26 Best Coffee Shops in Kailua Kona

“🌺🤙🏽 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! 🌴✨“

“I'm really glad we chose Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation for our Kona Coffee Tour! It's located up on one of the inactive volcanoes and the scenery is absolutely stunning! Tours run every 30 minutes so we were able to walk down the nature trail and see more of the location. Coffee was available to try which was great so we knew exactly what we wanted to come home with! So glad we supported local and learned all about Kona Coffee!“

“Lovely Coffee Shop! Five Stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Very Chill and cool coffee shop. They are located in a popular shopping center. Parking can be a little challenging but there is also street parking.

The atmosphere was lively yet chill. It open, lively, warm and clean. The have tables both inside and outside for studying, meet up, or simply enjoying the scene. They also sell merchandise like (shirts, sweaters, coffee, etc.)

The service was warm, welcoming and very helpful when I asked their opinion about the drinks. They stayed ontop of every order effortlessly.

Both times I came the drinks were delicious. I had a Hot Ube Matcha and a Hot Chai Latte. I did not get a chance to try the food here, but that just means I have to come back lol.

I definitely recommend visiting this place at least once.“

“We got mochas, light sweet, with macadamia milk + extra shot. Which I would totally get another shot to make it stronger. It was good and smooth coffee we only preferred it to have a little more depth. We tried the mango danish, coconut pineapple scone, and gf,Vegan blueberry chia bar. All were a 👍🏻👍🏻.
Cute whimsical place.
Sorry no food photos, apparently needed more caffeine in me to remember to take a picture 😅🤦🏼‍♀️

They have lots of sugary options and healthy ones too. A little something for anyone’s specific diet.“

“Having a paint party on there lanai , they have the best Kona coffee and chai in town“

“Easy going 20 odd seating, me lucky with no wait the day. Savory & Galette mushroom, spinach, ham & tasty cheese. Swing fair tunes with a good ice Americano. Be back for the Dessert Crepes 🙏“

“Fantastic Acai bowls. We visited recently from the UK and as soon as we discovered them we returned every day until we left!!“

“An absolute diamond in the rough. Our family of four was visiting from Maui and had breakfast here and everything was yummy, wholesome, and not loaded down with butter/grease like so many other breakfast menus. Plenty of free parking and a very friendly staff. Definitely coming back the next time we’re in Kona.“

“We love this place because the coffee is so good. Staff kind and knowledgeable. They offer a cool mail order service with nice savings to keep you supplied with beans. Great gift shop. A fun time in Naalehu.“

“Very good food and coffee, friendly staff. However, the inside of the restaurant was bizarre with an unappealing arcade room attached. The inside could definitely use a different vibe. Almost didn’t eat here when I walked in. Glad I stayed and ate though, the patio was a nicer spot to eat and chill.“

“Kona Coffee Outlet is my favorite and best coffee company.
The owner is very kind and welcoming, and you can really tell how high-quality the coffee beans are.
The coffee tastes amazing and is absolutely worth coming back for.
I shared it with a friend, and they loved it just as much as I did.
Highly recommend!“

“You can tell that Malama understands there is a shortage of affordable and quick coffee spots for locals to go to on their way to/from work (or any other time). I appreciate their fair prices and fast service. Drive through only but they are only a couple blocks from Ola A’s if you want to take your coffee and enjoy the ocean views. Mahalo Malama!“

“I have always loved the smell of coffee, but unfortunately could not get past the acidic taste. Kona coffee café introduced me to Peaberry Kona coffee. This is the first time that I have ever been able to drink coffee let alone really enjoy it. The friendly staff explained how the volcanic soil and the timing of picking the bean changed the acidity in the coffee. Since being home, I’ve already placed an order and I am enjoying my coffee every morning. Thank you so much for introducing me to this amazing drink!“

“Excelente café y un lugar muy agradable“

“Makua Coffee is the BEST we’ve ever tasted, anywhere in the U.S. or abroad. With beans grown on Hawaii Island and the superior roasting method used, this coffee is rich and delicious, with no bitter aftertaste like most coffees. The aroma of the beans is heavenly before we grind and cold press the coffee! We order it regularly online because we can’t settle for anything less!“

“We came to visit Kona and staying nearby, and thrilled to find this gem of a coffee stand. It is located outside and has an area to sit outside to drink your coffee or Matcha. Both of the owners are super friendly, and offer great suggestions for things to do or see. The coffee and Matcha is exceptional, smooth and so delicious. I like that they offer oat milk as an alternative as well. Absolutely worth it to check out this coffee shop. Plenty of parking and also other shops/stands to check out in the market area while you enjoy your coffee.“

“Both the food and drinks were amazing - the French slam and caramel mocha frappe were particularly phenomenal.

And on top of all that, service was spectacular! The staff was extremely friendly and couldn’t have been better. Would very highly recommend visiting!“

“Awesome counter-service coffee shop where you can get a coffee, tea, or sausage breakfast sandwich. You can eat it outside with views of the pier. Across the street is an ABC store where you can browse after. Inside Hamakua Coffee it is airy and spacious. This place is quite crowded since it's in the center of the tourist area.“

“Loved the flavors! We had the Lilikoi Sour and the Kona Sunset.“

“The macadamia nut latte with oat milk was elite—creamy, cozy, and just the right amount of nutty goodness. Bonus points for being a spot that actually champions milk alternatives. And the barista? Ridiculously nice in the best way; and recommended this latte. Spot on! 💕“

“Check it out! Sooo awesome!!“

“We went on the Kona orchard tour and it was amazing! The guide was entertaining and hilarious! I laughed so much! The chocolate was so delicious! I highly recommend this tour!“

“Great coffee and always a positive atmosphere inside the shop.“

“On island for a wedding. No car rental. Walked to the nearest Starbucks- 0.86 miles. Got the first cup of walk-in business at 5:35 am. They made it the way I like and it tasted great. I can always rely on Starbucks for a consistently excellent experience.“

“This is a very laid back coffee shop. The cashier/barista made helpful suggestions. I was going to get a basic hazelnut iced coffee. She suggested throwing some vanilla in there. No regrets! The owner was also in at the time. They are good people. Probably don’t go there if you are impatient or a jerk.“