If you’re looking for the crème de la crème of coffee in Honolulu, this select group of Waikīkī cafés consistently deliver delicious coffee.
As a former Australian resident culturally obsessed with her daily coffee ritual, the first thing I did after moving to Honolulu, was hunt down good coffee — and I found it in Waikīkī!
Waikīkī’s best coffee shops offer American black coffee, but also excel at espresso-based beverages for the coffee connoisseurs. Many feature Hawaiʻi beans from Kona or Kaʻu.
In this post, we share our local recommendations for the best coffee in Waikīkī.
Table of Contents
1. Bean About Town
Where we get our daily caffeine fix — smooth, rich and always on point.
📍 DFS Waikiki, 330 Royal Hawaiian Ave, Waikīkī
Oliver Vetter brought his London-born Bean About Town concept to Kaimukī, then expanded to Waikīkī — and trust us, he knows coffee. Let’s keep this gem in Waikīkī, show them some love!
Tucked away inside DFS Waikīkī, this café offers unique roast profiles from Hawaiʻi and around the world, along with tasty bites like a cheesy Le Croque Monsieur and moist banana bread.
I’m obsessed with their Flat White with almond, oat, or mac nut milk. They come in smaller 6oz cups — quality over quantity! Prefer a larger size? Just add a shot. Even the decaf here tastes legit.
INSIDE TIP: Explore DFS Waikiki while you’re there, they offer tax-free shopping (save 4.712%) on fashion, accessories, beauty, fragrances, jewelry and alcohol.
2. ARVO at the Surfjack
Damn good coffee, killer toasties and flavored lattes worth savoring!
📍 The Surfjack Hotel, 412 Lewers St, Waikīkī
ARVO at the Surfjack in Waikīkī is the second trendy café by sisters Dixie Rose and Casey Wiggins, following their original ARVO Café in Kakaʻako, about a 15-minute drive from Waikīkī.
They serve Sightglass Coffee in classic drinks and specialty lattes like lavender, vanilla, chai, charcoal and matcha. It’s also the only place you’ll find Aussie-style toasties in Waikīkī.
While waiting for your coffee, browse Honolulu Pawnshop — a locally-owned boutique with Hawaiʻi-inspired apparel, perfect for snagging a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
3. Kona Coffee Purveyors
The long morning lines speak for themselves — exceptional Kona coffee.
📍 International Market Place, Kuhio Ave Entrance, Waikīkī
Raymond and Jackie Suiter combine 100% Kona coffee with San Francisco’s b. patisserie to create magic at Kona Coffee Purveyors. If you’re up for the daily queue, a premium experience awaits.
Their café serves high-quality Kona coffee, sourced directly from Hawaiʻi Island farmers and producers — grown, picked, processed and roasted entirely in the United States.
Don’t skip the pastries here — especially the Kouign Amanns and croissants (the Pineapple Coconut Almond is our favorite). Tartines like the Mushroom Gruyere are also a hit for brunch.
INSIDE TIP: Their Mocha is divine, it’s crafted with Valrhona (French chocolate).
4. Honolulu Coffee
Kona-grown, Honolulu-roasted — now brewing in Hawaiʻi, Guam and Canada.
📍 Moana Surfrider, Sheraton Waikiki, Prince Waikiki & Ala Moana Center
For over 30 years, Honolulu Coffee has been roasting, brewing and serving Kona coffee. What started as a single kiosk in Honolulu has grown into one of Hawaiʻi’s most iconic coffee brands.
Their beans are grown on the slopes of Mauna Loa, enriched by volcanic soil, tropical rains and shaded by native ʻōhiʻa lehua trees — then expertly roasted in Honolulu for a smooth cup.
Visit one of their four Waikīkī locations for fresh Kona coffee (we suggest adding a shot of local vanilla) and bakery treats. Don’t forget to check out their stylish merch while you’re there!
INSIDE TIP: Sign up for the Honolulu Coffee Rewards Program — you’ll earn 1 point per $1 spent, get $5 off for every $50 and even score a $5 treat during your birthday month.
5. Kai Coffee
Kai Coffee is Waikīkī’s homegrown café chain serving up island-grown beans.
📍 ʻAlohilani Resort, Hyatt Regency Waikiki, Queens Arbor & Waikiki Shopping Plaza
With four popular locations in Waikīkī, including outside the ʻAlohilani Resort on bustling Kalākaua Avenue, Sam Suiter’s locally-owned Kai Coffee chain dominates the area’s coffee scene.
Taste their ethos, Aloha In Every Cup®, freshly roasted coffee grown in Hawaiʻi Island’s volcanic soil. Kai, Hawaiian for the “ocean,” is rooted in sustainability and uses biodegradable products.
They serve espresso drinks like the signature Kai Latte and frappé, with milk and plant-based alternatives, plus light snacks. Their coffee runs a little milky — add a shot if you like it strong.
INSIDE TIP: Heading out on an island road trip from Waikīkī? Swing by the Kai Coffee Hawaii Roastery & Walk Up Window in neighboring Kapahulu for a quick and convenient caffeine fix on-the-go.
In summary, Waikīkī is home to excellent coffee, crafted by passionate café owners and skilled baristas who take pride in every cup of joe.
Please Follow Us @WAIKIKIBEACHSTAYS
READ NEXT
Oʻahu Coffee Experiences
Waikīkī Morning Coffee Cruise
- Fantastic way to start your day!
- Cruise on Vida Mia as seen in The White Lotus
- Sweet & savory breakfast with local coffee
- 7am & 10am departures available
Waterfall Hike with Coffee & Dole
- Learn the rich culture & history of Hawaiʻi
- Explore the spectacular Waimea Valley
- Green World Coffee Farm & Dole Plantation
- Breakfast, coffee & lunch included
Visitor FAQs
Island Gourmet Coffee inside Duke’s Lane Market & Eatery offers Coffee Art/Latte Art in Waikīkī. They have a variety of art to choose from, or use your own photo that you upload via an app. Just ask at the coffee bar for the details.
Hawaiʻi’s first and only Starbucks Reserve Bar is found on the corner of Kūhiō and Seaside Avenues in Waikīkī. They open for early birds and late owls from 4:00am until 9:30pm. This Starbucks elite brand searches the world for rare small-lot coffees and artfully roasts them. Stop by for a unique caffeine hit.
The Sunrise Shack specializes in bulletproof coffee, steps from Waikīkī Beach inside the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort and The Twin Fin Hotel. Try the Classic Bullet, a blend Peruvian coffee with coconut oil, MCT oil, grass-fed butter and vanilla. They also offer Coconut, Mac Nut and Almond Coconut Bullet variations.
