Enjoy breakfast and the beach

Açai Bowl ($13)

To hear Drew Crocker, general manager at Hula Grill Waikiki, describe it, mornings at the beachfront restaurant are positively dreamy. Who wouldn’t want to start their day watching the sun paint the sky as it rises, before Waikiki’s bustle takes over the beach, and glimpsing dawn patrollers catching the best that the South swell has to offer that day?

Hula Grill Waikiki makes the ideal accompaniment to this daybreak scene. Located off the upper lobby of Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, it offers a welcoming atmosphere alongside some stunning views and a chef-driven menu that’s filled with local ingredients.

Strawberry Mochi Waffle ($17)

Breakfast hours are 7-11 a.m. Monday-Friday, and weekend and holiday brunches are 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

The menu is varied and filled with favorites. According to Crocker, tops on the list are savories such as the Loco Moco ($23), Lump Crab and Spinach Bao Bun Benedict ($21), and Kahuna Burrito ($17.50).

Loco Moco ($23)

On the sweeter side, there’s the Strawberry Mochi Waffle ($17), Açai Bowl ($13) and Banana Mac Pancakes ($16).

Hula Grill Waikiki prides itself in its ability to incorporate local, fresh ingredients in its dishes that offer unique takes on island favorites.

With the Loco Moco, two Ka Lei Eggs are set atop pork fried rice, braised short rib, kalua pork and Portuguese sausage. A shiitake mushroom gravy completes the dish. The Kahuna Burrito comprises three Ka Lei Eggs, Kukui Sausage Co. chorizo, bacon, jack and cheddar cheeses, avocado, chipotle cream and salsa. Ka Lei Eggs are also featured in the aforementioned benedict that showcases butter-poached jumbo lump crab, spinach and jade pesto hollandaise.

Mimosa flight with Lokelani Sparkling Rosé  ($54/bottle)

It’s Aloun Farms’ bananas and Hamakua mac nuts turn to shine with the Banana Mac Pancakes. They’re paired with whipped mascarpone. The Strawberry Mochi Waffle features Maui-grown strawberries, Manoa Honey and whipped mascarpone. On the lighter side, but no less decadent, there’s the Açai Bowl made with fresh banana, coconut, berries, Manoa Honey and housemade mac-nut granola.

To complete your idyllic breakfast, opt for the must-try mimosa flight.

“Buy any bottle of sparkling wine of your choice and receive a mix of fresh local juices, including guava, orange, pineapple and PPOG (pineapple, passion, orange and guava),” Crocker explains.

So, the next time you’re looking to recharge, head to Hula Grill Waikiki.

“Its location on Queen’s land in the heart of Waikiki, overlooking the birthplace of surfing, with great hospitality, food and the morning calm. Make it the perfect way to start the day,” he states.