Whether you're looking for a local roaster or a specially curated blend; searching for espresso, lattes or even coffee cocktails, here are the 10 best coffee shops in Hawai‘i.
Arvo Café
Take a trip down under at this hip Australian-inspired cafe known for its Insta-worthy foam art and unique toast toppings. The ambience here is to die for, with floor-to-ceiling windows, local ceramics and charming knickknacks scattered among the shelves alongside floral arrangements galore thanks to Paiko, the floral shop next door. Craving a cup? Sip on one of the many coffee offerings, including espresso, drip coffee, lattes, cappuccino and more. Locals love the lavender and rose lattes, best enjoyed with a side of avocado or salmon toast served on rustic wooden platters. SALT At Our Kaka‘ako, 324 Coral St., Ste. 1A-104B, O‘ahu, 808.312.3979, arvocafe.com
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Grandma’s Coffee House
This rustic, family-owned coffee shop-turned-restaurant boasts some of the best beans in town. For the last four generations, coffee beans have been picked by hand, dried in the sun and roasted onsite, resulting in what locals say is the best-tasting cup on the island. Grab a seat among the old coffee plantation memorabilia and treat yourself to a cup or two, best served alongside a spread of cornbread waffles, cheesy sausage-stuffed omelettes or a slice of aptly-named pineapple-banana dream cake. 9232 Kula Highway, Maui, 808.878.2140, grandmascoffee.com
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Green World Coffee Farm
Famously known as O‘ahu’s first coffee farm and boasting seven acres of 3,000 arabica coffee trees, the beans are roasted onsite daily at the cafe and espresso bar. Situated on the North Shore, it also boasts a retail space selling whole beans and Hawaiian specialties. So stop by for a self-guided tour through the coffee garden and learn exactly where coffee comes from and how it gets to your cup while enjoying a free sample or two. Don’t leave without a souvenir to remember your trip by—the one-of-a-kind handcrafted mugs by Hawai‘i’s leading artistic potter Jeff Chang make the perfect gift. 71-101 Kamehameha Highway, O‘ahu, 808.622.2326, greenworldcoffeefarm.com
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Hawaiian Village Coffee
Discreetly located in a strip mall in Kahana, this cozy cafe offers a wide variety of espresso and drip coffees alongside grab-and-go food items like breakfast bagels, lox sandwiches and avocado toast plus fresh-baked pastries and Roselani Tropics ice cream. It’s the perfect place to grab a specialty Hawaiian coffee, sit on the outdoor patio and spend a lazy Sunday morning. The selection of vegan treats are fan favorites—we recommend getting here early to have first pick of the goodies. Staff are also happy to set out filtered water for any four-legged friends you decide to bring along. 4405 Highway 30, Maui, 808.665.1114
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Island Vintage Coffee
With four locations in O‘ahu, one in Maui and some across the sea in Japan, it’s safe to say that this shop knows good coffee. Sip on one of the famous specialty beverages, including the island latte, Hawaiian honey latte and frozen banana Kona mocha. The food menu is nothing to scoff at either, serving up breakfast and lunch items such as sandwiches, acai bowls, housemade burgers, poke bowls and lunch and dinner plates. Can’t make it in person? The online shop sells coffee, latte and mocha mixes, tea, hydro flasks, snacks, apparel and more. Multiple locations, islandvintagecoffee.com
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Java Kai
This counter-serve coffee house has two Kauai locations serving a variety of light fare in an artfully decorated space. Breakfast and lunch are served until 3PM, but we recommend stopping by early to beat the long lines of hungry customers that will inevitably pile up throughout the day. You can also place your order and pay online to beat the wait! With a varied selection of iced and blended coffees, smoothies, juices, lattes, hot chocolate, burgers, salads, sandwiches, pastries and desserts, there’s truly something for everyone. As they say at Java Kai, “Drink coffee or die!” 4-1384 Kuhio Highway, Kauai, 808.823.6887; 2555 Ala Namahana Parkway, Ste. 600, Kauai, 808.828.2810, javakai.com
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Kauai Coffee Company
Grown in rich volcanic soil, the coffee grown at the Kauai Coffee Estate is second to none. Take a trip to the estate for a guided stroll through the coffee orchard to learn about where your coffee comes from and what it goes through to make it to your cup. Hit the gift shop to take home a bag or two of the company’s exceptional coffees, from the soft, fruity Kauai Blue Mountain to the intense dark-roasted chocolate Peaberry. Flavored coffees are on offer as well as multiple coffee lines, including the Kauai Estate Reserve and the new Artisan Crafted Reserves. 870 Halewili Road, Kauai, 800.545.8605, kauaicoffee.com
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Kona Coffee Purveyors
Husband-and-wife team Raymond and Jackie Suiter have created a stylish spot for artisan Kona coffee and delicious baked goods from sister store b.patisserie. Jackie’s scientific culinary background and precise roasting methods combined with Raymond’s attention to detail and desire to offer the best experience ensure that the coffee they serve is crafted with a deep respect for the earth, its people and the beans that grow from it. So grab a cup and pair it with a James Beard Award-winning croissant or some flaky kouign-amman, layered and baked right before your eyes in the open kitchen. International Marketplace, 2330 Kalakaua Ave., Ste. 160, Waikiki, 808.450.2364, konacoffeepurveyors.com
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Local Joe
Located in Hawaii National Bank, this cafe has been roasting its own 100% Hawaiian beans for over 20 years. Alongside tea and smoothie drinks you’ll find specialty coffees such as Marc’s Malabar mocha made with espresso, creme de cacao, caramel sauce, heavy creme and dark chocolate. Other best-sellers include the Vietnamese cold brew, café au lait, caramel macchiato and Pacific chai tea latte. Plus, breakfast and lunch is served all day and can be enjoyed al fresco on the outdoor patio. 110 Marin St., O‘ahu, 808.536.7700, localjoehi.com
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Olive & Oliver
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Ai McMahon and Parker Moosman, this sundry and artisan coffee shop boasts a perfectly curated mix of clothing, accessories, home goods and—of course—coffee. Serving Caffe Vita coffee from Seattle in signature art-inspired cups, this specialty shop’s pour overs, matcha lattes and chai teas make perfect pictures to post on the ‘gram. The original Indigo Pineapple watercolor cup design matches the wallpaper in the fitting rooms, while rotating designs feature collaborative patterns from artists like Jesse Ameson, Kim Sielbeck and London-based Chloe Hall. Add in one of the flavorful made-from-scratch organic syrups and you’re good to go. 412 Lewers St., Waikiki, oliveandoliverhawaii.com
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Photography by: By John Shepherd/Getty Images
