Koko Head Cafe
6.5Friend Score / 10#8 of 20 Cafés & Coffee in Honolulu
Known forCornflake French ToastBreakfast BibimbapDumplings All Day WongKoko Moco
Chef Lee Anne Wong's island-style brunch spot in Kaimuki, beloved for cornflake French toast and the breakfast bibimbap-style 'dumplings all day.' Brunch daily until 2pm (from 7am Fri-Sun, 8am otherwise), plus dinner Friday-Monday. Weekend waits get real — go on a weekday or put your name in early.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon–Thu 08:00–14:00 Fri–Sun 07:00–14:00 Fri–Mon 17:00–21:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | TheBus routes 1 and 9 along Waialae Ave, short walk up 12th Ave; about 20 minutes from Waikiki |
| Time needed | 1-1.5 hours plus possible wait |
| Best time to go | Weekday right at opening; weekends before 8am |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
6.5/10- Value7.5
- iconic7.0
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level5.5
- Authenticity8.0
- Accessibility7.5
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the wait at Koko Head Cafe?
- Weekend brunch can run 30-60 minutes at peak mid-morning. Weekdays are far calmer, and they take reservations now, which the old location never did — book ahead if your dates are fixed.
- Is Koko Head Cafe near Koko Head crater?
- No — common mix-up. The cafe is in Kaimuki, a neighborhood about 20 minutes' drive from the actual Koko Head stairs in Hawaii Kai. Don't plan to roll straight off the hike into a table without a drive.
- What's the must-order at Koko Head Cafe?
- The cornflake French toast with frosted-flake gelato is the famous one, and the breakfast congee and 'dumplings all day' are the sleeper hits. If you want savory, the koko moco is their elevated take on a loco moco.
- Is Koko Head Cafe worth leaving Waikiki for?
- Yes — it's one of the best brunches on the island, and Kaimuki is a great eating neighborhood to poke around afterward. It's a quick bus or rideshare hop, closer than most visitors think.
- Is parking easy at Koko Head Cafe?
- Kaimuki street parking is tight but doable — try 12th Ave and the municipal lots off Waialae. Give yourself an extra 10 minutes on weekends rather than circling in a hangry state.
- Does Koko Head Cafe take reservations?
- Yes, through OpenTable, which is a big upgrade from the walk-in-only days. Weekend brunch slots go fast, so book a few days out. Walk-ins still work fine on weekdays.
- Is Koko Head Cafe expensive?
- Moderate — most brunch plates land in the $16-25 range. Portions are generous and the cooking is a real chef's, so it's fair value for a special brunch rather than an everyday cheap eat.
- What are Koko Head Cafe's hours?
- Brunch runs 8am-2pm Monday-Thursday and 7am-2pm Friday-Sunday. They also serve dinner Friday through Monday, 5-9pm. Double-check before a dinner trip since brunch is still the main event.
Nearby in Ask Honolulu
- Mud Hen WaterRestaurant0.12 km · 1 min walk
- Brue BarCafé0.13 km · 2 min walk
- Daily Whisk MatchaCafé0.23 km · 3 min walk
- KaimukiNeighborhood0.28 km · 3 min walk
- Talk KaimukiCafé0.3 km · 4 min walk
Where to stay near Koko Head Cafe
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