Hands Down Best Coffee in Waikiki

Let’s face it, we all have better things to do in Hawaii than drink bad coffee! Let me lead you to the best coffee in Waikiki.

I’m no coffee connoisseur but I am from Australia, the land of coffee snobs. We’re the only country on the planet where Starbucks flopped, which shows you the high level of expectation we have for drinking quality coffee.

Hawaii’s coffee game is strong. The mineral-rich volcanic soil and ideal climate make it perfect for growing coffee plants. In fact, Hawaii is the only U.S. state to grow coffee plants commercially. It’s also world famous for coffee beans cultivated in the Kona region on Hawaii, the Big Island. So make sure you don’t leave without trying at least one Kona brew!

While the Hawaii locals are used to drinking drip coffee (eek), holidaymakers tend to seek out their familiar espresso-based beverages. I’ve sipped my way around Waikiki to find the best non-drip coffee available, hands down.

01. Olive & Oliver
02. ARS Cafe Gallery
03. Gorilla in the Cafe Honolulu
04. bills Hawaii
05. Kai Coffee Hawaii
06. Island Vintage Coffee
07. Honolulu Coffee
08. Aloha Coffee Company
09. Kona Coffee Purveyors

*I drink a soy or almond milk flat white, or I’ll substitute with a latte.

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01. Olive & Oliver

412 Lewers Street, Honolulu
Find it in the lobby of The Surfjack Hotel + Swim Club.
Open daily 8:00am-8:00pm.

Olive & Oliver is a combined boutique and espresso bar, perfect for grabbing a fresh cup of coffee on-the-go.
It’s welcoming, trendy and damn good.

Coffee beans are supplied by Caffe Vita of Seattle, Washington.
Flat white no.
Milk cows, almond or coconut (no soy).

Also known for art-infused coffee cups.
While you’re there browse the on-site apparel shop filled with clothing and accessories reflective of Hawaii’s beach culture.

02. ARS Cafe Gallery

3116 Monsarrat Avenue, Honolulu
Find it at the base of Diamond Head, a 20 minute walk from central Waikiki.
Open Mon-Thu 6:00am-8:00pm; Fri-Sat 6:00am-9:00pm; Sun 7:00am-8:00pm.

ARS Cafe Gallery celebrates ars (meaning art, skill and craft) by showcasing artists and their artwork within the cafe.
It’s sophisticated, creative and my local 🙂

Coffee beans are high quality and sourced from all over the world.
Flat white if you ask, they’ll make it.
Milk cows, soy or almond.

Also known for homemade gelato.
While you’re there consider hiking the Diamond Head Summit Trail, the volcano crater is only a mile up the road.

03. Gorilla in the Cafe Honolulu

2155 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu
Find it on the west end of Kalakaua Avenue, next to Longs Drugs.
Open Mon-Fri 6:00am-10:00pm; Sat-Sun 7:00am-10:00pm.

Gorilla in the Cafe Honolulu is a gourmet coffeehouse opened by the Korean actor and restauranteur Bae Yong Joon.
It’s fresh, delightful and tasty.

Coffee beans are 100% Hawaiian, from Hawaii’s award-winning coffee producers.
Flat white no.
Milk cows, soy or almond.

Also known for their Gorilla Frappe, a frozen mocha with a whole fresh banana blended in it.
While you’re there people-watch from the outdoor seating area.

04. Bills Hawaii

280 Beach Walk, Honolulu
Find it at the top end of Beach Walk, next to Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu.
Open daily, 7:00am-10:00pm.

Bills Hawaii is a bi-level eatery by Bill Grainger, an Australian celebrity chef. Grab a coffee in upstairs in restaurant (upstairs).
It’s modern, consistent and delicious.

Coffee beans are a 100% certified organic blend by Stumptown Coffee Roasters based out of Portland, Oregon.
Flat white yes.
Milk cows or soy.

Also known for ricotta hotcakes with banana and honeycomb butter.
While you’re there check out the lunch and dinner menus, chances are you’ll want to return for a meal.

05. Kai Coffee Hawaii

2424 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu
Find it in the atrium of the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa.
Open daily 6:00am-11:00pm.

Kai Coffee Hawaii is a locally owned and operated family business that serves artisan roasted Hawaiian coffee and specialises in training Baristas.
It’s friendly, relaxed and flavourful.

Coffee beans are locally grown in Kona’s volcanic soil, on hills that slope towards the kai (meaning ocean or sea).
Flat white yes.
Milk cows, soy, almond and macadamia nut!

Also known for Kai Latte (hot/iced), a macadamia nut latte with macadamia nut flavoured whipped cream.
While you’re there relax to the sound of a nearby cascading waterfall and look out for the macaws (colourful parrots).

06. Island Vintage Coffee

2301 Kalakaua Avenue #C215, Honolulu
Find it on the second floor of the Royal Hawaiian Center, above the Royal Grove.
Open daily 6:00am-11:00pm.

Island Vintage Coffee is a popular Hawaii coffee chain. This store is located at the Royal Hawaiian Center, in the heart of Waikiki.
It’s central, buzzing and satisfying.

Coffee beans are grown on the upper slopes of the Kona district on Hawaii Island.
Flat white no.
Milk cows, soy or almond.

Also known for acai bowls, a popular breakfast item consisting of acai puree, granola, fresh fruit and honey.
While you’re there take a break amongst the beautiful palm trees and native plants in the garden.

07. Honolulu Coffee

2365 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu
Find it at the entry of the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa.
Open daily 6:00am-10:00pm.

Honolulu Coffee is a famous Hawaii coffee chain serving “farm-to-cup”. This store is located in the Moana Surfrider.
It’s busy, efficient and quality.

Coffee beans are grown on their prized Kona coffee farm, on the slopes of Mauna Loa volcano on Hawaii Island.
Flat white no.
Milk cows, soy or almond.

Also known for sweet treats including cakes, pastries, cookies and macaroons.
While you’re there ask for your coffee to-go and drink it on nearby rocking chairs or under the beachside banyan tree.

08. Aloha Coffee Company

120 Kaiulani Avenue, Honolulu
Find it near the pool at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel.
Open daily 6:00am-9:00pm.

Aloha Coffee Company serves high grade Kona coffee from a small cart in central Waikiki.
It’s outdoors, local and fresh.

Coffee beans are from Kona on Hawaii Island, and roasted weekly to ensure flavour.
Flat white yes.
Milk cows, soy or almond.

Also known for serving Instapressed cold-pressed, raw juices.
While you’re there meander other small carts in the area offering trinkets etc.

09. Kona Coffee Purveyors

2330 Kalakaua Avenue, Space 160, Kuhio Street Entrance, Honolulu
Find it at the Kuhio Avenue entrance to International Market Place.
Open daily 7:00am-10:00pm.

Kona Coffee Purveyors has partnered with b. patisserie and opened a great little coffee spot at the International Market Place.
It’s bustling, quality and mmm mmm.

Coffee beans are artisan roasted from a fine high-elevation, single-estate in Kona.
Flat white no.
Milk cows or soy.

Also known for serving incredible sweet treats.
While you’re there check out the new 75 retail stores in the new and improved International Market Place.