15 Best Coffee Shops In Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is a great city that has a lot to offer. It’s the capital of Hawaii and it’s also home to some of the best coffee shops in the world.
The Hawaiian Islands are known for their delicious food and drinks. The people here love to drink coffee and they do so with gusto.
There are many different types of coffee shops and cafes in Honolulu. Some of them serve traditional Hawaiian dishes while others have more modern menus.
Here are 15 of the best coffee shops and cafes in the state:
1. Ali’i Coffee Co
The name of this place says it all. This is a small, local coffee shop on a busy Chinatown street.
Ali’i does everything well. And while there isn’t much seating inside, outside tables offer some shade and allow for people watching.
And the coffee here is incredible. You won’t find better espresso anywhere else in Hawaii.
Address: 35 South Beretania St., Honolulu 96813 (click for map)
2. Island Vintage Coffee
The second location of Island Vintage Coffee opened in December 2017.
Their menu includes everything from sweet treats to savory dishes. And of course delicious coffee.
You can also try their signature poke bowls, which come with a variety of toppings.
They offer both sweet and savory options, including mac & cheese, bacon, avocado, and more.
For dessert, you can choose from classics such as brownies and cookies, or opt for something more unique, like chocolate-covered mac & cheese balls.
Address: 2301 Kalakaua Avenue #C215, Honolulu 96815 (click for map)
3. Kai Coffee Hawaii
Kai Coffee Hawaii is a local favorite.
They serve up some of the best coffee in town and are located right in the heart of downtown Waikiki.
With a variety of drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, smoothies, juices, and more, there’s something for everyone here.
Address: 2490 Kalakaua Ave, Suite #131, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 (click for map)
4. Kona Coffee Purveyors
In their recently-expanded space inside the International Marketplace in Honolulu, Kona Coffee Purveyors offers chic coffee, breakfast, and desserts.
It’s one of the best places to get fresh, local Kona coffee in Waikiki.
Their menu features everything from macarons to croissants, scones, and crepes. And there’s no better place to enjoy it than in their spacious café.
Address: 2330 Kalakaua Ave #160, Honolulu, HI 96815 (click for map)
5. The Halekulani Bakery
Halekulani Hotel & Café, located on Waikiki Beach is a quaint café that offers a variety of breakfast items, lunch specials, and specialty drinks, along with a full menu of baked goods.
But what really sets this cafe apart is its commitment to sourcing locally-grown produce.
The Halekulani uses ingredients sourced from farms throughout Oahu, including Kona Coffee Company, which sources its beans from a farm near Keauhou.
They use taro root, which grows abundantly in the area, to make their signature pineapple banana bread.
And for their macadamia nut cookies, they source nuts from a nearby farm.
Address: 2233 Helumoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815 (click for map)
6. Morning Glass Coffee + Cafe
Waikiki’s Halekulani Bakeria is a true hidden gem. Located across the street from the iconic House Without A Key, the bakery makes some of the most delectable treats around.
From the moment you step into the bright white space, you know you are entering something special.
With its bright, open kitchen and communal tables, the bakery feels both welcoming and intimate.
Address: 2955 East Manoa Road, Honolulu, HI 96822 (click for map)
7. Local Joe
This local coffee shop chain opened its doors in late 2016 and since then has been attracting customers with its unique concept.
The brand offers specialty coffees, espresso drinks, smoothies, salads, sandwiches, wraps, and desserts.
However, one thing that sets it apart from others is that it serves lattes with aloha written across the top.
Address: 45 North King Street Suite 110, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 (click for map)
8. Arvo Cafe
Inside the SALT At Our Kaka’ako Marketplace, Arvo Cafe is one of the best places to grab a quick bite to eat.
Located inside the SALT marketplace, Arvo serves up delicious light snacks like sandwiches, salads, and baked goods.
Stop by before heading out for lunch or dinner in the market.
You’ll find plenty of great options nearby, including Haleiwa Fish Market & Grill, Honolulu Pizza Company, and Mauna Kea Coffee Roasters.
If you’re looking for something a little different, try the signature “Kakawiki,” a sweet potato pancake topped with macadamia nuts and coconut flakes.
Or, take your coffee to the beach.
Arvo Café is located just steps away from Ala Moana Beach Park, where you can enjoy some much needed sunshine while sipping on freshly brewed coffee.
Address: 324 Coral Street at SALT, Honolulu, HI 96813 (click for map)
9. Island Brew Coffeehouse
Island Brew Coffee House opened in 2012, and now has three locations across Oahu.
Each serves up delicious coffee beverages, smoothies, espresso drinks, and baked goods like muffins, scones, cookies, cakes, and pies.
And there are plenty of options for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free folks too.
There are two premium locations– one in the Ala Moana Shopping Center, and another in Hawaii Kai Shopping Center.
Both offer outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, and umbrellas for shade.
Address: 377 Keahole St, Honolulu HI 96825 (click for map)
10. Honolulu Coffee
Honolulu Coffee is a locally owned and operated coffee shop chain based out of Oahu.
The company offers a range of coffees from different regions, including Hawaii, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Kenya, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Yemen.
They’re also known for their delicious flavors, including chocolate chip cookie dough, banana pudding, coconut cream pie, and even a few alcoholic drinks.
They offer both espresso and Americanos, along with specialty drinks like kalua pig latte, macchiato, cappuccino, chai, and smoothies.
All of their drinks are made from scratch daily, and they use high-quality ingredients like Hawaiian honey, Maui pineapple juice, and dairy products from local farms.
Address: 1800 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 (click for map)
11. Cafe Kaila
This snappy coffee and brunch-only place located near the Kanewa Community Park has been a favorite in the local area since it opened in 2003.
When you walk into the cafe you’ll be greeted with a happy and bright island vibe that permeates into the freshness and tasty appeal of the food.
If you fancy something fluffy and sweet go for the Belgian malt waffle, while those looking for something lighter might prefer the classic French toast.
There are lots of savory sides too, including the popular spam, a Hawaiian staple.
Kids love the breakfast burrito, and there are plenty of healthy choices, like fruit salads and veggie burgers.
There are plenty of side options and a kid’s menu, Cafe Kaila offers a wide variety of dishes for everyone to enjoy.
Address: 2919 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96816 (click for map)
12. Moena Cafe
The Moena Cafe is one of those special places where you know you’ve found something truly unique.
Located just off Kalaniana’ole Highway in Waikiki, it’s the perfect place for a quick bite, uplifting coffee, or meal to go.
The fish breakfast incorporates the fresh catches of the day with eggs, rice or potatoes, while visitors can choose from several types of crepe options – including Nutella – and savory dishes like the short rib loco Moco.
And there’s plenty of seating inside, outside, and even in the pond out front.
You’ll find a variety of tables and seats, some with umbrellas, and a few outdoor tables along the water.
You can’t miss the restaurant, either. It’s right across the street from the Koko Marina Center Building, so stop in for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Address: 7192 Kalanianaole Hwy Suite #D-101, Honolulu, Hawaii 96825 (click for map)
13. Morning Brew
Morning Brew is a cozy cafe located just off Ala Moana Boulevard near the Kewalo Basin harbor.
They serve up some of the most amazing breakfasts.
Their menu offers everything from traditional Hawaiian favorites like lomi salmon, poi pancakes, and kalua pig to more exotic choices like a veggie omelet and a macadamia nut-crusted mahimahi.
The place itself is quaint, inviting, and comfortable.
There are plenty of tables and chairs outside where you can enjoy aloha vibes while watching the world pass by.
Inside it feels much cozier and more intimate. You’ll find yourself lingering over a cup of coffee or tea longer than usual because there’s no rush here.
Address: 685 Auahi St Suite 113, Honolulu, HI 96813 (click for map)
14. Koko Head Cafe
Located off Waialae Avenue and near Kaimuki Beach Park, this laidback eatery/coffee shop serves up Hawaiian-inspired dishes like Island Style Brunch.
With options such as the Breakfast Bibimbap, featuring eggs, rice, vegetables, and meat topped with a delicious sauce, it’s hard to go wrong here.
For those looking for a lighter option, check out their “All Day Wong,” a dish of steamed pork dumplings served over rice.
For dessert, don’t miss out on one of their mouth-watering pastries, especially their coconut cream pie and chocolate cake.
They’re both absolutely incredible!
Address: 1120 12th Ave #100, Honolulu, HI 96816 (click for map)
15. Bogarts
Located off Monsarrat Avenue, not far from Queen Kapiolani Garden, is Bogart’s Cafe.
If you think of brunch as a heavy meal that makes you tired or wants more food, then you’re in for a surprise.
Bogart’s uses only the freshest and best ingredients, and the difference can be seen immediately.
First of all, you can always get whatever type of coffee or tea that suits your preference and it is an absolute must at a great brunch spot.
There are also several different types of acai bowls, smoothie drinks, and even milkshake options to choose from, or maybe you’d rather try some fried rice, a crab & avocado omelet, grilled kimchi cheese, and more.
Address: 3045 Monsarrat Ave Ste 9, Honolulu, HI 96815 (click for map)
Conclusion
Honolulu is home to many cafes/restaurants serving up delectable cuisine.
And if you’re looking for something special, these 15 places should definitely make the list.
Check out the best coffee shops in Hawaii in the other places we cover.
What to see in Honolulu
My name is Dana Dupree and I am an avid coffee lover. Since I began college and realized what a heavy load writing majors took on, I have been a fan of the bean juice.
My job has taken me all over the US on book tours and press conferences, and my favorite part about the trip is exploring the best places to grab my cup of Joe.
