Arts and Culture

Hawaii’s Fast-Emerging Café Culture

By now native Hawaiians have grown accustomed to questions from visitors about where to find renowned “Kona Coffee.” Nearly any café in Hawaii will boast locally sourced, flavorful coffee from the surrounding area to satisfy tourists and natives alike. But, Hawaiian coffee is more diverse than many would think. While most ask about Kona Coffee, the crop is grown across five islands in eight regions and the state currently boasts nearly 1,000 coffee farms.

With the recent explosion in artisanal coffee and self-professed coffee snobs, Hawaii offers something for every level of coffee connoisseur. What separates Hawaiian coffee is the mineral-rich volcanic soil and an ideal climate for growing coffee plants. Café culture in Hawaii is obviously different from the more urban settings and sounds more commonly associated with bustling coffee shops. It is guided by the pleasant aspect of being able to be in the moment and enjoy the scent of plumeria flowers, the sound of waves on the shore, and the natural scenery. This adds up to an easy ability to sit and enjoy a flavorful cup of coffee. Below I have listed a few of the best coffee shops Kona has to offer.

1. Olive and Oliver

Located in the Surfjack Hotel in Waikiki, this espresso bar offers not only coffee but also a carefully selected mix of clothing, accessories, and home goods. When it comes to their beverage offerings, patrons can enjoy pour-over coffee, matcha, chai with scratch-made syrups. They are locally known for their coffee cup artwork and artist collaborations that they rotate monthly in their store.

olive and oliver coffee shop honolulu

2. Kona Coffee Café

This small Café is in the Kona Inn Shopping Village. They offer 100% pure Kona coffee. The kicker is that they offer complimentary tastings and free shipping of coffee beans for visitors. Their knowledgeable staff will provide recommendations based on your taste and even offer flavored coffee if you are looking for something extra. The oceanfront view behind the café is the perfect setting for enjoying a beverage.

3. Kona Haven

Named one of the best 40 best coffee shops in the U.S. by Men’s Journal, this shop is located on Alii drive in the heart of Kona. They boast some of the best Kona coffee in the region and it is hand-picked from their own farm. Patrons can enjoy a selection from 12 different 100 percent Kona coffees. You can be certain that this farm-to-cup café will serve you the best coffee Kona has to offer.

hawaii coffee shop kona haven

Please give me a call at 808.938.3910 and let’s talk story over a cup of coffee.

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