Are you planning a Big Island vacation and want to know where to find the best coffee in Kona? Keep scrolling to check out my list of the best Kona coffee shops worth a stop!
This list of where to find the best coffee in Kona Hawaii was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
If you’re a coffee lover visiting the Big Island, you’re in for a treat.
Kona isn’t just famous for coffee, it’s where some of the world’s best beans are grown, roasted, and served fresh.
As a Hawaii travel expert who’s spent countless mornings exploring Kona’s coffee scene, I can tell you that finding a truly great cup here is easier than you’d think.
But there are definitely standout spots that go above and beyond.
After visiting Hawaii more than 40 times, I’ve narrowed down my favorites.
These are the coffee shops I actually return to, not just the ones with the most Instagram-worthy signs.
Whether you’re craving a specialty latte, want to try 100% Kona coffee straight from the farm, or just need a solid breakfast sandwich with your morning joe, this list has you covered.
Want help planning your entire Big Island trip? I offer one-on-one Hawaii travel consultations where we can map out your perfect itinerary, including the best coffee stops for your specific location and schedule.
What Makes Kona Coffee Special?
Before we jump into the cafes, here’s what you need to know. Real Kona coffee only comes from this specific region on the Big Island’s west side.
The volcanic soil, elevation, and unique climate create beans that are smooth, slightly sweet, and way less bitter than your average cup.
But here’s the catch: not everything labeled “Kona coffee” is the real deal. A “Kona blend” might only contain 10% actual Kona beans mixed with cheaper coffee.
If you want the genuine experience, look for “100% Kona coffee” on the menu.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff.
1. Kona Coffee & Tea
This is hands down one of my go-to spots. Kona Coffee & Tea is a family-owned single-estate farm, which means they grow, mill, roast, and brew their own beans all within a 10-mile radius.
You’re literally drinking coffee that was on a tree just miles away.
What I love most is how easy the parking is here. It’s in a shopping center right on Palani Road, so you can actually find a spot without circling forever.
Their drinks are excellent, and the food is solid too. They carry locally made pastries from Twisted Danish, Julie’s Doughnuts, and Sundog Bakery.
Try their signature latte or get a pour-over if you really want to taste the quality of their beans. They also offer farm tours if you want to see where your coffee comes from.
Where: 74-5588 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona
Hours: Daily, 6am-6pm
Pro tip: If you fall in love with their coffee, you can buy beans to take home or they’ll ship them to you.
2. HICO – Hawaiian Coffee
HICO has become one of the trendiest spots in Kona, and honestly, it deserves the hype.
They’ve expanded to three locations now (Kailua-Kona, Kealakekua, and Waikoloa Village), which tells you something about their quality.
Their menu is full of creative, trendy drinks that you won’t find anywhere else. I’m obsessed with their ube latte.
It’s perfectly balanced, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet without being over the top.
The vibe here is relaxed and welcoming, with plenty of seating inside and out.
They also have great WiFi, so it’s a solid spot if you need to catch up on emails or plan the rest of your trip.
Food-wise, don’t skip the loaded spam musubi. It sounds simple, but it’s become famous for a reason. They also rotate vegan pastries and offer different plant-based milk options.
Where: 74-5599 Pawai Pl, Suite B3, Kailua-Kona (flagship location)
Hours: Daily, 6:30am-7pm
Don’t miss: Ube latte, smoked ahi toast
Looking for more Big Island recommendations? Grab my Big Island Travel Guide for Families which includes all my favorite spots for coffee, breakfast, activities, and beaches.
3. Kona Wave Cafe
If you’re walking along Alii Drive, you’ll spot Kona Wave Cafe tucked into a small plaza. It’s easy to walk right past, but don’t.
This place is known for their acai bowls and shave ice, but their coffee is legit too. The Kona Wave Latte is smooth and sweet, and their iced drinks are perfect after you’ve been out in the sun all morning.
The cafe gets busy on weekend mornings, but the line moves pretty fast. You can grab your order and walk down to the beach, or sit in their outdoor seating area.
Portions here are generous. If you’re ordering an acai bowl, the regular size is plenty for two people to share.
Where: 75-5669 Alii Dr, Suite 1109, Kailua-Kona
Hours: Daily, 7am-5pm
Order this: Kona Wave Bowl, iced coffee
Find Big Island tours and activities on Viator to fill your days between coffee stops.
4. Green Flash Coffee
Green Flash is a family-run cafe that’s been around since 2006. They’re only open from 7am to 11:30am Monday through Friday, so you have to plan around their hours. But it’s worth it.
The French Toast Breakfast Sammie is what keeps people coming back.
It’s made with Punalu’u sweetbread grilled French toast style, stuffed with egg, cheese, and your choice of meat. Add maple syrup and you’ve got yourself a breakfast that’ll fuel your entire morning.
Their specialty drink called “The Earthquake” is four shots of espresso with a little chocolate and milk. If you need a serious caffeine kick, this is it.
The cafe sits right on Alii Drive with ocean views from the outdoor seating. It’s a small spot and gets crowded fast, so arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Where: 75-6000 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7am-11:30am
Must try: French Toast Breakfast Sammie, Haupia Latte
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5. Holuakoa Cafe
This spot is about 11 minutes up the mountain from Kailua-Kona in the artist village of Holualoa. The drive alone is worth it, you’ll climb through coffee farms with incredible ocean views.
Holuakoa Cafe (sometimes called Uncle Kimo’s Coffee Shop or Holuakoa Coffee Shack depending on which sign you’re looking at) has such a cool vibe.
It’s set in a garden-like setting surrounded by tropical plants, and you’re perched up high enough to see the coastline.
I really like this place because it feels different from the beach cafes. It’s quieter, more relaxed, and the coffee is excellent. Try their 100% Kona pour-over or get a latte.
For food, the breakfast burrito and donuts are both solid choices. The cafe has changed ownership over the years, but the quality has stayed consistently good.
Where: 76-5900 Mamalahoa Hwy, Holualoa
Hours: Monday-Friday 6am-3pm, Saturday-Sunday 7am-2pm
Why go: Amazing views, artisan donuts, great coffee
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6. Kona Mountain Coffee
This place is a little outside the main downtown area, about a 9-minute drive north. But if you’re a serious coffee enthusiast or want to buy beans to take home, it’s worth the trip.
Kona Mountain Coffee has a massive selection of chocolates and gift items, which makes it a great one-stop shop if you’re looking for souvenirs. Before you order, you can sample different roasts to find what you like best.
They offer vegan milk alternatives and have some pastries and baked goods, though the food selection is more limited than other spots on this list.
What sets them apart is their focus on education. The staff knows their stuff and can explain the differences between roasts, growing regions, and brewing methods.
Where: 73-4038 Hulikoa Dr #5, Kailua-Kona
Hours: Check current hours online
Best for: Coffee beans to take home, sampling different roasts
7. White Nene Coffee
This is one of the newer specialty coffee spots in Holualoa, and it’s quickly become a favorite among serious coffee people.
White Nene is essentially a coffee cart, but don’t let that fool you. They’re doing some of the best coffee work on the island.
They source high-quality, locally grown Kona coffee and roast it in small batches with real precision. If you’re into pour-overs or dialed-in espresso, this is your spot.
The setting in Holualoa is beautiful, surrounded by coffee farms and art galleries. It’s a great stop if you’re doing a morning drive through the coffee belt.
Where: Holualoa Village (check their Instagram for exact location as it’s a cart)
Hours: Varies
Order: Pour-over to really taste the coffee quality
8. Kona Heaven Coffee
Kona Heaven has been named one of the top 40 coffee shops in the United States, and it lives up to the reputation.
It’s located close to many of the resorts, so if you’re staying on the Kona coast, it’s super convenient.
The cafe is adorable with an open-air design and ocean view seating. Beyond excellent coffee, they serve breakfast sandwiches, smoothies, and ice cream.
The breakfast sandwiches here are actually really good. If you’re grabbing food with your coffee, this is one of the better spots for a full meal, not just a pastry.
Where: Near Honl’s Beach on Alii Drive
Hours: Daily, 7am-9pm
Don’t miss: Breakfast sandwich, smoothies
9. Kona Coffee Cafe
This tiny cafe is right on the main beach in Kailua-Kona at the Kona Inn Shopping Village. It looks like a small coffee stall, but they have seating in the back facing the water.
They offer complimentary tastings and free shipping if you want to buy beans. The location is unbeatable, you’re literally steps from the ocean.
Try their peaberry or chocolate macadamia nut coffee. You can do free tastings before deciding what to order.
It’s a simple setup, no big food menu, just muffins and small snacks. But for a quick coffee with an ocean view, it’s perfect.
Where: 75-5744 Alii Dr #123, Kailua-Kona
Hours: Daily, 6am-9pm
Best for: Free tastings, ocean views, buying beans to ship home
10. Holualoa Kona Coffee Co
If you want the full farm-to-cup experience, drive 14 minutes up to Holualoa Kona Coffee Co.
They offer free mill tours and tastings, which is honestly fascinating even if you’re not usually into that sort of thing.
The tour shows you the entire process from cherry to cup. Kids find it interesting too, which is a bonus if you’re traveling with family.
There’s no food served here, but when it comes to understanding Kona coffee and buying quality beans, this is the place.
The staff really knows their stuff and can help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Where: 77-6261 Mamalahoa Hwy, Holualoa
Hours: Check website for current tour times
Best for: Farm tours, buying beans, learning about coffee production
Find more Big Island activities and attractions on GetYourGuide to round out your trip.
Coffee Shop Etiquette in Kona
A few things to know before you go:
Parking can be tight. Downtown Kona gets crowded, especially in the morning. Arrive early or be patient.
Lines are normal. The popular spots get busy between 7am and 10am. It’s worth the wait, but factor in extra time.
100% Kona coffee costs more. And it should. You’re paying for quality beans grown in a very specific region with perfect conditions. If a coffee seems too cheap, it’s probably a blend.
Support local. Most of these are family-owned businesses. Skip the Starbucks and try something you can’t get on the mainland.
Planning Your Big Island Coffee Crawl
The beauty of Kona’s coffee scene is that most of these spots are within a short drive of each other. You could easily hit 3-4 cafes in a morning if you wanted to do a proper coffee crawl.
My recommendation? Pick one spot near where you’re staying for your daily morning coffee, then intentionally visit 2-3 others during your trip when you’re exploring different parts of the island.
If you’re staying in Kailua-Kona, HICO or Kona Coffee & Tea are your most convenient options with great parking.
If you’re willing to drive up the mountain, Holuakoa Cafe or Holualoa Kona Coffee Co make for a scenic morning adventure.
Need help planning your entire Big Island itinerary? I’m a certified Hawaii Destination Specialist and professional tourist who’s been visiting these islands for over 20 years.
Book a Hawaii travel consultation with me and I’ll help you plan the perfect trip based on your interests, budget, and travel style.
Beyond Coffee: Other Big Island Must-Dos
While you’re in Kona fueling up on coffee, don’t miss these nearby attractions:
- Snorkel at Honl’s Beach or Kahalu’u Beach Park
- Watch the sunset at Magic Sands Beach
- Explore Kailua Village for shopping and restaurants
- Drive to Mauna Kea for stargazing
- Visit a coffee farm for a full tour
For a complete Big Island itinerary with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and insider tips, grab my Big Island Travel Guide for Families.
It includes everything from where to stay, what to eat, and how to make the most of every day.
Final Thoughts
Look, I’ve tried a lot of coffee in Hawaii. Like, an embarrassing amount. And Kona’s scene really is special.
What makes it different isn’t just the quality of the beans (though that helps). It’s the fact that you can drink coffee that was grown just a few miles away, often by the same person serving it to you.
You can tour farms, talk to farmers, and really understand what goes into your morning cup.
Whether you’re a coffee snob who wants to geek out over processing methods or you just want a solid latte with an ocean view, Kona’s got you covered.
Don’t stress about hitting every single cafe on this list. Pick a few that sound good, leave room for spontaneous stops, and just enjoy the experience. That’s what being a professional tourist is all about.
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Safe travels, and enjoy every sip.
