Cinnamon's Restaurant in Kailua, Hawaii: What You Need to Know

Cinnamon's Restaurant in Kailua, Hawaii: What You Need to Know
Cinnamon's in Kailua, Hawaii refers to the popular local restaurant Cinnamon's Restaurant, a beloved breakfast and brunch spot located at 1199 Kailua Road in Kailua Town on Oahu's windward coast. Despite the common misspelling as 'cinnamons,' this family-owned establishment has served fresh, locally-inspired dishes since 1995, specializing in Hawaiian-style breakfasts and famous cinnamon rolls.

When visitors search for cinnamons in Kailua Hawaii, they're almost always looking for Cinnamon's Restaurant, the iconic eatery that has become a staple of Kailua's dining scene. This confusion stems from the restaurant's name, which many visitors remember as "Cinnamons" rather than the correct "Cinnamon's"—a small but significant distinction that affects search results.

Understanding Cinnamon's Restaurant in Kailua

Established in 1995, Cinnamon's Restaurant has earned its reputation as one of Oahu's most cherished breakfast destinations. Located in the heart of Kailua Town at 1199 Kailua Road, this family-owned business offers a perfect blend of Hawaiian hospitality and creative cuisine that keeps both locals and tourists returning.

Key Information Details
Official Name Cinnamon's Restaurant
Location 1199 Kailua Road, Kailua, HI 96734
Operating Hours Monday-Saturday: 7am-2pm, Sunday: 7am-1:30pm
Parking Street parking and nearby municipal lot
Reservations Walk-ins only; no reservations accepted

What Makes Cinnamon's Special

Cinnamon's has built its reputation on several signature elements that distinguish it from other breakfast spots in Kailua. The restaurant's namesake cinnamon rolls—baked fresh daily with a perfect balance of spice and sweetness—have developed a cult following. These oversized pastries feature a generous cinnamon swirl and cream cheese frosting that melts into the warm bread.

For visitors searching for where to eat in Kailua town, Cinnamon's offers more than just pastries. Their menu blends traditional Hawaiian breakfast elements with creative twists:

  • Kaimukī Scramble - Eggs with Portuguese sausage, mushrooms, and caramelized onions
  • Macadamia Nut Pancakes - Fluffy pancakes with locally-sourced macadamia nuts
  • Loco Moco Benedict - A Hawaiian-inspired take on eggs Benedict
  • Fresh Acai Bowls - Featuring locally-grown tropical fruits
Cinnamon's Restaurant exterior in Kailua with outdoor seating and tropical plants

Planning Your Visit to Cinnamon's

Understanding the practical aspects of visiting Cinnamon's will help you make the most of your experience when searching for cinnamons in Kailua Hawaii. The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted, which means planning your visit strategically is essential.

Weekday mornings typically have shorter wait times than weekends, when lines can form early. Arriving before 8am on weekends or between 10:30-11:30am on weekdays often yields the quickest seating. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating areas, with the shaded patio being particularly popular during Oahu's sunny days.

Parking in downtown Kailua can be challenging. While street parking is available along Kailua Road, spaces fill quickly. The municipal parking lot at Kailua District Park (about a 5-minute walk away) offers more reliable options, especially on weekends.

What Visitors Should Know Before Visiting

When planning your trip to this popular brunch spot on Oahu's windward side, consider these practical tips:

  • The restaurant closes promptly at 2pm on weekdays and 1:30pm on Sundays—arrive early to ensure service
  • Cash and major credit cards are accepted, but there's a small fee for credit card transactions under $10
  • While the menu features many cinnamon-inspired items, the restaurant's name refers to the owners' family name, not just the spice
  • Weekend wait times can exceed 45 minutes during peak tourist season
  • The restaurant does not offer takeout service for their famous cinnamon rolls—they're best enjoyed fresh
Close-up of Cinnamon's famous cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting on a plate

Exploring Kailua After Your Meal

After enjoying breakfast at Cinnamon's, visitors searching for things to do in Kailua will find numerous attractions within walking distance. Kailua Town offers a charming blend of local shops, art galleries, and access to some of Oahu's most beautiful beaches.

Just a 10-minute walk from Cinnamon's brings you to Kailua Beach Park, consistently ranked among the best beaches in America. For those interested in outdoor activities, nearby Lanikai Beach offers calm waters perfect for kayaking to the nearby Mokulua Islands.

Shopping enthusiasts will appreciate Kailua's collection of boutique stores along Kainalu Drive and Kailua Road. Unlike Honolulu's tourist-heavy shopping districts, Kailua offers a more authentic Hawaiian retail experience with locally-owned businesses.

Why Cinnamon's Stands Out Among Kailua Eateries

Among the many cafes in Kailua with outdoor seating, Cinnamon's has maintained its popularity through consistent quality and community involvement. The restaurant sources ingredients locally whenever possible, supporting Oahu's agricultural community while ensuring freshness.

What truly sets Cinnamon's apart is its commitment to the Kailua community. The owners have been active participants in local events and initiatives for nearly three decades, contributing to the restaurant's authentic Hawaiian character. This community focus explains why both residents and visitors consistently rank it among the best breakfast places in Kailua.

Is Cinnamon's Restaurant the same as 'Cinnamons' in Kailua?

Yes, when people search for 'cinnamons in Kailua Hawaii,' they're almost always referring to Cinnamon's Restaurant. The common misspelling as 'Cinnamons' (without the apostrophe) creates confusion, but the correct name is Cinnamon's Restaurant, located at 1199 Kailua Road.

What are the must-try items at Cinnamon's Restaurant?

The famous cinnamon rolls are the top recommendation, baked fresh daily. Other popular items include the Kaimukī Scramble, Macadamia Nut Pancakes, and the Loco Moco Benedict. Their fresh acai bowls featuring local fruits are also highly recommended, especially during warmer months.

Does Cinnamon's Restaurant take reservations?

No, Cinnamon's operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Weekday mornings typically have shorter wait times than weekends. During peak hours, especially on weekends, wait times can exceed 45 minutes, so arriving early is recommended.

Is parking available near Cinnamon's Restaurant?

Street parking is available along Kailua Road but fills quickly, especially on weekends. The municipal parking lot at Kailua District Park, about a 5-minute walk from the restaurant, offers more reliable parking. Many visitors also choose to park at nearby Kailua Beach Park and walk through town.

What are Cinnamon's operating hours?

Cinnamon's is open Monday through Saturday from 7:00am to 2:00pm, and Sunday from 7:00am to 1:30pm. The restaurant closes promptly at these times, so arriving at least 30 minutes before closing is recommended to ensure service.

Emma Rodriguez

Emma Rodriguez

A food photographer who has documented spice markets and cultivation practices in over 25 countries. Emma's photography captures not just the visual beauty of spices but the cultural stories and human connections behind them. Her work focuses on the sensory experience of spices - documenting the vivid colors, unique textures, and distinctive forms that make the spice world so visually captivating. Emma has a particular talent for capturing the atmospheric quality of spice markets, from the golden light filtering through hanging bundles in Moroccan souks to the vibrant chaos of Indian spice auctions. Her photography has helped preserve visual records of traditional harvesting and processing methods that are rapidly disappearing. Emma specializes in teaching food enthusiasts how to better appreciate the visual qualities of spices and how to present spice-focused dishes beautifully.