Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Friday, November 8, 2024 83° Today's Paper


CraveOld Friends

Old Friends: After 49 years, Wailana Coffee House bids goodbye

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Craig T. Kojima
After 47 years, Wailana Coffee House is closing its doors. Here's their recipe for meatloaf to keep the memory alive.
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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM

The iconic Wailana Coffee House in Waikiki will be closing this weekend. The 24 hour restaurant has been a staple gathering place for locals and visitors alike at its current location of 1860 Ala Moana Blvd since 1969. It originally began as a concession in the Honolulu Zoo in 1947.

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CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM

The scene at Wailana Coffee House on Sept. 26.

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STAR-ADVERTISER / 1968

The Kapiolani Drive In was the predecessor to what is now the Wailana Coffee House.

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DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARADVERTISER.COM

The iconic Wailana Coffee House’s last day is Oct. 14. This is their roasted chicken with baked potato and the eggs benedict.

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CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM

Wailana waitress Sharon Bennett serves Robert Proano his breakfast. Proano has beencoming to Wailana for 30 years. Bennett has worked there off and on since 1978. “I just love it,” she said. “It’s family owned, and they always treated their employees well. All the regular customers are going to miss us, and we’ll miss them. It’s really, really sad.”

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CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM

Meat Loaf with french fries and peas and carrots.

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CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM

Wailana Restaurant owner, Kenton Tom.