IHOP Hawai’i Holds Grand Opening for Kailua-Kona Location

IHOP Kailua-Kona grand opening blessing. Courtesy photo.

IHOP Hawai’i has officially opened its doors for pancake lovers in West Hawai’i.

The new 2,832-square foot restaurant, located within the Lanihau Shopping Center on Palani Road in Kailua-Kona, opened to the public on Feb. 4.

It has been just over a month since the soft opening, and in celebration of National Pancake Day, IHOP is celebrating its grand opening.

The Tuesday event kicked off with an early morning blessing by Kahu Danny Akaka and will continue through the day with the usual festivities of IHOP’s National Pancake Day.

“We are very grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support from the Kona community, and we look forward to being a part of the neighborhood for many years to come,” said Vince Espino, president of IHOP franchise Union MAK Corporation. “In addition to our world famous IHOP pancakes, we serve a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items that are loved by people of all ages.”

The restaurant is the second Big Island location and the fifth within the state.

National Pancake Day has been an annual celebration at the popular pancake joint since 2006. In total, over $20 million has been raised to support Children’s Miracle Network hospitals and charities within the communities the restaurants operate in.

From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, IHOP will celebrate its 11^th annual National Pancake Day with a free short stack of Buttermilk pancakes to all guests. Restaurant visitors will be asked to donate to either the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals or another designated local charity.

The 2016 goal set by IHOP is $3.5 million.

Both the new Kailua-Kona location and the Hilo Prince Kuhio Plaza location are participating in the National Pancake Day celebration.