Located along Ala Moana Boulevard across the street from Hilton Hawaiian Village, Wailana Coffee House stands out with its familiar facade. Better known as “Waikiki’s family restaurant,” the eatery has remained on the very same corner since 1970.
“In 1954, (prior to opening Wailana) my father and his company bought this piece of land and, at the time, there was no road, just a coral path,” explains general manager Kenton Tom.
Tom fondly remembers a time when Wailana Coffee House indeed had an ocean view and people were surprised his father owned property in an undeveloped area that had yet to become the central hub for Honolulu’s tourists that it is today.
“As the city changed, we built this condominium (located above Wailana), so we run the restaurant and condos above us,” he says. “My father’s idea was to bring a very nice coffee house to Honolulu and to cater to local families and tourists.”
This Easter, make your way to Wailana Coffee House and indulge in one of its Easter dinner options. With three choices — Roast Prime Rib of Beef ($17.95), Seafood Continental ($14.95) or Roast Turkey with Smoked Ham ($14.95) — you’re guaranteed to leave full and satisfied.
The prime rib is served with au jus and zesty horse-radish, while Seafood Continental comes with shrimp, scallops and mahi mahi, each gently simmered in a supreme creamy sauce and finished with a splash of sherry. And perfect for the holiday is Roast Turkey with Smoked Ham, served on macadamia nut stuffing, slathered with old-fashioned giblet gravy and topped with a grilled pineapple ring and cranberry sauce.
Each dinner includes an all-you-can-eat salad bar; choice of baked or mashed potato, french fries or steamed rice; corn on the cob; coconut cake for dessert; and coffee, tea or a soft drink.
Wailana is known for serving breakfast all day, every day, not to mention offering stellar deals on its keiki menu. With so many options on the menu — from Wailana’s Patty Melt or Club Sandwich, to Loco Moco or Kimchee Fried Rice — Tom is proud to say that he has a lot of regular customers, some of whom even come in to eat every day.
“I think it’s definitely our diverse menu (that draws them in),” he says. “We have a lot of local foods and standard mainland foods.”
Wailana Coffee House
1860 Ala Moana Blvd., Waikiki
955-1764
Open 24 hours daily (except when the restaurant closes from 9:30 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday)
Validated parking available; parking entrance on Ena Road
Honolulu, HI 96815
See more articles from: Wailana Coffee House