Feast your eyes on this

IHOP Kuhio general manager Darlene Balcita and director of marketing Debra Espino

It might be known as the International House of Pancakes, but IHOP Hawaii locations are a step above the rest.

“We seamlessly give service with aloha because it is so deeply ingrained in the culture,” says director of marketing Debra Espino.

Recently, in fact, that aloha spirit was on full display when a couple of guests went out of their way to applaud the service they received.

“(They) demanded my attention be directed to one of our servers, Essence, an amazing woman I consider my own ‘auntie,’ who had made their meal with us so warm, intimate and personal — and that she deserves a raise,” says Espino with a laugh.

“It’s the people here that make IHOP Hawaii stand out,” she continues. “Our crew is nothing less than magical.”

Cowboy BBQ Burger with Onion Rings ($13.79)

It’s evident that service at any IHOP Hawaii location is impeccable, and just as phenomenal are the items that grace the menu.

During the most important meal of the day — or whenever a craving for something sweet hits — head down to IHOP locations at Kuhio, Airport or Hilo for some classic breakfast faves with tasty twists.

Fans of fresh berries will enjoy the delicious Double Blueberry Pancakes ($13.79), in which four fluffy blueberry-filled pancakes are taken to the next level with an accompanying blueberry compote.

Richer tones shine in the four-stack New York Cheesecake Pancakes ($13.79) that are filled with cheesecake bites and topped with glazed strawberries. It’s dessert for breakfast, and who doesn’t love that?

Big Steak Omelette ($17.99)

A fantastic Stuffed French Toast ($14.29) features two cinnamon-raisin triangles with sweet cream filling. The wedges are topped with your choice of a strawberry-vanilla cream drizzle or glazed strawberries.

Those seeking something a little more savory can opt for the Big Steak Omelette ($17.99) that comes with steak, hash browns, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes and cheddar, all enveloped in fluffy eggs. This substantial serving comes with salsa and three buttermilk pancakes (or your choice of hash browns or toast).

Hawaiian Fried Rice, meanwhile, is part of the Ohana Meal Pack ($39.99; $75 original value), and highlighted in the local-style starch are pieces of Spam and Portuguese sausage. The Ohana Meal Pack feeds four to five people, and also comes with 16 meats (bacon, SPAM, Portuguese sausage, American-style sausage links), eggs in any style, eight pancakes or French toast pieces, and four drinks (coffee, tea or soda).

There’s also a Crepes & Cakes BreakFEAST ($17.99) — the best of both flavor worlds — that comes with two crepes topped with glazed strawberries and vanilla cream drizzle, as well as two buttermilk pancakes, two strips of hickory-smoked bacon, two pork sausage links, two pieces of thick-cut ham, two eggs any way and hash browns.

While the aforementioned individual selections can be shared (although, we completely understand if you don’t want to), IHOP also offers family meals for takeout and delivery. These spreads serve four people, and guests can choose from a Breakfast Pack (pancakes, French toast bacon, eggs, hash browns) or the Steakburgers & Chicken Sandwiches Pack.

Whether dining in or taking out, you can rest assured that IHOP is abiding by all safety guidelines set forth by city, state and federal governments. Guests can also look forward to the friendly faces of IHOP team members who go above and beyond for every customer. In fact, it’s Espino’s favorite part about being part of the IHOP team.

“(I love) the warm work environment and get-it-done team dynamic where we all give each day 300 percent,” she adds.