loco moco. It was insanely salty and I couldn't eat it. If u like really salty then maybe you might like it. Regardless, I recommend this little cafe! It is my first choice when they are open. Only open til 2.
(5)Paul P.
Went there this morning while we were driving around the island. I had the eggs Benedict and my wife had the fried rice and eggs. Both were excellent!
(5)Mele R.
The only reason I'm giving them one star is because they have a really bad way of sitting people. When we arrived there to sign in, there were 10 parties ahead of us and the waitress gave us 40-45 min wait time. We waited over an hour... for a party of 6!!....During our wait, they took SEVERAL parties that signed in AFTER us, sitting more than 10 people! (I don't get it) When they finally sat us, they did not apologize for the inconvenience. They could've suggested us to sit on separate tables (tables that could move by the way) that were next to each other instead of sitting people that arrived AFTER us. Hopefully they will see this comment and use some common sense to make better decisions of sitting people.
(1)Paul J.
Been here twice for breakfast and have enjoyed the food both times. This is how breakfast should be done, and they may make the best cup of joe on the island. Only negative is the wait, so make sure you're not in a rush when you go there. Wait staff are friendly and attentive and do a great job. Prices are similar to other sit down places and servings are adequate. Nice place to go with the family or that special person in your life.
(4)Gary N.
After hike noms! There are many places in Koko Marina and Hawaii Kai to get your caloric refill post-hike, but I chose to eat here with fellow Yelpers. I had never been here before and have heard many good things. When we arrived we got placed on the waiting list. Wait time was not too bad. I think we waited about 15 minutes. This place sure is busy on Saturday mornings. The first thing that caught my eye was the Monchong special. I had no clue what it was. In my head I thought that it had to be a type of sausage like lap cheong, but I was no where close. Monchong is actually a type of fish! Who knew? I had a choice between the Monchong bene or Monchong with rice and eggs. I chose the rice and eggs because I had already nom-nomed a few McMuffins pre-hike. I was excited for my dish. It was something new! When my Monchong arrived, it was cooked perfectly. I've never had Monchong before, but I sure know how fish is supposed to be when it's done cooking. Not burnt or undercooked, it was just right. My whole meal was so tasty and healthy. It was clean and not overly saturated with butter or oil. Service was topnotch and the server was very knowledgeable and fast. The ambiance was casual and pleasant. Parking was readily available with many stalls open. I will come again!
(5)Bianca F.
This place is a gem. We are not from this side of the island and because we were going to the gun range, we wanted to try it out. Yelp reviews were good. The food was really delicious. A little pricey but. Worth every penny. The chantilly pancakes were yummy. The best dish was the corned beef hash. A winner! Try it out, you will be very pleased.
(5)Kelsey R.
Cool little place outside of Hanauma Bay! The cafe is small and you are definitely going to have a wait (we waited for about 45 minutes) but the food is pretty great. I had the short rib loco moco on fried rice. It was really delicious! Husband had a chicken panini that was so-so. Coffee is great and local - I had a mocha. The prices are a little high for my tastes but they're also in line with every other place in the area, so you can't knock them for that. Fun bonus: next door to the Dog the Bounty Hunter store. Who knew that was a thing.
(4)Courtney Y.
I did my share of work today: researching the best breakfast/brunch place to take a dear friend of mine, then mapquesting it, then while there reading reviews and looking at the highlights for just what to order. Yes, that work has done me in. I write this, hours later, still reeling from the food that was ingested with happy memories attached to them. Of course, this is a tale of a foodie; an overcaffeinated (yes, I'm aware this is not a word) foodie. Happy memories are prancing around in my head of the caramel machiatto that was had (iced, even when the waitress said that they "could probably make it iced"), banana chantilly pancakes, and of course their popular short rib loco moco. These things are highlights for a reason, people! First off, the caramel machiatto trumps Starbucks, and legasp, even that of my dear Coffee Bean. Not overly sweet, and not watered down despite being iced. Maybe next time I'll opt for the hot version. Banana chantilly pancakes were full of win. It would have been super awesome if they loaded up on the chantilly syrup (maybe even have some in a little dish on the side) for extra dipping? Some of it got absorbed in the pancakes and I was like, "Merp, where's ze chantilly action?" But despite that, it was delish. Banana slices were embedded in it, and the coconut shavings were a nice touch (talk about pretty plating!) Let's not forget the short rib loco moco to which I opted to get with FRIED RICE. Seems like I've been craving loco mocos these days. The gravy was not overly salty, and even though there were a lot of flavors going on (from the fried rice, the gravy, and the short rib, which was oh-so-tender), the egg balanced everything out. There was no wait to be seated (amazingly... Must have been since I prepared for it to be crowded, leaving super early and getting there around 8:30). There's even a sign-in which can be convenient if it were crowded. Also, the service there is pretty spot on. They are really efficient and attentive to their customers. Food + service = 5 stars, BAM!
(5)Kurt W.
Some of the best acai bowls I've had. Cool little spot. Often has a wait. Right on the water. The fried rice is good also. Ate here twice. Will be back next time I'm in Hawaii Kai.
(5)Tracy S.
Yum yum yum!! Short rib locomoco with fried rice and cinnamon roll pancakes are the best! Can't say I have had anything bad here. The waitress are always kind and timely. Love the free refill on your coffee and if you are about to leave they send it with you in a to-go cup!
(5)Zen Y.
Good food. Great service. Great atmosphere. The menu could be expanded ever so slightly... otherwise it's our go-to spot in Hawaii Kai. Tourists stay away. You are not welcome here ;)
(4)Kristine L.
A-freaking-mazing !!!! Everything was soooo good. Not an ounce of disappointment. Kinda mad that we found this place on our last day in Hawaii cause we definitely would've been here way more.
(5)Kim T.
Would have rated higher if we didnt wait over an hour. So we found this place on yelp and because we were in the area we decided to check it out. We did as many yelpers recommended... as soon as you get there sign in. We were told it would be about a 30 to 45 min wait because of the holiday. So we walked around and came back in 30 min. The waitress siad im glad you waited because many people left...they decided to eat else where because of the wait. When we check the sign in they seated 4 groups after us. I asked what the wait was she said we are waiting for other parties to leave so they could seat us...then i couldnt belive they would think it is okay to break up our group of 8 and wanted to slpit is on opposite sides of the restaurant, granted the place is only so big but if we wanted that then we would have separated our group on the sign in sheet (fyi i wasnt going to have my kids sit by themselves) All the food that was recommended by our server was good so that wasnt a problem, the environment is very clean but i wonder how long the seats and walls will stay white, and the food didnt take long to come out. I believe they are off to a good start if they can figure out how to move more people in and out *tip- when people are done eating start taking away dirty dishes and ask politely if there is anything elses they would like and if not bring them their check right away so more peopke can be serviced. *** will give them another shot when in the area and update review as needed.
(2)Sara S.
In Hawaii Kai and feeling a little classier than ZIppy's this morning? Look no further! This place was growing cobwebs sitting on my bookmarks list for ages. WIth my BF visiting from Cali, I finally had an excuse to go and we managed to score a table for 4 on what appeared to be a pretty busy (but probably regular) Saturday afternoon. But then the next obstacle was wading through the menu and trying to decide what to order. Breakfast? Lunch? Ah too many choices! Everything looked ono! KALUA PIG BENEDICT: Not your standard boring eggs benedict. The mound of kalua pig, eggs, spinach and hollandaise kind of melded into one gargantuan eggs benedict blob on toast, but I think it's two pieces? I've seen this dish before so while I can't entirely give Moena Cafe credit for innovation, I can give them credit for doing it well! MO'EGGA: wasn't sure what to expect from this but it basically tastes like an olive tapenade spread on toasted sourdough(?) with a beautifully poached egg. It's tasty, very garlicky, but not the most filling... perfect for a lighter breakfast! Truthfully, I was still a little hungry afterwards, but that's what Bubbies is for... HAHA SHORT RIB LOCO MOCO: while the gravy is not as good as Bogart's, it's still a hearty and delicious meal!! TURKEY CRANBERRY SANDWICH: didn't get to try this but it didn't look too special. A standard turkey salad sandwich. Everyone seemed to enjoy their meals. Next time, I am going with my gut (quite literally), and getting the banana chantilly pancakes! A little on the pricey side, but delicious and a definite upgrade from the other breakfast options in the area. For out of towners (or locals alike!), It would be a nice place to go before/after jetskiing or wake boarding at the water sports center next door.... or snorkeling at Haunama Bay!
(4)Taizo I.
Good taste, clean store. Enjoyed very much. I can recommend.
(4)Janine K.
Our brunch club of 3/4 tried thus stop. We ordered crab Benedict, chantilly Belgium waffles and a burger. Food was great. Washed it down with the house ice tea! Another winner.
(4)LeaDan Y.
When your business cares about your customers, your customers will care about your business. When we arrived we were told the wait would be 1 1/2 hours. I really wanted to try this place so we waited hoping they were just giving us the worst case scenario. After about 15 a waitress came out holding a tray of scones which she proceeded to hand out to those who were outside waiting for a table. In another 15 minutes we were seated. I ordered the beet and goat cheese salad, which was one of the best salads that I've ever ordered in a restaurant, and the cinnamon pancakes. The pancakes were tasty but I probably would not order them again over all of the other tasty alternatives. My boyfriend got the short rib loco moco with fried rice, which was tasty and tender. I really wish we had more room. The short stack pancake was just one huge plate sized pancake. I need to return and try their various salmon dishes. The servers were friendly and worked as a team. While this is a small cafe, the arrangement lends to flexibility with seating and party sizes. Great example of how a business should be run. Thank you, Moena Cafe, for the experience!
(5)Harry L.
Just had the short rib loco mock with fried rice...how've I lived this long without having this in my life? Soooooo good!!!!
(5)Chantelle M.
Tried the Banana Chantilly Pancakes and fried rice loco Moco. Sooo yummy!
(5)Norielys B.
Food is amazingly good! But only three stars because of the service. I was sitting at the bar and kind of heard all the waiter conversations and issues, just weird. This one waitress was behind the bar almost the entire time I was there sipping on some coffee, her tables keep calling her over. Then another waitress served the wrong food to a customer, the other one tell her to let him know but she said she will correct it if he notices... Integrity goes a long way and more important than good food at least for me. I was never asked if I was doing ok... If they improver their courtesy and service, they could be one of the most awesome breakfast place on island.
(3)Laura K.
After snorkeling at Hanauma bay all morning we were starving and this cafe was just 5 minutes away. As we were a larger party of 7, we had to wait a few minutes for a table as there is only room for about 30 diners. Still, we only waited about 15 minutes so it wasn't bad. The decor is nothing special, basic and uncluttered. They have many great dishes on their menu, one of the more popular items being the Short Rib Loco Moco, which two of our party ordered and quite enjoyed. I finally settled on the Hawaiian omelette, with kaluah pork, onions, cheese, and green onion. The omelette came stuffed FULL of shredded pork. I didn't seem that big, but I couldn't finish it. The flavor was amazing and I would order it again. Another amazing dish that I stole a bite from was the cinnamon roll pancakes. They look like pancakes, HUGE pancakes, taking up the entire circumference of the plate, but they taste like a cinnamon roll. If you have a large appetite or you want something to share, I would recommend getting this dish as well.
(4)Natalie K.
While working in the restaurant business, I have learned what to overlook and what actually matters. For example, this morning I waited 30 minutes for a table, which is exceptionally reasonable for two people on a Sunday morning. Once we were seated, the server immediately took our drink orders. We ordered a latte and a cup of coffee. They both arrived relatively quickly, and the server asked if we were ready to order. Unfamiliar with the menu, we expected the server to make a few suggestions or make any conversation in general. There was nothing. Eventually, we placed our orders. 5 then 10 minutes went by, and no one offered to refill our cup of coffee or if we needed anything. Had we wanted to make any changes to our order or order something more to drink, we would not have had the opportunity to. After getting up to go to the bar to ask for more coffee, we learned that the coffee machine was broken - also reasonable and not the establishment's fault. However, my issue with the experience was the awful customer service. There was nothing personable about the experience. The server did not seem interested in educating new guests to the menu, and was not concerned to check in on the guests in a timely manner. With that being said, the food was excellent and exactly to our specifications. Notch up the customer service a level or two, and I will definitely come back.
(2)Ian G.
Moena Cafe is one of my favorite restaurants on Oahu. It's a really quaint and contemporary restaurant. The food is great and the atmosphere is very pleasant. Definitely a must do breakfast/lunch spot on the island. I just wish they opened for dinner! Must try: Sausage Hash (Potato Hash with Egg and Pineapple Port Sausage) Chantilly Pancakes Strawberry Nutella Crepe. Their crepes are even better than Crepes No Ka Oi.
(5)Kaitlin A.
We came here after a beautiful day of snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. We ordered a little bit of everything. The stars of the show were the acai bowl and the Mo'egga. The one downfall of this place is that they're a little slow with the service but maybe it's because they are busy and make most things gourmet.
(4)Mark G.
Couldn't find one negative thing to say about this place.
(5)Michael C.
This is by far the best place for your brunch craving needs! Service was exceptional thanks to our server Emilee. (Side note to the owner and manager: She's a keeper! Always on point and despite on how busy it was, she always kept a positive attitude! And high level of service!) Thank you Emilee! :) Located at the koko marina shopping center just a few minutes from sandys or koko head. We got the short rib loco moco which was very delicious! Food presentation was very nice. Unlike all the other restaurants, you can tell the chefs took time make our food top notch delicious. Ambiance was nice also green and white really blends in well!
(5)Jamie M.
This place is right next to Dog the Bounty Hunter's store. One time while we were waiting outside, we caught a glimpse of dog bringing stuff into his store...but about the food... I really enjoy the chai tea lattes at this place. One time I ordered it and it was off, but most of the time the "yumminess" is pretty consistent. When I have a sweet tooth, I go for the Chantilly pancakes just like everyone else. In my opinion, they are way better than the cinnamon ones. I have also tried the corned beef hash. I would call it more of a skillet than a hash, as it is big cubed pieces of corned beef mixed with other ingredients. It tasted good and was a large portion, but just be aware that it is not what you would expect of a "hash." I had the acai bowl, and I wouldn't recommend it. It was watery, and I was basically drinking it by the end. I don't think it is worth deducting a star though. My boyfriend said the eggs benedict is delicious. All in all, this is a great place to eat. During the weekend, expect a wait. But it will still probably be a shorter wait than for Cinnamon's or Boots & Kimo's. (Last time I went, the table next to me told me they were from Kailua and that they drove down to Hawaii Kai to get away from the crowds at the breakfast places up where they live!)
(5)Christyann S.
No need for filter. Thanks to yelp commenteers(lol) we got the banana chantilly petite pancakes, which was SO SO SO SOOOO ONO!! He had the corn beef hash, and I had the short rib loco Moco. We will definitely be coming here again and again. Great service and yummy food
(5)Nat W.
Moena Cafe is a very cute breakfast/brunch place in Hawaii Kai. I made a trip all the way there just to try their fried rice Loco Moco and I was happy I did. It was really really good. The time we went was almost the closing time so we didn't have to wait at all. I couldn't try their pancakes but will do next time!
(4)Katherine L.
We came on a whim for Valentine's Day breakfast. It had very cute decor. I ordered the short rib loco moco after the friendly waitress said that the loco moco and benedicts were good. My boyfriend got the egg benedict. The loco moco was so good but needed just a little more gravy. I ran out of gravy to eat with some of the meat and rice that was hidden under the egg so it was a little dry. Still, it was so good!!! My boyfriend's egg Benedict was so good...so basically what I'm saying is we are going back cuz I wanna try all their other good food. :)
(4)Hope Y.
First time visiting Moena Cafe, and I was surprised just how busy that place is. We didn't have a wait, and were lucky enough to score a seat right away. The people who arrived after us had a short wait, so it was perfect timing! Hubs had the Ahi and eggs, and I went for the savory crepe that had ham, spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Everything was yummy, and not a really long wait. Definitely will come back to try the benedict!
(4)P C.
The pancakes are really that good. Light fluffy and the sauces are delicious. They are priced well as the portions are huge. They serve kona coffee as well. Definstely coming here again.
(5)Queena W.
There might be a line at the door but it is worth the wait! Food is amazing. Their short rib loco moco is a must try!
(5)Malia H.
I walked by this place a couple of times but it was always closed. It looked cute and the menu looked yummy. So since I made a new foodie friend, I thought then trying a new place was in order and immediately thought of this place. Plus it was on her side of the island. It's soo far for me to go...but it was totally worth the drive. I don't know if it's because it's so far from everything (in Koko Marina Shopping Center) or it's a hidden secret. The line for breakfast on a Saturday around 930am was not too crazy like all the other breakfast places (Bogarts, Cafe Kaila, etc). There's tons of parking and they take credit card unlike some of those other breakfast places. It's a small but cute place. The staff is friendly and very helpful when we asked for some tips on what to get. Decisions, decisions so we decided to share. Always share...then you get the best of both worlds...loads of carbs in the form of pancakes, waffles or French toast and eggs in omelette or Benedict style. So... Petite stack banana chantilly pancakes -OMG, that one pancake was huge! I'm glad the waiter recommended us to just get the petite order since the regular order has two. The pancakes had huge pieces of bananas in it and chantilly sauce on the top...not overly sweet but it certainly complimented the banana flavor really well. yelp.com/biz_photos/moen… Side of corned beef hash -fresh corned beef, none of that canned stuff mixed with potatoes and onions. This was the best corned beef I ever had, minus the fat pieces that I know were needed for flavor but I couldn't eat so I late around them. yelp.com/biz_photos/moen… Crab Benedict It was yummy but nothing super special that I had to have again, considering it was $17.95. That's pretty pricey for breakfast in my opinion. yelp.com/biz_photos/moen… This was the best new friend, girl date I ever had! And I believe Moena Cafe contributed. I have come back another time after this first time (I thought I posted this review, but I guess in my excitement, I didn't), food and service were still excellent. And my friendship is still thriving too! Hugs and kisses Moena!
(5)Debbie L.
What an adorable, unassuming place. It's in a strip mall, but is a cute brunch spot. Food and service on par (if not better) than the places in San Francisco and LA like Mission Beach Cafe and Toast (prices are too, though). Food is awesome. Banana Chantilly pancake and short rib loco moco are the way to go. My boyfriend and I got the mahi mahi breakfast plate (special that day), short rib loco moco with fried rice, and banana Chantilly pancake short stack. We ate everything. The short rib loco moco is flavorful but not too greasy or rich. The serving size is pretty generous, but since it wasn't too rich I still had enough room for half a pancake. The pancake short stack is one thick, plate sized pancake. Its fluffy and delicious without being too sweet. This place gets the right amount of flavor in the food without being too rich or making you feel sick. The mahi was great as well, but I mostly ate the loco moco. Their coffee is hand made slow drip. The tropical iced tea is passion fruit and pineapple mix. Its refreshing and perfect after hiking or snorkeling. Our waitress was attentive and generous with refills. Definitely would come again.
(5)Darlene L.
Our very favorite place for breakfast........and sometimes lunch, too! Love their French toast made with Hawaiian sweet bread and their pancakes are the best. Several choices of Egg Benedict and they are delicious, never heavy, just right. Plus they serve only fresh made Kona coffee made by the cup. Great. Owner is a chef and it really shows in the taste and presentation. Worth every penny.
(5)Shannon H.
A cute place for breakfast/brunch. I really liked the atmosphere (cool music, cool deco, cool overall vibe). I came here for breakfast with a couple friends visiting from out of town and was quite impressed. We got there at about 9:30a on a Monday and there was no wait, but the place was pretty busy. I had the short rib loco moco and one of my friends got the kalua pork benedict with spinach. Also shared banana chantilly pancakes. All good. My friend said that the benedict would probably have been better without the spinach and was also pretty bummed that her dish didn't come with potatoes. The loco moco was good though; I had it with fried rice which I thought was average (I'm really picky about my fried rice) and I'd say not worth the $2 upcharge. The pancakes were good. Fluffy and tasty but the chantilly was a little too light for my taste (I LOVE chantilly so, for me, the more the better). One huge plus for this place is the parking. Lots of parking in the koko marina shopping center, esp in the morning before everything opens up.
(4)D S.
If you're into gourmet food, less the frufie atmosphere and price, this is your place. Luau loco moco with fried rice, coconut pancake, French toast and avacado bacon burger. Seriously 5STAR food. Don't let he strip mall location fool you. Trust me, it's yum!
(5)Jenet Y.
Food was fantastic as usual but the service was very lacking today enough to give it 1 star down. It took our waitress ( Michelle) a long time to get our coffee and forever to get a refill on water. It was very frustrating to watch everyone get their coffees and water immediately and not to mention food too. But when we got it... Fannnntastic! Added back the 1 star. Bad service was only once so far. Food is still fantastic!
(4)Ariana M.
After spending all morning at the Koko Head Shooting Complex, my friends and I were ready to GRIND. When we arrived to Moena Cafe, we put our names down on the waiting list. We had a group of 8, and I was surprised how fast we were seated. I thought it would take a lot longer. I think we just got lucky and came at the right time. Lucky us!! Our waitress was Kasha, she was super friendly, constantly filled out water and checked to see if we were doing okay. She was also very helpful when describing items on the menu when we asked for some suggestions. The Grub. [[ EGGS BENEDICT w/ SPINACH $13 ]] yelp.com/biz_photos/moen… Benedict is my favorite of all time breakfast food! When our waitress Kasha highly recommended it on the menu (with the add on of spinach), I just had to get it. I am happy to report, it was AMAZING :) I love how they use garlic bread for the Benedict! NOM NOM NOM! [[ BANANA CHANTILLY PANCAKES $11 ] ] yelp.com/biz_photos/moen… My boyfriend decided to go with two of the famous Chantilly pancakes. It was HUGE and tasted super good. My only suggestion is to give a side of extra sauce, because it was a bit dry since it was two pancakes. Needed more sauce or syrup or just something. [[ HAWAIIAN OMELET $8.95 ]] yelp.com/biz_photos/moen… [[ DENVER OMELET $8.95 ]] yelp.com/biz_photos/moen… [[ PORTUGUESE SAUSAGE $3.50 ]] yelp.com/biz_photos/moen… [[ FRIED RICE w/ EGGS $8.95 ]] yelp.com/biz_photos/moen… Overall I had a great experience here. The service was great, the food was good, and the prices were reasonable. I definitely would recommend this place to others!
(5)Jon C.
Be ready for a heckuva wait. The place is clearly popular. Nice decor and attention to detail. Really too small for the amount of demand that it generates. This is not a super fast operation. What they lack in efficiency, and they make up with their food. About 40 minutes to bring the food. Yikes! The short lib loco moco was a must-try, and I don't even like loco moco that much. Red gravy and shaved green onions on top. Fried rice on the bottom. "Spectacular" was the word my wife used, and she's the connoisseur. Coffee was nice, too. Had plenty of time to enjoy refills... My wife ordered the bleu cheese burger but found it over cooked. Just ok tasting. Not juicy, but the bleu cheese helped. Better to stick to the basics here. We'd give the food FOUR STARS! The service was friendly and fairly attentive, but the wait times were unacceptably long. Need to fix that somehow, please.
(3)Pete T.
I love this place for breakfast. We come here with all of around the island with my biker buddies, and meet here for breakfast. Great service, fantastic food, fresh and delicious. I haven't had anything bad yet, and I've tried the eggs benedict, pancakes, and corned beef hash. We will be back again...
(5)Ronda D.
There was a 15 minute wait but it was worth it. The cafe was pleasant. I liked the eggs benedict which two of my other work mates also ordered. One ordered the kale salad (also large portion) and he laughed that the three of us might need a nap since our serving size seemed extra large. It was a wonderful place to catch up on work flow and progress. I would definitely come again!
(4)Daniel N.
Strawberry milk pancakes were perfect. Not overly sweet. The pancakes in general are light and fluffy. The Denver omelette is also very tasty
(5)Andrew P.
Nice brunch and breakfast spot. Good service and quality food. Presentation is nice as well. Gets crowded in the mornings.
(4)Teresa G.
Love coming here for breakfast!!! I just wish the lines were not so long and that they did take out. The restaurant is small so you pretty much always have to wait to be seated. FOOD IS EXCELLENT!!! I had the Crab Benedict and it was one of the best that I had ever had!!! Their coffee is really full bodied and i loved it!!! i look forward to going back. i wish they had a larger space!!!
(4)Andrew D.
Pulled up around 750am and the place was full with a small line. We put our names down and within 15 minutes or so we got sat at a nice small table. It's pretty small inside but it reminded me of a quaint beach house. Jim was our server and he was very nice and super helpful with suggestions. I got the Short Rib Loco Moco. It took a while for it to come out but it was well worth the wait. Fall apart tender pork with a fried egg on top, I opted to go with the fried rice which sealed the deal for me. Keep it simple, keep it delicious. I'm staying in Hawaii Kai for a week and I will absolutely come back. Wash it down with an ice coffee and I'm ready for the beach.
(4)Will N.
Moena Cafe is probably the best place to eat in Koko Marina. Only reason I say probably is because the only place I haven't been to yet is the Greek spot right next to Kona Brewing Co. The food and service is great. I like the workers there. The only flaw they have is on busy days, they won't always answer the phone. And that's a business no no. You always have to answer the phone. Other than that you won't have any complaints on the food or the service once you arrive. Weekends are super busy. So come early
(4)Kris M.
First Timer! Banana Chantilly Pancake - YUUMM! Perfect amount of sweet, fluffy goodness! Eggs Benedict on Garlic Toast - DELISH! Eggs poached perfectly, an essential piece to a proper Benedict. Added spinach for a healthy look. Garlic Toast was flavorful but not overpowering with garlic. A nice amount of Hollandaise. Had a Sunday Brunch with 5 of us, seated in 15 mins. Cute, Clean, A/C, Perfect Brunch Music. We had a very nice, local waitress. Public Restrooms located upstairs in a minorly sketchy area (no fault of the restaurant, it is what it is) Will definitely be back again! :)
(5)Leah P.
The food here is so delicious! Fast service. If it's busy, it's worth the wait. I take all my visitors here!
(5)Sarah B.
The service was awesome (thanks Jim- our server!), the coffee was perfect, and don't even get me started on the food. Really great experience all around. This was perfect for my mom, grandma and I- we went on a Monday morning so no wait! I definitely want to try the fresh corned beef next time, but the Portuguese sausage omelet, Chantilly pancakes, and Belgian waffle our table had were delicious too!
(5)Jordan S.
We stopped by this place on a whim as we were in the area for another event and hadn't had breakfast yet. It was one of the best decisions we made that day. I had the Kalua Pig Eggs Benedict, which is not severed on the traditional English Muffin, but on a couple of slices of really good french bread. The pork was not overly salty, but had enough to cut the richness of the hollandaise, the sauce was great and the eggs were poached perfectly. I also had a side of fried rice, which was good, but nothing fantastic. Between the two, it was too much food, so I could easily skip the fried rice as a side next time. Alicia D. had the cinnamon roll pancakes, which are HUGE, and delicious. The frosting/syrup is just sweet enough to not make the dish overwhelming, even if very rich. With a side of ham, it was again, too much food, but delcious.
(4)Ray L.
This is a small coffee shop in Hawaii Kai. They have a few breakfast items and sandwiches. Servings are on the moderate side so dont come too hungry.
(3)Ted P.
The food was excellent. Got the petite cinnamon roll pancakes...don't even need syrup. My wife got the fruit French toast and liked that as well. Service was pretty good and the pricing was reasonable. Would go back again!!
(4)Holly B.
We arrived at 1 p.m. with mean appetites! We enjoyed the cinnamon swirl short stack with the cream cheese sauce. It was perfect, light and crispy at the edges! And the sauce was just scrumptious! I also had the kalua eggs benedict with hollandaise sauce on the side. It was good, but not outstanding. My significant other had the burger and he said it was good; unusual that it came with potato chips instead of fries. Overall good service and tasty food. The seating arrangement, though, left much to be desired as our dining neighbors were so close we could hear every unsavory word they shared between them, nothing we wanted or needed to hear but were subjected to nonetheless!
(4)Eunice F.
I can see why there's always a line at this place now! The staff are all friendly and super on point.... The food there was all made with fresh ingredients and flavorful, prices were fair for brunch and it has a decent amount of parking available in the Complex where the movie theater is kokohead marina plaza The have the best eggs Benedict... Thick slab of ham... Perfectly poached eggs...on garlic bread and yummy Hollandaise sauce :) so yummy! And the chantilly banana pancake is to die for!! My absolute favorite! Make sure you get one to share! Great brunch spot! They close at 3p, so make sure you get there before that!
(5)Psyche S.
4 stars is just about right for this quaint lil spot. They're smartly located and operated, as they open nice and early when the only other option in the area is Zippy's. For those times when Zippy's just won't cut it, this place is like a mini vacation. I had the regular eggs benny (I considered the kalua but our server said her favorite was the regular, so went with that). The presentation was spot on and everything about this place matches the clean sheik feel of this cozy eatery. My son had the lox and bagel, and loved it! The wife and dots ate pancakes (cinnamon and banana respectfully). They loved that too, although a bit too sweet to finish. They maybe should have shared and ordered a side instead. We will definitely visit this oasis again should we find ourselves on that side and hungry for a "better quality" meal at "not Roy's prices".
(4)Will L.
Moena Cafe is a very classy and clean place to have breakfast or brunch. It has all the breakfast favorites to begin an enjoyable weekend day. You may have a little sticker shock as the crab omelette as well as the ahi omelette were both $17. I had the salmon omelette than went for $12 which was actually really good and it was ample. It included toast and what seemed to be house made jelly that made for a nice touch. A pineapple was also included as garnish. For $12 or $17 one would have expected some home style potatoes to come with it.. The coffee was really good, but like someone else mentioned, you only get one refill which is a little odd and stuffy. Overall though this is a great place to have breakfast.
(4)Jayson L.
After long morning hiking at hawaii kai area we decide to try out this new place call Moena cafe. Moena cafe had some mix review so i wanted to try it for it myself. we had a large group and it was on sunda so we knew it would be a long wait. estimated wait time they gave us was about an hour. After big group of people left, we sat inside and server came right away with the water. she said you guys look thirsty which i thought that's a brownie points for her. i took a look at the meal menu and OMG it's expensive for breakfast place. i know for sure breakfast is one of the cheapest meal to make and some of the item cost over $14. service was good and friendly but for the quality of the food and the cost didn't seem right to me. portion wasn't even big to match the price. i didn't see anything special. Order the fried rice with 2 eggs because it was most reasonable price and it tasted ok. i would of give this place 2 star but i gave 3 due to great service.
(3)Cecelia K.
Huge portions! Loved the Acai Bowl, very refreshing and a perfect post hiking snack. The crepe was light and flaky and a good option if you're not wanting a heavy meal. Great cup of Kona coffee. Not acidic. Drink it black to enjoy the flavors of the coffee.
(5)Takashi H.
By far the best Acai Bowl in Honolulu. The consistency and texture of the Acai, amount of fruits and the balance of flavor is quite addicting. Their breakfast also is the best in town except for the ones in upscale hotels. Their servers are very friendly and helpful. Their prices are very fair considering what other major diners are charging in Honolulu.
(4)Jerry E.
Not bad, but its price is definitely not $$, considering the fact that one side order of one egg is $3.00; when one adds up other extras, he/she will be shocked. Simply put, this spot is not geared for the locals. Pancake was good, but at $10.00+ per piece? I know it is huge, but what is the point? How about make it smaller and lower its price to make it more customer friendly? Well, I think most people can get bigger bang for their hard earned buck at other places.
(3)Judy L.
Thank you, YELPers for the high reviews and led me to the Kalua Pig Benedict. It was so flipping good. No, it is so flipping GREAT! Moist and flavorful Kalua Pig on a muffin and a perfectly poached egg. And the Hollandaise sauce on roasted garlic bread. WHOA! Then I added a pancake with coconut syrup. I was happy and so was my tummy.
(5)Tristin R.
The food here is fantastic, the service was great as well! We had the waffles, crepe, chicken sandwich and eggs Benedict! All was delicious! Definitely a place to go!!! Oh and also the banana chantilly pancake! A must!!
(5)Jessica H.
I was very excited to try Moena Cafe, my expectancies were something like Cafe Kaila because of the pictures I saw and excellent reviews. When the server asked us if we wanted something to drink she asked in this manner: " Do you want anything other than water?" It came off strong. And of course I did, I order oj, tea, and cafe latte. They charge for the refill of iced tea which we were surprised. Not many places do that. She asked if we wanted some more, so of course. I believe it should be specified to the guest that there are no free refills. Unfortunately it did not meet our expectations. Our food was brought to us after 30 minutes of already being sat down. My boyfriends food was brought first and the server brought some other dish I did not order. She said sorry. Then we inquired what was going on with our order and she basically said that the order was taken to another table. So we waited another 10 minutes and by that time it was almost 45 minutes for my food to come. My boyfriend got sides but he was not impressed with his tiny $4 dollar pankcake. The picture on Yelp showed a fluffy, delectable pancake. No, ours was a sad, burnt little pancake. The plate was bigger than the pancake. :( Okay, I'm sure you're all waiting to hear what I thought of my food. Sincerely the taste was there. Crepe was a little cold. Sundried tomato and cream cheese crepe. My fried rice was good. The plan was to get something sweet as a desert after but we didn't want to at the end. When we were done with our meals, the check was brought to us and a scone in forgiveness to our bad experience. All and all ... would we go back to Moena Cafe? Moena Cafe would have to make it up to us. Because paying $50 was not worth it at all. When you pay that kind of money for a breakfast you expect quality.
(2)Martin D.
Great food and service. We loved the Moco Loco and Banana Pancakes...All great!! The service was awsome... Very attentive. Atmosphere of restaurant was great also! Highly recommend! Aloha
(5)Blanca C.
Good price, great service, friendly staff. Food is a master piece, crafted to your bellies desire. It's going to be a small portion but u will never feel guilty for over eating. It's a family type of place so don't bring your smokes or bad mouth. Came early cause the line gets long but well worth the wait.
(5)Annette S.
Great family place! The food is to die for and the service is incredibly fast. My whole family loved it and were pretty much full for the rest of the day!
(5)Justin F.
I could write a long extensive review with lots of details, instead I will do this: If you ever want to have an actual experience like Meg Ryan did in "When Harry met Sally", order the cinnamon roll pancakes and put them in your mouth.
(5)Monica R.
I haven't eaten here, so I know this review is pretty useless, but I got a cup of coffee while I was waiting for boyfriend to finish his surfing lesson. It was delicious!
(4)Kate V.
Moena Cafe is a small and elegantly simple breakfast place in Koko Marina. It's not overlooking the water like some other businesses in the area, but it's definitely just a few steps away from the many outdoor activities of Hawaii Kai. I think a lot of folks find it the perfect brunch spot after a morning run or hike up Koko Head for the sunrise. My parents like it because the coffee is better than Zippy's next door. Some nice things: * Pretty, contemporary decor. Lots of white, light green, and light blue. There's a spiritual quote written on the wall, which makes me think that they're going for an ethereal theme. It works! * The coffee tastes great--they brew it by the cup. And you get one free refill. * The pineapple sausage, which is almost exactly like Portuguese sausage, but with bits of pineapple in it. It's not OMG, AMAZING good, but I do like it. When compared side by side to the Portuguese sausage here, it's a slightly sweeter sausage overall, while the plain Portuguese is quite peppery. Goes great with the fried rice (try the MC Breakfast). * If you're a big fan of corned beef, they do a fresh corned beef here (a stir-fry like combo of potatoes and cubes of corned beef). It is also gigantic. * Friendly, attentive service. Also, the place is small, but you definitely don't feel rushed to leave. Some things that are ok: * Perhaps given the small space, it seems to take a little longer than usual to get seated here, even when it is not filled to capacity. Expect a long wait on the weekends especially. * Though it's a step above the typical island breakfast in terms of selection and presentation, nothing food-wise really stands out to me too much. Ok, maybe except the pineapple sausage... which is good, but not great. Overall a very consistent four stars :)
(4)Jason P.
With not many options in Hawaii Kai and reading a few reviews, I decided to give this place a try for the 1st time. I ordered the fried rice breakfast and shared the sweet bread french toast. The fried rice was pretty good with my eggs cooked perfectly. The portion size was good and prices were reasonable. I did however see someone else order the eggs benedict and they looked amazing. I will have to try that next time. It was a lot bigger than most benedicts I've ordered before. If you're in the area, this is definitely one of the better restaurants in Hawaii Kai. The place does get packed on a weekend though for brunch. My 2nd time eating here, the food was still good. But for the people who truly love a good Eggs Benedict, the importance of a perfectly poached egg is crucial. My egg yolks were hard. I still enjoyed my breakfast but it could have been a lot better.
(4)Lauren C.
Okay people, I don't understand why you like this place. Is it because it's the only breakfast joint in Hawaii Kai? Honestly, the food is mediocre at best and is a bad rip off of Tango's in town. The Eggs Benedict is so rich that I actually threw up from it later in the day. The fried rice is too sweet and the omeletes are bland. The kicker was when I saw the owner/chef actually purchasing the bread from Costco for the meals, which he also used for the Eggs Benedict!?! With over priced food, needless to say, I will not be going back and will stick to Zippy's next door when I feel like going out for breakfast.
(1)Tash M.
I have eaten at Moena Cafe on 3 separate occasions, so I believe it warrants a review! I have been here for breakfast and lunch. The wait, if any, is fairly quick, be it 8:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. They have a sign-in sheet in the front, so put in your name if need be. Atmosphere: Reminds me of a chic-er Sweet E's. Has that homey feel with the stripped wallpaper, but with a more savvy chic design. They have tables that could seat maybe 15 parties? With a small bar area up front. Food: They are known for their chantilly sauce and fresh corned beef hash. I've had both. Corned beef hash: Lots of fresh little red/russet potatoes, parsley, corned beef minced with onions. Pretty good, but a tad overcooked. Chantilly sauce over pancakes: Pretty good, not too sweet. Not enough sauce for the pancake. Last visit, the bf and I shared the veggie omlette--not too much cheese, but nice amount o spinach, mushrooms and onions--and the eggplant panini. This was also good, but it could've used more salt and less oil. They serve breakfast all day, lunch starts at 11. They've got omlettes (comes with 2 slices of toast), paninis/sandwiches (comes with chips or house salad) pancakes (choice of meat), Rice plates, Acai bowls, and coffee drinks. Service: They are pretty friendly and accommodating. Looks like they also host little parties and can cater. They take iDcard btw! Its more of a boutique eatery, so expect a little higher prices/portions. Lots of free parking. Nice, quaint place for breakfast and/or brunch!
(4)Joanne A.
My co-workers and I decided to go to Moena Cafe for lunch yesterday around noon. All the tables were filled but fortunately, the wait wasn't too long--about 10 minutes. I love loco mocos, so I decided to try the short rib loco moco that I kept hearing about. It was one the best loco mocos that I ever had! The meat was very tender and juicy, and the gravy was rich and tasty. Definitely recommending it to my other loco moco loving friends! PS. Use your ID card Monday-Friday for 15% off
(5)Roxxy S.
We were looking for a breakfast place on our way towards sandy beach from Waikiki. We yelped this place and stopped in for breakfast. I ordered the eggs Benedict and my hubby and kids got the basics and waffles. With a side of fried rice. My meal was the best I've had so far. My hubby agreed. The eggs Benedict are the way to go. With ham. I highly recommend this place. There was no wait and the food came out at a decent time. Their koan coffee was pressed in house and was very fresh.
(5)Marifer S.
The Chantilly pancakes was my reason for trying this place for breakfast. However, there was nothing special about it. I think it was because the pancakes were too dense. I like fluffy, light pancakes.
(3)Elliot O.
Finally tried out this breakfast place in Koko Marina after my sister's recommendation. We went here about 1pm so the place wasn't completely packed. Luckily there was ONE table left for us to sit at. No wait! (Yay) I got the Eggs Benedict (my very first!) and it was delicious. My sister got the Denver Omelette and that was good too! In addition to our entrees, we ordered Cinnamon Roll Pancakes on the side. Oh mannn that hit the spot. Really tasted like cinnamon rolls. Service was very friendly too. Will definitely be back!
(5)Yamamoto C.
i been dying to try this place for the longest. finally decided that today would be the day to. i knew that it would be busy seeing how today is sunday, and it was around breakfast / lunch time. but they do phone orders!! which is what i decided to do. it was a 25 minute wait, which was expected as how busy they are. i would have loved to have been able to dine-in but at least i was finally able to try this place. MC breakfast: choice of rice, eggs, and meat. i got the over easy eggs, fried rice, and bacon. i would have liked if the bacon was on the crispy side, but the fried rice was good. banana chantilly pancakes: i ordered this after seeing the pictures and reviews on yelp. and it is just perfection. it was better than i expected. it was something different. it had coconut flakes on top (which i was not expecting) but it was still great! it made the pancakes have even more flavor actually. definitely recommend this. short rib loco moco: w/ fried rice, i thought this was okay. would have preferred it with a hamburger patty, but it did have a lot of flavor i must say ^ this all, plus a side bacon came out to $48. it is good portioning and was enough for two people. the servers there were also very nice. definitely be back, hopefully able to dine in next time
(4)Jocelyn L.
A good option for weekend brunch in the HI Kai area. I was drawn to the Short Ribs Loco Moco which my friend raved about. Short Ribs Loco Moco on Fried Rice: i had it with poached eggs; the eggs were a tad overdone, which meant it wasn't super yolky, which was too bad. I really wanted a nice, creaminess to add to the gravy. The short ribs were pretty tasty. The fried rice was OK. Overall, a pretty pricy loco moco for what it is. A good loco moco, but ironically, HRD in SF has a Much tastier non-trad loco moco than most loco mocos i've tasted in HI.
(3)C R.
This place has awesome food! First of all, I came into the restaurant looking like a bum cause I had just spent some time at Makapu'u Beach Park (about 5 miles down the road from here. It is gorgeous during sunrise, btw). The waitress didn't bat an eye. The restaurant is nice looking inside, the staff friendly and, the food was great. If I ever come back to the island I will come back here for breakfast.
(4)Erica W.
This was my first time here and I was pleaseantly surprised. The place is clean and the staff is friendly. I had the Mo'egga, which is their take on egg benedicts. It was a artichoke spread with poached eggs on top or regular bread. My dad had their cornbeef hash, which is their signature dish, but looked liked they used can cornbeef instead of fresh cornbeef. No worries. My mom had the veggie omelet and wish the it was cooked a little longer in able to melt the cheese better. Breakfast is served all day. Lunch is served starting at 11am. All in all, the food was good an I will definitely be back to try other things on the menu.
(5)Glenn L.
Finally! After being told that this place was legit! We finally had the opportunity to try Moena Cafe for an incredible breakfast. After living in SF for 5 years I was very spoiled with great breakfast joints. So was skeptical going in. We met family from Kailua who were in the area for an appt. So this gave us A reason to trek to east O'ahu. Now living in Ewa Beach places east of Waialae seem to be the cut-off for how far I'll drive, but given the glowing reviews thought this deserved trying. We weren't disappointed. The four of us each went with egg dishes. A classic egg benedict with thick cut ham on toasted French bread vs! English muffin. A lighter spin, than traditional. There was a special for the day. Fresh grilled ahi bene, looked Ono! I emphasis the fresh, while waiting for our meal we saw this humongous ahi being delivered. My mom went with the lump crab egg bene with spinach and sautéed onions. We all agreed for us we could have used a bit more lemon in the sauce for our taste, but this was mo or e We just asked for a side lemon wedge. II tried this and it was really good. I went more carnivore and went with the loco moco with braised short ribs on fried rice! First time with that rice option and it was excellent the braised short rib was so soft and tender with great flavor the gravy was from scratch. The server was named Kasha and she was very good and engaging. Nice to meet waits staff that seem to enjoy their job. Our family frequent the restaurant so they ordered a side pancake for us to try. It was light and fluffy, they told us the chantilly pancake is huge but Ono! So for me the icing was the excellent coffee drinks from mochas to lattes even the straight joe was like a cafe Americano or Italian brew thicker and richer than just old Bunn pot drip industrial coffee, this explains the two cup limit. So for those uneducated palettes that don't like the small mugs, this isn't cheap drip coffee and you can tell, for us this makes the breakfast for us. You can ruin a meal with "junk old pot coffee. So kudos to Moena cafe! Only detriment for us is that theiy're so far from where we live now! :-( Big hint open one in either Ewa beach or Kapolei you would kill it given Ko'olina is out our side too. In final reflections this was the best way to have an excellent breakfast! Good food, good coffee, good company and good service. We can always hope they open our side down the road. It is on the high end of the price scale but for us on par with cafe Kaila or Sweetee's or Moke's Cinamons in Kailua. So we will be back just don't know when? Try Em I think your put Moena on your return list for breakfast joints. It was worth the drive.
(5)Jenna S.
The food here is freaking delicious! This place has become my #1 spot for breakfast or brunch. It's small inside so I recommend going on the weekday to avoid the wait. The braised short rib loco moco with fried rice is the BOMB! The meat was really tender and the gravy was on point, so tasty! The crab panini was delicious too, it had large chunks if fresh crab inside. I also got the afogotto (fresh brewed espresso over vanilla bean ice cream)...why have I never had this before?! Perfect way to end breakfast. I also tried the Chantilly banana pancake... oh my good god, the absolute best tasting pancake I have ever had! I have been so disappointed by every other place on this island known for their pancakes and I stumble upon this hidden delight lol, I have a new love for pancakes.
(5)Michelle G.
3 stars is an average based on about a dozen visits in the past year, prompted by today's experience - sometimes it's 5, sometimes it's 1. i.e. It's inconsistent. Today was a 2 due to our server. Unfriendly, monotone voice, no eye contact, no energy, and she literally responded to EVERY question/comment by saying "No problem." Actually, sometimes there WAS a problem, and you saying it wasn't, was irritating. Repeatedly saying it made it insincere. Today's food was a 4, but some comments about the following after having tried them more than once: - The Kalua pork is dry. It's fine to finish with a sear on the flat top, but the pork has to have started out moist. If it's dry to begin with, searing it just makes it drier. - The texture of the pancakes is gluey. Totally made up for by the toppings, but still. - Seasoning is inconsistent. Today, my omelet was super salty, and I love salty. - Not a fan of peas in fried rice. Guess it's not meant to be local-style. - Please source better sausages. The link and Portuguese sausage are MUCH better at Zippys. As for our "no problem" girl - if you didn't automatically add the 15% gratuity, you would've gotten 20%, not because you deserved it, but because short of a server peeing in our food, we don't tip badly in restaurants that we plan to go back to. I get that people with big parties can undertip, but adding the 15 is a crapshoot, and servers would be well advised to exercise some judgment here. My rule is that if you add it, that's all you're getting. If you let me decide, you'll get at least 20, great gets 25 to 50. And FYI, "no problem" girl, you didn't work any harder on our party of 6 than you did on your parties of 2-5. The fact that we had to keep asking for things multiple times (water, coffee, extra gravy that was requested when the order was placed, etc.) should have been a hint. We'll keep going back with the hopes of getting one of the 5-star servers, and I've now figured out what not to order, cause it's not all good. It's still better than Zippy's.
(3)annie L.
Delicious short rib loco moco. I want to Just chow down the whole order but I didn't. Clean and nice, slightly inconspicuous even though the location or right by bubbies. I'll definitely be back here. Slightly annoyed by the last across the table that kept starring at me because I was eating one and she's with her guy.
(5)Janelle A.
The food and service was great. Unfortunately, we went on a Saturday morning, and there was a 7-top in front of us. The wait for a table was long and the food took just as long, but well worth the wait. Had the crab benedict, husband got the cinnamon roll pancakes w/ a side of bacon. The lump crab meat was flavorful & I got a piece of bacon which was nice and crispy. Our server kept our glasses filled & she was very attentive.
(4)Hhw L.
The two younger Caucasian waitress lacks experiences and customer service. Management should have them re-trained. I was seated after 10 minutes waiting while several tables along the walls were available. Only when another older couple came in, they seated us at un-cleared table from the previous patrons. The older couples got the nicer booth, ordered before us and got their food ahead of us. The waitress seen that we were upset and recognized their mistakes. Unfortunately, I was too disgusted and could not enjoy my meal. The supervisor was in the back office and did not see any of this.
(1)Paulette A.
I'd never heard of this place until a friend I normally brunch with suggested we go here. We were seated right away at the bar, which I found to be the best seats in the house. I'd recommend going on a weekday to avoid waiting for a table. After browsing the menu my friend and I decided to share a short stack of Cinammon Roll pancakes (which is only 1 large pancake; $8) and the eggs benedict (which we ordered with bacon instead of ham; I cannot remember the price). Both items were very good. I was pleasantly surprised. The eggs and hollondaise sauce on the eggs benedict were perfectly cooked. I love that the eggs benedict is served on sourdough baguette slices instead of english muffins. The sourdough taste goes very well with the eggs and bacon and hollondaise. The cinammon roll pancake was also great. It had a sort of sticky-crunchy cinammon butter bottom and the top was fluffy with a bit of icing drizzled on top. I loved that it was not over done. It was simple yet tasty. We also ordered a couple coffees, a vanilla latte and an americano. They were OK. The milk on my latte was more bubbly than smooth and creamy. It took a while for us to place our orders after we were seated although we were at the bar in front of the servers. Getting our check at the end of the meal also took some time. Overall I liked the food and ambiance. I would definitely recommend this place and come back myself.
(4)Jill Y.
I think what I like best about this place is that it hasn't been discovered by tourists yet and it has a cute, updated interior that makes me good about having to wake up at 8 am to drive to Hawaii Kai to get some breakfast that I was too lazy to make for myself. Moena is usually always busy during breakfast hours, but not nearly that bad if it's not a weekend. I would recommend going if you live in the area or if you're looking to treat yourself after a Kokohead hike. Otherwise, I'm going to have to say that my fave place is still Sweet E's. The thing that tips the scales is the breakfast potatoes they serve at Moena don't cut it for me--they seem like the kind from the freezer section at your local grocery store. But other than that, I find it a very pleasant place to have a cup of coffee, eggs, or an acai bowl if Sweet E's looks too crowded.
(4)Teddy C.
Finally! Another memorable restaurant on the Hawaii Kai side of the island! I can really see this restaurant flourish into a popular entity in Koko Marina! It is located in between bubbie's ice cream and zippy's. After accomplishing the koko head trail hike, hungry and almost famished, my friends and I accidentally stumbled upon this restaurant. One of them was craving eggs benedicts, and the other, a bit of a food snob, wanted a delicious meal! After reading the menu, we all came to a consensus and asked to be seated in their very chic and modernly decorated restaurant. We ordered the eggs benedict, portuguese sausage omelete, belgian waffles, french toast, fried rice, and of course we all washed out meals down with a cup of their delicious kona espresso coffee! I believe that a good breakfast should always be paired with a good cup of coffee! Each cup is freshly brewed so you get the full bold flavor of the cup with each sip! If you like your coffee bland and watered down, then this is NOT the cup for you. This is for those who loves a strong cup of coffee with that kick of caffeine that accompanies it! On the bright side, there is one free refill! =) Eggs Benedict: I didn't get to taste this dish, but looking at the aftermath of my friends' plates, it was cleaned out very well! Their specialty is instead of using the traditional english muffin, they use garlic bread topped with a thick slice of ham, poached eggs, and of course a hollandaise sauce! They say that the garlic bread really made the dish spectacular! Something I will definitely try next time! Portuguese Sausage Omelet: This was the dish I ordered. Nothing special but it is topped with sliced avocados and i added mushrooms. Being home in the islands made me crave protuguese sausage! I couldn't resist! I also added a side order of fried rice with my omelet and that was the most memorable. I have no idea what they put in it, but each bite was bursting with flavor! It is something I definitely recommend getting! French Toast: This was made out of cinnamon toast and it was pretty good! It's pretty much your typical french toast. Next time I will try more of their specialty items! =) After our meal, the waitress even came by and offered us dessert! I thought about it for a second but then came to my senses and decided to not stuff anymore into my tummy and wait for the next time I came. I cannot wait to come back! Hopefully before I go back to the mainland! =D Definitely drive down to the far east side of the island and check out this Café! If you live you Hawaii Kai or somewhere close, then you are in luck!
(5)Nancy O.
Comfortable service with simple decor. Portion size adequate. One ordered spinach florentine that she enjoyed. My husband ordered ham spinach mushroom tomato and cheese crepes . I had Denver omelette with egg whites and toast. I had to ask for jam as none on the table or offered. Our granddaughter's grilled cheese tastes like it was grilled with rancid oil. That was the only item that was seriously bad . Everything else tasted good . No restrooms for customers except in a totally different part of the shopping center where the restaurant is located.
(3)John L.
After the KoKo Head hike my buddies and I went to this place for breakfast. WOW.......the cafe and food are delicious. They do brewe good coffee and the crepes was delicious and other breakfast items my friends ate was tasty too. Excellent place for a cup of coffee and breakfast.
(5)Ed L.
Finally got to have breakfast here yesterday, 06/17, after a group run to Sandy Beach from Koko Marina (and back). We were starving once we got back and remembered this place. Thank you to fellow Y Elite Kim M for the recommendation. I remembered reading her review about this new and exciting place for breakfast, and I just had to come over here to check this place out. The Moena Cafe is located near the Zippy's in the back of the shopping center, and directly across the Consolidated Koko Marina Theaters. They are open from 0630 to 1500 daily. The decor and ambiance of the place is quite nice, but you pay for that. Nice to have breakfast with friends after a good morning run and you're just hungry as hell. I will say that the prices here are very much trending upwards and I kinda cringed when I saw the menu for the first time. But I guess it was good to indulge a bit and enjoy the company with friends. I ended up trying the MC breakfast, which was a standard in many restaurants. At $8.50 a plate, it was 2 eggs, breakfast meat, which I chose corned beef hash, and fried rice. I love scrambled eggs, so it had to be scrambled. I may need to go back and try their omlettes one of these days. The service was quite good, so I suppose it was worth the extra money. The food was good and delicious, but not the greatest. I can see why people are raving about this place, but to me, it was above average at best. Not mind blowing awesome, but you get the idea. I really did like the freshly made corned beef hash though. It was a fresh remake on a old favorite, especially when you are used to the canned version sold in the supermarket shelves. The potatoes in the corned beef hash were smaller than normal, but I guess that's cool though. Maybe I should have ordered extra sides, but I felt like this place is a little bit overpriced for what they are trying to achieve. Yes, the ambiance makes up for it, but I am mixed about all this. You get what you pay for here and that's a given. Overall, Moena Cafe is a nice addition to the Koko Marina Shopping Center. I would need to try to come back to see if their omlettes are great as some Yelpers are raving about. We'll see what happens. Till then, I'm probably will eat at the more reasonably price eateries or just cook at home. Yep, I cook at home. Every bit counts. Support local! B
(4)Aimee N.
Came here for brunch before heading to the beach! The first thing I commented on was how cute the restaurant was, everything from the setup to the shape of the water glasses! My friend and I shared a spinach florentine and fried rice with eggs. The presentation was really nice but the food was just as good as anywhere else. Maybe we ordered the wrong thing but I still enjoyed my meal!
(4)Wayde F.
The Poor Man and the Wayde's World Hawaii crew FINALLY...FINALLY made it to Moena Cafe...DAMN...If I knew it was this good I would have been here a long, long time ago! From the time you enter till the time you leave...it's just an over all pleasant and pleasing experience! I HAVE BEEN WAITING AN ETERNITY FOR SOMEONE TO OPEN A PLACE LIKE THIS! THEY HAVE! If I was going to explain this place it has the atmosphere, food quality and prices of Tango Contemporary Café...and for me personally...I like that....it's sort of a little sister to Tango and I am questioning even if there is some sort of connection. As far as I am aware there is none. What is for certain is this is TOTALLY CONTEMPORARY! So lets break down the positives and there are plenty! The Atmosphere...5 STARS With a Modern Contemporary look this place has style that was so lacking in an upscale community. Now Hawaii Kai has that missing place! The Food...5 STARS. From the presentation to the taste...These are pieces of art and demand picture taking before you devour your plate empty. From the simple "MC" Breakfast, to the Nova Scotia Omelette filled with Salmon, onions, cheese and tomatoes, to the Crab Benedict and the amazing Lox & Bagel with smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers and onions (wish they included a few slices of tomato) All the items are the menu had been to die for and once finished a moment of bliss took over us and then silence for everyone in the party once the plates had emptied...It was time for a nap...lol. The over all menu is elegant, simplistic, yet sophisticated and a pure joy to look through and choose your food of the morning. The Service...4 STARS...why 4? A little slow...if it was just on time alone I would give 3 stars, but working in many kitchens that are a la carte and made to order you MUST extend a little extra time to the chefs and I DO...Everything is fresh...EVERYTHING and I made note to see if everything was JUST MADE...it was! When a small Kitchen with a packed dinning room put's such detail into their establishment...it's a given to give them a break on making such fresh products. The waitstaff was excellent and was right there and very attentive considering the small staff and packed dinning room. There is a wait...does this effect the service...NO....a wait is not a bad thing...it shows a HIGH DEMAND for this great quality of food...some may bitch about a wait...well, if you want to bitch about waiting...maybe you should just go to Zippy's next door and feed your face. The Price...4 STARS...why 4? We are in Hawaii Kai folks, first off...second...THERE IS A HUGE DEMAND for a GOOD BREAKFAST CAFE in Hawaii Kai...THESE PEOPLE NAILED IT and the fact is these prices may be a few dollars over priced, but the fact remains...PEOPLE ARE GOING TO PAY FOR THIS KIND OF QUALITY HERE IN HAWAII KAI!!! The owners and chefs know the local community has the money! So even if the prices are a little high I can't really complain...THEY FOOD IS AWESOME! Over all this is a high quality establishment with the Best Overall Menu and Breakfast Cafe on the East side of Oahu! Running a quality establishment today IS NOT EASY...I don't really think many understand the difficulties of running a small Cafe like this where bringing everything together and keeping it consistent is an ongoing battle...I appreciate places like this...I respect places like this...I look up to and am inspired by places like this...Moena Cafe gives you hope...Hope that people who understand the business still have the ability to keep customers happy while running a well oiled machine to optimum efficiency. *To the few who have the slight love of bitching about this place...they all pretty much said the same thing....That they perhaps ordered the wrong items to give a proper review...really? You ordered the wrong items? That alone should make you realize how idiotic they are! *As for the classless actress with the 6 reviews...wow...she's got a pretty big pole up her puka...Girl...You show up here 4 times and get SH@T service and food every time and keep coming back for more abuse? Have you perhaps looked at yourself in the mirror and asked...am I a BIT@H? Considering 4 of your 6 reviews are a Bit@hfest...I would say that's exactly who you are. for the 90% of reviews and people who come here...This is totally a Sat & Sun weekly pleasure! Congrats Moena...Bravo!
(4)Claudia Z.
You had me at short rib loco moco, with fried rice of course! The portion is not small, I recommend sharing that and a side (corned beef hash) between 2 people. The kalua pork Benedict is also a favorites, and the coffee is great too. The place is not big and gets PACKED on weekends, so come early, don't bother showing up past 11am. There are so many people waiting outside that I felt pressured to eat quickly and get out of there. But on a weekday is easy peasy, seated right away and you can take your time with the meal.
(5)Ellie L.
This is a small place and on busy days you may have to wait a bit, but when we went it was busy but we were seated right away This restaurant specializes in light fare and breakfast items...but, oh my, what a breakfast. I had a Nutella & banana crepe, which was overstuffed with bananas wih just the right amount of Nutella. A member of my party had an Acai bowl and, it was delicious. Looking around at the other diners' plates, everything looked yummy and was very beautifully presented.
(5)Eddie L.
Stopped here before heading over to Hanauma Bay, and what an AMAZING breakfast. The supersized pancakes were so light and fluffy and the banana sauce were just the right amount of flavor. The corned beef was not the crap in a can that most diners serve, but real pieces of potato and corned beef. The Kalua Pig Eggs Benedict - my favorite! At the end of the meal, we mentioned we were heading over to Hanauma Bay and the waiter sent us off with complimentary fresh scones for our day! Thank you so much for your hospitality and softening up a bunch of jaded New Yorkers before enjoying the day.
(5)Jodi S.
There is something about breakfast after hiking that is MAGICAL. I get sweaty, dehydrated and seriously famished-like, I don't want rabbit food trail mix or granola bars foo, I want real food! After doing one of the hikes in the Hawaii Kai area early one morning I was elated to discover Moena Cafe right down the road. It's on the Zippys end of the Koko Marina Shopping Center. There's tons of parking, although the restaurant itself is a little small so you may have to wait a bit to be seated. The food is good. I'm not going to say it's the best breakfast ever, but I love breakfast, so what the hell, yay! I have been to Moena Cafe twice and I'm sorry to say I ordered the same thing both times. Yeah yeah, creature of habit. I love eggs benedict like I love bacon. Ok, not that much, but close. Their hollandaise sauce is like omggghallelujah...yum! I also enjoyed their spin on the dish, serving up crostinis instead of english muffins. I did get to sample some friends' dishes. The veggie crepe was tasty and seemed pretty healthy. The acai bowl was fantastic, fully loaded with all kinds of fruit and granola. The fried rice was kinda just average, as were the country style potatoes. I think overall, Moena Cafe seemed a little overpriced to me, but it is a quaint spot with a great atmosphere and friendly servers. It's a perfect brunch spot to refuel and recover after doing one of those early morning Hawaii Kai hikes. Then go home, go back to sleep and dream of magically delicious hollandaise sauce. Don't judge.
(4)Liane F.
Awesome little breakfast place but be warned, there will be a line. I saw a ton of people eating the short rib loco moco and I have to say, it looked tempting. If I wasn't watching what I ate, I would have been all over it. I got the veggie omelet and it was perfect! I can't wait to go back!
(5)Erika L.
I waited about almost 10 mins for someone to give my table water. No one even introduced themselves. I wasnt to hungry so I asked if I could order something small (keiki menu) and they said no. I have been here before and ordered it. Its so disappointing here. The food isnt a big whoop dee doo either. I am NOT coming back here. Terrible service, with alright food. Not exactly a place to be. Since I HAVE to select a star, I will but if I didn't have to I wouldn't.
(1)S U.
Not a big breakfast person but the kalua pig Benedict was so good! I would definitely come back! Plus they provide good service!
(5)Randy M.
I give this place 5 stars because it is the only place I have enjoyed eating at in Hawaii Kai. I had the Banana Pancake and the Fresh Corned Beef Hash and both were excellent. The Corned Beef was as good as freshly made at home or better! The coffee and juice was also excellent. I have driven by this place many times and not stopped due to the wait. I went on a Tuesday morning around 9am and there was plenty of seating available and the service was great. The bill was $26 for 2 people and we took home plenty leftovers.
(5)Gemma R.
This is a late entry as I came here in October. I love Moena Cafe but I had to take down a star because of the ID card fiasco which they magically do not take on weekends. I feel like that should be posted somehwere on their store. ID card accepted but not on weekends. Anyways, I, along with everyone else love the chantilly banana pancakes. They offer it in a small stack if you're not in the mood to over indulge! I've only had their MC breakfast (two or three times now) because it has everything I want. hashbrowns, eggs and bacon... and of course the pancakes on the side. I feel like the big weekend crowds have died down so the line isn't that ridiculously long. I still like coming on Saturday's instead of Sundays to avoid any waiting. Moena Cafe is a great addition to Koko Marina and I'm glad they have a nice breakfast spot in addition to Zippys!
(4)Kevin N.
We stopped by for lunch on a Sunday but it was so busy that we could not get in. We came back the next day and it was less crowded, so we tried it out. I had chicken on panini with a salad. The sandwich was served warm and it was delicious. The greens were fresh and typical of a higher end restaurant. Service was excellent while we were there - fast and friendly. Highly recommended.
(5)Nina N.
Yum! Kinda pricey for breakfast/portion but worth it My bf swears the cinnamon roll pancakes are the best he ever had. Kinda gummy but had a nice sweet crunch of cinnamon throughout. Not so crowded for breakfast during weekdays unless there are a bunch of women getting together to gossip.
(4)Alviesan T.
One of he best breakfast joints on Oahu! Hubs had the chantilly banana pancakes.. Delicious.. I ate 1/4th of his breakfast lol. I had the yummy ahi breakfast plate which I finished!! EMILY is the best server!! She deserved a million dollar raise:) kind, patient, remembers every thing-- and that's with multiple customers requesting things at the same time. She's great at multi tasking and ensures your cup is always filled no matter how busy it is. She even got me an extra coffee to go cause I didn't ask for my free refill. Thanks Emily!
(5)Julie S.
It is almost 4 stars because its has good vibe with staff and clean decor. The menu looks amazing, but the food, not so much. I keep going back to try another item on the menu, hoping that I find the reason to be there. Each time Im a bit disappointed. The portions are very small, so at least each bite should be delicious. Today I ordered crab sandwich for $17. I could barely find any crab, and all I tasted was an onion sandwich. Ive tried the caprise sandwich but it wasnt made with fresh mozarella. The eggs benedict is decent. The vege omelet doesnt have any flavor. The crepes are decent. I was so excited that Hawaii Kai has a cute breakfast place. I hope they can start delivering quality food made with a little love.
(2)Sara T.
Hawaii Kai has needed a good brunch place for a while, and this place is it. My mom and I like to come here for late breakfasts (they have all-day breakfast and lunch starting at 11 am). We usually split the veggie omelet and one other dish. The last time we came here, we had the veggie omelet, the caprese panini with chicken, and the Belgian waffles. The omelet is always good, and it comes with toast and avocado, which I love. The caprese panini was a little disappointing - instead of fresh mozzarella, it had shredded mozzarella, and just one sad slice of tomato. We took home half of it, and I ate it later that day after doctoring it up with fresh sliced grape tomatoes and basil from our yard. I wouldn't order it again, unless they changed it up to make it an actual caprese. The waffles were delicious - hot, fluffy, not too sweet, and covered with fresh blueberries and strawberries.... mmmmm. Their coffee is outstanding, and it comes in a large mug with a free refill. Service is usually quick and friendly, and the restaurant itself is very clean, cozy, and relaxing. The only downside is that the food is quite pricey... but I think there is a 15% I.D. card discount Monday to Friday. I hope they stick around so I can continue to come for brunch and coffee!
(4)Joy N.
This is my go to place after a hike on this side of the island. Sometimes the wait is long, but I don't think I've waited longer than 45 minutes for a table. This restaurant is clean, trendy and comfortable. I like that their water is lemon flavored (their water jugs have slices of lemon in it), and all of the wait staff have been very friendly so far. I love their eggs benedict and my girlfriend was raving over their salmon benedict. My hiking partner likes eggs, meat and starch - so he's always happy wherever we go. LOL.
(4)Adam L.
I went here for the first time today and it is now my go to breakfast place. The food, service were excellent and atmosphere was perfect. I definitely recommend that you give this place a try!
(5)M. F.
I did not like the food here and I had moco loco. The restaurant was quite nice and more upscale than I would have anticipated for a strip mall. Service was great. I would like to think I picked the wrong dish but I kept hearing that this was the best moco loco in town.
(2)Brian R.
Incompetently slow service. Left after their 10 minute wait turned into 35. Food looks ok. Staff seemed friendly but inefficient.
(1)Joyce F.
I almost regret posting this review as I'd really like to keep this a hidden gem but it's so darn good I can't help myself. Hawaii Kai doesn't have a ton of really good breakfast options except for this one. If you like smoked salmon, do yourself a slice of heaven favor and order the smoked salmon benedict. Dear God.......this is unbelievably good! If you like iced tea, you MUST try their mango and something else I can't remember at the moment, tea. Sooooo good! No need to add sugar. Stir it first before you drink it as the sweetness sits on the bottom and really needs a stir to bring it all together. AND, if you like coffee.......well, get you some because their coffee is off the hook! Here's what adds the icing to the cake on this place.........the food comes out so freaking fast you'll literally be like "what the???? I just ordered a nano second ago". Again, like all good restaurants that are very small, you most likely will have to wait if you show up on the weekend. Week days are pretty easy if you get there at exactly the right time. What is the right time and day you ask? Couldn't tell you as I don't remember what day it was nor the time. All I know is the last visit was spot on in timing. One last thing I should mention is the portions are on the smaller size which is actually refreshing because you can finish your entire entree and not feel like a beached whale when you hit the beach afterwards. ; )
(5)Nicole C.
Moena Cafe is the best that it gets in Hawaii Kai. I don't think their food is amazing enough to wait over half an hour for it, but it is good. I've been here several times, and it's been full every time, even on weekdays. I HIGHLY recommend the short rib loco moco. The meat is so tender, and it's a great spin on the classic loco moco. Sure, it's a little pricey, but I assure you that it is worth it. Likewise, their chantilly pancakes are super good. I'm usually not a fan of bananas, but these pancakes were heavenly. I'm not sure it's on the menu, though. The corned beef hash was a little strange for me. It's good but in a way I'm not used to. I don't think I'd get it again, but it was, indeed, tasty. Their interior decoration is gorgeous. Whoever designed it gets five stars from me. I just wish the restaurant were bigger in order to accommodate more people. One side note - the first time I came here, I had a bad experience with the hostess (I believe it was the chef's wife?). She was rather cold and unfriendly, almost snooty. However, in the subsequent times I've eaten here, I haven't had any other bad encounters with the staff, although some seem like they don't really know what they're doing.
(4)Tina W.
Cute little breakfast spot. I had the crab and salmon eggs benedict. Yummers! It's a small place so be prepared to wait.
(4)Erin Maile O.
I had the Loco Moco Short Ribs... OMG!!! Soooo ONO!!! New standard.
(5)Regina O.
I've watched this place blossom from their grand opening to, now, a must stop on this side of the island. If you're familiar with Koko Marina Center, restaurants have come and gone and Moena Cafe has managed to gain a great following. Must try their waffles, they're AMAZING. Never been disappointed with anything on the menu. Make sure you get there before 9am to avoid the rush.
(4)Leipo'o K.
Came after the beach one morning Good: Very friendly wait staff Excellent menu Really good fried rice Didn't have to wait long for seating Unique atmosphere Very clean Mom and pop
(5)Andrea F.
Wasn't expecting to come here after snorkeling at Hanauma Bay (which is close by!), but we stopped by this plaza because Bubbies was next door and we also wanted to try Zippy's which was nearby. My dad wasn't down for hawaiian fast food, and saw Moena Cafe and wanted to try it out, so we stopped here instead. Moena Cafe is a really cute breakfast/brunch cafe. They serve standard breakfast/brunch/lunch foods, with a few hawaiian dishes here and there. I had the salmon benedict, which was good, but it wasn't anything special. The food here is also kind of on the pricey side..but I'm still glad we came here instead of Zippy's. Not sure if my stomach could have handled any more fried/fatty foods.
(3)Dawn O.
IMO, #1 in any joint is service. Moena always has always been consistent with polite, quick service. Having someone greet you when you put your name on the sign in list is really nice. Always good to be acknowledged. The ladies who have served us at our visits have been so nice and considerate! #2 for me would be cleanliness. It always feel clean and doesn't have the wet rag smell that many places do after a while. The servers are on top of cleaning the tables to turnover quicker and so that people dining don't have to see any half eaten food on the next table. The only thing that my eyes are always drawn to is the dust on the ceiling by the AC vents. But that's a minor quick fix. #3 is the food. I love the fact that they serve modest portions. I don't need a whole plate of fried rice, nor do I want to see anyone else shovel down a 5 lb. plate of food. And I'm the kind of person who will eat something just because it's in front of me while I wait for others on my table to finish eating. Mo' Egga is a winnah! IMO, the PERFECT BREAKFAST! Artichoke spread on toasted roasted garlic bread with poached eggs. Simple dish, nice presentation, filling (without being sickening) and even after finishing my breakfast, I was craving for the next time we will visit. My mouth is watering even as I write about it. And, great coffee!
(5)Chelsea O.
My "panini" had no grill marks or any resemblance to a panini. I would categorize it as a nice ciabatta bread sandwich. I would honestly rather the sandwiches at Starbucks over Moena Cafe which isn't saying much. The only thing worth going back for is the Lemon Meringue. They tried to call it the "Not the usual" or something like that "Lemon Meringue Pie, but it tasted like a really yummy key lime pie. Nothing inventive or unique, but good. It's overpriced for mediocre food. I would only go back there for coffee and dessert.
(2)Kim S.
After seeing all my foodie friends post pictures of their dishes from this spot I knew I had to try it the next time I was out in Hawaii Kai. So when we found ourselves passing Koko Marina after bringing our daughter tide pool hunting at Sandys, I was glad when the hubs pulled into the parking lot. I was a little wary of a wait but we were seated immediately, despite it being 9:00am on a Sunday. I opted for the braised short ribs loco moco & the possibilities for this dish danced in my head. Fork-tender short ribs...rich, brown gravy...perfect oozing egg. Sounds awesome, right? When our server placed the bowl in front of me, I couldn't wait to dig into the deliciousness in front of me. Unfortunately, my food porn fantasy was rudely interrupted when I realized that my short ribs were not as tender as I'd anticipated. They could've done with a few more hours of braising. They also lacked any depth of flavor or for that matter, any flavor at all. If we'd had a salt & pepper shaker on our table I would've gone with town with them. The gravy was also lackluster; it tasted like those gravy packets you whisk with water. Finally, to add insult to injury, although one of my two eggs was nice & runny, the other one was overcooked with a solid yolk. Talk about a letdown. Not to mention this culinary disappointment set me back $14.95, which is kinda steep for breakfast. Don't get me wrong, I'm more than willing to dish out a pretty penny to make my belly happy. I dish out that kind of money for the eggs benedict at Cafe Julia with no complaints but that's because it's perfect every time I order it. If you're going to charge almost $15 for breakfast, it better be great. The service was good, but not enough to make up for tasteless, uninspiring food. I still have hope for Cafe Moena. Maybe it was an off day. Maybe I picked the wrong dish. I'll probably give it another try the next time I'm in Hawaii Kai. Prove me wrong, Cafe Moena! I'm all about second chances.
(3)Jillian P.
Can I first of all say that walking into this place is like a slice of heaven? MAJOR, MAJOR props to whomever was the genius behind the interior design of this GORGEOUS restaurant! Seriously? For a small little eatery, Moena Café has such delightful decor! (Can you tell, I'm a freak for interior design and home decor stuff!) Anyway, beside the beautiful design of the joint, my friends and I decided to hit up this spot for a little breakfast before our hike and beach day. Welllllll, what can I say? THE SERVICE: Really good! Our hostess and server were both really awesome, quick and on it, and helpful! Especially at the end when we asked our server to split our checks (which they usually hate), she was really kind and sweet about it and happily obliged. Always a breath of fresh air! THE FOOD: Super good, BUT super pricey! For the portions they gave you, the price they charge is definitely NOT worth it. I was HUNGRY. I got their basic breakfast (whatever that is). You know, with bacon, eggs and fried rice. So sad. :( I think I got two pieces of thin, thin bacon. Maybe like ONE egg. AND what looked to be HALF a scoop of fried rice. For the price I paid, I think like $8 dollars, I could've gotten TRIPLE THAT at another spot I know (that's sadly on the Big Island). CONCLUSION: If you want to try their food, check out their restaurant and SPLURGE, why not? Other than that, I wouldn't recommend it, if only for the price to portion ratio!
(2)Dawna E.
I REALLY want to love Moena Cafe. It has all of the components to be a favorite: great location in Koko Marina shopping center. Fills the "cute breakfast/lunch cafe" niche that was previously missing in this area. The staff is really friendly and provides great service. The decor is clean, bright, and welcoming. The menu items look creative. I've eaten here twice so far and while the food is decent, nothing has blown my mind yet. On my first visit I had the veggie omelet, which was a bit bland. Yesterday morning on my second visit I got the "Mo Egga", pretty much a slice of bread with what tasted like olive tapenade and 2 poached eggs on top. It was interesting but not terribly impressive. Don't get me wrong... I like Moena Cafe, I really do. The quality is there and the food is fine. I think I'll check out the lunch options next time I'm there!
(3)Nicole L.
This place was so good! I've been traveling for a week with family who just likes fried food so I was so happy to find some nutrition. I had the beet and goat cheese salad and it was awesome. Their special sauce for pancakes and waffles was also really good. And our waiter saw that I was cold so he brought me a cup of hot water. Definitely recommend it!
(5)Dawn H.
We've eaten here TWICE - once at lunch and once at breakfast. The wait is about 15 to 20 minutes on the weekend depending on when you get there. We went last Sunday and only waited about 15 minutes. The sun was nice and warm so we enjoyed the day as we waited. Veggie Omelette - I had this - AWESOME taste, not too huge, not too small and stuffed a lot of veggie goodness and cheese. I also got a side of fried potatoes and these were delicious. The omelette came with wheat toast and the bread had nice textture. It was the perfect breakfast! Short Rib Loco Moco - fiance had this - very savory!! Not too heavy and it had a really good taste to it - can't put my finger on it - but you just want another bite and another bite and another etc.... LUNCH: Chicken - cranberry sandwich - OMG! This is the BEST sandwich - the flavors are balanced of sweet and savory I've had this twice and I love it. The bread is soft, the chicken is tender and youd don't bite into any "surprises" like fat or cartilidge - eww. This sandwich is just wonderful. I had the salad that comes with it, or chips, but go for the saland - that balsamic dressing is awesome!! Cuban - finace had this - nice mix of lean pork and crunch pickles - soft bread. I don't think there is anything bad on this menu! Desssert - Banana Chantilly Pancakes - oh boy - this is just a delight. It's huge so we got one and shared it - perfect pancake EVER!! Soft, fluffy and the chantilly sauce is to die for!! SERVICE- for a busy bustling place- the servers are really nice. Sometimes you have to call them over- but can't blame in - they HUSTLE! The water and iced teas are filled and they are just all around nice folks. COME EAT - YOU WON'T BE DISSAPOINTED!! I'd come for dinner too!! Finally a great place in Hawaii Kai!!
(5)Kayla R.
LOVE. Little more upscale than Koa pancake house. It's a very fresh, awake, clean decor. The menus is very good, everything on it is so delicious! The service is great, constantly filling up my coffee! (very much needed in the morning) I usually come on sundays, I recommend calling before going in, but I've never had to wait for large amount of time. Great location. So close to where I live!
(4)A. D.
Conveniently located close to hanauma bay. Stopped by for breakfast after our morning snorkel trip. The food is very high quality. Thy have the best coffee in town.
(4)Derek G.
We stopped in for some brunch after a little sight seeing. The atmosphere was nice and relaxed...a blessing from the fast paced world. Our family enjoyed some hot coffee and chatted away while waiting on our food. The food was delicious and our waitress took good care of us. We will definitely be coming back.
(5)Angela B.
I really wanted to like this place since it's the only breakfast joint in Hawaii Kai, but the food is just not to my standards. Some picky breakfast points...Eggs Benedict is on an English muffin, not a baguette. Corn Beef Hash should't be so chunky...and needs to include toast. Service & decor is great so 2 stars. Salad & fried rice were decent. Maybe one last chance (3x already).
(3)Jenn T.
I came here with some friends to grab some breakfast! It was a weekday so luckily our wait was only 5-10 minutes, but I hear that this place gets really crowded during the weekends! The decor inside is really cute, nicely laid out and not too bit or small. The wait staff was very friendly and gave us a nice table. The menu is pretty standard for breakfast, with pancakes, french toast, crepes, omelets, eggs benedict and a few lunch items as well. I went with the regular eggs benedict, which also comes in a variety with crab or salmon, but I decided for traditional. It was actually very yummy, as instead of an english muffin, they put it on a toasted baguette, which was so delicious! The portion was just perfect for me! The coffee brew here was also delicious! Definitely want to come back for more!
(4)Lee Ann M.
It's nice to have a place of this quality and ambience in Hawaii Kai. I don't live in Hawaii anymore, but usually when I come home, I have to go into town to find a restaurant like Moena Café. I had the short rib loco moco with fried rice, and enjoyed every bit! The short ribs were tender, and the gravy was great. It didn't even need the shoyu I normally put on a regular loco moco. I actually was going to get the regular rice, but our waiter was so enthusiastic about the fried rice, I took his advice and let him upsell me. It's worth the extra $2. Please keep eating here when you come to Hawaii Kai so that it's open next time I come home.
(4)Jennifer G.
Awesome place! We came here after hiking Kokohead. I got the veggie omelet and it was really good. Not greasy and cooked just right. We also got a strawberry and Nutella crepe to share. It was yummy too! This is my favorite breakfast place now! The food, waiters and atmosphere was great-way better than Cinnamons! You should check it out! Oh and the price is decent. Our bill all together was under $45.
(5)Mai L.
Omg! This is crazy good! This is the best French toast I've ever had. The coconut syrup really made a difference. The bread just melts in your mouth. I had blueberries, strawberries & bananas with toasted coconut flakes as my toppings. The bananas goes great with the syrup. Yummy! I would of given it a 5 star, but the line is super long & would suggest you to make a reservation if you plan on going there. The other complaint is that the Italian cream soda was not as sweet as I had hoped for. Overall, my experience here was good and would love to try out their other delicious items on the menu.
(4)Stephen Y.
Short Rib Fried Rice Loco Moco with side of their famous corned beef hash & Chantilly Pancake... that's what makes this place #1 for my 90lb Hanai daughter. Good strong coffee makes this a good early am place, not like the brown water at so many"coffee" shops. Beat the crowd. Get there by 8am and you don't have to stand I'm line-weekdays.
(5)Wanda D.
There is around ten tables, be ready to wait for fresh ingredients and great service.
(4)Mimi L.
We FINALLY got to go to Moena Cafe! After reading about this little cafe in one of the small local magazines, I was sold! The photos made the food look so delicious! We went today for my mom's birthday... I heard about the long wait if you don't get there early enough. We got there at 9:15 and didn't have to wait too long for a party of 7! I was happily surprised. Maybe we lucked out? We waited for only about 15 minutes. The service from the beginning was great. I just needed to write my name down and the number of people on the clip board at the entrance. The hostess immediately greeted me with a warm smile. Our waitress was extremely nice, attentive and friendly and very attentive to our children's food allergies... Even the father of the owner was there helping to clear off tables.. he was so sweet and such a nice man. Ambiance is wonderful! So clean, with modern color tones and decor was very classy and inviting. The prices average about $9-$11 a dish. Presentation is gorgeous on their white dishes. Food is YUM!!!! Since we had quite a bit of us, we shared some of our foods. Hubby got the salmon benedict eggs and LOVED it. We all shared the chantilly banana pancakes topped with coconut shreds.. mmmmm, i will get that again next time! my fave! I got Corned beef and it's with potatoes and 2 eggs. Definitely not your typical corn beef hash. Everything was YUM! We'd definitely go again. Plus it's a local family that owns it.. and that's wonderful! Gotta support local! Congratulations to the family! It's so awesome to have an upscale breakfast and lunch place to go to on the east side!
(5)Sean N.
Always consistently great food and service! I love breakfast, so that's what I always get. I'm sure the other choices are equally as good and I'll need to try it some time.
(5)Stacey L.
Met a few girlfriends for a weekday breakfast since we all had the morning off. I am from Aiea so this was quite the trip for me...but SO worth it! We were seated right away and greeted and served by a very friendly and attentive server. I can imagine how this place could get super busy on the weekends. Small space, but LOVE the atmosphere. I had the MC breakfast with scrambled eggs, pineapple sausage, and fried rice. It was just the right amount of food for me. Pineapple sausage is the way to go...I have never had anything like it. My friends both had the fried rice breakfast with 2 eggs. Also the regular hot coffee is on point..I would come here just to have coffee. Will totally be back to try other menu items!
(4)Christine L.
Don't get the ham and veggie crepe. It's super bland with zero flavor. And their coffee tastes like chemicals.
(2)Rainu I.
Seriously amazing food. My family and I went there for breakfast this morning. A small mom and pop with charm and a whole lot of deliciousness. The chantilly pancakes were huge and amazing. The apricot scones melted in your mouth. The short ribs with fried rice was a dream. Also, our server was prompt and patiently explained when asked questions. Definitely go if you get a chance.
(5)Ira J.
My buddies learned it was my birthday while we were hiking Kokohead early this morning. So when we got back to the parking lot, they insisted on taking me to breakfast. Cool, I'm down with that. My Yelp app pointed us at Moena Café. Cool, I'm down with that too. This place was probably a little too classy for three sweaty guys who just came down off the mountain, but we didn't let that deter us. Stink and all, we took a table in the cozy and clean dining room, and perused the menus. There were several interesting choices. I was looking for something hearty but healthy to eat. When I saw 'Vegetable Omelet with Avocado,' I thought: Cool, I'm down with that. Both of by buddies chose the 'Kalua Pig Omelet.' But Micah, he struggled with the decision a bit. You see, he also really wanted the 'Cinnamon Roll Pancakes.' When breakfast was served to the table next to ours, Micah peeked at the nice lady's food and asked, "Are those the 'Cinnamon Roll Pancakes?'" She said they were and started going on about how great they were. Micah was in full regret mode now. Those pancakes sure looked and sounded good. I interjected, "You might not want to brag on them too much, or he'll ask you for a bite." She was cool, and down with that! She cut off a big man-sized bite from her stack of pancakes and would not take "no" for an answer until Micah had eaten it. It was a fun and tasty breakfast. They each pitched in a $20 bill to pay for the three of us including tip. I really appreciated it!! So Nate and Micah, if you want to take me to breakfast to Moena Café again for my birthday next year, cool! I'm down with that!
(4)Wayne T.
First they skipped my name and sat several parties before me, after waiting for 30 minutes. They only noticed because I said something. We all felt that they werent genuinely apologetic about it. Although they said "sorry", they giggled and tried to dust it off. The host didnt even let the waiter know (unless he was told and decided to also play it off as nothing). We got our food (i got the benedict) and the waiter never checked on how the food was. I was hoping he would so i could let him know that my egg was overcooked and the yolk didnt run at all. Since i was starving and didnt get the opportunity to have them remake the egg in a timely manner (since i was starving already), i gave up and ate it. The bread had like a garlic spread, which was different and good. When we got refilled on water, it was weird because only 3/4 of us got water. he just decided to skip one of us and never filled his water. overall, i will never be going back. not worth spending all that money to wait forever, get food that isnt cooked properly, and to feel unappreciated.
(1)E D.
Wonderful food and service and immaculate dining room. Both the chantilly banana pancake an my omelet were incredible. My wife's Caesar salad and eggs Benedict were also perfect.
(5)Li O.
My family and I had just finished at Hanauma Bay and were driving around for a place to eat. Because we live in Kaneohe, we rarely venture out to Hawaii Kai side and really, with 3 kids we hardly eat out. I spotted Moena Cafe as we drove around towards Zippy's in the Koko Marina Shopping Center. My first impression of Moena Cafe was that it would be a bit pricey. I thought that maybe I should give the Cafe a chance when the hostess saw us and stepped outside to greet us. She offered us a view of the menu and since I was already inside I thought, what the heck. The decor is lovely. It is done up in very soothing, easy tones. The prints on the walls are relaxing to look at and very pretty. I love the light fixtures. We were seated right away. The restaurant wasn't crowded at 12:10PM on a Sunday, so lucky us. Someone came to take our drink orders within 5 minutes of us being seated. Things were looking pretty good so far. At 12:32PM, we have been seated at our table for about 22 minutes and no drinks, no orders taken. We ordered 2 hot chocolates ($2.75 each), 1 vanilla shake ($4.95), and 1 Pepsi ($1.75, refillable). We are looking around and there are empty tables with 3 servers standing behind the counter.Then, lo and behold, our friendly and overly apologetic server Ian came to take our orders. He kept apologizing and took our orders. My husband asked about our drinks and apparently we had to reorder them through Ian. Bleh. the 2 hot chocolates and the Pepsi arrived quickly, but the shake didn't get to our table until 12:41PM (Yes, I recorded the time). Perhaps if our drink orders went through the first time with the first server... I must say, though, that our food did arrive (12:47PM, about 10-15 minutes after order was taken) relatively quickly from the time we placed our orders. I'm wondering, though, if this fast service was due to the fact that we were ignored for a good 20 minutes. I shall have to test this theory, but that will have to be at a much later date. Going in, I knew this meal was going to be a little pricier than a meal at some of our other favorite breakfast/lunch spots. I was hoping, however, that it would at least be worth it. I guess if you could put a monetary value on the decor and friendly staff, the price of the food and portions (or lack thereof) would be worth it. Unfortuntely, I can't feed my children and husband on a restaurant's good looks and charm. Maybe that's why this cafe is in Hawaii Kai and not in town or in Kaneohe. Okay, okay.... food... My son ordered the "MC" Breakfast ($8.50). This came with two eggs, fried rice, and my son chose link sausages. His meal was an okay portion. I was expecting a little more, but my son isn't a picky eater and he seemed to enjoy the food. It wasn't too much for him and may have been just a little not enough. My daughter ordered the Keiki Fried Rice and Scrambled Egg ($4.00). She wanted white rice instead and it came with lots of rice and one scrambled egg. Eh... nothing to swoon over. She ate her food, but the question is...did she enjoy it? My husband ordered the Eggs Benedict ($10.95) and boy was he disappointed. The meal didn't come with rice or potatoes and the meal itself really wasn't that spectacular. He suffered through it and we ended up heating leftovers at home when we got home. I ordered a "MC" Mac-N-Cheese ($9.00) for my little one, thinking that since this Mac and Cheese was priced $5.00 more than the keiki Mac and Cheese, the portion would be bigger and my two girls could share it. The "MC" Mac-N-Cheese came in a tallish ramekin dish that looked to be about 6 inches in diameter and about 2 1/2 inches tall. Not the portion I was expecting for $9.00. My little one didn't like this dish much. For myself, I ordered the Moena Salad ($9.50). It was a decent sized salad that comes with Romaine lettuce, chopped up pieces of tomato, green onions (there were a lot of the white parts of green onions, which I don't particularly care for), a whole boiled egg cut in half, cilantro, dried cranberries, broccoli, and pita chips instead of croutons. The dressing on the salad was okay. It was a little bland and watery for my taste. I shared my salad with my little one. I gave an egg half to each of my two older children. I ate the rest of it after sharing a few bites with my husband. Our total bill with tax came out to $59.32. Add in tip and we spent $70.00 on this meal for 2 adults and 3 children. Our water didn't get refilled during our meal, but Ian did refill my husband's Pepsi once. Overall, the food portions didn't suit us, and was anti-climatic. I don't mind splurging every now and then, but I prefer to splurge and at least get decent value.
(2)Toni M.
Breakfast and what I would term 'chic' food--light sandwiches, salads, etc. All except for the to-die-for mac and cheese...we nearly licked the bowl. Great experience. Gracious staff. Even the tea and coffee were top notch. Recommended!!
(4)Linda N.
My husband and I were looking for a place to eat that was nearby and so we decide to stop by this place for breakfast. we order the banana Chantilly pancake (the small stack) and it was huge. I thought it was a mistake that they gave us the big stack but the waitress stated that it it was the small stack. we order the pineapple sausage on the side of the pancake and the sausage was sweet and salty at the same time. it was delicious. We also order the crab egg Benedict and it was really good. i was hesitating at first but after the first bite, I couldn't put it down. I devour it in minutes. it was a very trendy and cozy cafe and had a great breakfast menu. so if you are looking for a breakfast place,come by and check this place out. Plenty of parking space and the price is reasonable on the portion of the food they serve you.
(5)Paul L.
Tia, Heather, Greyson, and Ian. These four servers rock. I've been here lots of times in the past five months, and they really do try hard to go the extra mile. Sometimes they're busy, and get backed up a little, but they're NOT dragging their feet. They deserve the full 20% tip.
(5)Tammy T.
I have always been a sucker for brunch. Always. Tis the key to my heart *sigh* I understand that they just opened not to long ago...but I've always believe that you gotta have your ducks in a row before you start something. Sadly their ducks are lost, running a muck, and have ADHD. It would have been a tolerable experience for me however I went with Robert M. who narrated the entire whole first half of our wait & meal order with things that needed to be fixed. He wasn't so much complaining to me (and those who were in ear shot) because after his complaint, he would offer a solution to the problem. I think that just makes it...constructive criticism. *shrug* ***INQUIRE ABOUT SITTING AT THE BAR. I wish someone had told us that was an option. We'd have been in and out a lot faster. We saw a couple sit, eat and leave before we got a half way through our meal*** They need a hostess! -We went on Sunday and ended up waiting for a good half hour. Which wouldn't be so bad had there NOT be open tables! At one point there was 4 clean & ready to be seated table but no one was seating people. -Due to the lack of hostess, customer ended up asking the same question "How long is the wait?" or "Why can't we sit there?" to the next available girl to come to the door. The reply usually took them a good 1-2 minutes and because it was always a different girl the answers were different as well. -At one point I started to time the seating for the 2 seated table behind us. It took them 20 minutes to seat someone there. Keep in mind, there was still a line of people. And yes, there were couples in that line. Assigned tables to servers (if they already have that...something isn't right) -There were 4 girls on shift for this place. FOUR! Really. Seriously. Have you seen the size of the place. You can't possibly need four. Perhaps one of them was a busser. Oh wait there might all be bussers. Get a busser (specifically for that job) -This will alleviate using the servers, thus allowing them to get more shit done. Be more attentive, and not need to worry about busing, cleaning, and setting up new utensils. They even layout their utensils a certain way. I get it. Presentation. But it takes these girls some time to lay out these things. Perhaps just roll them up and tie them with a cute ribbon/wrapper. Quick. Easy. Cute. Menu needs to be more detailed -Perhaps it's just me, but I felt I asked way to many questions for something that should have already been written down. I questioned about the type of "bread" they use when they say "...over two pieces of bread...." Breakfast Sandwich doesn't indicate the sort of bead they use. For 7.95 it better be more then just white bread. -"MC" breakfast says "...choice of breakfast meat." But doesn't list what sort of meats they have. I took it upon myself to check the "Sides", which showed a list, but not all the meats there are an option (if I recall). Eh tasting food for a questionable price (not sure how to solve this problem so that solution just turned out to be a statement) -I ended up getting the MC Breakfast which was alright. I did ask for the eggs to be cooked well done...it came back runny. Robert M thought that everything on my dish tasted bland. He could have been right. -The server suggested the Savory Crepe Ham Spinach Mushroom Tomato Mozzarella. (yes, that is the name of the crepe, not just the description) and said it was a good size. :( Clearly she was speaking on behalf of a 5 year old girl. The crepe was the size of a summer roll but less stuffed; if that makes sense. And as you all know a summer roll is usually an appetizer and cost less than 11 bucks. I could have eaten the crepe in less than 5 bits (Robert M could have eaten it in 3; I mean, this guy can pretty much pick me up with one arm...really a summer roll for breakfast. Good grief Charlie Brown.) I do have to say however, our server Emily seem to be pretty attentive. She seem to be the only one moving with urgency. She informed us that she'd be with us shortly, our food status, refilled our water and checked on us periodically. Which was nice. Let;s just say on our way to get coffee we passed Fatboy....and both said that we should have eaten there instead. The food pictures look good and with decent prices. Bookmark done. I suggest to give them more time to improve, check the reviews on Yelp (specifically on service) before venturing to this place. Perhaps a few more months and things will get better. I'm 90% sure I won't be back...However, sometimes people (in this case a places) don't always have the best first impression. You can't be perfect the first time....so perhaps next time. Like I say, "First time shame on you, second time shame on me, third time, fu*k that! there is no third time" ha ha.
(2)Brandee N.
Portions could be a lot bigger for the price, but everything we ate for breakfast was delicious. Not really digging the seating... I felt very squished!
(3)Tara C.
Can I start this review by asking everyone to stop coming here? I was trying to keep it a secret..buuuuut based on my ever-expanding wait times for Sunday breakfast of late, word is out. Plus, I lost my 4SQ Mayorship, so what is there to live for anymore? So. I might as well come clean: its my new favorite breakfast place. Note to restaurateurs: Hawaii Kai is desperate for a good breakfast. Moena Cafe to the rescue. I've had lots of the breakfast items here and I can't say that I have a favorite. Well, if pressed..I'd say the Eggs Benedict. Or maybe its the breakfast sandwich. Or, how about those Cinnabun pancakes? Oh. See? It's impossible to choose. Just about the only thing "meh" here is the breakfast potatoes which are fresh out the freezer bag. But there is so much else to choose from - I forgive them. So let's get to the coffee. The ridiculously awesome, individually brewed, perfectly hot (but not too hot) in a huge, lovely mug. I'm never going to Starbucks again. The coffee here is so much better. Something else I think is really sweet (besides those killah pancakes)? Once in awhile, the Chef (owner?) brings out the food himself. As if he wants to see the look of pure epicurean joy on your face when he delivers you the breakfast you always knew you deserved. The rest of the service is also very good, but the Chef is particularly endearing. The restaurant is small, and you are guaranteed to have a tiny table and be waiting behind a group of 15 who decided a restaurant with 20 seats is THE place for them. But I put up with all this. Somewhat happily because of all the things I mentioned above. In my future I see an ever expanding waist-line to match the ever expanding wait. For my birthday next year, I want Moena Cafe to expand into the space next door so wasted on Duane "The Dog's" retail space. If you go: just call me so I can go with you.
(4)Aline B.
Thank you Moena Cafe!! I have been longing for a breakfast restaurant like you to be here in Hawaii Kai. My fiancé and I usually have to drive to town for a good non-greasy breakfast joint. By chance, we decided to try this new place. When you first walk in, you will notice the beautiful layout. They did a fantastic job decorating and spacing out the tables. There are booth style seating against each walls. It was busy, although we were greeted right away. As soon as we wrote our names down, we got a seat. I appreciate being greeted with a big smile...especially in the morning. The hostess/waitress was super friendly. The decor is fresh and clean. They blended a prefect mixture of beachy and retro. It feels like you are in Soho, NYC or Santa Monica, CA. Our waitress, Krista was superb! Ahhhh do I miss this kind of service. She was super sweet, thoughtful, attentive, and enthusiastic. Ok, now on to the food: The menu is extensive. You can order French toast (it looked delicious) to crepes and short ribs! When I normally go out for breakfast, I have to get my decaf coffee somewhere else...not anymore! The drinks menu ranges from cappuccino, specialty ice teas, to shakes. We ordered the salmon eggs benedict. Delicious crispy toasted bread with a perfectly poached egg and a generous portion of smoke salmon, with a light hollandaise sauce. Yummy! My fiancé ordered the vegetarian omelette. Very tasty and the eggs were not too fluffy. That is important because most omelette are made fluffy as a filler. It came with a side of sautéed potatoes. Thank goodness they were not deep fried. Each dish came with a pretty slice of pineapple. The mocha was a little bit on the sweet side. I had to water it down. If their coffee was as good as "Island Brew Coffeehouse", I would have given them 5 stars. I was offered whip cream as an option. That was a nice gesture. It would have made my coffee sweeter. I look forward to eating other items on the menu. We are going to save time and money not having to drive to town. Town residents ought to drive out here because it is definitely worth it!
(4)Kelly M.
Chai coffee COLD! Panini had shredded mozzarella and was COLD. First bite of salad tasted like mold. Ate one bite of salad, 3 bites of sandwich and returned. My thank you? 50 % off for a meal not worth eating. :( Heard good things, and all I can think is "What were they thinking?" Our waiter Ian, was amazing however.
(1)Claire M.
They have an awesome breakfast menu! One of the go to breakfast places if you're in the Hawaii Kai neighborhood.
(5)Michael P.
Great breakfast place with minus one star for poor service. We arrived here around 9:30 AM after a two hour hike. It is right next to Hanauma Bay and Makapu'u, which makes it perfect spot for breakfast either before or after a long day at the beach. I got the pancakes which ended being two enormous servings. Be sure to ask for the coconut syrup for a unique flavor that can only be found in Hawaii. Minus one star for having really slow and inattentive (but not rude) service. Had to raise my hand to call someone over multiple times. Be prepared to wait if you don't already have a reservation.
(4)Rae W.
My dear old friend and I were excited to try this cafe because of its positive reviews and because we like to visit new places. We arrived at about 7:45 on a Saturday morning. It was already busy, but there were at least 5 empty tables. The instructions said to sign in and then we'd be seated. We did and just stood there for what seemed to be an unreasonably long time. Two people in front of us became disgusted with the wait--they had been waiting since before we arrived--and left. Two people behind us also left. The waiter came over and said he'd be right with us. My friend said, "You've already lost 4 customers." The waiter replied, "We're having printer problems," which made no sense to us but made perfect sense to him. Did he mean they were short-staffed because staff members were in the back wrestling with a printer? An already-seated customer motioned for the waiter and ordered a cappuccino; the waiter started making the drink while cleaning and setting tables. My friend and I were still standing. Now, I'm a pretty patient person, but this inane move by the waiter annoyed me because there was a clean 2-person table available. Wouldn't it make more sense to seat us there with menus first, and then go behind the counter for the cappuccino and our water? During this entire time, another staff person was behind the counter apparently swamped by ringing up orders--that's my best guess anyway. It took the arrival of two other staff members before we were seated--one young man in white who disappeared into the kitchen and one young woman who ran in and said over her shoulder, "I'll be right with you." Hmm, we'd heard that before, but she was true to her word. After being seated, our order was taken in a reasonable amount of time and their water with fresh lemon was delicious; however, our two orders of eggs benedict with one side order of potatoes took long enough for my friend and me to get through a long story and much political discussion. The chef brought our food to the table as he did to all tables. This is a nice touch, but it doesn't play well when the rest of the service is so wanting. The food was ideal--perfectly poached eggs on very thick ham, both sitting on real garlic toast. The coffee too was amazing--too bad it came halfway through my meal. Here's the thing--the service became SO much better at the end of the meal with admonitions not to rush (though there was a line building outside) and extra offers of water. I find restaurant staff who do this suspicious; I suspect they want a decent tip after mostly horrible service. By the way, we did leave a decent tip for the serving chef and his fabulous food. However, we won't be returning anytime soon.
(3)Tiffany N.
A little nice.. elevator music and AC fanning while you dine. Service was very nice and apologetic for the delay of our food. Modern, white-out theme. Cute, fresh looking little cafe. We came in as a party of 6 - long wait, though expected, we had to wait for half an hour for our food even when the place was already clearing out, and a couple of us ordered salad! - The food was good but I dont know if it was worth the wait time that we did. Their salads are always a safe, delicious, healthy choice. Their Mac and Cheese came in a good portioned BOWL (great for sharing!) and had little bit of apple upon bacon bits! Creating a salty and sweet appeal. Though that may or may not sound appealing, I personally like my Mac and cheese extra cheesy and baked to a crisp. Moena's M&C felt to be more like macaroni tossed in cheese sauce with bits of things (in a attractive sense! haha) Easy parking since its in the shopping center - parking lot.
(3)Joerg A.
Sad. After several weeks open and giving it 3 shots, nothing improved. Today was the last time spending our money there. The service here is rediculous. I mean, please, hire at least some people with expirience and skills. 3 breakfasts in 3 weeks, and no improvement. Once you are seated, the service is over. Don't get me wrong: these girls are all ver nice and polite, but they do not know a thing about this business. And we are talking about the upper price range here. Charging 11.--$ for a mediocre, untoasted Ciabatta with turkey from a package and two slices avocado?! Again, sad! I was full of hope when they opened, and the owner came across very nice after a total mess with our check. We came back. Again, not too satisfiing. But today, different girls, different mess, and nobody ever asked me again if I would like more coffee...:( Update May 2014: Came back today after a long time, and we tried it again. Much better service and enough staff.... Food, unfortunately, no improvement. Had the Turkey Sandwich w "salad" again, also an Americano. My wife got the Veggie Omelet. Sorry, but that was not even standard, and my Americano was just dark water. Far to overpriced and no knowledge in the kitchen...
(2)raechelle v.
Love this new little breakfast spot in the Koko Marina Shopping Center located near Zippy's. First off, love the ambiance. It's nicely decorated, trendy, but not over the top. It has a very relaxing feel to it. One of my favorite bible passages was painted on the wall near the door. I can see myself having bible study here in the near future. Service was excellent. The servers took our orders with an Itouch which I thought was pretty cool. Let's get to the food. I had the Corned Beef Hash and Eggs for $10.95. The corned beef was made with fresh chunks mixed in with onions and potatoes. The corned beef was different from other places. It reminded me of pipikaula for some reason. I don't know how they prepare their corned beef, but it is ONO! Potatoes were cooked just right. I had my eggs soft scrambled and they were made the way I like it. The eggs were definitely not dry or hard. I got a side order of a pancake. The pancake was ONO! But I really liked the Vanilla Latte. I will for sure be back. I have my eye on trying their Hawaiian Omelet and Mo'Egga. Just nervous that one day I will have to wait 2 hours to get a table like Cafe Kaila on the weekends. LOL! I guess more reasons to wake up early on the weekends. Heck maybe I'll park my car here, do a Hawaii Kai Marathon training run, and eat here after my Sunday long runs.
(5)Sharlene F.
YAY!!! Finally, a nice little eatery in Hawaii Kai. Moena Cafe was a really nice surprise. I had heard from others about their service troubles, but know that ALL new restaurants go through that, so it wasn't a big deal. I wanted to try it anyway. The morning we had decided to go was perfect. There was a 5 minute wait time just so that they could clear the tables. Waitstaff was very friendly. I decided to order the regular eggs benedict. They also have a salmon or crab benedict. Oh my, it was deeeelicious! The hollandaise was so creamy and rich. So many places that serve eggs benedict usually use a powdered form of the sauce so it comes out gritty. I don't know if their sauce is from scratch, but it sure was smooth and yummy. I really enjoyed my meal and the service was good as well. Will be going back again!
(4)Eri F.
The chantilly pancake was delicious! Great wait help, too.
(5)Kasey M.
Moena Cafe is fairly new to Koko Marina in Hawaii Kai, where good food is kind of hard to find. I had read positive reviews about this restaurant on yelp so I thought I'd try it out. Since I had read that the dish to have was the braised short rib loco moco ($13), that's what I went for. The loco moco comes with rice, short ribs, 2 over easy eggs and gravy. I opted for the fried rice. The fried rice was plain, more like white rice with peas and bacon mixed in, and was missing the true fried rice flavor. The short ribs were good but was not tender like you'd expect from braised short ribs. The eggs were over done so they didn't ooze onto the rice like they are meant to. Lastly, the gravy was almost nonexistent. All in all an average loco moco and, for the price, I would expect much better. My mom had the eggs Benedict ($11) which was average. She didn't have any complaints but also said it wasn't anything special. Lastly my friend had the Denver omelet ($9). He also said it was average. I thought the portion size was small considering for a lower price you can get a giant omelet with a side (rice, toast, or pancakes) at Koa Pancake House nearby. All in all this was average food. A bit over priced. Service was good though. Note : My mom had the chicken salad sandwich and turkey sandwich on a different trip Herr and said they were average also.
(3)Eda Y.
if i can give zero star that will be my experiences this cafe. i live in hawaii kai. moenas cafe used to be my favorite cafe until today.i had to worse experince and rude customer service today around 12:30. i ordered chicken sandwich because i love bell peppers, waiteress got me chicken panini, i told her , i didnt order this, she gave me face and attitude , then she took the food with mad face to kitchen , then she never stopped our table maybe 25 mins, and cafe wasnt even busy, my boyfriend ate his food , i waited for 25 mins for my sandwich , then another panini came to my table , which was also wrong, i ordered sadwich not panini, second sandwich also didnt have right ingiredents no bell pepper no onion, waitress didnt even clean our table, i had to talk other waiteress for check and to go box, our check came , there is no pencil in checkbook....absolutly ridiculus service, know your menu.... i understand one time wrong order, but second time wrong order ,that was unacceptable, not pen in your checkbook, and telling me that you have been working restaurant 6 days in a row , thats not my problem, not even stop by our table after two wrong order. i have a headache and i will ever never stop by your cafe ..i m in industry for 7 years , i had never experienced something that bad... i m sorry for business owner, pls educate your staff about customer service and your food menu...
(1)Char Y.
we came in on our first morning and we ordered kona espresso - sized more like coffee!! but so good! short rib loco moco - really HUGE portions!!! yum!!! loved the food but very expensive!
(4)Travis I.
First off, I try to give honest unbiased reviews. This place looked like a great spot to get some grub. I decided to try the Moena burger, a homemade patty with Teri sauce. When the food arrived, my girlfriend's MC breakfast looked great, and my sandwich looked good too. I took a few bites and something wasn't right about the taste. It tasted like old hamburger and it was red, bloody red. I asked the waitress politely if the chef could throw my burger on the grill a little longer, which wasn't a problem. When I got my burger back, it looked exactly the same; really red. I took another bite to find out that it tasted exactly the same (go figure). I was bummed out. This place had some good reviews, but I can't give one myself. The chef didn't even check the color of my burger! Not to mentioned it tasted like blood. I'm sorry to say that I won't be eating here ever again.
(1)Cat K.
This is a great little cafe in Koko Marina. The food selection is good and the decor is nice. Comfy chairs, nice decor, and good food. I ordered the corn beef hash which was delicious! Overall, food is good but service could be better. They are a bit slow with refilling drinks, but they are small business with minimal servers...so that's ok. Give this place a visit and enjoy. Will visit again and try their pancakes next time!
(4)Kim S.
Finally getting around to writing a review from my visit last May when they 1st opened...I'm not a fan & haven't bothered to return. Sad because would have been nice to have another brunch option with easy parking. To use a well know yelp expression...underwhelmed. Food was ok but a bit pricey. Service was slow. At least we arrived at a good time because didn't wait for a table on a Sunday morning. Sweet bread french toast $8 - see photo. Kinda small, about the size of 2 slices. Nothing more either but garnish. Meh, I make better with Anges' sweet bread. Eggs bene $10.95 - see photo. Used regular ham, mentioned in the menu, instead of canadian bacon. Again, nothing more either but garnish - at most places there would be potatoes. Even with idcard discount not worth it. #21/31 Yelp Review Challenge
(2)Ketchum H.
...Open a year last May!...And we just discovered it?...If they were open for dinner as well as breakfast and lunch we would be Gold card diners...The chef/ owner came from the Moana Hotel with his culinary skills, good taste and management aplomb...After all, this is the suburbs...Fortunately for us he chose this little corner of the island to land... ...You will be completely stoked enjoying breakfast or lunch here...everything we have ordered has been perfect...blows all the other restaurants in the area out to sea...and the serving staff!...incredible...all the waitresses welcome you with a genuine warm greeting and make you feel as if you have been a long time customer...If you need more coffee they bring you a new cup...without any sloshing around out of a pitcher like most..If you request ketchup it appears at the table in its own dish...without the half filled and recently grabbed bottle that holds the ketchup in like glue...Those touches show thought and attention to detail not seen in the suburbs or most any swank place in town... ...Only drawback is that success brings the occasional wait to be seated...once you are settled your order arrives promptly, considering the restaurant is usually full...Monday morning is our new Sunday... ...Note: If your are with your wife or girlfriend keep your eyeballs in order whilst dining here...the staff wear scandalously short shorts and are a knock out!
(5)Arabiki D.
Let me sum it up in one word...AWESOME! The food here is top notch and for me...an excellent location! I have always heard great things about this place but never found the time or could convince myself to eat here. Somehow the stars aligned and I ended up here one morning, and I will never forgive myself for taking so long to eat here. Moena Cafe is a breakfast/brunch type of restaurant (so get up early). If you come here in a weekend you will probably have to wait due to limited seating. The food...which is surprising...is actually more of a gourmet spin on local fare (my best description of the menu). I ordered the short rib loco moco(I know what you are thinking...that just sounds soooo...RIGHT). At first, I was put off by the overall size of the dish but friends...looks are very deceiving! I can eat a good amount of food but this dish conquered me! I will have a rematch with this dish at a later time and trust me folks (BIKIvsFOOD) will be in full effect! I seen the pancakes and they are a pretty hefty portion as well. The one star deduction is for the higher prices and the limited seating. I do understand that due to higher rent they must charge higher prices.
(4)Mish U.
Love love love it here!!! Awesome people great food, go early so you do t have to wait in line
(5)Janna C.
My boyfriend and I had lunch here today and were pretty disappointed in our meal. Based on the Yelp reviews and recommendations from our waitress we ordered the short rib loco moco and the corned beef hash. The loco moco was extremely bland. The short ribs were on the dry side, the gravy was lackluster and the entire entree was severely under-seasoned. The corned beef hash was pedestrian at best. Imagine small cubes of corned beef marinated with canned pineapple juice and mixed with potatoes. Not much to be excited about. I don't think I would have been as annoyed about the meal if the prices were more reasonable, but when you drop $40 on lunch you just expect something tastier. The upsides of the restaurant: Good attentive service and dynamite coffee.
(3)Chantel C.
I used my Isle Discount (ID) card here, and got 15% off our bill. The total was over $25 including tip, two breakfast plates and two coffees. I have been waiting for so long to get a good cafe in my neck of the woods. This cafe is located near Zippy's in Koko Marina. The food was very good. Ordered the veggie omelette, and was very satisfied with it. It was a bit pricey for me (but you can make your own judgement - I'm a starvin' student again!), smaller than your average omelette at other breakfast cafes, but also with better quality ingredients. I loved the avocado on it! I also had a cup of coffee. Their coffee is really good, but only good for one refill. Wish that they included a couple more refills... I drink coffee like water. The ambience was nice and chill. Not too loud. Service was great! I'd recommend Moena Cafe, but be willing to spend some money.
(4)Anita C.
I went again this past weekend and brought another girl friend to try it out. I again got the fried rice short rib loco moco and somehow it was tastier than I remembered, YUMS!!! I also noticed that the fried rice is infused with lots of bacon flavor, I'm not sure if it was on purpose but no matter, it was delicious! I'm actually craving some more as I type. My girl friend doesn't eat red meat, so she opted for the Mo'egga which was an artichoke spread with poached eggs on bread/toast. It sounded really good but she said it was okay, that the artichoke spread tasted more like anchovies. We also shared a belgium waffle (which comes with fruit, so no add on cost! love it, no nickel and diming people) and it tasted a little off... not sure if they used buttermilk but my girl friend felt like the milk they used might have gone bad. I agreed with her that it tasted a little off and didn't really eat too much of it. We were going to ask our server but got too caught up with catching up that we didn't bother. There was too much fried rice for me to finish that day so I got it to go and I LOVE restaurants that pack your to-go boxes in the kitchen, not just dumping some boxes and a bag at the table - that's what I call service! They take the iDcard (Isle Discount card) so we received 15% off of our breakfast, saving $6, woohoo!
(5)Kimberly C.
Had the Crab Benedict and husband ordered the short rib loco moco. Everything was delicious! A really cute place to eat, but go early because you at have to wait a while. We waited about 30-45 minutes on a Sunday. The service was pretty good too...friendly and welcoming. You should definitely try this place if you're looking for a great breakfast/brunch!
(4)Lynne H.
We arrived on a Monday around 1:00 pm. It was crowded but got a table within 5 minutes. I had the kalua pig benedict. It was the best I've ever had - full of flavor, cooked to perfection. My husband had the short ribs loco moco - very tasty. I also had the mango peach tea - gotta find out how they make it . It was delicious. The staff was friendly and service timely. Our first visit did not disappoint.
(5)Mario Q.
Great food and amazing coffee. The corned beef hash is fantastic and fresh. You just need to go. Service is pleasant and very attentive.
(5)Naomi P.
Delicious brunch spot! Opens at 7am, so very convenient after a sunrise hike at Koko head. Gets crowded quickly on the weekends, so expect a wait. Really enjoyed the spinach florentine and fried rice. $10-$15 for each brunch entree.
(4)Steven L.
Portions are HUGE! Not a bad thing. I really like the pancakes but I also ordered burger with blue cheese. I thought is was a bit plane and too bad the blue cheese wasn't melted. I love the ambiance as it is very cute and intimate.
(3)Michele B.
Burger was RAW even though we asked that it be cooked well-done. Waitress gave lame excuse that paprika in the meat made it look red. However, the outside of the burger (that was seared on the grill) was brown. Also, the panini sandwich was not cooked at all - not on any grill of any kind. Can't call it a panini sandwich unless it's cooked on a panini grill! Auwe! Such a pretentious eatery!
(1)Makana J.
I wish I could give them no stars. We went there and we signed in for a party of 5. There were 3 party's ahead of us and they told us the wait was 10-15 mins. We waited 30mins till the 3 party's that was ahead of us got to sit down so we knew we were next. And now there was a lot of people waiting that came after us. So the next party they called came after us so we asked them why were we skipped they told us that they didn't see our name on the bottom of the list so they skipped us. Now we was waiting close to an hour. So they told us that the next table available they was going to sit us. So we waited then the next party they called was for a party of 4. We went back in and ask them why wasn't we were called they told us that they couldn't fit a party of 5 on that table. Ok are party of 5 consisted of 2 adults and 3 children. The party of 4 was 4 xtra large adults. And they said they couldn't fit us on that table. Then they told us that the wait will be 30-40mins. So we left because my family was hungry so we went to Zippys next door. I will not come back to Moena cafe or give them another try.
(1)David P.
Well after hearing about this place and reading the reviews.. decided to try it out. The wait was longer than should of been. The waitress took the order of a group that was jus seated rather than us that was waiting for 10 min already. It's was not busy maybe 12 people in the place. They seated us in the corner on a little table I'm not the biggest guy 6'0 210 and my GF is 8 months pregnant so a bigger table would of been nice. Once the food came there was no room on the table for anything and the dishes were over the edge. I order the MC breakfast with extra crispy potatoes.with a side order of wheat toast. My GF ordered corned beef hash and scrambled. With a side order of fried rice cause no starch with the hash browns. Well the food came and it was good except the potatoes were not extra crispy they were extra uncooked... toast was cold so the butter would not melt. GF did not like the cornbeef hash it was more like leftover corned beef chopped up with uncooked potatoes.. We did like the cinnamon roll pancake but for 8.00 for the one pancake it better be good. Overall the food was average but the service was poor the waitress barely checked on us, had to ask for items like ketchup. Shoyu, took forever to get the bill. Probably cause she was too busy texting on her phone to pay attention to the customers. It was a experience. .. might give it another try but honestly doubt it.
(2)Curtis L.
first off, seen some pictures from a former coworker and everything looked pretty good. well.. i suppose a picture can say a thousand words. let me start by saying if you plan on getting a table, get there early or be prepared to wait. Got there around 715am, and there was no wait. Seating is a bit cramped so if you are claustrophobic, you will not like this place at all. now, onto the food, short rib loco moco, I had real high expectations for this dish and it didn't really meet them. The shortribs were cooked, but couldn't taste much seasoning at all. I really hate to add salt to anything especially when i'm dining out. loco moco sauce looked very good also, but lacked basic seasoning... needed some salt. pancakes with fresh fruit, $15, maybe a little overpriced. The pancakes weren't that good. I'm sorry but it was rather dry. Fresh fruit, banana, blueberry, strawberry, coconut flakes, might justify price, but i had to ask for more syrup... they give a very awkward container that can make it very messy.
(3)Trevor T.
Came here on a lazy Saturday morning. Pretty long wait for our table (25 mins+), so I was extra hungry by the time we sat down. I ordered a coffee (Kona, which was pretty good) and corned beef hash (came with two eggs, potatoes and onions). The food was good, but nothing special (especially at $12.50). I suppose that's standard fare for "nicer breakfast" cafes, and it's more or less the only game in Hawaii Kai. I had a bite of a friend's french toast, and was equally "this is good, but I'm not nuts about it." In sum, if you're in HK and want breakfast at not-Zippys, swing on down, expect a wait, and have some above-average grub.
(3)Jasmine L.
Came here a couple of times. LOVE: Their loco moco! I love that it's not a hamburger steak on there but real beef! NOT a fan of: Crepes--these are so so; I prefer the ones coming from Crepes No Ka Oi in Kailua....Other than that, their homemade corned beef hash is not good either--you are better off going to Jacks for their's!
(4)David L.
You can not go wrong with MC. Party of 7 not one complaint (that's rare). We arrived at 10am for a late breakfast and they were able to seat us together after less than a 5 minute wait. We had an assortment Ahi & eggs, omelettes, Pineapple sausage,acai bowl etc. I had Ahi with 2 fried eggs and fried rice it was excellent. Tender fish seasoned perfect! Mahalo for the great breakfast! We will be back!
(5)Jean P.
The food is delicious, the restaurant is nice but always very busy. For some reason on Father's Day they don't do takeout. Lame. Makes me not really want to eat there anymore. Ruined my husband's father's day surprise.
(2)Candace T.
Best short rib loco Moco on the island and the banana chantilly pancakes is to die for. Proportion of pancake to chantilly is just right, not overly sweet
(5)Aileen G.
The food here is excellent, esp. the pineapple sausage. My boyfriend and I were visiting from AZ and going diving later that morning. The food portions are perfect, enough to fill you but not so much to stuff you. The atmosphere is wonderful. The decor is simple and pleasant. Its great place to go for a quiet breakfast.
(5)Darren W.
Finally had the opportunity to try this place. The food is pretty good. Must try - corned beef hash and chantilly banana pancakes. The Denver omelet is also pretty good. The place is very clean and neat. The service is ok, our waitress was friendly and helpful, but another waiter assisting could have been a little friendlier in helping answer a question she could not answer. Overall it was a pleasant experience, would probably go back and try it again.
(4)Tom R.
Awesome homemade hash and great eggs Benedict!
(5)Randy P.
Got mixed up. I posted my review in the check box. But here we go again. Worth the wait and weight. Service friendly. Atmosphere here conducive for conversation even with neighboring diners. But here's the good part - flavorful and quality eats. Had the braised short ribs loco moco with the fried rice. I would describe it like having tender pot roast with over easy eggs and gravy. The banana chantilly pancake with strawberries was awesome. WARNING - the pancake is huge so unless you're really hungry get the petite order. Although with leftover they give you the tasty sauce. Coming back when we can.
(4)Yuko A.
Been hearing about this place for a while from Yelpers and non-yelpers so I was excited to try it. After being told the wait was 1hr at Kaila, we decided to make the trek to Hawaii Kai. We were seated immediately. Score! My friend was starving, I swear if he was an animal at that moment he would have been a coyote snarling, drooling, with intense eyes burning a hole through the wall to the kitchen. Okay, might be an exaggeration but when my indecisive self changed my order he made sure with the waitress that his order of eggs benny's was still a go. Good thing our food came out at lightening speed, no one likes a table wet with drool. :) I ordered the veggie omelet which was filled with spinach/mushrooms/peppers/jack-cheddar cheese and topped with sliced avocado. I commend them on not skimping out on the filling but it was way too oily. I can usually handle a good greasy breakfast but this was a little too much. So my main complaint would be, use HALF or a QUARTER the amount of oil please The eggs benny was a little different from the norm, and served atop a slice of bread instead of the usual english muffin. The bread still soaked up all the hollandaise sauce and was a tasty savory option. The service was quick and efficient and I will definitely be back to try some of their sweet breakfast options.
(4)Michele T.
This was a great little cafe for breakfast! A little pricey, but very tasty! The service was really great and everyone was friendly! I had the cinnamon pancakes and my friend had the French toast and we were both very satisfied! I would go again!
(4)Effie S.
Time for a breakfast review! I love going out to eat breakfast. The past two weekends I went to two different relatively new breakfast joints. Being able to compare the two was very revealing to me. I really wanted to fall in love with this place. It started off perfect. When we got here, there was a wait and I noticed on the list that there were TEN people in front of me. However, since I was already in Koko Marina, I ran to Petland and First Hawaiian Bank, and by the time I came back, our table was ready. I saw a group of friends of mine (party of 6) waiting outside that'd already been waiting a while. I told them that it shouldn't be too long of a wait (you'll read later that I was wrong). I really liked the interior design of the place as it was cozy but modern. So far so good. I looked at the menu and thought, "I should get something different." I ordered the "Mo Egga" and JJ got the Kalua Pig Eggs Benedict. Being a little confused as to whether anything else came with those dishes, JJ asked for potatoes and the waitress informed us that the dishes that we ordered did not come with anything else, but we could get potatoes on the side. Okay, that's what we did. Then, the food came out. My "Mo Egga" dish was on the small side (I was not full upon leaving). It consisted of two pieces of bread with a smear of artichoke spread and two poached eggs. I just didn't like it. The artichoke spread didn't give much to the dish and I thought that it needed something more, maybe Hollandaise sauce or Canadian ham; something salty. Also, my eggs were under poached so I had to eat around the clear runny parts of the egg or remove it. Being disappointed in my dish, I begged JJ for a bite of his Benedict. I have to add something here that I thought curious. When the waiter dropped JJ's dish in front of him, he mentioned that if we wanted more Hollandaise sauce just let him know and he'll bring extra. It was as though he knew already that there wasn't enough sauce on it. So, my only real complaint about JJ's Eggs Benedict was that there was not enough Hollandaise sauce. The dish was good and the Hollandaise sauce itself was very good. Ugh, that dish could've been great with that one small fix. As for the side potatoes, they were just cubes of grilled potatoes and nothing special. Then, we got the bill. I do not mind paying good money for good food. But, the food was over priced, in my opinion, for what we got. Here's the breakdown, my "Mo Egga"- $12.50, JJ's Kalua Pig Eggs Benedict- $13.50, Side Potatoes $4.50 (what?!), Coffee - $3.50. I was honestly surprised that JJ's entire breakfast cost around $21.50 (without tax and tip). I don't think we can come back here. That's a bummer since I like to have a lot of options in breakfast spots. Note: I don't think it always fair to rate places because of the wait time but....remember my friends that were waiting outside for a table when we were sat (the party of 6)? They were still outside waiting when we left (they have to have been waiting for at least an hour), even though I saw empty tables inside when we left. I didn't want to discourage them though with my experience, and told them again that it shouldn't be too long. I do hope that they had a better experience.
(3)Candra R.
Definitely the best breakfast joint out Hawaii Kai side. Great service, great food and reasonably priced. The corned beef hash is phenomenal. Perfectly cooked and tastes great. The Nutella strawberry crepe was much larger than I expected, but delicious. My sister got the Hawaiian omelette and she loved it. Cannot recommend enough.
(5)Doug T.
Went there for brunch. Though there was a bit of a line, it seemed to move fast. Service was friendly and efficient and decor was a bit classier than most (you could still wear flip flops there though, so don't worry). Food was delicious. We had the banana pancakes and the kalua pork benedict. If you are over near Hawaii Kai, Moena Cafe is an excellent choice. We will be going back :)
(4)Josh D.
Food was delicious here, except we had to wait forever for our food. Waitress was kind enough to give us free banana scones while we waited, which were great. Portions are a bit small, but well done.
(4)Vernelle O.
I like their decor and atmosphere and I had the short rib loco moco, which was delicious (although I added tobacco sauce for more kick), my mom's Moena burger was the bomb! And the prosciutto salad was yummy, too with little chunks of bleu cheese!
(5)Kody T.
I've heard so many good things about this place, but I never tried it myself until recently. Just as I had expected, it's pretty expensive. Nothing ridiculous, but expensive for breakfast/brunch in my opinion. I had the grilled chicken sandwich with chips, and it was really good. $10 is a bit high for the amount of food I got, but it was delicious nonetheless. This place is always busy, but it's worth it every now and then. Decor is simple and cute, and it's just a nice brunch place. Definitely recommend if you feel like having a "fancier" brunch.
(4)Kari W.
Only a 10 minute wait for 3 people around 11a.m.! Friendly service and the Kalua pig benedict was the best benedict I've ever had :) Definitely want to come back to try the pancakes.
(5)Barbara F.
On our recent visit to Hawaii Kai, we ate here three times and would happily have gone more often if our schedule had permitted. Omelettes were excellent. They have a gorgeous yogurt parfait (vanilla yogurt topped with granola topped with lots of fresh fruit -- mostly strawberries and blueberries) that looked like more than I could put away, but I managed. I also have to say that theirs are the best pancakes I've ever had. Service was excellent. Only downside is that the place is small (and narrow), so the seating is not as gracious as I would have liked. Almost all of the little tables are either too close to each other (lined up against the side walls) or in the middle of the floor where people are constantly walking back and forth past them -- too close for comfort -- on both sides of the table. I hated sitting there. Now, having said that, many people wouldn't be bothered by the seating at all; that's just me. I still highly recommend and would eat there regularly if I lived in the area.
(4)CY S.
Food is generally good and servers are nice but the wait on weekends is generally long, over an hour wait for s party of four and then another 30-50 until food arrives. Today, we are a party of 5. Arrived at 10 AM. It is 11:48 AM and food is not here yet. Not a place to be if you are short on time.
(2)Charlie E.
Sorry this is a late post of our review for June 23, 2012 10:53am. Had the fried rice with 2 eggs over easy $8.95 which was fine. My other friends had the Eggs Benedict $10.95 and the Breakfast Sandwich $7.25. No complaints on the food, well presented and prepared; it's on our radar list for breakfast haunts. One refill after your first cup of coffee ($2.50) as noted on the menu. Good service but not extremely fast. I'll post my photos of what we ate. Next visit I'm going to try the Omelettes.
(4)Debbie B.
Natalie was a very attentive server. Listened to our changes in ordering and all food, service and attentiveness was outstanding. We had omelettes and we're very satisfied.
(5)Tia S.
I avoided this place because of its name. I thought, "Why would I eat at 'Rug Cafe'?" "Moena" is NOT the Hawaiian word for "Peace" like the owners intended. Moena means, "mat", "bed", "rug". I thought if the owners failed to pay attention to an important detail like that, then would they pay attention to food and service quality? My other half was craving eggs benedict yesterday and I was too tired to cook it for him, so I finally agreed to go since it's only three minutes from home. Let me get to the point...the food was really nice! The crab eggs bene was so buttery and full of flavor. It was served on toasted french bread rather than english muffs. I had a savory crepe filled with a medley of veggies, ham, and cheese. It was nice, but the crepe was a little more than well-done in my opinion. It's great to have a nice breakfast/lunch place in Koko Marina. I was so full, I had "Kanak Attack" or "Food Coma". I laughed and thought, "Okay, now I need a "moena" to rest on and take a nap. Other Notes: -Clean place -Contemporary interior -Good food -Tons of parking -No reservations -Anticipate a wait before being seated -Not suggested for large parties of 5+ (Because of seating space, longer wait time)
(4)Maxx R.
Pretty disappointed today. Normally get take out from here because it's convenient to and sometimes I don't like to eat in at restaurants. Called today around 11am and someone answered and they got cut off or hung up. I called again, and a girl named Heather answered. I politely asked if I could get take-out. The response I got was "No, sorry, we're busy." Um. Yeah. I wasn't asking to be seated by any means, and I still wanted food from the place. I can understand being busy.... But just wow. Whatever. PS. Their shortrib loco moco is delicious and it's my normal from this place, provided the breakfast place isn't busy at brunch time.
(3)Mo W.
Waitress was nice not prompt in providing service though. Had the fried rice loco moco and shared the Chantilly pancakes so ono! Tried the chicken panini sandwich with salad...was good too!
(4)Janet K.
Moena Cafe is exactly what Koko Marina Shopping Center needed. A breakfast and lunch restaurant that uses fresh local ingredients. A lot of eateries don't survive in Hawaii Kai but Moena Cafe will do just fine and you can tell by how popular this place is. It's not uncommon to be wait listed and they don't take reservations (because I tried). I got the short rib loco moco with brown rice. It was the perfect size and it tasted great. The only thing I'd change about it is to make the short rib even more tender. I'm a short rib snob sorry. The vanilla latte was delicious but wasn't pretty like I saw on a picture on the website. I love latte art, it's the only reason I get it. It makes me happy. :) The service was perfect. I heard a lot of bad things about the service prior to dining here but they must have worked out the "new restaurant" kinks. Or maybe I just had the most awesome server that worked there? It's not a cheap place but sometimes you gotta pay for quality and by the looks of it, people are willing to pay. I'll just bring my clients here so I can expense it. :)
(4)Kinga H.
Located in Hawaii Kai is Moena Cafe. The simple, neutral decor is classic and immediately drew me in. Th subtle shades of green throughout the restaurant really add to the classic clean look. Went during the weekday so the small cafe was not crowded. It's a breakfast/lunch spot. We were seated promptly and looked over the menu with lots of great choices for drinks and food. Our server was a shy friendly girl who did a good job, keeping coffee and water refilled. The menu offers a bit of everything. Fresh ingredients you can taste. Well priced.
(4)Lori F.
I just love the "Eggs Benedict" at Moena Cafe! The toasted bread it comes with made it much more enjoyable than the traditional english muffin. The hollandaise sauce was rich & tasty. When you first get your order, it looks kinda small, but trust me, it will fill you up. Minus one star though, for the cramped seating. You can hear everything from the table next to you & makes it hard to concentrate on the person you're with. It's a pretty small restaurant, so I guess they have to utilize whatever space they have in there.
(4)B. C.
The food is delicious. I had an omelette and others had the pancakes, waffles, and short ribs. It was so good and our server was excellent. The restaurant was very busy but she managed to be calm and friendly. And did I mention the food was delicious?
(5)Lester S.
So the foodie friend texts last night "Brekkie". Alright I say. So this morning I pick her up and we head out to Hawaii Kai for a taste of Moena Cafe in the Koko Marina Shopping Center. Not sure how long they've been there but the have their banner flapping in the wind so I'm guessing not long. Walked in to a warm greeting. The atmosphere is typical of many of these newer breakfast/brunch eateries. A little upscale casual. The restaurant was clean and air conditioned. Very nice and inviting. The menu had a wide variety of items to choose from. I ordered the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes which was glazed with e light cream cheese sauce. My partner in crime order the Mo-Egga, two pieces of bread topped with poached eggs on an interesting artichoke spread. It's a Moena signature dish. We also ordered a side of their fresh corned beef hash with potatoes nad onions. Everything was delicious. The pancakes (2) were huge and even sharing we could not finish. The Mo'Egga was delicious. Poached eggs are not my thing but the artichole spread was a fitting compliment to the eggs. And the fresh corned beef has da bomb! Oh did I forget the fresh brewed coffee? So good, I could sit there all morning and drink it except they only offer one free refill. Overall an excellent place for breakfast. Will have to try their brunch/lunch menu next time.
(4)Madison L.
Pancakes are amazing and everything is so fresh!!
(4)Savannah P.
I went here for the first time with some friends after our hike on Mariner's Ridge, we all arrived with our hungry bellies! I would define this eatery as a cute, cozy cafe. Great place to come to enjoy a meal and have good conversation without the noise level being too loud. Everything looked delicious on the menu. Some of my friends ordered the omelets with toast, some the pannini sandwiches and some were brave to finish a "boat-full" (as my girlfriend termed) of scrambled hash..looked soo good and they say it tasted delicious too. I had the breakfast sandwich which came with choice of apple smoked bacon or ham, spinach, tomato and cheese on ciabatta bread. I loved it! Great choice of toppings and I loved that it arrived to me while it was still hot-that's when you enjoy it da best! Yum! I already know I have to go back and try some of their other goodies!
(4)Kelly I.
mmmmmMoena Cafe! This place is cute, chic, calm, and absolutely delicious. I always get the veggie omelet, with no cheese and extra spinach. They made it a point to load on the spinach. This made me a very happy customer. They are NEVER chincey with their food. The last time I came here, my friend and I ordered the french toast, and now i'm not sure I can come here WITHOUT getting it. It was beyond perfect! The outside was crunchy, the inside was sweet, soft, and moist, but most importantly it was sprinkled with the perfect amount of cinnamon. I wish I had some right now. I LOVE the fact that they are open until 3, versus other brunch restaurants that are open until only 2. This may not be a big deal for you, but this definitely earned an extra star. The service is always excellent, except for maybe a few instances where a server felt like they're doing you the favor for sitting you at a table. That one particular server can't bring down this place though. Every other server working there is always cheerful, friendly, and attentive. 5 stars from me!
(5)Jacob N.
It's funny how the dining experience at a restaurant can vary so much on the same table. My rating is based on my experience at my table, not my friends, but I do want to mention their experiences just to be fair. I came to Moena Cafe after a hike with three of my friends. I recommended this establishment because it's a pretty new place, and I've read some great reviews on Yelp about it (yes, I had it bookmarked). We came in at about 2:00 pm which is an hour before closing time. Right off the bat I thought this was nice. Most breakfast focused eateries that I've been to are only open until 2:00 pm. Hooray for that extra hour! The decor of the store made me think of a country farmhouse, but fancier. I guess it's kind of like shabby-chic before the shabbiness. Anyway, the service was very friendly, and they made it a point to check on how we were enjoying our food. This is a good sign because it shows that they're open to making improvements based on customer feedback. I'd say that's pretty essential to make it in the business. On to the food, and the differing experiences my friends and I had here. Two of my friends ordered Panini Sandwiches. One was the chicken salad panini, and the other was the Fresca panini which is made with crab. Both sandwiches came with either homemade chips, or house salad. Both opted for salad. The first thing I noticed was that the sandwiches were pretty tiny. The bread was probably about a 3-4 inch square. Almost like ciabatta bread. The chicken salad one was a little over $10, and the Fresca was about $17! Those are some pretty steep prices to pay for such a small sandwich. My sandwich friends both did agree, though that the house salad was awesome. Too bad one of them didn't order the chips. My third friend ordered the veggie crepe. I'm starting to think this friend is a closet crepe fiend because I've noticed lately that she's been talking a lot about crepe places, and wanting to eat at them. Unfortunately she didn't enjoy here crepe experience here. She said that the cheese in it wasn't melted, and I guess that made the whole thing a lot less satisfying. I'm thinking that the lack of meat also had something to do with it! :P Geez... So far it's not sounding too good, but don't worry. Remember how I talked about differing experiences on the same table? Well, here it comes... I absolutely loved what I got. I had ordered the Moena Salad, and it completely blew away my expectations. The menu listed the ingredients: Lettuce, dried cranberries, broccoli, etc., etc. all for just over $10! But it just didn't say how tasty and filing it was! If me and my friends were competing for the best meal on the table I totally would have won! The fun didn't stop here, though. Since I've been recently getting into the whole acai bowl thing I figured I would give theirs a shot. The price was just under $10, and when I asked the waitress about it she said that it was in a pretty big bowl, so I figured I'd order it and share with my friends. When the acai bowl came to the table the first thing I noticed was all the fresh fruits that were covering the top. Nice! I've had many an acai bowl that lacked abundant fruit. Boo to those. As we dug in, however, we noticed that it was pretty liquidy. Almost like an acai soup. I did manage to find thicker acai in the middle of the bowl, though, so it wasn't a total loss. The flavor of the acai bowl was great! The acai wasn't too tart, like some can be, and it had a nice sweetness to it overall. If only the acai was thicker and less liquidy, then it would have been a total hands down winnah. They don't have a bathroom here, but Zippy's is really close by, and if you just act like you're a Zippy's customer you can use their bathroom. It wasn't me who said this, I'm just passing along some sage advice that I heard in there. Also, don't come here in your boros like we did. Since this was a post hike meal, and we didn't know what to really expect we just went in our hiking clothes, and let me tell you, we felt under dressed. It wasn't a big deal. They still welcomed us in to eat, and gave us the same friendly service as everyone else, but if you feel self conscious about things like that you'll want to wear something a little nicer than dirty, sweaty t-shirt and shorts. Also, did I mention that I could taste a hint of lemon in the water? I love when restaurants add a bit of squeezed lemon in their water. It's so refreshing! Overall, I really liked this place. I saw some items on the menu that I want to try out the next time I come here, and I'd like to see how they take their customer feedback and improve on things in the future! I just hope I can make it back here before it gets ridiculously crowded like so many other great breakfast places out there. I definitely will be back!
(4)Isa R.
I came here after hiking to Makapu'u Lighthouse. We were able to get seated immediately at around 9 AM, as there were several open tables at the time we got there (on a Saturday). This was fantastic, as our other choice for breakfast would have been Cinnamon's, where the wait is much longer. I ordered the MC Breakfast with link sausage and potatoes along with a side of bacon, POG, and regular coffee. The coffee was excellent, and $2.50 with one free refill. The POG came in the cutest glass cups. The MC breakfast was fantastic. Everything tasted super fresh and high quality. Much better than a similar plate that you would get from say---Zippy's. Oh, and I also had a $3.00 side pancake. The pancake was amazing! It really made me want to try the cinnamon roll pancake next time, or the banana chantilly pancake (which wasn't on the menu at the time--I guess it's a special). I would definitely come back! The service was really good. I had an Asian male server and he was great. I never had to wait around for refills and I never felt that our table was neglected. This place is really upscale on the inside with everything from the presentation, to the glasses, to the table settings/decor, but the prices are NOT upscale. Our bill for 2 was only $22! They also accept the IsleDiscount card for 15% off, which is how I found out about the place. We will definitely be back and hopefully get the same great service and great food.
(5)Koyu W.
Braised rib loco moco. Just get it. It's amazing. Get it with their fried rice too for added flavor. Great coffee, nice cozy atmosphere and super popular on the weekends so be ready to wait 45min to an hour and a half. Worth the wait though!
(5)Jackie C.
Definitely worth the drive and stop. Short rib loco moco is the best I've ever had! Sweet bread french toast is bomb too. Highly recommend!
(5)Heidi P.
I have been wanting to try this cafe for breakfast for awhile now and Sunday I got my chance. This little gem is located a few doors down from Bubbies in Koko Marina Shopping Center. From day one I have always seen a line, Sunday was no different. I wanted to take a friend of mine there to try it out - and Yelp it of course. The first thing that struck me was how small the space was - but how well they had done the decor. It was very modern with clean lines and very inviting - I felt like I was at a upscale beach cafe where the coffee filled the air as you entered the door and the friendly staff and clean dining area just made you want to stay there for awhile. You will forget you were in line anxiously waiting to be next once you sit down and enjoy a cup of their coffee and relax in their space. We tried the Salmon and Crab Benedict. The eggs were done perfectly and light. The Crab was flaky and the salmon was just the right amount of cool next to the warm egg. Both were served on top a nice piece of french toast and just enough hollandaise sauce - I never care for it when things are drowned in a sauce and they did a great job achieving a balance with this dish. Initially we thought it looked a tad small portion wise, but once you bite into each piece you realize it really was the perfect portion! It is a little on the rich side so make sure if you order it you go light on the sides - that way you get every tasty bite without feeling too full! The staff goes out of their way to greet you and are just the right amount of attentiveness. I never felt rushed and truly enjoyed dining there - I would say to anyone who has not gone yet - don't let the line deter you - it will be worth the wait!
(4)Lin T.
This is by far the BEST acai bowl place I have had in Hawaii! The price is a little steep --$9 dollars for one ----but completely worth it on a hot Hawaii summer day! I have been here on another occasion for breakfast---ok food. That is why 4 stars.
(4)Cindy C.
3.5 stars. We came here because it was close to Hanauma Bay. Since we were planning to go snorkeling at 8am, we needed a place that was close for breakfast, so we came here. To be honest, the food was ok. The foods was prettier and fancier compared to Rainbow drive, however it wasn't as tastier. The server was super nice and the place was pretty clean and calm.
(3)Taylor N.
I was skeptical of this place because of the menu's prices, but they proved me wrong. For the quality of food, service and atmosphere, you cannot go wrong. The Banana Chantilly pancakes are literally heaven, and they are huuuuge! When looking at the menu, I thought two pancakes were so little, but one is like the size of two pancakes... My eyes were definitely bigger than my stomach. I can't wait to go back again and try more of the food on their menu!
(5)Celise N.
This morning my husband surprised me with the suggestion to try the Moena Cafe after we finished walking the annual Hawaii Kai Dog Walk. So we dropped off the dogs and the kiddies decided to pass on breakfast and stay home. Alright!! Impromptu breakfast date with the hubby! When we arrived there was a short wait (like 10 min.) as there were only 4 parties in front of us. When you arrive, go in the door and write your name on the list in the front. They serve their coffee like Tango.... made to order off the machine. So the coffee is $2.50 each with one refill. It was awesome! Instead of cream, they bring you steamed milk which was certainly a nice touch. You know your coffee is super fresh, piping hot and will stay that way with the steamed milk. My one minor complaint is that they never offered us a refill. I am used to not having to ask. Hubby ordered the Short Rib Loco Moco. This was two pieces of short ribs over rice, with an over easy egg and beef gravy. My hubby is a rice connoisseur. He will not eat cheap rice and he could tell that they used "good" rice, so this was a plus. The gravy was rich, dark and beefy... very very yummy. The one mistake was that they served him two pieces of really overcooked/dried out short ribs. We brought it to the waitress' attention and she had the chef come by. He took one look at the meat, shook his head and profusely apologized. He immediately brought over another piece with more gravy (YAY!) We appreciated the prompt reaction. Nobody is perfect and the problem was resolved quickly and easily. I ordered the Banana Chantilly Pancakes. This was a WOW choice for me. It was one large piece of light, fresh banana and pancake heaven. I actually do not like coconut and it was covered with toasted coconut. However, this was so good I did not even care and even ate half of the coconut. It was seriously simple but perfect. No sweet syrup or whipped cream was needed. I would definitely come back to eat this. We ordered one of the Cinnamon Bun Pancakes as take out for the kiddies to sample. It was three layered pieces of cinnamon pancakes with a very light film of cream cheese frosting between the layers and on top. It really did taste like a cinnamon bun. Like the Banana Chantilly, the texture was light and perfectly cooked. Overall, we had a delicious breakfast. Due to the small hiccups at this new restaurant, I had to deduct one star. However, I would definitely say this place is worth a return visit!
(4)Nancy R.
This place is just an overall great!!! Great taste, great presentation and great customer service. The coconut syrup is to die for. Definitely a place to try for both locals and tourists.
(5)Murali K.
Very tasty, very filling. The braised short rib loco moco was a sizeable portion, with large chunks of meat. Close to Hanauma Bay, if you want to eat before or after your trip there.
(4)Mary M.
Ordered chicken sandwich with cranberries and almonds. It had too much mayonaise. The bread was good.
(3)Ronny G.
Had a fantastic acai bowl, and my other family members all enjoyed their meals as well which included two Nutella crepes and one egg/sausage& potato bowl. I highly recommend this cafe if you're I. The area and want a great breakfast!
(5)Ashley Y.
BEWEAR: their servers are hungry for money! Although their menu says 18% gratuity on parties of 7+ and bills over $150, servers will still add it to your bill regardless the amount of your bill or people in your party! *keep a look out for that* Anyways, came here this morning about 9 and waited for about 15-20 minutes for a party of 6 to be seated. The place is very small and by the looks at it, it gets pretty busy in the morning (considering its the one of few places to eat that's actually open early there). Ambitious was nice, and so for the decors. They had a variety of breakfasts like omelets, benedicts, etc. But I got to try their veggie omelette with pineapple sausage and short ribs loco moco with fried rice. The food was good. Short ribs was very tender. And our food came out in a timely manner. But when our server, kind of tall male feminine looking, brought out our bill we were charged with 18% gratuity. It states on their menu that it was only for parties of 7+ or bills $150+. We were a party of 6 with our bill being less than $100. Some of our people in our party didn't mind paying for it so we let it slide and brought it to his attention. We also asked him to split our bill, but said he could only separate it twice. Boy you can separate bills however much times you want to, you just choose not to. But if it wasn't for our server screwing our bill than this place would have deserved a 5*
(3)Shauna S.
Two weeks ago someone mentioned Moena Cafe as a breakfast spot we just had to visit. Since then, my hubby and I have been here twice. Translation: I've driven all the way from town to Hawaii Kai two weekends in a row just for breakfast at Moena. And it has been completely worth it. My mouth is in heaven right now as I think about Moena's sweet Strawberry Nutella Crepe topped with whipped cream; their perfectly fluffy Veggie Omelette filled with spinach mushrooms and avocado; the yummy coffee that they brew by the cup; those perfectly cut and roasted Country-Style Potatoes; and the best freaking Eggs Florentine that I've tasted in my life. Call me dramatic, but my mouth and stomach are in love, and you just can't hide a love like that.
(5)Seagem F.
Chef eric and staff rocks this fav li cal eatery in hawaii kai and gets rave reviewa!!! Local farm to table is his concept and he delivers!
(5)Eloisa A.
I'm back in LA yet I still can't stop thinking about their Short Rib Loco Moco. Our server was very friendly and accommodating to our requests, even my 2 year old daughter kept grabbing his attention coz of his charming personality haha. Being tourists in Hawaii my husband and I ordered Loco Moco from every corner of Hawaii we went to just to do comparisons. Moena's take on Loco Moco was far by THE BEST. It was so rich and satisfying to our tastebuds, the meat was so tender and flavor just blended well with their buttery fried rice. *drools* This is one of my most enjoyable and memorable place during my trip in Oahu!
(5)Benhur B.
Being that I could eat breakfast food all day everyday, I like this place. Great to go to after a morning hike at Koko Head Trail. Staff was really friendly. Comfortable interior. Lotsa parking. Good food! I had the Kalbi Fried Rice Loco Moco and it was good. It looks like a huge portion, but you might find yourself chomping away til it's all gone. I can see myself going back when I'm in the area and hungry. Definitely will recommend this place. Especially to breakfast food lovers.
(4)Ryan M.
We decided to drive all the way out to Hawaii Kai to see what all the buzz was about. We choose to come on King Kamehameha day in hopes that it wouldn't be that busy. Considering that most people who work in the private sector jobs have to work. I was so wrong.. When we got there it was packed. We put our names on the waitlist and was hearing from other people that the wait was about a half hour. While waiting, we seen another group go up say that they gave away their table. At first I thought it was because that group maybe just wasn't paying attention until I seen it happen again involving us this time. When I went to the list to check our spot I seen there was one group in front of us with the same amount of people in their group. Sure enough, she calls our group first hahahah! I was going to say something but the other group jumped in fairly quickly. Then another host comes out and calls the group who just went in before us. I had to tell them that they were already seated. So then after all that mess we finally get seated. Once seated we were attended to very quickly. Im guessing because of the line they had to flip tables as fast as they could. I already knew what I wanted prior to being seated. I ordered the short rib loco moco. Presentation was very nice yelp.com/biz_photos/hoTu… The egg was cooked perfectly, the gravy was good. Slightly on the salty side (which is how I actually like mine), and the meat was tender. The dish was very good until I got to the rice. The rice was soggy, which surprised me since that should be the easiest thing not to mess up. I also got to sample my sons French toast and my wifes fried rice. I wasn't too impressed with the fried rice as it lacked a little flavor. In my opinion, you should clearly be able to taste a balance of sweet and salty or even slightly heavy on the either side of the spectro scale. Their fried rice was too weak on both ends. My sons french toast was very good though. It had a crispy top while the inside was very moist. Last but not least we also got to try samples of their Chantilly pancake which was really good. Too bad I got to sample that after my order was already taken. Oh well, next time. The place actually looks pretty nice inside. Modern and Clean. Service was very good once we were seated at our tables. I do think they need to work on their waitlist organization though. Overall, this place was okay but I do feel I will need to give this place another try. Its one of those restaurants where you want to be a fan but will need to go there a few times to truly find out. I will update the next time I go.
(3)Scout G.
Good food. Long wait. 1 hr wait (9am) all while there were open tables available w/ people waiting outside. Not good.
(3)Denalee C.
Moena Cafe reminds me of Cafe Kaila, Cafe Laufer or any of those great breakfast places in Kailua, it's a fantastic place to get breakfast/brunch/lunch. I love the decor! They paid great attention to detail with a modern twist on things like water glasses and salt and pepper shakers. The restaurant is not big, maybe seats 40-ish. Our group was 6 and the workers were very accommodating in finding us a seat even though we came in on a Saturday at 12:15. I loved how the owner hand delivered each meal and his two adorable kids helped out in the restaurant. Did I mention he's handsome? Half our table ordered lunch while the other half ordered breakfast. My entire meal was delicious (MC breakfast) and my fried rice was the best part! Paninis ordered by half the group were also given a great review. The only thing I can foresee some people complaining about is the amount of food. The focus of this restaurant is quality over quantity. The quantity is definitely not tiny but it is definitely not large.
(4)Clay K.
The Mo Egga is awesome! Wheat bread with artichoke and poached egg. Delicious and healthy :)
(5)Leslie A.
My boyfriend and I came here on a Sunday morning, ~1130am. We waited about an hour to be seated at a table. He ordered the eggs benedict and I ordered the short rib loco moco with fried rice. Both dishes were good. I liked my dish better than his, and he liked his dish better than mine --so everyone was happy. Eggs benedict was rich. The short rib was tender, fried rice was flavorful, and it was topped with over easy eggs and gravy. Enough said. Delicious meal. A bit pricey. Be prepared for a long wait.
(4)Kim M.
Moena Café in the Koko Marina Shopping Center is the place to go if you're looking for breakfast after 10am. (As much as I love breakfast, I also love to sleep in sometimes.) Moena Café serves breakfast all the way from opening, 6:30am on weekdays and 7am on weekends, until closing, which is 3pm every day. Lunch starts at 11am, but who really wants lunch... Right? BANANA CHANTILLY PANCAKES yelp.com/biz_photos/hoTu… I don't think I've ever had pancake like this before. I'm not even a banana fan, but I loved this dish. There are a bunch of banana chunks, which give the pancakes some "oomph," and I feel like they go well with the "Chantilly" sauce/syrup. These bad boys are huge enough to share. Really, they are. BTW, this is a special (not on the menu), so you may have to ask for it. FRESH CORNED BEEF HASH - $10.50 yelp.com/biz_photos/hoTu… It's made with fresh corned beef, potatoes, onion, and comes with two eggs done "any style." The corned beef was diced up much smaller that I'm used to, but I liked it. That's not a complaint, more of just an FYI. The flavor was great. No ketchup or Tabasco needed.. In fact, I feel like using any sauce would ruin it. (On the eggs though, that's a different story. I love Tabasco on eggs.) Came with a side of potatoes: yelp.com/biz_photos/hoTu… EGGS BENEDICT - $10.95 yelp.com/biz_photos/hoTu… An incredibly light Hollandaise, but still delicious. I'm a total sauce person and even more of a Hollandaise fiend, so I like my Hollandaise in heavy loads... And even though this Moena Café Hollandaise was way, way light, I would still order the Eggs Bene again. The highlight of the dish seemed to be the Hickory-Smoked Ham, which was packed with flavor. I liked that the ham was a generous, thick cut. Not that flimsy, thin crap that a lot of other restaurants like to sneak in their Benes. PINEAPPLE SAUSAGE - $3.50 yelp.com/biz_photos/hoTu… So not weird. Actually, it's rather tasty. Slightly sweet, but not gross or overpowering. I'd order this again. VERDICT When it really comes down to it, I wish I lived closer to Koko Marina just so I could be near Moena Café. I absolutely love breakfast and they've really impressed me with their food, service, and cleanliness! Reid was our super "on-it" server, but everyone else seemed to be really nice and helpful as well. I am hoping to enjoy breakfast here again this coming weekend! :) Yelp 365 - #318/365
(5)Rick G.
If you are looking for that great breakfast that's different than the normal cookie cutter breakfast. Look no further. We started with a cinnamon roll pancake that I need to go back for. I had the Loco Moco, not hamburger, but braised short ribs, Yum! The coffee is way above the regular generic swill that you find in other spots. Don't want to name names. So go and see if I'm wrong. I love good breakfasts and I like it that they do it with a spin on the old but tired fare. But when you go, be prepared to be treated like family. Yes, like family. I truly do not remember service like that. Go enjoy. Rick
(5)Bryne N.
I went again this morning for breakfast and I ordered the short rib loco moco. The waitress said it was one of their most popular items and I can see why. Short rib loco moco...the short rib was super soft and nice and juicy. I was kind of surprised at how soft the meat was and the brown gravy was tasty. The over easy eggs were perfect too. The combination of all three was perfectly delicious. Coffee...I have to be in the mood for coffee which doesn't come often but at Moena Cafe their coffee has something, I don't know special. i don't know if they put something in it or how they brew the coffee but it's really good. I also like the fact that they don't refill the cup that I'm drinking from, when you want a refill they bring you a fresh cup of coffee. I like that because when I drink coffee I make it just so, and when the waiter/waitress refills the cup it throws off the taste. Moena Cafe is a must visit, good food, good service and nice place. The only thing I would suggest is that when you go there don't sit on the bench seating. The tables are little close so if you are sitting on the bench seats the tables feel really close. Other than that Moena Cafe is a good place to eat breakfast and lunch.
(5)Vanessa K.
Convenient and nice alternative to Zippys if in the Koko Marina area. Not a whole lot of dining choices around Hawaii Kai. Been here numerous times, love the cafe but food is just consistently mediocre...want to love the place but just never impressed. Crepe is doughy and consistently undercooked, bread for sandwiches are straight from Costco, fried rice is kinda mushy, short ribs in Loco Moco are kinda stringy... Eggs Benedicts, omelettes and pancakes are prob the better choices.
(3)Erin F.
I've been wanting to try this place for awhile, but everytime I drove by it was always packed! Well, after hiking Koko Head this morning we took a chance and drove by around 9am...not too bad, we only waited about 10 min for a party of 4...but at about 9:05am there were about 7 parties signed up after us! Soo, go before 9 if you don't wanna wait :P It's a very cute restaurant, the perfect place for a casual Sunday breakfast/brunch in Hawaii Kai...and the servers are all very friendly. I ordered the kalua pork benedict and added spinach. Yumz!!! First time I've had a benedict served on garlic bread, and the kalua pork wasn't too oily or too salty! My brother got the Homemade corned beef hash and eggs and it was really interesting! Fresh diced corned beef and onions and potatoes seasoned perfectly :) We were very happy with everything we ordered and would definitely come back again the next time we're in Hawaii Kai before 9 ;) Especially to try the pancakes with fresh fruit that I saw at the next table that were bigger than my head!
(4)Brandon G.
Great Eggs benedict with Kailua pork. Very clean and awesome fresh fruit. Can be a pleasant routine for weekend breakfast.
(4)Cindy P.
I give five stars for the adorable furnishing/design of the cafe. Although I received bad impressions from the workers. I was respected by one out of the five girls working at the front. I was seated alongside a party of four. My sister ordered a mocha and asked for soy milk, the waitress said that there will be additional charge for soy and my sister agreed. However my sister did not get a soy mocha but a regular mocha and on top of that she is lactose!! I ended up taking her drink and noticed that there were black flakes at the bottom of my cup? My sister felt sick to the point that she wasn't able to eat. Anyway I would say I did enjoy my banana pancakes. It was time to pay and I noticed on my receipt that they charged me $8 for a mocha?? Really?? You caused harm to my sisters health and you charged me almost double the price for a non-soy drink? I didn't say a word, as we silently paid and left. I would not come back because of such experience :(
(2)Jeff S.
That third star is solely for excellent, friendly service. A generous two stars for price, food and value. $40 breakfast after tax & tip. Woohoo! --Sweet bread French toast. $8 A little chincey on the batter but ok. --Fried rice w two egg combo. $8.95 Junk. Tasted like fresh cooked white rice, oil, shoyu, etc mixed in a bowl. Eggs over easy were way over done. See picture. --Petite stack pancakes. $9.95 Yup. 10 dollar pancake. Big one though. Too rubbery for my taste. --Kona coffee. $2.50 w one refill. Really good coffee. Sigh...still no breakfast in HIKai
(3)John D.
Great food! Their MC breakfast with bacon and fried rice is the real deal! I highly recommend the banana chantilly pancakes :-)
(5)Travis T.
After I called with no answer trying to get a take out order, I arrive in the restaurant and they said they aren't doing takeout orders because the kitchen is backed up, but I could easily sit down in the restaurant because they had open seats, and could order my meal? The food is really good at this place but the service curbed my appetite! It wouldn't be so bad if I didn't drive thirty minutes to get to this place only to be turned away, quick fix answer the phone and tell people that you aren't taking phone orders at this exact time, because the staff wasn't that busy there was three people at the register not doing anything.
(3)Evan A.
Yummy! I came right after a hike with my sister in the morning. We were std right away and were ready to order. I've gotten the fried rice both visits. Pretty standard but a good size portion that really fills you up. My sister and I shared the banana chantility pancakes, yum! I'm not a sweet tooth kind of guy, but this was a good balance, especially for a morning treat. -1 star for the lack of coffee given in a cup, only about 1/2 filled. Bummer.
(4)Megan T.
Ugh the food at this place is ridiculously amazing. Their banana Chantilly pancakes are to die for! But when I tried their " special of the day" which was the ahi Benedict, it wasn't that great. I'll definitely go back though, their short rib loco moco and crab Benedict sound really good!
(4)Brien F.
I loved this place! So charming and bright. It is a lovely place for breakfast or brunch. I love the color scheme and decor. Modern and simple. The food was awesome! Great scones. Fried rice was really good and the acai bowl was AMAZING. So good, I want to go again just for that. Service was ok, the waitress was really nice, though didn't seem like she had a lot of experience. It was still good though. Prices are a little high, but worth it. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone. I really enjoyed my time there, and the food!
(5)Penny C.
I was in town visiting my husband who is here on business, and he couldn't wait to take me to the Moena Cafe for breakfast. He keep raving about their thick-sliced bacon. It's got this great maple flavor (but not overpowering) and thick with minimal fat. Delicious! I had the "MC" breakfast - perfect portion sizes and very tasty. My husband had the french toast which he liked but I think he enjoyed the omelet he had on his previous visit more, but he wanted to try something different. Excellent service, very clean establishment. If we're ever in the area again, we would be sure to stop in for breakfast. My only suggestion would be to have larger water glasses or perhaps a small carafe of water on the table.
(4)Julie O.
Went to Moena Cafe on Saturday morning (6/02/12). Absolutely loved this place! Ambiance was great, service and food was excellent! We arrived around 9 am and were happy to be seated right away by a friendly waitrds/hostess. I was afraid we would have to wait a while like Cafe Kaila on a Saturday but we did not. Big plus! We ordered coffee, which was excellent by the way since each cup is fresh brewed. I usually will put cream and sugar in my coffee, but it was so good, I didn't need to. I did however use some of the fresh steamed milk since my husband said it was really good in the coffee. He was right! I ordered the breakfast sandwich, my husband ordered the Eggs Benedict. To be honest, I thought the breakfast sandwich should've had a small piece of fruit or something to go with it but it more than made up for it with the taste. I thought I would still be hungry after the sandwich and be able to try a dessert or get one pancake, but no such luck. It was very satisfying and you don't feel like you need a wheel barrel to roll you out of there. My husband's meal was plated so beautifully that it was almost a shame to mess it up and eat it. We had to take a picture of it! The hollandaise sauce was so good, yep I took a scoop and drizzled it on my sandwich...absolutely loved it! He said that the eggs were cooked perfectly and the thick piece of ham made the meal! Overall, we were very pleased. We will definitely be going back! Oh yeah and the 15% off with the iDcard is an added bonus. I'll be recommending this place to everyone. Try it, you won't be disappointed!
(5)Brittney W.
Great breakfast food! The staff is super friendly and the food is delicious. I recommend the cinnamon or banana chantilly pancakes!
(5)Kimo A.
We arrived at 8:30 am for breakfast and were able to get tables for our party of 12. The hostesses were very accommodating and friendly. Because most of us ordered different things, I was able to steal food off of my friends' plates and sample a lot of dishes. I was impressed with the way Moena Cafe accommodated our large group. The restaurant is small and dedicating those amount of seats to our group meant that they had to wait until the tables were cleared. I appreciated this as we had family visiting from California. Moena Cafe was on their wishlist. All of our meals arrived at the same time with the exception of one dish. This was totally understandable as it is difficult to get all the food out for 12 people at the same time. More, the owner came out from the kitchen and offered a scone to us as he apologized for this. This is an owner who wanted us to come back. Most of the food was delicious. The eggs were light and fluffy and the crepes and pancakes were light and airy. The bacon was crispy. The only thing that marred our experience was my dish. I ordered the short rib loco moco. When it arrived it looked beautiful. However, the short ribs were tender but bland. And, the rice was mushy. I did not return the food because everything else was so wonderful that I did not want to mar the experience. I figure that it was a small oversight because every single one of the other 11 dishes was delicious. I plan on going back again. I just have to remember to get there early because by the time that we got out about 10 am, the list was 8 parties deep.
(4)Patty W.
We stopped by a few days ago for breakfast after hiking up Diamondhead. We ordered Hawaiian hash and the Hawaiian omelet. Both were great! The Hawaiian hash is made with sweet sausage which gives the dish a unique twist. Portions are large per Hawaiian custom. The Hawaiian hash could definitely be shared and just order a separate order of eggs. Looked like a lot of locals eat here... Always a good sign! Super friendly staff.
(5)Brad K.
Excellent view, friendly people , great food, warm atmosphere, what else can I say? A great spot to bring your friends to catch up on the gossips. Plenty of parking too so you won't have to drive around for hours looking for parking.
(5)Jen F.
This is some of the best breakfast/brunch food I've ever had! The restaurant is so cute inside & really clean. Their menu is great, with a full coffee bar, lots of egg selections, and you especially can't go wrong with the waffles or pancakes. The fresh fruit on some of the meals is so tasty - a great way to get fresh berries. And the best part is, it is so reasonably priced compared to so many restaurants nearby. Love Moena Cafe!
(5)Simone B.
I love this place! Everything I tried has been amazing. From the sweet bread french toast to the fried rice. Amazing. Only downside is that small space which can lead to a long wait time.
(4)Ericka M.
AWESOME SERVICE, NICE ATMOSPHERE, CORN BEEF HASH Oooowee the corn beef hash and the chantily pancakes are so yummers! The corn beef hash is home made and very tasty. The chantily pancakes are something new and I enjoy it. I have to say its the sauce that really makes the pancakes because the the pancakes alone are just mediocore. The coffee is good and the customer service is always on point. The ladies there are so friendly to all their customers and I appreciate that. The decor is also very nice and simple yet clean and I love that. Very welcoming, nice lighting, lots of white, lol come to think about it I probably wouldnt bring my kids here, however I would come here for a nice breakfast or brunch with my mister or a girlfriend. I wasnt gonna say this as not to cause drama but I think the short rib is overrated to say the least. I ordered it and left really disappointed especially with the price I paid. The meat was very very dry, in fact I am pretty sure it wasnt cooked that morning (I came in at opening) and that it was microwaved or warmed up, the meat was hard and rubbery and had no taste. So sad :( I would not suggest that for anyone. Overall I do enjoy this place and will go back to try more things.
(4)Jenny M.
I love brunch!! This is the reason why I decided to drive 20 minutes to Hawaii Kai to get some. Very quaint decor which me likey. Food was ok. Not great but not horrible either. Coffee was brewed to order which was fantastic. Corned beef hash - if I see it in the menu I order it. Their's wasn't my fave though. Just my preference though. Eggs benedict - damn good benny! Served on toasted French bread and thick cut ham. Cinnamon roll pancake - freaking huge! 'Twas fine. Flavors were tasty but not as fluffy as I'd like. Attentive and friendly service. Glad I got to try Moena out but I'll stay in town for brunch next time.
(3)Grace M.
Hidden away cute spot in Koko marina next to Zippys; if you're like me, that's the easiest way to differentiate places in Hawaii Kai. Very cute and interior designs that gives it a comfortable setting. The food is definitely worth going for! Hash browns with the home fries are actually really yumm and must get the Acai bowl!
(4)Jenn W.
The food is really tasty here and the decor is refreshing and clean. It's a great place to go when you're just too lazy to cook breakfast at home. I'm a fan of their fried rice though this past time I went, it was too salty. Their coffee is excellent. Expect to wait a bit on the weekends and be seated really close to another party. Probably not ideal if you have more than 4 people.
(4)Randy L.
Kept hearing about the Braised Short Rib Loco Moco from friends. Well, the dish was very good/ono-The meat was nice and tender, cooked to perfection. They have very nice but small spot in the Koko Marina S.C. and the service was great. The reason for three stars was the price $$$$ and a small portion. To pay 18$ for any Loco Moco is steep except maybe a Filet Mignon or Kobe Burger. Like I said earlier, it was very tasty and delicious but 18$ come on. At that price, I was expecting a lot bigger portion than what was served. Only two small pieces of Braised Short Rib with two eggs over a small bed of fried rice. This is the kind of price and portion you can expect at a 5-Star Hotel not a restaurant. Sorry to say but at those kinds of prices it will be my last time there unless someone else pays :).
(3)Jean W.
We are here on vacation and absolute LOVE this place! Great service & great food. My boys have asked to come back during our stay. We ordered: Ahi tuna eggs benedict, ahi tuna loco moco, blueberry crepes & banana chantilly pancakes. The coffee is superb also!
(5)Jen R.
I like this place a lot of breakfast
(5)Mike M.
This place is the top breakfast spot for my wife and I. It's not the cheapest, but I you want quality and cleanliness, the is the place. My wife and I always get the short rib loco moco with, side of corned beef hash, and banana pancakes with extra warm chantilly sauce. And as always with all breakfast places, I get a side of Hollandaise which really gauges a legit breakfast spot. The short rib moco is my wife's plate. It comes with two good sized chunks of tender short rib, two eggs, on top of a huge mount of rice and topped with a nice brown gravy (not too runny and not to thick). I get a side of the corned need hash which is only $6 and is plenty since I take half the rice and one egg from wife. The corned beef is home made and cut into small cubes and melts in your mouth. Not that canned dog food stuff you normally see. The hash is fresh cubes potatoes and not too greasy. No need for ketchup on this dish. The Hollandaise here makes this place legit. You could tell it's not a powdered mix and made with whole egg yolks. It goes good with anything. And last, sitting in the middle of the table are the pancakes. Nice big size and light and fluffy. There is no need for butter since the sauce is nice and creamy, not too sweet. They sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top which is nice. Always ask for extra sauce, we usually get 3 extra! Been to all the brunch places in Kailua and this place tops all of them. Go early, all the tourist come here after Koko head and Hanauma bay around 10-11ish.
(5)Lianna R.
The service was bad, we waited for the server to refill our waters for 20mins before having to ask & asked 3 more times after drinking our waters. Crab benidict was blan with very little hollidise sauce plus cold. The short rib loco moco was very good on the other hand.
(2)Jenna L.
Love this place. Oh my gosh I cannot describe how good the food is. I have been here three times or more and will continue coming back. My absolute favorite is the braised short rib loco moco. I literally dream of this dish. The meet falls apart and melts in your month, the fried rice is perfect, the gravy the put on top is awesome, and to top it off there is a perfectly poached egg. My friend has had the eggs benedict and loved it. We have also split the banana chantilly pancakes. Oh my gosh...so good too. We couldn't finish all of the pancakes so our waitress boxed it with extra sauce and toppings. so nice. This place is simply the best. It is my go to brunch place. love love love. Please do yourself a favor and go here. You will leave with a happy and full belly. yummmm. Be sure to get there early or be prepared to wait a little. The food is so awesome so it is a happening place!
(5)Tracy K.
Fresh. Delicious. Consistent. Moena Cafe is my favorite restaurant in the Koko Marina Shopping Center! Chef Eric Chang and his lovely wife opened their restaurant in July 2012 and have whipped out consistently delicious dishes. Chef Eric was once the Head Dinner Chef at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider. The quality is obvious the second you take your first bite. The food is amazing! Every dish is satisfying; salads that please the most particular vegan, all the way to men with big appetites feeling satiated with the short ribs. My first experience started with a friendly greeting from the hostess during their opening month. The place is pretty tiny, accommodating approximately 20-25 pp max. We were swiftly seated and I tried their yummy Mango Peach Iced Tea (highly recommend!). I ordered the Traditional Eggs Benedict...YUM!!! I was so impressed, I brought back my boyfriend, best friend, and boss within the month. We all agreed that the food is cooked perfectly, prices are fair, and the staff are adequately trained. It can get pricey if you keep coming on your lunch hour, but worth it if you are on a first date or catching up with old friends. My fave is the Traditional Eggs Benedict. Chef Eric likes the Salmon Benedict which is really good too. The Fresh Corned Beef Hash, Fried Rice, Short Rib Loco Moco, Nova Scotia omelette (salmon, onions, cheese, tomatoes), Belgian Waffles, Chicken Cranberry salad, and acai bowl are also delicious! Parking is ample, great for small showers, ok for children, casual clean atmosphere, will def return!
(5)Dyan M.
Hiked koko head and then found this little place--So delicious! Got a cinnamon roll pancake for the table and ordered a moegga. Everyone I was with enjoyed what they ordered and service was great. Will be returning for sure!
(5)Jana M.
Ate here twice in the last few weeks and both times were fantastic. Delicious, fresh food and very quick, friendly service. You'd be surprised to find such a nice sit-down brunch in koko marina strip mall, but once you're in there it feels cozy and nice. I got the eggs Benedict, which was not too big but very delicious. I was also happy the fruit was fresh, not frozen. Also tried the pancakes and French toast and bacon when we went back, all yummy! My friend got the goat cheese and beet salad and she loved it!
(5)Dawn G.
This is a little gem in koko marina shopping center. High quality food, good service and cute atmosphere. Banana chantilly pancake - very good. Reminds me of Lilliana bakery chantilly! :) Home made corned beef hash - tasty and chunky. Crab Benedict - better than average. It was on a slice of garlic bread rather than English muffin They also have a nice variety of coffees. My latte had lots of foam just how I like it. I will definately be back
(5)Christopher D.
Pricey, but totally worth it! The crab Benedict is awesome. Skip Zippys next door and treat yourself to a decent breakfast served by nice staff in a clean, bright restaurant. I've been coming here since they opened and tried everything (almost) on the menu. Never had a bad meal or experience. The sweet bread french toast, waffles, omelette and crepes are all so good. Haven't tried lunch since I just eat breakfast and dinner only...plus they close at 3:00, so no dinner. It's nice to see a Hawaii Kai restaurant doing something right and serving very good food.
(4)Cristian O.
Truly a must-stop for everyone who loves to start the day off with a delicious breakfast. Everything that I ordered was amazing. I recommend getting the eggs benedict accompanied by banana pancakes. Don't be fooled by the small stack (1x pancake) as it is a big portion. It is definitely a place I will go everytime I'm at the Island.
(5)Victoria T.
I feel as if this breakfast place is underrated. Came here to eat w| my friends after finishing a hike and we were stoked to try something new. All of us had a good experience (friendly staff who constantly refill your water and check up on you). You could tell they put in effort to make the food presentable. Their pancakes are delicious- i recommend their banana chantilly pancakes and sausage omelette!
(4)Melissa L.
Most likely will pass this place on our next journey around the island. Originally wanted to try Sweet E's but there was no parking in sight. My parents spoke very highly of this place and so we decided to check it out. The wait time was inaccurate,said 15mins and that turned into 30mins..k..awkwardly sat at the table for 10mins before our spaced out server came and graced us with his presence. Took our drink and food orders then delivered our waters and iced coffees 5mins later. oh please,take your time,we were just shriveling outside in the hot humid weather. Food came out 30mins later and he never checked on us once, he just stood by the counter like a douche. Now,Moena is a small place..you don't need to look far to see if your table needs something.our server was so lame but the food was amazing! Eggs benedict for the both of us and we shared the cinnamon roll pancake..delish! Sat with dirty empty plates in front of us for 10mins when he ask if we we're finished (insert blank stare) omfg give us the check!!!ran our card and then thanked my husband by his first name.wtf ? You don't know him and its not like you provided outstanding service where you could ask friendly towards us at the end. First time in all the years living on gods green earth,I tipped someone below 10%.
(1)Seth B.
Unassuming location with incredible food. I had the banana chantilly pancakes, and it was the best pancakes I have ever had.
(5)