The Lanai

821 N 4th St, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

Hours

Open daily 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

208 667 4492

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About

Imagine savoring authentic Hawaiian flavors and coffee without boarding a plane. The Lanai offers such an experience, combining Island flavors with Idaho ingredients.

What makes this breakfast hotspot the Real McCoy are owners Byron and Kim Brown. The Lanai is the couple’s latest venture, opening in 2025, which is an offshoot of their Maui-based Akamai Coffee Company and several eateries.

So why did the Browns choose Coeur d’Alene? Two reasons. First, they own a home in CDA, and second, many locals vacation on the islands and have a connection to Hawaii.

The name “Lanai,” which means “patio” in Hawaiian, reflects the restaurant’s relaxed, welcoming vibe. Byron is an experienced chef with a background in fine dining, while Kim oversees front-of-house operations. Together, they have created a space that blends great food, excellent service, and island charm.

The menu is a mix of Hawaiian classics and creative dishes, all made with fresh, organic ingredients. Favorites like Wagyu Loco Moco and Spam Musubi pay tribute to their Maui roots, while unique additions keep things exciting.

The restaurant also features a high-end coffee bar with Akamai Coffee’s signature blends, a local favorite in Maui since 2016. Opening at 7:00 AM, this is the spot to visit before a day of sightseeing. Grab your morning coffee before hiking Tubbs Hill or heading north for a day at Silverwood Theme Park.

Aside from coffee drinks, they serve adult beverages, which we’ll explore in our last section.

Whether you’re fueling up for a fun outing on Lake Coeur d’Alene or looking for a relaxing breakfast joint, The Lanai delivers the spirit of Aloha.

Vibe

While the exterior lacks the quintessential Hawaiian motifs, like palm trees and thatched roofs, its modern design is inviting. Located in Midtown Coeur d’Alene, it’s easy to find and has plenty of parking.

Inside, you’ll witness a blend of Island themes with CDA’s rugged landscape. Think white oak finishes, natural grass light fixtures, and well-placed artwork. The touches of greenery, the wood trellis ceiling, and the tables blend the South Pacific with the Pacific Northwest.

The dining areas will suit any group or situation. You can choose the cozy indoor seating, a lively bar area, or the outdoor patio, which is perfect for soaking up the sun on a nice day.

The mix of natural elements and modern design makes it ideal for unwinding on your Idaho vacation.

The Lanai: Menu & Drinks

One dish that stands out is the Wagyu Loco Moco, a hearty plate of steamed jasmine rice, a Wagyu beef patty, house-made gravy, and sunny-side-up eggs.

Another favorite is the Spam Musubi, a simple yet flavorful combination of grilled Spam, teriyaki sauce, and steamed rice wrapped in seaweed.

When you need a filling lunch, check out the Thai Soba Noodle Salad. This Pacific Rim meal features chilled buckwheat noodles, organic spring mix, sriracha peanut sauce, vegetables, a fried egg, avocado, and cilantro. The combination of flavors and diverse textures makes for a delightful meal.

For something lighter, the Vegan Veggie Wrap, filled with fresh spinach, hummus, avocado, and crisp cucumbers, is a hit. The Yogurt+Granola is an ideal “grab and go” meal, with Greek yogurt, homemade granola, and a fruit compote with honey.

The drink menu is just as impressive. The Hawaiian Honeybee, a blend of espresso, milk, coconut, vanilla, and honey, is a must-try for coffee lovers. The Nitro Martini, made with in-house espresso, delivers a bold, smooth kick.

Moving on to the adult beverages, you’ll find classic and craft cocktails along with some beers. The Basil Huckleberry Lemonaide is a refreshing libation, with vodka, fresh lemonade and huckleberries, and basil.

The Lanai is where your taste buds can experience Island flavors and drinks. With its welcoming atmosphere, this eatery is a must-visit destination in Coeur d’Alene.

Local Tips

Arrive early to snag a patio seat on sunny days.
The specialty coffees offer a taste of Hawaii.
The kids’ menu makes The Lanai family-friendly.
The counter-service makes dining a breeze!

Location

821 N 4th St, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Coeur d'Alene from Spokane, WA?

Spokane International Airport (GEG) sits less than 40 minutes away. The drive is smooth and scenic, leading from city bustle to the calm of lake and mountain views. Coeur d’Alene feels close enough for easy travel yet far enough to hold its small-town charm.

What is the weather like in Coeur d'Alene?

Spring hillsides wake in green. The average high climbs to roughly 55 °F and the low holds near 36 °F, with lengthening days and the first warmth of spring returning to the lake. Precipitation in April averages around 2 inches, signalling the slow return of gentler weather.
Summer brings clear skies and long, warm days. In July, the average high reaches about 84 °F and the low settles near 55 °F. The skies stay clear roughly three-quarters of the time, with more than thirteen hours of sunshine each day and less than half an inch of rainfall on average.
Autumn days shorten and the air cools, the hills shift to gold and crimson. By October, the average high falls to around 58 °F and the low to about 38 °F. Rain collection for this month averages around 1 inch.
Winter arrives quietly, bringing an average high near 37 °F and a low around 26 °F in January. Precipitation accumulates to about 3 inches, with significant snowfall in the nearby mountains.

When is the best time to visit Coeur d'Alene?

Coeur d’Alene is a four-season destination, and each time of year offers its own kind of wonder.

Spring breathes color back into the hills. Trails open, golf courses green up, and wildflowers scatter across the shoreline. The days feel light and full of promise
Summer hums with life. The lake sparkles under long daylight hours, boats trace silver wakes, and the town moves to the rhythm of music, markets, and festivals. Evenings stretch lazily into starlit nights by the water
Autumn slows the tempo. The forests flare in gold and crimson, and the air carries the scent of pine and cool earth. It’s a time for quiet hikes, scenic drives, and sunsets that feel like good endings.
Winter softens everything. Downtown glows with lights, cafés steam with warmth, and the surrounding mountains call skiers to fresh snow. The calm of the lake in winter feels like a secret worth keeping

When are the high and low seasons in Coeur d'Alene?

The high season begins around Memorial Day and runs through Labor Day. This period draws the most visitors: lakeside activities, hiking, golfing and festivals all hit their stride.

The low season takes hold in the fall and winter months. The crowds thin and the pace becomes calmer. Yet the region still welcomes travelers thanks to excellent skiing nearby and the holiday charm downtown.

What are the biggest main events in Coeur d'Alene?

Coeur d’Alene fills its calendar with moments that bring the whole town to life.

Ironman Coeur d’Alene (end of June) – The city wakes early and cheers loud. Athletes from around the world test themselves against lake, mountain, and road while crowds line the shore in the summer sun. The air hums with determination and pride.
Car d’Alene (Father’s Day weekend) – Engines rumble and chrome gleams under the streetlights. Downtown becomes a parade of classics and customs, live music spills from every corner, and the whole weekend feels like a rolling celebration of motion and nostalgia.
Fourth of July Celebration – Begin the day with a classic small-town parade filled with flags, music, and hometown pride. As daylight fades, the lake turns glassy and still before the fireworks begin. Reflections dance across the water, echoing cheers from beaches and boats gathered to watch one of the Northwest’s most dazzling displays.
Art on the Green (1st weekend of August) – The lakefront becomes a garden of creativity. Artists, musicians, and chefs fill the air with color, sound, and the scent of local food. It’s a festival that feels handmade and full of heart.
Oktoberfest (mid-September) – A lively weekend downtown with local brews, food, and music that celebrate the turn of the season.
Holiday Lighting Ceremony & Parade (Day after Thanksgiving) – When winter settles in, the city glows. More than a million lights wrap the downtown waterfront, the parade winds through streets lined with cocoa cups and mittens, and the night ends with the lake shining under its holiday crown. From the resort docks, cruise across the water to the “North Pole”, where children meet Santa and the shoreline sparkles with wonder.

What are must-sees in Coeur d'Alene?

Lake Coeur d’Alene: Glide across the wide blue surface of Lake Coeur d’Alene, where the mountains lean in and the water carries light like a mirror. Boats trace gentle wakes, kayaks cut through stillness at dawn, and the shoreline invites slow strolls and quiet reflection. Step aboard one of the scenic lake cruises from The Coeur d’Alene Resort to see hidden bays, forested hillsides, and sunsets that seem to last forever.
Tubbs Hill Natural Area: Right beside downtown, this 2.2-mile loop blends forest, granite cliffs, and lake views. You’ll find hidden coves, clean water, and the quiet that comes when nature is only steps from the café.
Downtown Sherman Avenue & Lakefront Boardwalk: Wander from art galleries to coffee to waterfront benches. Walk the floating boardwalk around the marina at dusk and watch the lights shimmer in the water. The town feels alive without being rushed.
Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course (Floating Green): Even if you’re not big on golf, this is a spectacle. A green that floats on the lake! It captures the spirit of the place; water, lush grass, and an unexpected twist of fun.
North Idaho Centennial Trail and Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes: Set your pace to discovery. These trails stretch past the lake, along rivers, through forests, and into open sky. Whether you’re walking, biking, or breathing the air, it offers a way to explore without getting lost in busy-town energy.
Silverwood: Just north of Coeur d’Alene, Silverwood brings a jolt of excitement to the region’s easygoing pace. Roller coasters rise above the trees, and the air fills with the sound of laughter and rushing water from Boulder Beach Water Park. Spend the day chasing thrills, then return to the lake for a quiet sunset. Two sides of summer living in perfect balance.