Oahu, Hawaii
Honolulu, Hawaii
Having been born and raised in Hawaii and having spent over a decade in the coffee scene I finally opened my own cafe in Kaka'ako! It's a lot of work, but I still make sure to find time to catch up with my friends at other cafes and within the local coffee scene to discover new spots. If you're planning a visit to the island and looking for some great coffee options, I highly recommend checking out some of my favorite cafes.
Honolulu Coffee is a must-visit spot for any coffee lover, with multiple locations around the islands. Their coffee is roasted in-house at their Waikiki Experience Center, and they have both 100% Kona and Lokahi Blends. Be sure to try their signature latte, the "Hawaiian Latte,". They are a farm to cup coffee company with a great farm on the Big Island! I worked here for almost a decade and have many fond memories at their many locations.
Another great spot is 9bar, located in the Kaka'ako neighborhood. This hip cafe has a minimalist decor and an extensive menu of espresso drinks, pour-overs, and cold brew. They also serve up delicious pastries and light bites. My boyfriend is a huge fan of their Scuffins and requests them anytime we're nearby.
Curb Kaimuki is another great option, located in the quaint Kaimuki neighborhood. They offer a variety of coffee drinks, including pour-overs and cold brew, as well as many creative and specialty drinks. Their reputation proceeds them and their quality sets the bar for many.
Island Brew is a quickly expanding cafe with locations in Hawaii Kai, Ala Moana and now Ward Village! Each of their locations have varying themes. the Hawaii Kai locations has a cozy atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Be sure to try their signature Single Origin Hawaiian Coffee.
If you're in the Kaka'ako area, be sure to check out ARVO. This beautifully designed cafe serves up delicious coffee and light bites, and their clean, bright, minimalist decor is perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots.
Kona Coffee Purveyors is another great spot, located in the International Market Place. They serve up delicious Kona coffee drinks and also have a retail area where you can purchase their coffee to take home. Anytime my friends and I go hiking, they always stop by for some of the best cafe baked goods on the island.
TRY Coffee is a newer addition to the Honolulu coffee scene, but it's quickly become a local favorite. Their coffee is sourced from all over the world and roasted in-house, and they also offer a variety of non-coffee drinks like matcha and chai. They even did a coffee advent calendar for the holidays and are known for their instantly recognizable mini Japanese imported truck!
Ali'i Coffee Co is an expanding cafe with locations in Downtown, Waikiki and Ward village. They serve up delicious coffee drinks, including a nitro cold brew that's a must-try.
No matter where you go, you're sure to find some great coffee options in Honolulu. As a cafe owner myself, I love supporting other local businesses and exploring all the unique coffee experiences this city has to offer. If you know any other cafes that've opened up, or wanna add details to any listing I have for your cafe, make sure to DM me and let me know on Instagram!
The Curb - Located in Kailua, The Curb is known for its specialty coffee drinks and fresh pastries. They use locally sourced ingredients and have a chic indoor seating area. The Curb is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Morning Glass Coffee + Cafe - With two locations in Manoa and Ward Village, Morning Glass is known for its exceptional coffee and delicious breakfast and lunch menu. I always get their smoked salmon bagel with their coffee.
Island Brew Coffeehouse: Island Brew Coffeehouse is a family-owned cafe located in Hawaii Kai, town and Ward Village. They are known for their Hawaiian-grown coffee beans and pour overs. The cafe's Hawaii Kai Location has a laid-back, beachy vibe and is a great spot to stop for a caffeine fix while exploring the island's East Coast.
Island Vintage Coffee - With several locations across Oahu, Island Vintage is known for its award-winning coffee, which is made from 100% Kona beans grown on the Big Island of Hawaii. They also offer acai bowls, smoothies, and other tasty treats.
Arvo - Located in Kaka'ako, Arvo is known for its stylish, minimalist design and great coffee. They offer a variety of specialty coffee drinks, as well as fresh pastries and other treats.
Kai Coffee - With two locations in Honolulu, Kai Coffee is known for its exceptional coffee and friendly staff. They offer a variety of specialty drinks, as well as delicious baked goods and sandwiches made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. A great stop if you're in Waikiki.
Cafe Villamor is a unique cafe located in Kaka'ako known for its health and fitness focused menu. They offer a variety of coffee drinks, protein smoothies, pastries, and sandwiches, including vegan and gluten-free options. Café Villamor has gained popularity for its community-focused approach and Dungeons and Dragons meetups, which attract both locals and visitors alike.
Kona Coffee Purveyors - Located in Waikiki, Kona Coffee Purveyors is known for its exceptional coffee made from 100% Kona beans. They also offer a variety of pastries and sandwiches. Their space is bright and modern, with indoor and outdoor seating available.
Honolulu Coffee: Honolulu Coffee is a farm to cup coffee company known for their high-quality coffee beans sourced from around the world and their Farm on the Big Island and roasted in-house. They offer a wide range of espresso drinks and specialty coffee beverages. They have locations across Hawaii and even in Japan and the mainland.
Pelekai Coffee: Pele Kai Coffee is located near Ward Village, Oahu and is known for their super tea lattes . Their cafe offers a small, cozy spot to enjoy your coffee with beautiful murals.
Try Coffee: Try Coffee is a popular cafe located in the Kaka'ako neighborhood of Honolulu. They are known for their specialty espresso drinks and unique lattes. Try Coffee is located in a trendy outdoor shopping center and has a hip, modern vibe.
9Bar HNL: 9Bar HNL is a specialty coffee shop located in the Kaka'ako neighborhood. They are known for their meticulously crafted espresso drinks and pour-over coffee. The cafe has a minimalist, industrial feel and have a great selection of Scuffins and other bakes goods.
Ali'i Coffee Co: Ali'i Coffee Co is an expanding cafe with locations in Downtown, Waikiki and Ward village. They serve up delicious coffee drinks, including a nitro cold brew that's a must-try. The cafe has a laid-back, artsy vibe and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Bluetree Cafe: Bluetree Cafe is a popular coffee shop and eatery. They offer a wide range of coffee drinks and healthy food options, such as acai bowls and smoothies. Bluetree Cafe is known for its bright, colorful decor and relaxed atmosphere.
Coffee Talk: Coffee Talk is a cozy cafe located in the Waialae neighborhood of Oahu. They are known for their cozy location, coffee drinks and homemade baked goods. The cafe has a charming, cottage-like feel and is a popular spot for locals to catch up with friends or work remotely. They recently added an evening cocktail bar.