Last Friday marked the highly anticipated re-opening of Wailana Coffee House. This Waikiki eatery’s interior space underwent a major renovation for nearly three weeks. In addition to new carpeting and countertops, the restaurant’s new inventory of kitchen appliances are sure to significantly assist in preparing a wide array of local, comfort food.
“Having been in business for almost five decades, the restaurant experienced a lot of wear-and-tear over the years,” says Kenton Tom, the family-run eatery’s general manager. “While we wanted to maintain Wailana’s familiar, diner-like aesthetic and charm, we also wanted to spruce things up to ensure it could run for another 50 years.”
Wailana’s menu brings together both traditional favorites, as well as some seasonal fare. Customers praise Eggs Benedict ($10.35), made with smoked ham, turkey breast and homemade Hollandaise sauce.
And fans of fresh seafood love the restaurant’s Scampi-style Mahimahi ($11.75), a popular Wailana Coffee House “catch of the day” special served with choice of potato or rice, along with soup, salad or fruit cup.
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- Eggs Benedict ($10.35)
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- Wailana’s re-carpeted dining area
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- Broasted Chicken ($11.50)
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- Scampi-style Mahimahi ($11.75)
“Similar to a lot of our menu items, the mahimahi offers a tiny glimpse into how we tailor our dishes to what is in season,” explains Tom. “From the vegetables we cook with, to the cuts of meat we offer, it is all about utilizing ingredients when they are at their best, to maximize flavor.”
Perhaps one of the restaurant’s most beloved dishes is Broasted Chicken ($11.50), which comes with four fresh, tender pieces of deep-fried chicken cooked to a golden crunch, and served with french fries and coleslaw.
“Broasted Chicken probably is one of our most popular items,” says Tom. “We cook the chicken after putting on a good dry rub of homemade seasoning.”
In addition to the eatery’s regular menu items, Wailana encourages diners to inquire about daily specials, which frequently rotate based on available ingredients.
Located just outside the main hustle and bustle of Waikiki, Wailana offers all the benefits of a world-class culinary hangout without the hassle of congested roadways and inconvenient parking arrangements.
“In addition to a lot of tourists who frequent the area, it’s not uncommon for locals to stop by for coffee and breakfast early in the morning,” says Tom. “Some of our customers have been coming here since the 1970s.”
Validating parking is available below the restaurant.
Wailana Coffee House
1860 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu
955-1764
Open daily, 24 hours (closed from 9:30 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday)
Honolulu, HI 96815
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