Honolulu's coffee scene is a paradise for caffeine lovers, offering a unique blend of local flavors, innovative brewing techniques, and welcoming atmospheres. Embark on this curated coffee trail to experience the best indie cafes and roasteries in Honolulu, each with its own charm and signature brews.
Caffeine Lab at BW The Plaza Hotel
📍Location(s): Right in our lobby!
⭐Rating: ★★★★★
Caffeine Lab is not just a coffee shop; it's a modern twist on the traditional coffee experience. Conveniently located near the hotel lobby, it offers a perfect spot for relaxation and quick grabs. Open daily 6 AM to 1 PM, Caffeine Lab takes pride in serving unique hot and iced beverages crafted with locally sourced coffee beans to capture the island's essence. Don't miss the local pastries, especially the lilikoi bread, for an authentic Hawaiian taste. Whether settling in for a cozy break or seeking a quick caffeine fix, Caffeine Lab promises a top-notch coffee experience, making it #1 in our hearts (though we're admittedly biased).
Kai Coffee Hawaii
📍Location(s): Browse Kai Coffee Hawaii locations
🌐Website: Kai Coffee Hawaii
⭐Rating: ★★★★★
Spread across Honolulu and Waikiki, Kai Coffee Hawaii is renowned for bringing you closer to Hawaii's coffee culture with its thriving presence from beaches to shopping centers. The signature Kai Latte, infused with macadamia nuts, offers a true taste of the islands, accompanied by their delicious acai bowls or breakfast wraps. Whether near a beach, shopping, or staying in one of the local hotels, Kai Coffee Hawaii's welcoming vibe and commitment to quality make it a must-visit for coffee aficionados.
This entry into the Honolulu coffee scene promises not just a great cup of coffee but an immersive experience of the local coffee culture, with a variety of locations ensuring you're never too far from a quality coffee break. Stay tuned as we continue to uncover more gems in Honolulu's vibrant coffee landscape, providing detailed insights into what makes each spot unique and worthy of your visit.
The Curb Kaimuki
📍Location(s): 3408 Waialae Ave #103, Honolulu, HI 96816
🌐Website: The Curb Kaimuki
⭐Rating: ★★★★★
The Curb Kaimuki started its journey as a coffee truck and has since evolved into a beloved brick-and-mortar location in the diverse neighborhood of Kaimuki. This multi-roaster coffee shop takes pride in its deep knowledge of coffee, from its origin to the final cup, ensuring a respect-filled journey for every bean served. Customers can expect a fresh weekly rotating selection of roasts, demonstrating The Curb's dedication to providing a unique and high-quality coffee experience. The cafe's ambiance is just as inviting, offering a space where the community can gather, relax, and enjoy a meticulously prepared beverage. Whether you're craving a pour-over or an iced latte or just want to explore their innovative seasonal drinks, The Curb Kaimuki is a testament to the rich coffee culture found in Honolulu.
Island Vintage Coffee
📍Location(s): Browse Island Vintage Coffee locations
🌐Website: Island Vintage Coffee
⭐Rating: ★★★★☆
Island Vintage Coffee offers a delightful coffee experience with its commitment to serving the finest gourmet 100% Kona coffee since 1996. Each location, nestled in the heart of Waikiki and convenient spots like Ala Moana Center, invites coffee lovers to enjoy a rich aroma and freshness guaranteed by daily roasting. Besides their famous coffee, Island Vintage Coffee is celebrated for its Original Acai Bowl, Avocado Toast, and unique offerings like Wagyu Beef Loco Moco and Affogato. The cafe's ambiance provides a perfect setting for a relaxing coffee break during your shopping spree or a casual meet-up with friends. Whether you're looking for a robust cup of coffee to start your day or a nutritious meal, Island Vintage Coffee's extensive menu and welcoming atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists.
As we continue our journey through Honolulu's vibrant coffee scene, Island Vintage Coffee stands out as a testament to Hawaii's rich coffee culture, offering a perfect blend of tradition and modern flavors. Stay tuned for more hidden gems in this coffee connoisseur's paradise.
Arvo Cafe
📍Location(s): Browse Arvo Cafe locations
🌐Website: Arvo Cafe
⭐Rating: ★★★★★
Nestled within the vibrant SALT at Our Kaka'ako, Arvo Cafe brings a slice of Australian cafe culture to Honolulu. Renowned for its exceptional coffee and a creative menu that includes delights like Ricotta Toast with Strawberries and Blueberries, Matcha Chia Seed Pudding, and the Grilled Halloumi Burger, Arvo offers a unique dining experience. The cafe is especially famous for its Loaded Avocado Toast and Smoked Salmon Toast, catering to a variety of tastes. Patrons appreciate not only the quality of the food and beverages but also the warm and friendly atmosphere. Arvo Cafe is a popular spot for both breakfast and brunch, offering outdoor seating in a hip and casual setting. With a strong commitment to serving high-quality coffee and healthy, flavorful dishes, Arvo Cafe stands out as a must-visit for those looking to enjoy a good morning in Honolulu.
Da HI Brew
📍Location(s): 1778 Ala Moana Blvd #216, Honolulu, HI 96815
🌐Website: Da HI Brew
⭐Rating: ★★★★☆
Da HI Brew offers a cozy coffee shop experience in Waikiki, presenting hand-crafted artisan espresso coffee alongside a selection of freshly made snacks such as paninis, bagels, and sandwiches. It's conveniently located within walking distance from various hotels, making it a great spot for both tourists and locals looking for a quick and delicious breakfast option or an afternoon pick-me-up. The menu features customer favorites like the breakfast bagel, ham egg and cheese croissant, breakfast crunch wrap, and waffles with fruit. Additionally, Da HI Brew is known for its welcoming atmosphere and its smooth Hawaiian coffee, with their signature Turmeric Latte being a must-try for visitors.
Talk Kaimuki
📍Location(s): 3601 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
🌐Website: Talk Kaimuki
⭐Rating: ★★★★☆
Talk Kaimuki, previously known as Coffee Talk, is a trendy coffee shop located in Kaimuki on Waialae Avenue. It has been highlighted for its comfortable, homey feel, making it an excellent spot for studying or remote work. This change reflects an evolution in branding or possibly an expansion in the offerings of the establishment. Talk Kaimuki is known for its unique seating options, availability of outlets for charging, and its bustling atmosphere, especially given its proximity to the University of Hawaii, attracting many college students. The coffee shop transitions into a bar from Thursday to Saturday evenings, offering extended hours until midnight, which is quite unique in the Honolulu coffee shop scene. Their selection of freshly made baked goods is highly recommended, pairing well with their innovative coffee options.
Are You Ready to Explore Honolulu's Coffee Scene?
As we conclude our caffeinated journey through Honolulu, it's clear that this vibrant city offers a diverse array of coffee experiences that cater to every palate. From the rich, locally-sourced blends at Caffeine Lab in BW The Plaza Hotel to the unique offerings of spots like Arvo Cafe and Coffee Talk, Honolulu's coffee culture is as inviting as the island's famous aloha spirit. Each cafe we've explored brings its own flavor to the scene, ensuring that whether you're a local or a visitor, there's always a new coffee discovery waiting around the corner.
But our trail doesn't have to end here. The best part of Honolulu's coffee scene is its ever-evolving nature, with new cafes and roasteries popping up, ready to be discovered. So, we encourage you to keep exploring, tasting, and enjoying the coffee gems this city has to offer. And remember, while we've highlighted a select few, there are countless other cafes and roasteries in Honolulu, each with its own story and specialty brew.
Ready to start your coffee adventure in Honolulu? Don't forget to make BW The Plaza Hotel your home base as you explore. Conveniently located, our hotel offers the perfect starting point for your coffee trail and all other island adventures. After a day of caffeinated explorations, return to the comfort and hospitality of BW The Plaza Hotel to relax and plan your next day's adventures.
