If you’re heading to Hawaii and want great coffee to go with the views, you’re in luck.
As someone born in New Zealand, raised on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, and later becoming a full-on (reluctant) coffee snob during 15 years living in Australia, trust me when I say I care deeply about finding a solid cup. Especially in places that feel like home.
After moving back to Kona in 2018, I’ve slowly explored the islands again, with good coffee always part of the journey.
So here’s one standout café I’d recommend on each of the four main Hawaiian islands. These aren’t just tourist spots, they’re places that reflect great coffee, great people, and a strong sense of place.
Anyways here are my go-to coffee shops in Hawaii. Also to be clear I am not affiliated with any of the following spots in any way. Also all of them sell their own freshly roasted beans that are great to take home with you. Check out my AT HOME COFFEE SETUP for ideas on how to get started.
BIG ISLAND - WHITE NENE COFFEE ROASTERS
📍 Location: 76-5905 Mamalahoa Hwy, Holualoa, HI 96725
Located in the heart of Holualoa, a small town nestled in the coffee-growing hills above Kona on the Big Island, White Nene Coffee is a must-visit for anyone serious about coffee. Holualoa has a rich history in Kona coffee farming, and this coffee cart embraces that tradition while bringing in a modern specialty coffee approach.
White Nene sources high-quality, locally grown Kona coffee and expertly roasts it in small batches. Whether you’re grabbing a pour-over or an espresso, you know it’s been crafted with precision. The setting is also unbeatable, Holualoa’s cooler elevation and artistic small-town feel make it one of the best places to sip coffee and slow down.
I also recommend grabbing a bag of their freshly roasted beans for home. I use my Fellow Ode 2 Grinder along with a Moccamaster to brew these beans when they are nice fresh.
📍 Location: 324 Coral Street Honolulu, HI 96813
I still remember walking into Arvo and immediately thinking, “This feels like I’m back in Australia.”
It’s tucked into a stylish courtyard in Kakaʻako, surrounded by plants, clean design, and creative energy. They serve flat whites, strong batch brews, and some great food options. This place is for you if you love good coffee and want to escape the chaos of Waikīkī for a bit. Though they also have a small location closer to Waikiki in the Surf Jack Hotel.
MAUI - FIRST WAVE COFFEE (WAILUKU)
📍 Location: 176 Ho'okele St, Kahului, HI 96732
If you’re on Maui and looking for a spot that feels like a true local gem, head to First Wave Coffee in Wailuku. It was first recommended to me by a friend of mine who is another level to me when it comes to loving coffee.
Tucked into the heart of town, it’s the kind of place where you can tell they care, about their coffee, their community, and the people they serve. I stopped by on a recent trip and was immediately struck by how relaxed but dialed-in everything was.
Their espresso was smooth, their pour-over was clean, and the vibe was laid-back without feeling sleepy. If I lived on Maui, this would absolutely be my regular spot.
It’s not the flashiest café, and that’s part of the charm. Just good coffee and then go explore the island.
📍 Location: 2294 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
Confession: I haven’t made it to Kauaʻi since I was a kid and didnt drink coffee. But if there’s one shop that consistently gets recommended to me, it’s Little Fish Coffee.
With two locations, one in Kapaʻa and one in Poʻipū, Little Fish is bright, fun, and full of that laid-back Kauaʻi energy. They serve strong cold brews, great espresso, and a full menu that makes it more than just a coffee stop.
It’s high on my list for when I finally get there, and everything I’ve seen and heard makes it a clear recommendation.
What do I drink at home?
As I mentioned my personal preference isn’t actually Kona coffee beans themselves, while the region produces some amazing coffee, I tend to gravitate toward different flavor profiles for my daily brews. So when it comes to brewing coffee at home, I stick with a coffee subscription called Trade.
Trade curates high-quality beans from top roasters across the country, making it easy to try new coffees while staying stocked with freshly roasted beans that match my taste. If you’re like me and love exploring different styles of coffee, it’s worth checking out. You can also grab 50% off coffee using the link below.
Who am I?
As I mentioned I was raised in Kailua-Kona, but spent 15 years in Australia, and now I’m back, raising a family, drinking too much coffee, and helping mission-driven teams communicate with more clarity and purpose.
This year I had the chance to speak at the Kona Coast Leadership Summit at the Four Seasons Hualalai. If you’re curious about how communication, leadership, and digital strategy intersect, you can check out my full session below. Hope it’s helpful.