12 Best Cafes in Kailua Kona

“It was delicious and great service!“

“🌺🤙🏽 Huge shout-out to Kohola Coffee 🐋 🙌

Every time I stop by, I leave feeling so much aloha. This coffee truck is a true gem in our community, with reasonable prices and the freshest local ingredients.

What makes it extra special isn’t just the amazing coffee, it’s the heart behind it. Jeannette built this business from the ground up, and you can feel her passion and hard work in every detail. It’s rare to find a spot that serves incredible drinks and creates such a genuine sense of community, but she’s nailed it.

Even if you’re not a coffee person, there are plenty of other delicious drinks (the matcha is my favorite) and the food always hits the spot. The convenience of the drive-through also makes it so easy to swing by and grab something tasty on the go.

Highly recommend stopping in, it’s the best coffee shop in Kona. Plus supporting a self-made local entrepreneur who pours her heart into everything she does is the best bonus! 🌴✨“

“We stayed at the Marriott and swung in to the coffee shop for breakfast. The drinks were perfect - latte had a nice layer of foam, and a heart to boot. The Ube cold brew was unexpectedly delicious - easy to see why it's a staff pick! We tried two different croffles and honestly I dont know why people make real waffles anymore, when they can have one of these instead. The waffle was PERFECTION, layered and crispy and buttery and chewy in the best ways. I ordered the garlic bread grilled cheese and would eat it every day if I had the chance. The chips were nicely seasoned too! Breakfast sandwich was eaten too fast by my husband to take a picture, but I heard it was good.

2 drinks, 2 croffles, grilled cheese and a breakfast sandwich was $58 before tip. Definitely reasonable considering island pricing (I actually think I pay more for a large latte in Minnesota than we paid here!)

11/10 would recommend - we'll probably go back for breakfast tomorrow!“

“The people were nice, the food was delicious, including the pastries, and it is a nice little shop to have a bite to eat. Would definitely return if I come back to area.“

“I stopped here on the way to the airport. What a great find! I had the coconut mocha delight and it was definitely delightful! We also ordered the acacia bowl, a breakfast sandwich and a bagel. Everything tasted fresh. The cafe has a cute play area that my girls enjoyed playing in while we waited for our order. I will definitely visit again when I’m back on the Big Island.“

“The restaurant is located near Kona Airport, and the front desk is run by a pair of twin brothers. It serves typical Hawaiian-style American Chinese food with very generous portions. Everything is served with disposable tableware, which I find convenient. The taste leans toward the local Hawaiian flavor and is quite good. Next time I come to the Big Island, I’ll definitely stop by here after landing—have a meal and then head to the Costco next door for shopping.“

“My son and I frequent this cute business. The staff is friendly and service is good. Management treats their employees well and the teamwork and positive vibe feels great .The smoothies are good and you can choose your ingredients including making healthy choices. You can get all whole non sugar based real ingredients for your smoothies.Coffee is smooth and the baristas make the drinks properly. My son is on a strict healthy lifestyle kick with his father and the staff modifies any stuff and is so nice about modifications and answering his ingredient source questions.“

“We absolutely loved our experience at 808 Grindz Café! The food came out fast, fresh, and at a great price — a rare find on the island. My wife ordered eggs with spam and potatoes and everything was cooked perfectly with that comforting, local touch. I went for the shrimp, eggs, steak, and hash browns, and it was honestly one of the best breakfasts I’ve had anywhere — generous portions, perfectly seasoned, and so satisfying. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere had a laid-back, local vibe that made us feel right at home. This was hands down the best meal we’ve had so far on the island, and we can’t wait to come back again!“

“Excelente café y un lugar muy agradable“

“Absolutely love this place wonderful Aloha vibes! Live music is also great. 😊“

“Wow, this place is amazing! The açaí bowls are HUGE, super fresh, and loaded with toppings — hands down the best we’ve had in Hawai’i. Staff were super friendly and welcoming, and the vibe here is so chill. Definitely a must-stop if you’re nearby. 🌺🥭🥥“

“LOVE the Holoholo Market. The staff was incredible! By the end of our trip, the employees knew my coffee order & would get my preferred milk out when I walked up. One of the ladies even taught me a Hawaiian phrase after our conversation about how I was on my honeymoon :) & They have a microwave where you can get your things warmed, even things not bought at the market, which came in handy for leftovers. Loved this market & their selection!“