The Hukilau Café: What Happened To The '50 First Dates' Restaurant? (2025 Renovation Update)
The "Fifty First Dates" restaurant, famously known as the Hukilau Café, is one of the most iconic romantic-comedy locations in cinematic history, yet the truth behind Henry Roth’s daily breakfast dates with Lucy Whitmore is far more complex than a simple roadside diner. As of late
This deep dive reveals the actual location of the movie set, the current status of the real-world Hukilau Café in Laie, Hawaii—including a fresh update on its 2025 renovations—and a complete list of other breathtaking Oahu filming locations that brought the unforgettable story of short-term memory loss to life. Prepare to explore the difference between Hollywood magic and authentic Hawaiian comfort food.
Fact vs. Fiction: The Hukilau Café Movie Set
The biggest surprise for fans of 50 First Dates is that the quaint, ocean-view diner where Henry meticulously orchestrated his daily re-introductions to Lucy Whitmore was not a pre-existing restaurant. It was Hollywood filmmaking at its finest.
- The Movie Location: The set for the Hukilau Café was constructed from the ground up at the stunning Kualoa Ranch on the island of Oahu.
- Kualoa Ranch Connection: The temporary structure was strategically placed next to the ranch’s historic Mokoli’i Island (Chinaman’s Hat) fish pond, providing the perfect rustic, tropical backdrop for the film's central setting.
- Current Status of the Set: After filming wrapped, the movie set was completely dismantled and removed, meaning the iconic diner no longer exists for tourists to visit. Kualoa Ranch, however, remains a major tourist destination and a popular site for film tours, having also hosted productions like Jurassic Park and Lost.
While the cinematic Hukilau Café is gone, the movie's title lives on in a separate, authentic local spot on the North Shore of Oahu that inspired the name.
The Real Hukilau Café: Location and 2025 Renovation Update
The name "Hukilau Café" was borrowed from a genuine, beloved local diner located in the town of Laie, a short distance from the Kualoa Ranch filming site.
Biography of the Real Hukilau Café (Laie, HI)
- Name: Hukilau Café
- Address: 55-662 Wahinepe'e St, Laie, HI 96762
- Inspiration: Named after the nearby Hukilau Beach and the traditional Hawaiian fishing practice of hukilau.
- Cuisine Style: Authentic Hawaiian Comfort Food, specializing in hearty breakfast and brunch.
- Claim to Fame: Known locally long before the movie, but gained international fame due to the film and an appearance on the TV show Man v. Food.
- Current Status (2025): The café is currently undergoing renovations to update its facilities. Despite the construction, it continues to serve its highly praised menu, maintaining its reputation for generous portions and friendly, authentic service.
The real Hukilau Café is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic taste of the North Shore, offering a genuine local experience far removed from the polished look of the film set. Visiting the café is a perfect way to pay homage to the movie while supporting a true Hawaiian small business.
Must-Try Dishes at the Hukilau Café (2025 Menu Highlights)
If you're planning a pilgrimage to the real Hukilau Café in Laie, you’ll be there for the food, not the film memorabilia. The menu is a celebration of Hawaiian home cooking, offering the kind of fuel a marine biologist like Henry Roth would need for a long day at Sea Life Park.
Here are the legendary dishes that make this spot a true culinary entity:
The Loco Moco
This is arguably the most famous dish of Hawaiian comfort food, and the Hukilau Café’s version is a local favorite. It consists of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg (or two), and smothered in rich brown gravy. It’s the ultimate hearty breakfast plate, perfect for fueling up before a tour of the island.
Coconut Pancakes and Macadamia Nut Pancakes
The café is renowned for its selection of sweet breakfast items. The coconut pancakes and macadamia nut pancakes are staples, offering a tropical twist on a classic breakfast. These are often cited in reviews as a sweeter alternative to the savory plates.
Hawaiian Mixed Plates
For those who want a bit of everything, the mixed plates offer generous portions of local meats like teriyaki beef, kalua pig, or Portuguese sausage, often served with rice and mac salad. This is the essence of a simple, satisfying Hawaiian meal.
Beyond the Diner: Other Iconic 50 First Dates Filming Locations
While the Hukilau Café is the most discussed location, 50 First Dates was a visual love letter to the island of Oahu, showcasing some of the most beautiful spots on the North Shore and beyond. The movie itself serves as a fantastic travelogue for the area.
- Sea Life Park: Henry Roth’s workplace as a marine biologist was filmed at the actual Sea Life Park Hawaii, located on the eastern side of Oahu. This is where Henry studies walruses (like Jocko) and dolphins (like Willie).
- Kualoa Ranch (The Rest of It): Beyond the café set, the ranch's stunning Ka'a'awa Valley was used for various driving scenes and establishing shots, cementing its place as a Hollywood backdrop.
- Halona Beach Cove: This picturesque cove is where Henry and Lucy share a romantic moment, and it is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, known for its scenic views and the nearby Halona Blowhole.
- Dillingham Ranch: The beautiful, sprawling ranch was used as the location for Lucy Whitmore’s family home, adding to the film’s idyllic, isolated Hawaiian atmosphere.
In the end, the legend of the "fifty first dates restaurant" is a dual one: a temporary set that created movie magic and a real, enduring local café that continues to serve authentic Hawaiian food. While you can't sit in the exact booth where Lucy ate her waffle, you can still visit the North Shore, enjoy a plate of macadamia nut pancakes at the renovation-era Hukilau Café, and experience the same beautiful, romantic Oahu that captivated Henry and Lucy.
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