Goofy Café & Dine Opens Second Location at Twin Fin Hotel on Waikīkī Beach
Goofy Café & Dine, the beloved Ala Moana brunch destination known for its towering pancakes and local-style comfort food, officially opened its second location Thursday at The Twin Fin Hotel on Kalākaua Avenue in the heart of Waikīkī.
The expansion marks a significant milestone for the family-owned restaurant that has become a weekend staple for locals seeking Instagram-worthy breakfast dishes and generous portions. Unlike the original Ala Moana location, which focuses primarily on breakfast and lunch, the Waikīkī outpost introduces an expanded dinner menu and happy hour service designed to cater to both tourists and kamaʻāina.
“We’ve been dreaming about bringing Goofy to Waikīkī for years,” said restaurant owner Keoni Nakamura. “The energy here is different from Ala Moana — we wanted to create something special that honors our roots while offering new experiences for our guests.”
The 2,800-square-foot space occupies the ground floor of The Twin Fin Hotel, just steps from the beach and within walking distance of major Waikīkī attractions. The restaurant features the same playful, surf-inspired décor as the original but incorporates elements that reflect its oceanfront location, including custom artwork from local artists and panoramic windows overlooking Kalākaua Avenue.
Expanded Menu Offerings
While breakfast and lunch favorites like the signature “Big Kahuna” pancakes and loco moco remain menu staples, the Waikīkī location introduces several new offerings. The dinner menu features locally-sourced seafood dishes, including a poke bowl bar and grilled fish preparations that showcase Hawaii’s coastal cuisine.
The restaurant’s new happy hour, available daily from 3 to 6 p.m., offers discounted appetizers and tropical cocktails crafted with local spirits. Menu highlights include kalua pig sliders, coconut shrimp, and a selection of craft beers from Honolulu Beerworks and Maui Brewing Company.
Executive Chef Maria Santos, who previously worked at several acclaimed Waikīkī restaurants, developed the dinner offerings to complement Goofy’s established breakfast and lunch reputation. The evening menu emphasizes fresh, local ingredients while maintaining the restaurant’s approachable, family-friendly atmosphere.
Breakfast remains the star attraction, with the restaurant opening at 6 a.m. to serve early-rising beachgoers and hotel guests. The kitchen continues to prepare its famous macadamia nut pancakes, açaí bowls topped with local fruit, and hearty breakfast platters that have made the original location a weekend destination for families across Oahu.
Strategic Waikīkī Location
The Twin Fin Hotel location positions Goofy Café strategically within Waikīkī’s competitive dining landscape. Situated between the Honolulu Zoo and Kapiolani Park, the restaurant aims to capture both hotel guests seeking convenient dining options and locals looking for quality food in the tourist district.
The partnership with The Twin Fin Hotel, a boutique property that opened in 2019, reflects a broader trend of mainland and local restaurant brands expanding into Waikīkī to meet growing visitor demand. The hotel’s modern, surf-inspired aesthetic aligns with Goofy Café’s casual brand identity.
Restaurant industry observers note that successful local brands often struggle to maintain their neighborhood feel when expanding to tourist-heavy areas. Goofy’s challenge will be balancing its loyal local customer base with the expectations of visitors seeking authentic Hawaiian dining experiences.
The original Ala Moana location, which opened in 2019, quickly gained popularity among local families and young professionals living in nearby condominiums. Weekend waits often exceed an hour, particularly for outdoor seating that accommodates families with children.
Community Impact and Future Plans
The Waikīkī expansion creates approximately 35 new jobs, including positions for servers, kitchen staff, and management. The restaurant prioritizes hiring from the local community and offers competitive wages above the state minimum.
Nakamura indicated that the success of the Waikīkī location will influence potential future expansion plans, though he emphasized the importance of maintaining quality and community connections over rapid growth. The restaurant continues to source ingredients from local farms and suppliers whenever possible, supporting Oahu’s agricultural economy.
For Honolulu residents, the Waikīkī location offers a familiar dining option in an area often dominated by high-priced resort restaurants and chain establishments. The restaurant’s commitment to reasonable prices and generous portions provides locals with an affordable alternative when spending time at the beach or attending events in the Waikīkī area.
Goofy Café & Dine Waikīkī is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with happy hour Tuesday through Sunday. Reservations are accepted for dinner service, while breakfast and lunch operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
