Are you planning an Oahu vacation and want to know where to find the best coffee in Waikiki? Keep scrolling to check out my list of the best Waikiki coffee shops worth a stop!
This list of where to find the best coffee in Waikiki Oahu 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.
Listen, I’ve spent enough mornings in Waikiki to know that finding good coffee can make or break your vacation day.
Between jet lag, early beach adventures, and keeping up with my kids, I need quality caffeine.
And after 40+ visits to Hawaii, I’ve figured out exactly where to get it.
Here’s what you need to know: Waikiki has some genuinely excellent coffee shops.
Not just tourist traps serving burnt drip coffee, but places where the beans are locally roasted, the baristas actually care, and you’ll find yourself going back multiple times during your trip (trust me, we do).
I’m focusing on the spots that are actually worth your time.
As a professional tourist and Hawaii travel expert, I’ve narrowed this down to the coffee shops that consistently deliver, plus a few newer places that have become local favorites.
Before we get into the list, if you’re feeling overwhelmed planning your Oahu trip, I offer Hawaii travel consultations where I help families create stress-free itineraries.
I’ve also got a free 7-day email course for planning your Oahu trip that walks you through everything step by step.
Quick Coffee FAQ
What coffee should I try in Hawaii?
You’ll want to order something with Kona coffee at least once. It’s grown on the Big Island in volcanic soil and has a smooth, rich flavor you won’t find anywhere else. Most Waikiki coffee shops feature it.
Also, don’t skip the tropical syrups. Whenever I see macadamia nut or coconut syrup options, I order them. They’re the “special” that makes Hawaii coffee different from what you get at home.
Where’s the actual best coffee in Waikiki?
Island Vintage Coffee consistently has some of the best coffee on Oahu. But honestly, several shops on this list are equally good. It depends on what you’re looking for (quick grab-and-go, sit-down breakfast, specific location).
Can I find vegan coffee options?
Yes! Most shops offer almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk. ALO Cafe is entirely plant-based if that’s important to you.
My Top Waikiki Coffee Picks
1. Island Vintage Coffee
Location: Royal Hawaiian Center (2301 Kalakaua Ave)
This is the one we hit multiple times every trip. My kids actually like the food here, which is rare, so that tells you something.
The upstairs seating overlooks the Royal Hawaiian Center, and it’s somehow always the right amount of busy without being chaotic.
Their 100% Kona coffee is excellent, and you can get it iced with macadamia nut or coconut syrups. I always order the “special” when there’s a tropical flavor option, and Island Vintage never disappoints on that front.
The acai bowls are legitimately good (not just Instagram pretty), and they have real breakfast plates if you need actual food.
Fair warning: there’s usually a line, especially on weekends. Get there early or be patient.
Hours: Daily 6am-10pm
If you want to explore more of Oahu’s food scene, check out my guide on where to eat on Oahu with kids.
2. The Sunrise Shack
Locations: Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort (2335 Kalakaua Ave) and Twin Fin Hotel (2570 Kalakaua Ave)
Another family favorite. My kids love their acai bowls and smoothies, and I think their coffee drinks are fabulous. They specialize in bulletproof coffee if that’s your thing, but their regular coffee is great too.
The vibe is very surfer-meets-health-food, which fits Waikiki perfectly. Everything is bright and colorful, and yes, it’s Instagram-worthy, but more importantly the food and drinks actually taste good.
They open at 6am, which is perfect when you’re on mainland time and wide awake at sunrise. Grab something here and take it to the beach.
Hours: Daily 6am-7pm (Outrigger location), 6am-8pm (Twin Fin location)
Speaking of Waikiki, I recorded a whole podcast episode about the pros and cons of staying in Waikiki if you’re trying to decide where to book your hotel.
3. Knots Coffee Roasters
Location: Queen Kapiolani Hotel (150 Kapahulu Ave)
This is my personal favorite for trying something different. They have these ube (purple yam) drinks that are so good.
The outdoor lanai seating is perfect, and you’re right across from Honolulu Zoo and Kapiolani Park.
Knots partners with local roasters including Big Island Coffee Roasters and Maui Coffee Roasters, so the quality is consistently excellent.
They also serve food from Deck restaurant upstairs, which means you can get real breakfast sandwiches and grab-and-go options.
The vanilla iced coffee is my go-to on warm days (which is most days in Hawaii). There’s a monthly membership program if you’re staying in Waikiki for a while, but even one-time visits are worth it.
Hours: Daily 6am-4pm
Pro tip: Validated parking is available if you’re driving, or there’s Honolulu Zoo parking nearby.
4. Maleko Coffee and Pastries
Location: 444 Niu St #106
Here’s what you need to know about Maleko: they open at 4am. Yes, 4am. This is a lifesaver when you’re jet lagged or need coffee before an early morning activity.
Their malasadas (Portuguese donuts) are excellent. Get them filled with guava or custard, or just plain. The drip coffee is solid, and most people order to-go since seating is limited.
They also make all their pastries fresh daily, so whatever catches your eye is probably going to be good. The pineapple coconut muffins are popular if you want something a little different.
Hours: Daily 4am-12pm
Looking for more breakfast spots? Here’s where to find the best cheap Waikiki restaurants.
5. Kona Coffee Purveyors
Location: International Market Place (2330 Kalakaua Ave #160)
Expect a line here. It’s usually an hour wait on weekends, but people keep coming back for a reason. They partner with b. patisserie from San Francisco, so the pastries are next-level good.
The kouign amann (a buttery, flaky French pastry) is what everyone orders. They come in classic, chocolate, and black sesame flavors. Get there early because they sell out.
The coffee itself is 100% Kona, and they roast it on-site. You can also buy beans if you want to take some home. There’s a coffee tasting bar inside if you’re serious about finding the perfect roast.
Hours: Daily 7am-4pm
If you’re planning to explore beyond Waikiki, my Oahu travel guide has complete day-by-day itineraries with all the best beaches, hikes, and activities.
6. Kai Coffee
Locations: Alohilani Resort (2490 Kalakaua Ave), Hyatt Regency (2424 Kalakaua Ave), and other Waikiki spots
Kai is everywhere in Waikiki, which is actually convenient. They’re locally owned, use Hawaiian-grown beans, and their signature Kai Latte (made with macadamia nuts) is really good.
We actually buy their macadamia nut syrup so we can make tropical lattes at home!
The coffee tends to run a little milky, so add an extra shot if you like it strong. They also have acai bowls and breakfast wraps if you need food.
With multiple locations, you’ll probably walk past one at some point during your trip. It’s a solid choice when you need coffee fast.
Hours: Daily 6am-9pm (hours vary by location)
7. Honolulu Coffee (Moana Surfrider)
Location: Moana Surfrider Hotel (2365 Kalakaua Ave)
You can’t beat the location. This is literally steps from the beach, right at the historic Moana Surfrider Hotel.
Their beans come from their own farm in Kona, so you know it’s fresh. The Hawaiian latte with vanilla is excellent, and they have good bakery treats. It’s a classic Waikiki coffee experience without any gimmicks.
They also have a rewards program where you earn points for every dollar spent and get a $5 birthday reward.
Hours: Daily 5:30am-8pm
8. Bean About Town Waikiki
Location: DFS Waikiki (330 Royal Hawaiian Ave)
This is a London-born concept that brought proper coffee culture to Waikiki. It’s tucked inside the DFS shopping center, so it’s quieter than the beachfront spots.
Their flat whites are excellent (served in 6oz cups for quality over quantity), and they have unique roast profiles from Hawaii and around the world. The Le Croque Monsieur and banana bread are both good if you’re hungry.
Hours: Daily 7am-6pm
Bonus: DFS offers tax-free shopping, so you can browse while you’re there.
9. ARVO at the Surfjack
Location: Surfjack Hotel (412 Lewers St)
This is the trendy option. ARVO brought Australian-style coffee and toasties (loaded toast) to Waikiki, and it works really well.
They serve Sightglass Coffee and do specialty lattes like lavender, vanilla, and charcoal. The avocado toast is excellent, and the toasties are the only place you’ll find this style in Waikiki.
While you’re there, check out Honolulu Pawnshop next door for unique Hawaii-inspired souvenirs.
Hours: Check their hours as they vary
10. ALO Cafe Hawaii
Location: 159 Kaiulani Ave #105
This is your spot if you want everything plant-based. ALO is entirely vegan, and they do it really well.
Their coffee uses plant-based milk (oat, almond, soy), and the smoothies and acai bowls are excellent. The banana bread is a favorite, and if you see honey in anything, just ask for agave instead.
Even if you’re not vegan, the food here is genuinely good. It’s worth trying at least once.
Hours: Daily 7am-5pm
11. Hawaiian Aroma Caffe
Location: Beachcomber Waikiki Hotel (2300 Kalakaua Ave) and other locations
Hawaiian Aroma has that European-meets-Hawaii vibe with Italian-style coffee and beautiful latte art. The space is Instagram-friendly if you care about that, but more importantly, the espresso drinks are solid.
They have paninis and pastries, plus tropical drinks if coffee isn’t your thing. Multiple Waikiki locations make them convenient no matter where you’re staying.
Hours: Daily 6am-11pm (hours vary by location)
12. Coffee Shop 831
Location: 411 Nahua St
This is a quiet little spot tucked away from the main tourist areas. Most people don’t sit here long, so there’s rarely a line.
The pour-overs are smooth, and if you want to try something different, they have CBD coffee options. The panini and acai bowls are good for light meals.
It’s perfect when you want good coffee without the crowds.
Hours: Check current hours as they vary
How to Save Money on Your Waikiki Coffee Runs
Look, coffee in Waikiki isn’t cheap. But here are a few ways to make it more reasonable:
Sign up for rewards programs. Honolulu Coffee and Kai Coffee both have loyalty programs that add up quickly.
Share food. The acai bowls and breakfast plates are usually big enough for two people, especially if you’re just looking for a snack with your coffee.
Go during happy hour. Some spots have afternoon specials on coffee drinks.
Buy beans to take home. If you fall in love with a particular roast, buy beans instead of paying for drinks every day. Then you can make Hawaiian coffee at home.
For more money-saving tips, I have a free 5-day email course on how to save money in Hawaii that covers everything from accommodations to activities.
Other Waikiki Coffee Options
If you’re looking for something familiar, there are Starbucks locations throughout Waikiki. The Starbucks Reserve Bar on Kuhio and Seaside is open from 4am-9:30pm, which is helpful for early risers and night owls.
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf also has locations if you want a chain you recognize.
Getting Your Coffee Fix in Waikiki
The coffee scene in Waikiki is genuinely good. You’re not settling for mediocre tourist coffee here. Between the locally roasted beans, tropical flavors, and quality baristas, you’ll find something that becomes your daily ritual during your trip.
My family has our routine: Island Vintage or Sunrise Shack most mornings, Knots when we want to try something different, and Maleko if we’re up early for an activity.
Figure out which location works best for where you’re staying, try a few different spots, and don’t be afraid to order the specials with tropical flavors. That’s what makes Hawaii coffee special.
Planning Your Oahu Trip
If you’re still figuring out your Oahu itinerary, I’ve got resources that can help:
- Oahu Travel Guide for Families – Complete day-by-day itineraries with all the best beaches, hikes, and activities
- Hawaii Travel Consultant Services – One-on-one trip planning help if you’re feeling overwhelmed
- Free 7-Day Oahu Planning Course – Step-by-step guidance delivered to your inbox
Also check out my other Oahu food guides:
And if you want to hear more about Waikiki specifically, listen to my podcast episode about what to expect when staying in Waikiki on Hawaii Travel Made Easy.
