The Answer to Your Banana Macadamia Nut Pancake Craving

West Maui

Gazebo Restaurant in Napili

Ask anyone in West Maui where you should go for breakfast and chances are they will tell you to go to the Gazebo at Napili Shores — and to bring your patience. Lines at this tasty breakfast spot are notoriously long (waits are usually at least 40 minutes to over an hour) but most people think it’s worth the wait for the gorgeous ocean view and delicious food. (Check out the Yelp reviews!) The huge Banana Mac stack of 2 pancakes is probably their most popular breakfast item along with fried rice and breakfast burrito. (Hubby is a big eater, and he can barely finish two pancakes so go easy on your order or split!) They offer free coffee while standing in line and have umbrellas to borrow (morning rain in Napili is common). Napili Shores also has a giant coconut checkers game to help pass the time. I do love a great view and breakfast — but I also have two young kids, so the idea of standing in line for an hour with hungry children is not one I choose to entertain.

SECRET: Call your order in to (808) 669-5621 and take it to-go! Skip the line and walk right into the restaurant when you think it is ready (they will give you an estimated time for pick up). View Menu

If you are staying at Napili Shores, you can sit down on the white plastic tables around the pool and enjoy an even better view than from inside. If you aren’t guests, there are picnic benches above the pool area. I don’t recall seeing a sign saying they are reserved for condo guests (and have never seen anyone using them anyways at breakfast), but be respectful and use your best judgment. If you don’t eat on property, bring it back to your own condo or enjoy at the beach (some items might be easier than others). The only downside to this solution that I’ve found is you are eating in styrofoam containers with plastic forks and knives. Trust me when I say they give you plenty of butter and syrup and whatever other condiments you need. Double check your bag to be sure before you go and enjoy!!

SECRET: Did you know the restaurant is built inside an old quansithut used to house and train people for WWII demolition services?

I like to go to Kihei Caffe on my first morning on the island and then hit up Safeway for groceries after. It opens early at 5:00 am every morning (closes at 2:00 pm; breakfast served all day). If you find yourself wide awake before the sun is up (most likely in your first few days due to the time change), it might be a good morning for breakfast out. Kihei Caffe is most relaxing during the quiet early morning hours as its outdoor patio sits along the often busy South Kihei Road. The line also can get long later in the day. However, don’t worry if it’s crowded when you get there. The line moves fast. Please follow their rules and order first, then find your table.

SECRET: Be sure to bring cash as they don’t accept credit cards. There is an ATM but it’s been out of service on more than one occasion during our visits and there is a service charge to use it.

Macadamia Nut French Toast hits the spot

While you can’t go wrong with the macadamia nut pancakes, I recommend the French Toast banana mac here to mix it up. Portions are huge. Consider splitting your meal if you aren’t a big breakfast eater or try ordering one sweet and one savory meal to share. The famous Maui loco moco and fried rice are also very popular. The breakfast burrito weighs several pounds, so be prepared to bring home leftovers. Also, be sure to ask for a container to bring home some coconut syrup if you didn’t finish your pancakes!

SECRET: The coconut syrup is kept in the fridge overnight so if you get there early, it might not have warmed up yet and will be hard to pour. Ask them for some warm water to soak it if necessary or just place it in the sun while you wait for your order.

What’s your favorite breakfast item on Maui?