Remember that beachside cafe where Henry meets Lucy in 50 First Dates? I know you’re searching for the 50 First Dates cafe location in Hawaii, and I’m here to help you find it.
I’ve spent time researching these spots and visiting them myself. The movie used both a real cafe and a custom-built set, which confuses a lot of fans.
This guide covers everything you need. You’ll learn about Hukilau Cafe in Laie, the actual filming location at Kualoa Ranch, and other movie spots around Oahu.
I’m sharing opening hours, what to order, and how to plan your visit.
Let’s find that cafe together.
The Real Cafe Inspiration
The breakfast scenes in 50 First Dates needed an authentic Hawaiian setting. The filmmakers found their inspiration at Hukilau Cafe in Laie, a family-run spot on Oahu’s North Shore.
Hukilau Cafe sits about an hour from Waikiki at 55-662 Wahinepee St, Laie. The restaurant opened in 2000, just before the movie was filmed.
They serve traditional Hawaiian breakfast with local favorites like loco moco, Portuguese sausage, and macadamia nut pancakes.
When I visited, the owners told me the film crew came by multiple times during pre-production. They loved the laid-back vibe and coastal charm.
Large windows, simple decor, and local families eating breakfast created that authentic island atmosphere.
Here’s the catch: Filming didn’t actually happen here. The production built a replica set at Kualoa Ranch. But Hukilau Cafe inspired the movie’s cafe design and menu. The real cafe looks similar to the screen version, just without the beachfront location.
Planning your visit: Open Monday through Saturday, 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Closed Sundays. Call (808) 293-8616. Arrive before 9:00 AM on weekdays to avoid crowds. Free parking in front. Try the banana pancakes with haupia sauce or the Portuguese sausage plate.
Movie Set vs Real Cafe
The cafe scenes in 50 First Dates look different from Hukilau Cafe because they filmed at a custom-built set.
The On-Site Film Set at Kualoa Ranch
The production company built a temporary oceanfront cafe at Moliʻi Fishpond area, Kualoa Ranch in Kaneohe. This set sat right on the beach, giving them that waterfront view the story needed.
Filming inside a working restaurant creates problems. Crew needs space for cameras and lighting. Multiple takes disrupt regular business. Building their own set gave the director full control over everything.
The movie version had direct beach access with tables closer to the water. The set featured an open-air design with ocean views from every table. This worked for cinematography but wouldn’t survive real weather conditions.
All the breakfast scenes between Henry and Lucy are filmed here. The famous “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” sequence too. The set came down after filming wrapped.
Nothing remains at this location now except the beach and fishpond.
Photos and Fan Experiences
You can’t visit the actual movie set anymore. But Kualoa Ranch offers tours that pass through the filming area.
Visit Hukilau Cafe for breakfast and imagine you’re in the movie. Order pancakes and coffee. Sit by a window.
At Kualoa Ranch, take photos near Moliʻi Fishpond where the set once stood. The beach and mountains look exactly as they did in the film.
Best photo spots include Hukilau Cafe’s front entrance, inside by the windows during morning hours, and at Kualoa Ranch near the fishpond and mountains.
Nearby Filming Locations to Seek
Several other 50 First Dates scenes filmed around Oahu. You can visit most of these spots on a day trip.
Kualoa Ranch – Road Scenes
Kualoa Ranch at 49-560 Kamehameha Highway in Kaneohe served as the filming location for multiple driving scenes.
When Henry drives Lucy home, they pass through this valley with dramatic mountain backdrops and green peaks rising sharply from flat fields.
Book an ATV tour or movie site tour through Kualoa Ranch. They take you to various filming spots from 50 First Dates and other movies.
The ranch has hosted over 200 film and TV productions including Jurassic Park, Lost, and Hawaii Five-0. Tours last about 90 minutes with guides sharing behind-the-scenes stories.
Halona Blowhole & Eternity Beach
This small cove at Halona Blowhole Lookout on Hawaii Route 72 appears in the dream sequence.
The romantic beach scene where Henry imagines a future with Lucy was filmed here. The cove sits protected by lava rocks with turquoise water filling the small beach.
From the parking area, you can see the famous blowhole where water shoots up through the rocks.
Check ocean conditions before visiting. High surf makes this area dangerous. The trail down to the beach is steep and slippery. Wear proper shoes and watch your footing on wet rocks.
Morning visits offer calmer water and better light for photos. Free parking at the lookout, but the small lot fills quickly. Arrive early or visit on weekdays.
Waikane – Lucy’s House
The house where Lucy lives with her family sits near Kaneohe Bay on windward Oahu. The production used a private residence for exterior shots.
You can’t visit the actual house, so respect the owner’s privacy. View the area from Kaneohe Bay by kayak or boat. Several rental companies operate in the bay.
Kaneohe Bay offers incredible views even without seeing the exact house. Rent a kayak and paddle to the sandbar where shallow turquoise water and mountain backdrops look magical.
Stop at He’eia State Park for bay views or walk the pier at He’eia Kea Boat Harbor. Visit nearby Kualoa Regional Park for beach access with clear views across the bay.
Tips for a Movie Fan Tour in Hawaii
Here’s how to plan your 50 First Dates filming location tour and make the most of your Oahu adventure.
- Start early with breakfast at Hukilau Cafe around 8:00 AM, then drive to Kualoa Ranch for a late morning movie sites tour (book in advance). Head to Halona Blowhole for lunch and check surf conditions before visiting the beach.
- Combine your tour with nearby attractions like Polynesian Cultural Center after Hukilau Cafe, or add extra Kualoa Ranch tours. The drive back to Waikiki passes through Hanauma Bay and Diamond Head for bonus photo stops.
- Summer and fall offer drier weather with calmer ocean conditions. Winter months (November through March) bring more rain to windward Oahu. Weekdays see fewer crowds, so plan for Tuesday through Thursday if possible.
- Morning light works best for photos at most locations. Book Kualoa Ranch tours well in advance as they sell out during peak season (June through August and December through January).
- Check ocean conditions daily during your trip. High surf advisories make Halona Blowhole dangerous, so stay flexible with your schedule and prioritize safety over photos.
Conclusion
The 50 First Dates cafe location captures what makes Hawaii so special, warm hospitality, great food, and that relaxed island feeling.
Whether you grab breakfast at Hukilau Cafe or seek the filming sites around Oahu, you’ll see why the filmmakers fell in love with these spots.
I still remember sitting by the window at Hukilau Cafe, watching locals chat over coffee. That authentic vibe is what the movie tried to capture.
Plan your visit, bring your camera, and make some memories. Have you visited any filming locations? Share your photos in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the cafe in 50 First Dates actually located?
The movie built a temporary set at Kualoa Ranch near Moliʻi Fishpond. Hukilau Cafe in Laie inspired the design, and you can still visit it today.
Can you visit the 50 First Dates cafe location today?
Yes, you can eat at Hukilau Cafe in Laie. Kualoa Ranch also offers guided tours that pass through the filming area.
What should I order at Hukilau Cafe?
Try the banana pancakes with haupia sauce or the Portuguese sausage plate. The loco moco is also a local favorite.
How far is Hukilau Cafe from Waikiki?
The drive takes about 60 minutes without traffic. Head north on Highway 83 along the windward coast.
Are there other 50 First Dates filming locations nearby?
Yes, Kualoa Ranch, Halona Blowhole, and Kaneohe Bay all appear in the film. You can visit most spots in one day.
