Cinnamon's at the Ilikai: Waikiki's Historic Harbor Restaurant

Cinnamon's at the Ilikai is a renowned restaurant located within the historic Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites in Waikiki, Honolulu. Established in the 1960s, this iconic dining destination offers panoramic views of Ala Wai Harbor, a celebrated breakfast buffet, and a menu featuring Hawaiian-inspired cuisine with international influences. The restaurant operates daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, maintaining its status as one of Waikiki's most enduring dining establishments.

For visitors seeking authentic Waikiki dining experiences, Cinnamon's at the Ilikai represents a piece of Honolulu's culinary history. Nestled within the distinctive pyramid-shaped Ilikai Hotel, this restaurant has welcomed guests since the hotel's grand opening in 1964, establishing itself as a fixture in Hawaii's dining scene. The venue's enduring popularity stems from its combination of classic Hawaiian hospitality, consistent quality, and prime waterfront location.

Location and Accessibility

Positioned at 1777 Ala Moana Boulevard, Cinnamon's enjoys a strategic location in the heart of Waikiki. The restaurant occupies the hotel's ground floor with direct access to the harbor promenade. Visitors can reach the establishment via:

• Short 5-minute walk from Waikiki Beach
• Complimentary hotel shuttle service from major Waikiki resorts
• Ample street parking and valet service
• Convenient access to TheBus public transportation

The restaurant's waterfront positioning provides diners with spectacular views of yachts navigating the Ala Wai Canal, creating a distinctive atmosphere that separates it from typical beachfront dining options.

Historical Significance

Cinnamon's at the Ilikai opened concurrently with the Ilikai Hotel in 1964, during Hawaii's tourism boom following statehood. The restaurant gained additional fame when scenes from the original Magnum, P.I. television series featured the hotel and restaurant. This historical connection continues to attract visitors interested in Hollywood's portrayal of Hawaii.

Unlike many Waikiki establishments that have changed ownership or concept multiple times, Cinnamon's has maintained remarkable consistency in its identity while periodically refreshing its menu and decor to reflect contemporary tastes. The restaurant's longevity speaks to its ability to balance tradition with innovation in Hawaii's competitive dining market.

Evolution Timeline

• 1964: Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites opens with Cinnamon's restaurant, establishing Waikiki's first luxury high-rise dining experience. [Ilikai Hotel History]
• 1980-1988: Gains international recognition through recurring appearances in Magnum, P.I. television series, cementing its cultural footprint. [Ilikai Hotel History]
• 2010s: Menu modernization emphasizes locally sourced ingredients while preserving signature dishes, aligning with Hawaii's farm-to-table movement. [Hawaii Tourism Authority]

Dining Experience and Menu Highlights

Cinnamon's operates with the following schedule:

Meal Service	Hours	Special Features
Breakfast	6:30 AM - 11:00 AM daily	Famous breakfast buffet with made-to-order omelets
Lunch	11:30 AM - 2:30 PM daily	Hawaiian plate lunches and fresh seafood options
Dinner	5:00 PM - 9:30 PM daily	Steak and seafood specialties with live piano music

The breakfast buffet remains Cinnamon's most celebrated offering, featuring traditional Hawaiian dishes alongside American breakfast classics. Regular visitors particularly praise the restaurant's loco moco, fresh tropical fruit selections, and made-to-order omelet station. Dinner service showcases premium cuts of meat and locally sourced seafood, with an emphasis on preparations that highlight Hawaii's multicultural culinary heritage.

What Sets Cinnamon's Apart

Among Waikiki's numerous dining options, Cinnamon's distinguishes itself through several key elements:

• Historical authenticity - One of the few remaining original Waikiki dining establishments from the 1960s
• Waterfront positioning - Offers harbor views rather than the more common ocean vistas
• Consistent quality - Maintains standards despite changes in Waikiki's dining landscape
• Cultural integration - Blends Hawaiian ingredients with international culinary techniques

Unlike many tourist-focused restaurants that prioritize volume over experience, Cinnamon's has cultivated a loyal local following alongside its tourist clientele. This balance between serving residents and visitors contributes to its authentic Hawaiian dining atmosphere.

Contextual Dining Considerations

Cinnamon's excels in specific scenarios but has natural limitations:

• Optimal for: Families (especially breakfast), historic ambiance seekers, harbor-view dining, and tourists wanting authentic Waikiki heritage
• Less suitable for: Intimate fine-dining experiences (due to buffet layout), strict budget travelers (mid-upscale pricing), or oceanfront vistas (harbor-facing only)

Per Hawaii Tourism Authority's visitor guidance, understanding these contextual boundaries ensures alignment with Waikiki's diverse dining ecosystem where "historic establishments like Cinnamon's provide cultural continuity, while newer venues often specialize in niche culinary experiences." [Hawaii Tourism Authority]

Planning Your Visit

For optimal dining experiences at Cinnamon's at the Ilikai, consider these practical recommendations:

• Reserve tables in advance for dinner, especially for window seating with harbor views
• Arrive early for breakfast to avoid weekend crowds while enjoying the morning harbor activity
• Request outdoor seating during pleasant weather for enhanced ambiance
• Check for seasonal menu specials that highlight local ingredients
• Combine your meal with a stroll along the Ala Wai Harbor promenade

The restaurant accommodates various dietary preferences with advance notice, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-conscious options. While Cinnamon's maintains a casual dress code, most guests opt for resort casual attire that reflects Hawaii's relaxed yet refined dining culture.

Does Cinnamon's at the Ilikai offer Hawaiian cuisine?

Cinnamon's features a menu that blends traditional Hawaiian ingredients with international culinary influences. While not exclusively a 'Hawaiian restaurant,' it incorporates local favorites like kalua pork, poke, and fresh island fish into its offerings, creating a distinctive Hawaii Regional Cuisine experience.

What is the price range at Cinnamon's restaurant?

Cinnamon's operates in the mid-to-upscale range for Waikiki dining. Breakfast buffet pricing is approximately $25-30 per person, lunch entrees range from $18-28, and dinner entrees typically fall between $32-45. The restaurant offers good value considering its location, views, and consistent quality.

Is Cinnamon's at the Ilikai suitable for families?

Yes, Cinnamon's welcomes families at all meal periods. The restaurant provides high chairs and children's menus, with the breakfast buffet being particularly family-friendly. During dinner service, the atmosphere becomes more refined but remains appropriate for well-behaved children.

Can I visit Cinnamon's without staying at the Ilikai Hotel?

Absolutely. While Cinnamon's is located within the Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites, it is open to the public and does not require hotel registration for dining. The restaurant actively welcomes visitors from throughout Waikiki and Honolulu.

Does Cinnamon's at the Ilikai accept reservations?

Yes, Cinnamon's accepts reservations for dinner service through their website and major reservation platforms. Breakfast and lunch are typically first-come, first-served, though the restaurant may accommodate advance requests during off-peak hours.