There’s better things to do in Hawaii than drink bad coffee.

I’m an Australian coffee snob. Starbucks flopped in my country, I’d say our coffee expectations are high.

Hawaii’s coffee game is pretty strong, it offers mineral-rich volcanic soil and an ideal climate for growing coffee plants.

These conditions helped produce the world-famous Kona coffee bean, cultivated on the Island of Hawaii.

But locals like to use those beans to drink drip coffee (eek). Holiday-makers, on the other hand, tend to seek out espresso-based beverages.

Lucky for them, I’ve found the best non-drip coffee in Waikiki!

Kai Coffee Hawaii
Olive & Oliver
Ars Cafe
Hideout Coffee
Hawaiian Aroma Caffe
Knots Coffee Roasters
Kona Coffee Purveyors
Island Vintage Coffee
Honolulu Coffee
Gorilla in the Cafe
Bills Hawaii

*I drink a Flat White or sub with a Latte.

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Kai Coffee Hawaii

2424 Kalakaua Ave, Waikiki
Open 5:30am-10:30pm
2490 Kalakaua Ave, Waikiki
Open 6-10am

Kai Coffee Hawaii is a family-run coffee biz serving artisan roasted Hawaiian coffee and specializing in training Baristas.

Find it at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Alohilani Resort
It’s friendly, relaxed, flavorful

Coffee beans are locally-grown, on Kona’s volcanic soil-rich hills that slope towards the kai [ocean]
Flat White? Yes
Milk = cow, soy, almond, coconut, macadamia nut

Also known for Kai Latte (hot/iced), a macadamia flavoured latte with macadamia nut whipped cream
While you’re there at the Hyatt location, relax to the sound of a nearby cascading waterfall

Olive & Oliver

412 Lewers St, Waikiki
Open 6am-7:30pm

Olive & Oliver is a combined boutique and espresso bar, perfect for grabbing a fresh cup of coffee on-the-go.

Find it inside The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club
It’s welcoming, trendy, damn good

Coffee beans are supplied by Caffe Vita of Seattle, Washington
Flat White? No
Milk = cow, almond, coconut, oat

Also known for art-infused coffee cups
While you’re there browse the apparel shop filled with items reflective of Hawaii’s beach culture

Ars Cafe

3116 Monsarrat Ave, Diamond Head
Open Mon-Sat 6:30am-6pm; Sun 8am-6pm

Are Cafe celebrates ars (meaning art, skill and craft) by showcasing artists and their artwork within the cafe.

Find it not too far from the Diamond Head Summit Trail entrance
It’s sophisticated, creative, my local

Coffee beans are high quality and sourced from all over the world
Flat White? If you ask, they’ll make it
Milk = cow, soy, almond

Also known for homemade gelato
While you’re there check out their loaded toast selections

Hideout Coffee

2299 Kuhio Ave, Waikiki
Open 7am-5pm

Hideout Coffee is an awesome little coffee nook perfect for the coffee addict, open from dawn to dusk.

Find it up the escalator The Laylow
It’s cute, retro-styled, caffeine-strong (drinks are priced as doubles)

Coffee beans are supplied by Stumptown Coffee Roasters of Portland, Oregon
Flat White? No
Milk = cow, soy, almond

Also known for it’s jiving open-air restaurant and rooftop bar
While you’re there view an incredible hula doll collection at the hotel reception desk

Hawaiian Aroma Caffe

150 Kaiulani Ave, Waikiki
Open 6am-6pm
2300 Kalakaua Ave, Waikiki
Open 6am-6pm
1777 Ala Moana Blvd, Waikiki
Open 6am-4pm

Hawaiian Aroma Caffe are a local chain of  beautiful aloha-filled cafe-bars with locations across Waikiki.

Find it at OHANA East, Waikiki Beachcomber and Ilikai Hotel
It’s local, creamy (coffee), all-the-tropical feels

Coffee beans are Sumatran, Mexican and Guatemalan beans roasted at their Kapolei facility
Flat White? Yes
Milk = cow, soy, almond

Also known for Italian soda, next-level açai bowls and cocktails
While you’re there try their signature waffles!

Knots Coffee Roasters

150 Kapahulu Ave, Waikiki
Open 6am-8pm

Knots Coffee Roasters features not only innovative coffee, tea and cocktail concoctions but all-day bites.

Find it at Queen Kapiolani Hotel
It’s breezy, spacious, oh-so-yummy

Coffee beans are from the Big Island Daylight Mind Coffee Company 
Flat White? No
Milk = cow, soy, almond

Also known for coffee by-day and wine and small-batch local beer by-night
While you’re there make a mental note to return for Happy Hour daily 2-5pm

Kona Coffee Purveyors

2330 Kalakaua Ave, Waikiki
Open 6am-10pm

Kona Coffee Purveyors in partnership with b. patisserie offer coffee and gourmet bakery items.

Find it at Kuhio Avenue entrance to International Market Place
It’s bustling, quality, mmm mmm

Coffee beans are artisan roasted from high-elevation, single-estate in Kona
Flat White? No
Milk = cow, soy, almond, oat

Also known for incredible pastries and sweet treats (like pineapple coconut almond croissants)
While you’re there shop at 100+ retail stores in the International Market Place

Island Vintage Coffee

2301 Kalakaua Ave, Waikiki
Open 6am-11pm

Island Vintage Coffee is a popular Hawaii coffee chain throughout the islands.

Find it on the second floor of the Royal Hawaiian Center, above the Royal Grove
It’s central, buzzing, satisfying

Coffee beans are grown on the upper slopes of the Kona district on Hawaii Island
Flat White? No
Milk = cow, soy, almond

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

Honolulu Coffee

2365 Kalakaua Ave, Waikiki
Open 5:30am-10pm

Honolulu Coffee is a famous Hawaii coffee chain serving farm-to-cup.

Find it at the entry of the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort
It’s busy, efficient, quality

Coffee beans are grown on their prized Kona coffee farm on the Big Island
Flat White? No
Milk = cow, soy, almond

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

Gorilla in the Cafe

2155 Kalakaua Ave, Waikiki
Open 6:30am-9pm

Gorilla in the Cafe is a gourmet coffeehouse opened by the Korean actor/restauranteur Bae Yong Joon.

Find it next to Longs Drug Store at the west-end of Kalakaua Avenue
It’s fresh, delightful, tasty

Coffee beans are 100% Hawaiian, from Hawaii’s award-winning coffee producers
Flat White? No
Milk = cow, soy, almond

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

Bills Hawaii

280 Beach Walk, Honolulu
Open 7am-10pm

Bills Hawaii is a Aussie-inspired restaurant by chef Bill Grainger.

Find it (the coffee) served upstairs drink-in or to-go from the restaurant bar
It’s modern, consistent, delicious

Coffee beans are 100% certified organic blend by Stumptown Coffee Roasters of Portland, Oregon
Flat White? Yes
Milk = cow, 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

SEARCH ACTIVITY SHOP: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kona Coffee Farm (Hawaii Island); Coffee, Cloud Forest, and Brewery Experience (Hawaii Island)

RELATED: Waikiki Breakfasts Worth Skipping the Buffet For

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