Honolulu, the vibrant heart of Hawaii, pulses with not just beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage, but also a booming coffee scene. For over 200 years, coffee has played a central role in Hawaiian agriculture, producing some of the most exclusive beans in the world. This long history shines in Honolulu’s coffee culture, mixing traditional Hawaiian flavors with modern brewing techniques.
Coffee is vital to Hawaiian culture and economy. It brings in significant economic benefits through tourism and exports as a key agricultural product. Hawaiian coffee, especially from the Kona Coast, stands out for its unique flavors influenced by volcanic soil and perfect climate. In Honolulu, this heritage is evident in the numerous coffee shops that serve as social gathering spots and celebrate local coffee traditions and innovations.
This article highlights the 10 best coffee shops in Honolulu. Each shop offers a unique experience that captures the essence of Hawaiian coffee culture. From artisan roasters to trendy cafes, these places are favorites among both locals and tourists. They provide more than just a caffeine fix—they offer a taste of local history and hospitality. If you’re looking for the perfect brew, a cozy spot to unwind, or a peek into the art of coffee making, the 10 best coffee shops in Honolulu offer unforgettable experiences filled with the aloha spirit.
The 10 Best Coffee Shops in Honolulu, HI
1. Kai Coffee Hawaii Roastery
Kai Coffee Hawaii Roastery stands as a beacon of premium artisan coffee in the heart of Honolulu. Established by a local family with a passion for coffee, Kai Coffee has carved out a niche by offering a genuine ‘farm to cup’ experience. The roastery is renowned for its commitment to quality and sustainability, sourcing beans directly from Hawaiian farms.
What sets Kai Coffee apart are its signature roasts and the transparency of its bean sourcing and roasting process. Customers can enjoy a range of single-origin coffees and blends that are roasted on-site, ensuring maximum freshness. The shop also offers exclusive batches like the Hawaiian Hazelnut or the Waialua Estate Chocolate, which are infused with local flavors.
The ambiance at Kai Coffee Hawaii Roastery is warm and inviting, with a clear focus on creating a relaxing environment for coffee enthusiasts. The interior is tastefully decorated with elements that highlight the Hawaiian heritage, and the outdoor seating area offers a serene spot to enjoy the tropical climate. The staff is knowledgeable and eager to share their love of coffee, making every visit educational and enjoyable.
Address: 525 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
2. Arvo Café
Located in the trendy neighborhood of Kaka’ako, Arvo Café is nestled in a bustling area known for its colorful street murals and vibrant arts scene. The café is part of a larger lifestyle store, providing a unique setting that blends a love for coffee with fashion and art, making it a popular spot for both young creatives and professionals.
Arvo Café is famous for its creative coffee concoctions and delightful food pairings. Signature drinks like the Lavender Latte and Matcha Espresso Fusion are favorites among patrons. The café also serves a variety of freshly made sandwiches and salads, with their avocado toast being a standout, perfectly complementing their craft coffees.
Arvo Café has quickly become a favorite among locals for its laid-back atmosphere and innovative menu. Tourists are equally drawn to the café, often coming in search of the perfect Instagrammable coffee and the aesthetic pleasure of the locale. The blend of exceptional coffees, stylish setting, and friendly service makes Arvo Café a must-visit destination in Honolulu’s coffee scene.
Address: 324 Coral St Suite 1A-104b, Honolulu, HI 96813
3. Morning Glass Coffee
Morning Glass Coffee, located in the quaint Manoa Valley, was founded with the vision of bringing expertly crafted coffee to the heart of Honolulu. Its inception was driven by a passion for quality and a commitment to community, aiming to provide a gathering place for coffee lovers and locals to enjoy high-caliber brews in a friendly, neighborhood setting.
Morning Glass Coffee takes pride in its meticulous brewing methods, which are designed to highlight the unique characteristics of each bean. The café employs a variety of brewing techniques, including pour-over, French press, and cold brew, ensuring that every cup is a testament to the craft of coffee making. Their baristas are well-trained, often experimenting with parameters like grind size, water temperature, and brewing time to perfect the flavors.
Besides its exceptional coffee, Morning Glass Coffee offers a compelling menu that features locally sourced ingredients and seasonal offerings. Their homemade pastries and hearty breakfast dishes, such as the Manoa Honey Granola and the Egg on Toast with avocado, are particularly popular. The café also features weekly specials that keep the menu exciting and reflective of the local produce available.
Address: 2955 E Manoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822
4. Kona Coffee Purveyors
Kona Coffee Purveyors is a testament to the rich heritage of Hawaiian coffee. Founded by a team deeply rooted in the Kona coffee tradition, this shop not only serves coffee but also celebrates the storied history of Kona’s coffee farms. The founders began with a simple mission: to bring the distinct and premium Kona coffee to a wider audience in Honolulu, showcasing the best of what the Big Island has to offer.
This café distinguishes itself through an unyielding dedication to quality and authenticity. Kona Coffee Purveyors carefully selects its beans from the best Kona farms, ensuring that they meet stringent quality standards. The roasting process is meticulously tuned to enhance the natural flavors of the Kona coffee bean, which is known for its rich, volcanic soil nurtured taste. The shop features a range of single-estate coffees as well as exclusive blends that are roasted in small batches to maintain their distinctive profiles.
Customers often praise Kona Coffee Purveyors for its authentic Kona coffee experience. Testimonials frequently mention the depth and richness of the coffee, as well as the knowledgeable staff who are eager to share the story behind each cup. Popular products include their classic Kona Peaberry and the Kona Dark Roast, which offer a true taste of Hawaii’s coffee legacy. The shop also sells whole beans, allowing customers to take a piece of Hawaiian coffee culture home with them.
Address:
2330 Kalākaua Ave #160, Honolulu, HI 96815
1122 Makepono St #100, Honolulu, HI 96819
5. Ali’i Coffee Co.
Ali’i Coffee Co. prides itself on its responsible and ethical sourcing practices, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and fair trade principles. The company partners directly with coffee farmers in Hawaii and other renowned coffee-growing regions around the world, ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation for their crops. This commitment to ethical sourcing not only supports local and international communities but also ensures the quality and traceability of their beans.
Ali’i Coffee Co. offers a diverse range of coffee blends that cater to various palates, including exclusive blends that combine Hawaiian coffee with international varieties to create unique flavor profiles. Seasonal specials are a highlight at Ali’i, with offerings that incorporate local flavors and ingredients, such as the Pumpkin Spice Latte made with real Hawaiian pumpkin and the Summer Blend featuring hints of coconut and macadamia nut.
The design of Ali’i Coffee Co. reflects a modern yet cozy aesthetic that invites customers to relax and savor their coffee. The interior features natural wood accents and vibrant greenery that echo the lush landscapes of Hawaii, creating a peaceful, inviting atmosphere. The seating arrangement is thoughtfully designed to accommodate both individual coffee enthusiasts and groups, featuring comfortable sofas, communal tables, and quiet corners for those looking to work or read.
Address:
35 S Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96813
1200 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814
400 Royal Hawaiian Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
6. Hawaiian Fresh Roast Coffee
Hawaiian Fresh Roast Coffee is known for its artisanal approach to coffee roasting, focusing on small batch production to maintain quality and freshness. The roasting process is carried out in-house with meticulous attention to detail, allowing for precise control over the flavor and aroma of the coffee. The selection of beans includes a variety of Hawaiian and international coffees, chosen for their unique characteristics and quality.
What sets Hawaiian Fresh Roast Coffee apart is its dedication to the craft of coffee and its vibrant community atmosphere. The shop features a roasting area visible to customers, where they can watch the roasting process while enjoying their brews. Additionally, Hawaiian Fresh Roast is known for its innovative coffee education workshops and tasting sessions, which are designed to deepen customers’ understanding and appreciation of coffee.
The exceptional customer service at Hawaiian Fresh Roast Coffee is a cornerstone of their business, with a friendly and knowledgeable staff that goes above and beyond to make each visit memorable. The café’s community involvement is evident through its support of local events, partnerships with other local businesses, and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness within the community. This commitment to service and community makes Hawaiian Fresh Roast a beloved part of Honolulu’s coffee scene.
Address: 650 Iwilei Rd, Honolulu, HI 96817
7. Downtown Coffee Honolulu
Downtown Coffee Honolulu was founded by a group of coffee enthusiasts who shared a vision of fostering a vibrant coffee culture in the heart of the city. Their mission is to provide a space where community and coffee intersect, offering high-quality, locally sourced coffee in a setting that encourages interaction and engagement. The founders are committed to promoting sustainability and supporting local coffee farmers by highlighting Hawaiian-grown beans.
The coffee menu at Downtown Coffee Honolulu is a curated selection of classic and innovative brews designed to cater to a variety of tastes. Best sellers include their signature Downtown Blend, a smooth and balanced medium roast that captures the essence of Hawaiian coffee, and the Barista’s Choice, which features a rotating selection of single-origin coffees. Their seasonal specials, like the Spiced Coconut Latte, also draw considerable attention for their creative use of local ingredients.
Downtown Coffee Honolulu has become a cornerstone of the downtown area, contributing significantly to the local community not only through its business but also through various outreach initiatives. The shop hosts regular events, such as art exhibitions and live music nights, which help promote local artists and musicians. Moreover, their involvement in community service projects and collaborations with other local businesses help strengthen the economic and social fabric of downtown Honolulu.
Address: 900 Fort Street Mall, 100 Pioneer Plaza, Honolulu, HI 96813
8. Honolulu Coffee Experience Center
The Honolulu Coffee Experience Center is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a destination that offers visitors a comprehensive look into the world of Hawaiian coffee. Located conveniently near tourist-heavy areas, this flagship store is designed to provide an immersive coffee experience, from bean to cup. The interior is spacious and modern, featuring state-of-the-art brewing equipment and comfortable seating areas that invite visitors to linger and learn.
One of the standout features of the Honolulu Coffee Experience Center is its array of educational offerings. Visitors can participate in guided coffee tours that take them through the history of coffee in Hawaii, the process of coffee making, and the specifics of bean cultivation and harvesting. These tours are complemented by brewing demonstrations and tasting sessions, where guests can learn about different brewing techniques and taste the nuances of various coffee roasts.
The Honolulu Coffee Experience Center is renowned for its wide range of specialty coffees, including exclusive Kona coffee varieties that are difficult to find elsewhere. The Kona Peaberry and the Aged Kona are particularly popular among connoisseurs. Visitor reviews often highlight the knowledgeable staff and the engaging tours, noting that the experience deepens their appreciation for coffee and provides a unique insight into Hawaii’s coffee industry. The center’s commitment to education and quality makes it a must-visit for both tourists and locals interested in the art and science of coffee.
Address: 1800 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
9. The Curb Kaimuki
The Curb Kaimuki stands out for its innovative approach to coffee, focusing on both traditional methods and experimental techniques. This includes offering a variety of brewing methods like Aeropress, siphon, and cold drip, each chosen to highlight different flavor profiles and appeal to a diverse customer base. The Curb also experiments with seasonal brews and limited edition releases that incorporate local ingredients, appealing to the curiosity and tastes of their clientele.
Specialty items at The Curb Kaimuki often include unique coffee beverages and locally sourced pastries. The café has formed collaborations with local bakers and chocolatiers to create pairings that enhance the coffee experience, such as espresso-infused chocolates or coffee-flavored pastries. These collaborations not only support other local businesses but also bring exclusive and distinctive products to their menu.
The atmosphere at The Curb Kaimuki is casual and community-focused, designed to be a comfortable space where people can gather, work, or relax. The café features art from local artists and regularly hosts community events like coffee workshops and art nights. Their customer engagement strategies are centered on building relationships through excellent service, engaging social media presence, and loyalty programs that encourage repeat visits and community involvement.
Address: 3408 Waialae Ave Suite 103, Honolulu, HI 96816
10. Hawaiian Aroma Caffé
Hawaiian Aroma Caffé has successfully established a strong presence across the islands with multiple locations that all maintain a consistent and inviting brand image. Their branding emphasizes a blend of Hawaiian charm with a touch of European café culture, making it a recognizable and beloved fixture in both tourist areas and local neighborhoods. The consistent quality across their locations has helped solidify their reputation as a go-to spot for both locals and visitors.
Hawaiian Aroma Caffé is known for its unique coffee blends that incorporate beans from various international locations, while still highlighting Hawaiian coffee. This global approach allows them to offer a diverse menu that includes both local favorites and international classics, such as Italian espresso or French café au lait. Their coffee selection caters to a wide range of tastes and demonstrates the café’s commitment to providing a cosmopolitan coffee experience.
The décor of Hawaiian Aroma Caffé is vibrant and lively, featuring tropical motifs, lush greenery, and bright, airy spaces that reflect the natural beauty of Hawaii. Each location is designed to provide a relaxing oasis for customers, with comfortable seating and a friendly atmosphere that encourages lingering over coffee. The interiors are stylish yet informal, perfect for a quick coffee break or a leisurely meeting. This welcoming ambiance is a key element of their appeal, drawing in a steady stream of both new and regular customers.
Address:
2300 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
150 Kaʻiulani Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
1777 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815
Conclusion
The coffee scene in Honolulu is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself, combining traditional Hawaiian roots with modern innovations. Each of the 10 best coffee shops in Honolulu showcases a unique approach to coffee. Some focus on direct farm-to-cup sourcing, others excel in artisanal roasting techniques, and a few foster creative collaborations with local businesses. From the rustic charm of Kai Coffee Hawaii Roastery to the sophisticated vibes of Hawaiian Aroma Caffé, these places are more than spots to grab a coffee—they are cultural hubs that celebrate the art of coffee making.
Honolulu’s ideal growing conditions produce some of the world’s most unique coffee varieties, and the passionate people behind each cup make the coffee even better. The owners and baristas of the 10 best coffee shops in Honolulu care deeply about their craft. They ensure that every cup reflects their dedication to excellence.
For anyone living in or visiting Honolulu, a visit to these coffee shops offers much more than great coffee. It’s a chance to dive into the local culture, meet new people, and learn about the journey from bean to cup. We encourage everyone to visit these spots not just to support local businesses, but to savor an authentic taste of what Honolulu offers in the world of coffee. Each of the 10 best coffee shops in Honolulu tells a unique story, adding to the broader narrative that makes Honolulu a special place for coffee lovers.
