If you’re reading this, your love of espresso, coffee, and all those dreamy latte-and-blended creations didn’t bring you here by accident.
Whether you’re flying in for work, celebrating a vacation, or you’re simply living the Waikiki life, coffee people tend to share one very specific habit: the moment we arrive somewhere new, we start hunting for the best local café. If your recent search history looks like “coffee shops near me” + the name of whatever city you’re standing in… welcome. You’re among friends.
And if you just checked into a Waikiki high-rise with an ocean view and one urgent question—“Where are the best coffee shops in Waikiki, Honolulu?”—this guide narrows it down to the top picks that are walkable, memorable, and 100% worth your caffeine budget.
What Are the Best Coffee Shops in Waikiki?
The top 3 coffee shops in Waikiki:
- Kona Coffee Purveyors (with b. patisserie)
- Honolulu Coffee (Moana Surfrider + other nearby cafés)
- Island Vintage Coffee (Royal Hawaiian Center)
A quick note for returning readers (or anyone searching for it on foot): Gorilla in the Café was once a Waikiki favorite, but it has closed.
Now, let’s get you to the good stuff.
1) Kona Coffee Purveyors: The “Line Out the Door” Waikiki Classic
If you want a true destination coffee experience in Waikiki, Kona Coffee Purveyors is the name you’ll hear over and over—usually followed by, “Go early.” It’s located in the International Market Place and it’s famous for two things: carefully sourced Kona coffee and pastries made with b. patisserie (yes, that b. patisserie). (Kona Coffee Purveyors)
Where it is: International Market Place, 2330 Kalakaua Ave #160 (Kuhio Mall entrance). (Kona Coffee Purveyors)
What to order
- Espresso drinks made with their Waikiki espresso blend (or upgrade to 100% Kona espresso). (Kona Coffee Purveyors)
- A pastry—specifically the kouign-amann options (including black sesame) and the seasonal croissants. (Kona Coffee Purveyors)
Vibe check
This is a “coffee as a craft” stop—perfect if you love tasting notes, origin talk, and drinks that feel a little more elevated than your everyday grab-and-go.
Local tip
Kona Coffee Purveyors is popular for a reason… which means the line can be real. If you’re trying to maximize beach time, consider going earlier in the morning or ordering ahead when possible. (SFGATE)
2) Honolulu Coffee: Farm-to-Cup Kona Coffee in the Heart of Waikiki
Honolulu Coffee is a longtime Hawaii coffee staple that’s been around since 1992, and it leans hard into a “farm-to-cup” identity—because they actually have their own Kona coffee farm on the slopes of Mauna Loa. (Honolulu Coffee)
For Waikiki visitors, the most iconic stop is inside the Moana Surfrider—an easy “sip and stroll” situation right off Kalakaua. (Honolulu Coffee)
Why people love it
- It’s approachable (you don’t need to be a coffee nerd to enjoy it).
- It still delivers legit Kona coffee credentials. (Honolulu Coffee)
- It pairs beautifully with a “hotel-lobby calm” vibe—great for a quiet reset between beach time and dinner plans.
What to order
- Kona pour-over if you want to taste what Kona coffee is all about.
- A latte (they often feature island-inspired flavors and seasonal specials).
- Something from their house-made bakery offerings. (Honolulu Coffee)
Where to start in Waikiki
Honolulu Coffee has multiple locations; the Moana Surfrider café is the one most visitors hit first. (Honolulu Coffee)
3) Island Vintage Coffee: Waikiki’s “Coffee + Açaí Bowl” Power Combo
If your perfect morning looks like: coffee in one hand, island breakfast in the other, Island Vintage Coffee is your move.
Their Waikiki location sits in the Royal Hawaiian Center (Level 2), and it’s a go-to for visitors who want an easy, delicious stop that works for both caffeine and food. (Island Vintage Coffee)
Where it is: Royal Hawaiian Center, 2301 Kalakaua Ave #C215. (Island Vintage Coffee)
Why it’s a must
- Central Waikiki location = easy to fit into any day.
- A menu that’s built for groups (coffee lovers + “I just want something fresh” friends).
- It’s a reliable favorite for açaí bowls and island-style café meals. (Royal Hawaiian Center)
What to order
- A latte or classic espresso drink to start.
- An açaí bowl if you want a “Waikiki breakfast” moment (and yes, it’s photo-worthy). (Next is Hawaii)
Quick planning note
This place gets busy—especially mid-morning—because it’s one of the most convenient (and well-known) café stops in Waikiki. (Next is Hawaii)
Honorable Mentions: More Great Coffee Stops in Waikiki
Want a few extra options so you’re never far from a good cup?
- Kai Coffee (multiple Waikiki spots; great for a quick coffee near major hotels). (Kai Coffee Hawaii)
- Knots Coffee Roasters (in the Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel lobby; coffee + café/wine bar energy). (knotscoffee.com)
- Halekulani Bakery (excellent pastries + specialty coffee; mornings only). (Halekulani Hotel)
- The Sunrise Shack (Outrigger Waikiki) (fun, beachy coffee stop with “grab something happy” vibes). (Sunrise Shack)
How to Choose the Right Waikiki Coffee Shop (For Your Exact Mood)
Before you commit, ask yourself what you’re trying to accomplish:
- Quick grab-and-go before the beach: Kai Coffee, Honolulu Coffee
- Coffee + pastry pilgrimage: Kona Coffee Purveyors (Kona Coffee Purveyors)
- Coffee + full breakfast/açaí bowl: Island Vintage Coffee (Royal Hawaiian Center)
- A calmer sit-down reset: Honolulu Coffee (Moana Surfrider vibe)
Also: don’t forget to scan the menu. Nothing hurts like walking in with your laptop and big plans—only to realize your “coffee shop” has exactly one size of drip coffee and zero fun latte options.
Related Questions (FAQ)
What is Kona coffee?
Kona coffee is the market name for coffee cultivated on the slopes of Hualālai and Mauna Loa in the North and South Kona Districts on Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island). It’s known for high quality and is often among the more expensive coffees in the world.
Is “Kona” always 100% Kona beans?
Not always. Some products labeled as blends may contain only a percentage of Hawaiʻi-grown coffee. Hawaiʻi’s labeling rules require disclosures for Hawaiian coffee blends, including the percentage of Hawaiʻi-grown coffee and origin disclosures for the rest of the blend. (Hawaii Department of Agriculture)
If you want the real deal, look for “100% Kona” and transparent sourcing.
What is single-origin vs. single-estate coffee?
- Single-origin generally means the coffee comes from one geographic origin—but that “origin” could be as broad as a country or as specific as a farm, depending on how the roaster defines it. (Counter Culture Coffee)
- Single-estate is typically narrower: coffee from one specific farm/estate (more traceable, often more “this place, this harvest” specific). (Bean Smitten)
Closing thoughts
These three Waikiki coffee shops—Kona Coffee Purveyors, Honolulu Coffee, and Island Vintage Coffee—cover just about every travel scenario: the coffee purist, the farm-to-cup fan, and the “coffee + island breakfast” crew.
Try one… and if you’re anything like most espresso seekers, you’ll end up trying all three. Because in Waikiki, coffee isn’t just caffeine—it’s part of the vacation rhythm.
