Why Ube Pancakes Are a Must-Try in Hawaii

You know a dish has made it when a bright purple pancake stack is the first thing friends text photos of from their Hawaii trip. Ube pancakes — made from the purple yam that shows up across Filipino and now Hawaiian kitchens — have become the colorful centerpiece of Honolulu’s brunch scene. YogurStory on Keeaumoku Street serves one of the most photographed versions, but the island has several spots worth your morning appetite. This article breaks down where to find the best ube pancakes in Hawaii, what makes each version different, and how to time your visit so you’re not standing in a breakfast line that stretches down the block.

Heading into YogurStory on a Tuesday morning felt like walking into a local secret that everyone already knew about. The line moved fast, the staff kept the coffee flowing, and within ten minutes we were staring at a plate of violet pancakes that looked like they belonged on a magazine cover. Here’s what you need to know about the top spots.

YogurStory — The Ube Pancake Benchmark

YogurStory started as a frozen yogurt shop before transitioning into a full brunch café, and that origin explains a lot about why locals love it. The space is bright, clean, and roomy with natural light — not fancy, just comfortable. It sits at 745 Keeaumoku Street in Honolulu, open daily from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with an on-site parking lot that saves you the stress of street hunting.

The ube pancake stack here is the house favorite for a reason: the pancakes themselves are light and fluffy, with real ube flavor that doesn’t get lost under the sauce. The vivid purple comes from the yam itself, not artificial coloring. I split the stack with Michael and still had room for a side of the Prime Rib Loco Moco — tender prime rib over rice with a fried egg and mushroom gravy — which is worth ordering even if you came for the pancakes. The menu also includes ube French toast, Hurricane Rice Bowl, and macadamia iced coffee.

Lulu’s Waikiki — The Chewy Mochi Alternative

If YogurStory’s fluffy stack isn’t enough texture for you, Lulu’s Waikiki serves an Ube Mochi Pancake that trades fluff for chew. Purple sweet potato is baked into the batter itself, giving the pancakes a dense, bouncy mochi-like texture that’s completely different from a standard buttermilk cake. Topped with ube sauce, it’s a $24 plate that feels more like dessert than breakfast.

The texture here is the selling point. Mochi pancakes have a satisfying resistance when you cut into them, almost like a firm custard. The ube flavor is more concentrated than at YogurStory because the yam is mixed into the batter rather than just sitting on top. That said, the price and location make this more of a treat than a regular stop. If you’re staying in Waikiki and want something within walking distance, Lulu’s is convenient — just budget accordingly.

What About the Other Spots?

Not every famous Hawaii pancake spot serves ube, and that’s okay. If you want to branch out or if the ube line is too long, these alternatives are worth knowing about:

Boots & Kimo’s in Kailua is legendary for its macadamia nut sauce pancakes ($20.99 for two). The sauce is rich, creamy, and nutty — completely different from ube but equally iconic. The catch: weekend lines form before the doors open, and parking in Kailua can be tight.

Cinnamon’s Restaurant serves guava chiffon pancakes ($13.75+) that are soft, pink-glazed, and sweet-tart — a good option if you want a colorful pancake that isn’t ube. Located in the windward side, it’s a bit of a drive from Honolulu but worth it for the quieter setting.

For an even deeper dive into where locals actually eat, check out our guide to Hawaii’s hidden restaurant gems that locals love.

Practical Section: Timing, Pricing, and Logistics

Ube pancakes are photogenic, but they’re also a logistical exercise if you hit the wrong window. Here’s how to make the experience work without losing your morning.

When to Go

Weekday mornings before 9 a.m. are the sweet spot at both YogurStory and Lulu’s. If you can only do weekends, aim for a 7 a.m. opening arrival or a late brunch around 1 p.m. when the morning rush has faded. If you’re still weighing which part of town to sleep on, this interactive map of Oahu’s hotels and vacation rentals makes it easier to compare proximity to these brunch spots versus the beach or trailheads.

How to Order

Both spots serve generous portions. One ube pancake order between two people is usually enough, especially if you add a savory plate. At YogurStory, the Smothered version is worth the extra sauce if you’re there for the photo, but the standard stack has plenty of ube flavor on its own. At Lulu’s, the mochi pancake is dense enough that one order can feel like a full meal.

Dietary Considerations

Neither YogurStory nor Lulu’s specifically advertises gluten-free or vegan ube pancakes. Ube itself is a yam (naturally gluten-free and vegan), but the pancake batter typically contains wheat flour, eggs, and dairy. If you have dietary restrictions, call ahead — both restaurants are accommodating but don’t have dedicated menus for these options.

Before You Go: Oahu Ube Pancake Questions Answered

Are ube pancakes actually purple from ube?

Yes — the vivid purple color comes from anthocyanins in the purple yam itself. Reputable spots like YogurStory and Lulu’s use real ube in the batter or as a topping sauce, not artificial coloring. That said, some cheaper versions may use purple food coloring with ube flavoring, so stick to the places mentioned in this guide.

Can I get ube pancakes for takeout?

Yes, both YogurStory and Lulu’s offer takeout. The pancakes travel well, especially the mochi version from Lulu’s, which holds its texture. Just keep the ube sauce on the side if you’re not eating within 15 minutes — it can make the pancakes soggy if left too long.

What if I don’t like ube?

You’re not out of luck. Hawaii has a whole pancake culture beyond ube. Boots & Kimo’s macadamia nut sauce pancakes, Cinnamon’s guava chiffon pancakes, and Cream Pot’s mixed berry soufflé pancakes are all excellent alternatives that don’t involve purple yam.

Are ube pancakes worth the hype?

They’re genuinely good — not just a social media gimmick. The flavor is subtly sweet and earthy, closer to a mild sweet potato than a sugary dessert. If you’ve never tried ube, YogurStory’s standard stack is a low-risk entry point. If you’re already a fan, Lulu’s mochi version offers a texture you won’t find anywhere else.

What’s the biggest downside?

Weekend waits can kill the mood if you’re hungry and tired. Arrive early, go on a weekday, or order takeout. The pancakes themselves are worth the trip, but standing in a 45-minute line with hungry kids (Lily was not patient) is not how you want to start your vacation.

Why Ube Pancakes Belong on Your Hawaii Breakfast Shortlist

Ube pancakes aren’t just a colorful plate — they’re a snapshot of how Hawaii’s food culture blends Filipino ingredients with local island comfort food. Whether you sit down at YogurStory’s bright Keeaumoku café or grab a mochi pancake to go near Waikiki Beach, you’re eating something that locals actually queue for on weekends. The vivid purple is just the hook; the flavor and texture are what keep people coming back. For more on the diverse culinary influences that shape Hawaii’s food scene, read our piece on the spice route to paradise and the diverse culinary influences of Hawaii.

References

Daily Wise. “We Found the Dreamiest Purple Ube Pancakes You’ll Ever Taste Right Here in Hawaii.” Daily Wise, 2025. ↗

Honolulu Coupon. “The Ultimate Pancake Guide to Oahu: 18 Must-Try Spots From Classic to Trending.” Honolulu Coupon, 2025. ↗

GoToDestinations. “Locals Loved Brunch: Ube Pancakes in Honolulu, HI.” GoToDestinations, 2025. ↗

If you’re still hungry for more Hawaii food discoveries, our guide to ahi poke nachos covers another must-try dish that pairs perfectly with a sweet breakfast. You can also explore the ultimate guide to shave ice for a cool afternoon treat that rounds out any Oahu food itinerary.