KOA Pancake House

Rating: All-Star

We stopped at KOA Pancake House near the Honolulu airport (HNL) for a family breakfast, and it hit the spot perfectly. This place is old-school local, with friendly service, hearty plates, and the kind of comfort food that feels like home.

We brought Grandma along, and the staff took great care of her—her hot chocolate came piled high with whipped cream, which set the tone right away. For the kids, I ordered a short stack of chocolate chip pancakes. “Short” is a bit misleading—these are giant, fluffy pancakes, packed with chips, and one order was easily enough to split between both kids (and still have some left over). Portions here are huge, so come hungry or ready to share.

The vibe is simple and unpretentious, the kind of spot you can imagine generations of locals and travelers enjoying before catching a flight or starting their day. It’s the opposite of trendy—and that’s exactly what makes it great.

If you want a no-frills, family-friendly breakfast with generous portions and warm, local hospitality, KOA Pancake House is a winner.