Best Breakfast Spots in Ko Olina (For After Your Sunrise Photo Session)
I often get asked, "Where should we eat after our sunrise photo session?" Ko Olina has some really great options, so I put together my go-to list.
But first, an important note...
Please Feed Your Kids BEFORE the Session
I know it's tempting to save breakfast as a "reward" for after photos, but trust me on this one — a hungry kid at 6:30am does not make for happy photos. Cranky, hangry toddlers and grumpy teens are tough to work with, and no amount of editing fixes that look. 😅
So feed kiddos a solid breakfast before we meet up. Then treat breakfast out later as the fun bonus snack afterward .. something to look forward to once the session is done (I mean, if one breakfast is good, two is great, amirite? 😉 )
Okay, now onto the good stuff.
Breakfast Spots IN Ko Olina
Eggs 'n Things
Portions here are huge, so plan on leftovers. When my family eats here, we always have some to take home. My kids are obsessed with the pancakes piled sky-high with whipped cream, and if you're gluten free like me, the omelettes and the corned beef hash with eggs and rice are a solid go-to. (just double-check if the omelette eggs are gluten-free when you go because I don’t want them to have changed their recipe since this writing.)
Island Country Market (aka the ABC Store)
This place is super convenient and has a little bit of everything. The deli has breakfast sandwiches they’ll warm for you, plus acai bowls, coffee, and boba. The hot food/kitchen area has made-to-order plates, too. Or, if you're in a rush, they have many grab-and-go options like a breakfast musubi or, my favorite: a scrambled egg, rice, and ham bowl.
Starbucks
Exactly what you'd expect from Starbucks, plus a fun bonus: they carry Hawaii-themed mugs and merch if you're looking for a little souvenir.
Four Seasons Cafe
Even if you're not a hotel guest, you can walk right into the Four Seasons lobby. Just off to the left is a little cafe and outdoor seating with gorgeous views over the pool and Lagoon. They've got coffee and tea, parfaits, muffins, and small breakfast sandwiches. A great spot if you want something quick but super relaxing and pretty.
(And of course, if you're staying at Aulani or the Marriott, both have their own breakfast options on-site!)
Just Outside Ko Olina
Island Vintage Coffee (Kapolei Commons)
Worth the short drive! This place is fantastic and very popular, so be ready to wait in line to order. But the food is incredible: gorgeous acai bowls, and really solid breakfast and lunch dishes. Highly recommend if you have a little extra time.
Quick recap: feed the kids before our session, then treat the whole family after. Whether it's whipped-cream-piled pancakes, an acai bowl, or a quick musubi on the go, there are lots of good options nearby. One last tip: if you think you'll want to sit down and eat right after, pack a change of clothes. We often end sessions with everyone splashing in the water’s edge, so you may be wetter than expected by breakfast time!