12 Cafes to Find the Best Coffee in Oahu
We all know that no two cuppa joe is ever the same. With so many places boasting about their coffee, the choices may be a little overwhelming.
If you’re searching for the top places to get your morning buzz, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some of the best coffee shops in Oahu that will brighten your day.
1. Ars Cafe
Ars Café is best described as an artistic experience – Oahu’s finest coffee, gelato, and art gallery destination all wrapped into one. Local roasts such as Kona and Maui are served alongside coffee from Kenya, Ethiopia and Columbia.
While the actual coffee menu isn’t extensive, the quality is guaranteed. To further bring out the deep flavor, cool your tongue periodically with some homemade gelato!
The backroom of the saloon is another interesting point – admire the various art pieces on display as you sip at your morning Joe. Art presents itself in so many forms; coffee included.
Opening hours: 6:30 AM to 4 PM
Address: 3116 Monsarrat Ave, Honolulu, HI
2. Ali’i Coffee
Good things can come in small packages and Ali’i Coffee is truly, one of Oahu’s best cafes. You don’t have to go far either! Located in downtown Honolulu, this sweet and cozy joint is the perfect breakfast stop.
The nitro cold brew offers a rich and creamy texture; aptly named ‘the King’, a delicious chocolate, coconut, almond and coconut creamer combination.
The ‘Coff-tails’ series will spoil you to bits, as will the dirty lattes. Order a breakfast sandwich and you’re set for the day.
Opening hours: 7 AM to 2 PM
Address: 35 S Beretania St, Honolulu, HI
3. Island Vintage Coffee
Branches of Island Vintage Coffee have taken over Oahu, from the heart of Waikiki to the head of Kamehameha Highway. It’s one of the best sources for 100% Kona coffee.
If you don’t feel like it’s a crime to mix your coffee with a little something extra, try their Kona Mocha! Other naturally flavored coffees include the Hawaiian honey and cinnamon latte.
They serve all-day breakfast fare as well. Like every popular Hawaiian coffee shop, it runs a small retail business. Products range from coffee beans (Kona Collection, Kona Mocha Mix, etc.) to organic granola and coffee-dyed shirts.
Opening hours: 6:30 AM to 9:15 PM
Address: 2301 Kalakaua Avenue, #C215 Honolulu, HI
4. Honolulu Coffee
Possibly the largest source of your coffee addiction (on Oahu at least), Honolulu Coffee has been supplying coffee from farm to cup since 1992.
Forget Starbucks, because you’ll be seeing kiosks and shops with this logo everywhere. Honolulu Coffee Experience Center is for those truly passionate about coffee.
Not only is there plenty of seating in the 9,000 square foot flagship, but you can also watch the roasting process and taste test new brews.
Grab a crowd-favorite Hawaiian Latte and treat yourself to their breakfast menu. If you’re a fan of their blends, sweep by the gift shop for some bring-home beans.
Opening hours: 7 AM to 3 PM
Address: 1800 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI
5. Kona Coffee Purveyors
It’s truly back to the roots with Kona Coffee Purveyors – they believe that the best coffee in Oahu is “of the land, for the people”. If you like your coffee strong and distinctive, the Kona brew will give you a delicious shock.
From their espresso tonic to classic cold brews, every drink on the menu is well worth the long lines. Don’t miss out on the pastries either; or the retail wall of coffee beans and brewers.
The coconut brioche, butter cakes, madeleines and other soft bites pair well with the coffee selection. Highly recommend visiting earlier in the day (before opening) or slightly later than the morning crowds.
Opening hours: 7 AM to 4 PM
Address: Kuhio Avenue Mall Entrance – International Marketplace, 2330 Kalakaua Ave #160, Honolulu, HI
6. Kai Coffee
Some of the best cafes in Oahu can be found in fancy hotels, like bright and modern Kai Coffee. With one of the earliest opening hours on the island, it’s the perfect place to wake up pre-surf or to fuel your 24-hour exploratory binge.
Quoting a reviewer, the coffee is “so creamy and delicious”. It’s praised for its nutty coffees and lattes laced with Macadamia milk, as well as a broad selection of coffee beans.
While it is a tad pricey, the expertly-brewed shots are worth the money. Sandwiches are also available to go or dine-in.
Opening hours: 6 AM to 2 PM
Address: 2424 Kalakaua Ave #129, Honolulu, HI
7. Arvo Cafe
Neutral whites, wooden tones, hanging plants and a chic vibe make Arvo Cafe an Instagram hotspot. It’s also one of Oahu’s best coffee shops for healthy and delicious food – matcha chia pudding and halloumi burger, anyone?
The coffee menu is deceptively basic. You have your regular espresso blends, cold brew and vanilla latte. Specialties include lavender latte and charcoal latte.
Milk substitutes come in oat, almond and soy, followed by a host of house-made syrups. The end result however, will keep you parked at the outdoor seating for a long time.
Opening hours: 8 AM to 2 PM
Address: 324 Coral St Suite 1A-104b, Honolulu, HI
8. Morning Glass Coffee
Honolulu experiences no shortage of coffee; Morning Glass Coffee is yet another yummy stop serving house-roasted brews and easy fare.
It’s more of the traditional sit-down coffee run you’re used to, set within a quiet neighborhood. Food menu and cake cabinet aside, customers are greeted by the smell of freshly roasting coffee.
Smooth pours and frothiness make their lattes a popular choice, as do their blended ingredients. The brown sugar, cinnamon and clove coffee is a much-loved option; for simpler tastes, ask for a regular latte with oat milk and Manoa honey.
Opening hours: 8 AM to 2 PM
Address: 2955 E Manoa Rd, Honolulu, HI
9. Local Joe
Yet another Honolulu locale makes the list, thanks to its in-house coffee roasting experience of 20+ years. At Local Joe you’ll find a cozy space with some outdoor seating and exceptional service from the owner and staff.
The latte art makes coffee drinking extra fun, and the menu is just as impressive. From chocolate-heavy Marc’s Malabar Mocha to their cold brew topped with Tahitian vanilla gelato, there’s something for everyone.
Feeling peckish? Complement your 100% Hawaiian coffee of the day with a generous Turkey Bacon Breakfast Burrito, or a Very French Breakfast Croissant.
Opening hours: 6:30 AM to 2 PM
Address: 110 Marin St, Honolulu, HI
10. Island Brew Coffee House
Located inside Ala Moana Center, this coffee house is a rare all-day shop. While they’re not the oldest cafe in town, the family-owned business has carved out its own niche by offering uniquely flavored lattes.
Partnering with Rusty’s Hawaii, signature coffee roasts include Ka’u, Kona and Maui Mokka Peaberry. The vanilla latte and macadamia nut latte are two consistent hits.
Combined with all-day breakfast and lunch options like flatbreads, acai bowls and fresh pastries; Island Brew is made for socializing. Ceramic mugs, glassware and compostable corn cups are available for the environmentally-friendly coffee drinker.
Opening hours: 7:30 AM to 8 PM
Address: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI
11. Green World Coffee Farm
With t-shirts slinging, “yawn is a silent scream for coffee”, you know this quaint coffee stop between Waipahu and the Dole Plantation is worth the detour.
The souvenir selection here is more than generous; alongside the t-shirts declaring your allegiance to coffee are bean sacks, paintings, cups and more knick-knacks.
Even more impressive is the entire wall of coffee beans packaged to go! But first, try their house blend at the espresso bar.
Their ice coffee is particularly refreshing in the summer. There’s also a charming coffee plant garden at the back, perfect for stretching your legs.
Opening Hours: 7 AM to 5 PM
Address: 71-101 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI
12. The Halekulani Bakery
Arguably the fanciest cafe on this list, The Halekulani Bakery is a wonderland of freshly baked pastries, artisan breads and of course – coffee.
Located inside the boutique hotel Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani, it’s currently open for breakfast hours and takeaway.
While many toast to the locally sourced ingredients and delicious food, the coffee is no slouch either. Make sure to pair your morning choice of beverage with the Brownie Bread or Cinnamon Bun, or one of their signature croissants.
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM to 11 AM
Address: 2233 Helumoa Rd, Honolulu, HI
