Can you feel the love at Wailana?

As the ever-inspirational Mahatma Gandhi once shared, “Where there is love, there is life.” Sometimes we need a little reminder to turn on our “love receptors” and actually tune in to the endless manifestations of love that surround us every day. And if ever our sentimental signals are down, we always can count on Valentine’s Day to spark a celebration of that fuzzy feeling in all of us.

It may seem a bit early to start planning for the heart-filled holiday, but with Feb. 14 quickly approaching, there couldn’t be a better time to start salivating over Wailana Coffee House’s Happy Valentine’s Day menu.

Wailana has been dishing out love in the form of treasured American diner fare, accented with a distinct island twist, since opening in 1969. In addition to its reputation for unbeatable comfort food, the Waikiki mainstay has long been known for its festive holiday menus offered throughout the year.

Longtime server Sylvia Noneza says the Valentine’s Day menu in particular never fails to bring back the countless regulars who have made it one of their traditions. “Customers always call to see what we have on special for Valentine’s Day. They really love the recipes, so the same people always come back,” she says.

The special menu will boast complete dinners available from 11 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, Feb. 14. Patrons may choose from three glorious entrees, and the selection kicks off with gourmet Prime Rib ($17.50), served with au jus and zingy horseradish cream to dress up a boneless, moist and tender slab of the “king of all roasts.”

Lovebirds also will enjoy Seafood Continental ($14.50), which heats up with a delectable trio of shrimp, scallops and mahi mahi sauteed and gently simmered in a luscious, creamy sauce and finished with a splash of sherry.

Last, but not least, sparks will fly with one bite of Sweetheart Chicken ($14.25). The impressive plate hosts half of a buttery, roasted chicken resting on an oh-so-comforting macadamia nut stuffing and topped with white wine sauce, fresh mushrooms and tomatoes.

All of Wailana’s Valentine’s Day specials include access to the fresh salad bar, a choice of baked or mashed potatoes, french fries or rice, as well as corn on the cob and a choice of coffee, tea or a soft drink. The meal will end with a romantic Strawberry Short Cake, complete with a swirl of whipped topping. House wines, priced at $4.50 per glass and $7.50 for half of a carafe, also will be available.

The 24-hour diner is perhaps best known for its classic breakfast items served ‘round the clock. Thus, the Valentine’s Day menu wouldn’t be complete without Cupid’s Breakfast ($9.50; available from 6 a.m.), in which two eggs, two strips of bacon and coffee or tea have been struck with an arrow of love. To top it all off, Cupid’s Breakfast shines with two marvelously plump and fluffy clouds of Portuguese sweet bread filled with sinfully sweet orange marmalade and dipped in egg batter.

Wailana Coffee House

1860 Ala Moana Blvd., Waikiki
955-1764
Open 24 hours daily, except Tuesday, when the restaurant closes at 9:30 p.m. and reopens Wednesday at 6 a.m.