Hi, (and thank you Paula)
We're off to Hawaii Feb. 5th and was wondering about cafes or good breakfast restaurants out from the hotels but close by. The hotels are quite expensive and the buffets are overkill. In Oahu we're staying at the Marriot, Waikiki, BI the Marriott Waikoloa and Maui, the Westin, Lahaina. If anyone has had experience with these hotels for breakfast I'd sure appreciate your input. Sometimes convenience is worth the extra cost as there are 3 of us. TIA.s Paula.

Hi travelprincess, breakfast buffet at Dukes on Waikiki is a great way to start the day..from what I remember about $10 on weekdays and it's right on Waikiki Beach. Not sure where you're hotel is in relation, but the Gazebo at Napili Shores in Maui has the best prices and some of the tastiest mac-nut pancakes. Since it sits on the coast..gorgeous views too. Get there when it opens because there's always a wait. Also, some of our favorite breakfasts were just having muffins, fruit & coffee, on our hotel lanai watching the pacific.

Sorry am not familiar with your hotel locations, but...

In Lahaina along Front Street in the main part of town there're many places to get a nice smaller breakfast. Side order of pancakes or a fruit stuffed papaya - Pioneer Inn, Cheeseburger in Paradise, etc.

In Waikiki I've found lighter breakfasts at the local bakery (scrambled eggs and toast) or fruit stand/store (cut-up bowls to-go) both around $3.50.

Waikiki: breakfast buffet at Duke's is great!

Big Island: We stayed at the Marriott there, too, and really enjoy it. It wasn't super luxurious, but it was a nice, fun resort. The Big Island steakhouse is across the way, and had great breakfast omelets.

Maui: Charley's in Paia was the best breakfast we had in Hawaii! Awesome french toast with coconut syrup.

We stayed at the Marriott Waikoloa Dec04 and had breakfast included in our room rate... it was an excellent buffet and included delicious pastries which by day 4 I forced myself to resist! The fresh fruit included papaya and pineapple, it had all the usual stuff like bacon, omlet station etc and there was also an interesting Japanese section which included mahi mahi (I did try it and it was good but not my ususal choice for breakfast)
If it's not included it's about $25 a head so only go if you're ready to eat plenty and skip lunch!!

The King's Shops are just across from the Marriott and there's a Starbucks there... I'm still using my card which I picked up there (it has a few hula dancers and Hawaii written on it and reminds me of coffee in sunnier climes)

There are other places to eat at King's shops and the food court has a bagel bar and a Dairy Queen.

Hope this helps!

travelprincess - While you're on Oahu you might try the breakfast buffet at the Shorebird in the Outrigger Reef - there's a $1 off coupon in the "This Week on Oahu" books and it's wonderful sitting there steps away from the sand watching the ocean and having little birds hopping all around hoping for a crumb or two.

Also, if you have a car, drive out to Kailua to Boots & Kimo's for yummy macadamia nut pancakes - small place but really good and not too expensive.

Thank you so much to all respondees. $75 for breakfast for 3 just seems so much at the hotels. And besides, one would not have the inkling to try great lunches after that. And isn't food a big consideration on vacation? I knew you guys would come through. Thanks again!!!!! I'll definitely try your suggestions.
They sound really good.

The snack bar (actually a pretty large facility) on the front grounds of the Princess Kaiulani is inexpensive, and the pineapple was especially good. It is just across the street from the Moana Hotel.

If you are not picky, the open-air, second-floor Denny's in the last building before Kapiolani Park is the prettiest place to breakfast. Same old food, but the view is wonderful.

Eggs n' Things in Waikiki. Great food, enormous portions, only open from 11pm to 2pm the following day. Love it.
http://www.eggsnthings.com/