Best Coffee Shops in Honolulu

Honolulu's coffee scene blends tradition with innovation, offering everything from single-origin pour-overs to frothy macadamia nut lattes. While the city is known for its surf and scenery, its café culture has quietly grown into something worth exploring. Whether you're fueling up before a morning hike or relaxing with a book by the beach, there’s no shortage of great coffee to enjoy.

Coffee lovers in Honolulu are spoiled with choice. Local cafés take pride in using beans grown across the islands, especially those from the Big Island’s Kona and Kaʻū regions. Each spot offers a different experience, from cozy neighborhood nooks to modern cafés that double as art spaces. If you’re ready to discover the best coffee shops in Honolulu, here are several cafes that stand out for quality, character, and consistency.

Located at the International Market Place in Waikīkī, Kona Coffee Purveyors is a sleek and polished café known for its commitment to sourcing and roasting high-quality beans. The shop works directly with Kona farmers to ensure the beans are handled with care from farm to cup. Whether you’re ordering a hand-poured V60 or a velvety espresso, each brew is crafted with precision.

The interior is modern and stylish, with an open design that fits well in the heart of Waikīkī. One of the best parts? It shares a space with b. patisserie, which means you can pair your drink with a buttery kouign-amann or flaky croissant. The atmosphere is energetic in the morning but quiet enough for conversation or catching up on emails. This café blends a luxury feel with island authenticity, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors.

Tucked away in Honolulu’s Chinatown district, Aliʻi Coffee Co. offers a creative menu, welcoming staff, and locally roasted beans. The café's house blend is bold and rich, and they offer a wide selection of espresso drinks, cold brews, and seasonal specialties. The Aliʻi latte, infused with macadamia nuts and topped with coconut shavings, is a standout.

The space is cozy but has enough seating to relax for a while. Exposed brick and local art give the shop an industrial yet warm vibe. This is a place where regulars chat with the baristas by name, and where travelers feel at home after one visit. If you're looking for a spot that reflects Honolulu’s downtown energy while serving thoughtfully prepared drinks, Aliʻi Coffee Co. is worth the stop.

In the Mānoa Valley, Morning Glass Coffee serves some of the best brunch and brews in Honolulu. The café has built a reputation for pairing exceptional coffee with comfort food favorites like breakfast sandwiches, mochi pancakes, and house-made granola. The beans are sourced from respected farms and roasted to highlight clean, balanced flavor profiles.

The shop has a neighborhood feel, with both indoor and shaded outdoor seating. It fills up fast on weekends, especially with families and students from nearby schools and the University of Hawaiʻi. This is a great destination if you’re looking for a peaceful mid-morning break or want to start your day with a solid pour-over and a hearty meal.

Island Vintage Coffee blends a café experience with the feel of a local deli, offering Hawaiian-grown coffee alongside acai bowls, salads, and sandwiches. Located on the second floor of the Royal Hawaiian Center, it has a spacious open-air patio with views over Waikīkī’s main strip.

Their 100% Kona coffee is smooth and rich, and they offer everything from drip brews to espresso-based drinks and matcha lattes. If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, the Island Latte—infused with coconut and honey—is a local favorite. It’s a popular spot for brunch and tends to get busy in the late morning, so consider going early for a quieter experience.

This neighborhood gem has earned a loyal following thanks to its relaxed vibe and consistently great coffee. The Curb started as a pop-up but now has a permanent location in Kaimukī, one of Honolulu’s most charming residential districts. The space is simple and welcoming, with bar seating and a handful of tables.

Beans are sourced from both local and mainland roasters, and the menu is focused on quality over quantity. Expect rotating single-origin options, well-pulled shots of espresso, and creamy cappuccinos. The Curb is the kind of spot where the staff remembers your name, and where regulars make time to sit and enjoy their drink rather than rushing off. It feels like part of the neighborhood, and that’s part of its charm.

Located in downtown Honolulu near the financial district, Local Joe is a bustling café that keeps the city’s professionals caffeinated. This locally owned shop roasts its own beans and emphasizes sustainability and freshness. The menu features cold brew, nitro, and a rotating list of espresso drinks.

The space is modern and inviting, with a mix of cozy nooks and high-top tables for people working remotely. It’s a great place to grab a quick coffee on the way to work, but it also offers enough comfort to stay a while. Local Joe also serves baked goods, paninis, and smoothies, so it’s easy to grab breakfast or lunch in one stop.

The coffee culture in Honolulu is unique because it combines international influence with local tradition. Many shops proudly serve Hawaiian-grown beans, which are some of the most prized in the world thanks to the island’s volcanic soil and favorable climate. But you’ll also find roasts from Ethiopia, Colombia, and other global coffee regions.

Baristas in Honolulu take their craft seriously, yet the atmosphere remains friendly and relaxed. There’s a strong appreciation for the details—from sourcing and roasting to brewing and presentation—but it never feels pretentious. Whether you’re just grabbing a drip coffee to-go or taking your time with a flight of pour-overs, there’s a sense of care behind every cup.

Living in Honolulu means more than beach views and island breezes. It also means having access to one of the most vibrant coffee cultures in the Pacific. If you’ve dreamed of starting your mornings with a walk to your favorite café, or if you want a home base close to places like Kaimukī, Mānoa, or Waikīkī, having the right guide can make all the difference.

Beth Chang brings unmatched experience and insight to the Honolulu real estate market. From understanding the lifestyle of each neighborhood to helping you find a home that fits your goals, she offers thoughtful support every step of the way. Whether you're looking to buy your first home, invest in a property, or make a move across the island, Beth is ready to help you find your perfect place to settle in. Reach out today to explore Honolulu real estate.