50 Best Coffee Shops near Waimanalo

“I visited for the first time in February of 2023 and loved it. We didn't have an agenda other than to relax. Getting ready to make our second trip next month. Is it fancy? No, but the peace is worth more than gold. If you're looking for a peaceful and relaxing stay....wait, why am I telling you all about this place? I'm sure you can find a better place to suit your needs and desires. This probably isn't what you're looking for. I hear that the military resort in Korea is nice. You should check it out.“

“Their coffee is delicious, we ordered a regular venti coffee and a peppermint mocha frappe. Both were very yummy. We also ordered a breakfast bento and it was pretty good. The rice was luke warm but not bad. Nice little coffee place. CASH ONLY and no ATM.“

“Good breakfast special but needs to add black tea to menu“

“If you’re looking for an ube fix, Nana’s Tea has an ube soft serve swirl will do you right. Aside from the creamy soft serve, they add a small dollop of fresh ube halaya and a couple of mochi ball. Will come back to try the other flavors!“

“Our son took us there when we were visiting. Best coffee I have ever had. Never bitter“

“This coffee shop is a gem and quickly became the highlight of our trip! The owner was so welcoming to us and our baby, it has truly left such a wonderful memory for us in Oahu. We went back again and again, day after day! The Açaí bowl, Pitaya bowl, scones, cookie and coffee were all so good. The owner even came out just to say goodbye to us on our last day on the island, it was truly heartwarming! We will miss Pai Cafe so much!“

“Coming from seattle, I find it hard to locate a non-burnt or acidic tasting coffee place in Waikiki.
This place is a gem find. It is tucked in the back and side street of the DFS duty free shopping mall. Ordered a plain latte (no syrup), it tasted very smooth and good. Def recommend!
They also have nice seating areas, not crowded at all.
Comparing to the over hyped Kona coffee in international market (always has a long line too), this place is so much better in taste and wait time.“

“I've been meaning to go here for months, and a rainy Sunday afternoon proved to be the perfect moment to stop by with some friends. The interior, though small, is so charmingly decorated with such care and delightful details. Although known more for their bottled beverages, I opted for- and thoroughly enjoyed- a freshly made drink. The blueberry matcha was delicious, and is probably one of my top three matchas on island now! At first I wondered if I'd misordered because there was no visible blueberry-ness, but the first sip proved me wrong. The blueberry flavor was very present but still paired beautifully with matcha and oat milk, and the blueberry scented cold foam on top was wizardry. Overall, it was a nice sweet treat, while being not-too-sweet! My companion also got their yuzu chocolate oat coffee drink, and while that seemed like an ambitious combination, let me tell you... they pulled it off! The flavor notes come in waves and it was refreshingly unique and well balanced. The staff are all so friendly, fashionable, and chill. Also enjoyed their ube swirl bread to share. Also, LOVE that they are open later til 6pm, which is so rare for cafes here! Will be coming back to sample lots more and also check out their covered patio next time :)“

“Such a hidden gem on Kapahulu Ave! I stopped by during a food tour (right near Ono Seafood and Leonard’s) and was so glad I did. I had the cold brew with coconut cold foam- the flavor profile was smooth, refreshing, and absolutely delicious. My friend was torn between the rose matcha and honey matcha, and the barista went above and beyond by mixing the rose and honey syrups (even though it wasn’t on the menu!) so she could enjoy the best of both worlds. The matcha itself was fantastic- vibrant, not too sweet, and really well balanced.

The baristas here were incredibly kind and welcoming, making the experience even better. Honestly, I’d recommend Better Daze over Sunrise Shack if you’re in the area!“

“The Sunrise Shack – A Tasty Waikiki Detour

We originally planned to hike Diamond Head, but forgot to make a reservation—so instead, we made a last-minute stop at The Sunrise Shack in Waikiki, and honestly? It turned out to be the perfect Plan B.

🍍 Quick, Affordable, and Delicious
From the moment we arrived, everything was fast, friendly, and full of flavor. The menu has a great mix of smoothie bowls, coffee, and island-style snacks that are both budget-friendly and fresh. We grabbed our food in no time and were blown away by how tasty everything was—light, energizing, and exactly what we needed to kick off the day.

🌴 Great Vibes & People-Watching
After we ate, we stuck around and did a little people-watching. Waikiki is full of life in the mornings—surfers, beachgoers, and early risers buzzing around. Sitting with a smoothie in hand, soaking up the moment, was pure island bliss.

🌞 Final Thoughts – A Happy Accident
Even though our original plan didn’t work out, The Sunrise Shack made our morning feel like a win. It’s colorful, casual, and full of good vibes. If you’re looking for something quick, healthy, and satisfying in Waikiki—don’t skip this spot.“

“Love this drive-thru !
You will get a few minutes before someone comes and takes your order.
So many options available and you can make so many combinations of drinks.

The cold brew specials (King &Queen) are so unique, I can’t stop thinking about them ?“

“My absolute favorite spot to get coffee and a quick bite. Staff is always very friendly and helpful and the area in the back is soooo cute. Highly recommend! The coffee is also VERY good, they have the best chais out of the other coffee spots I’ve tried not watered down at all and their flavors are so good.“

“I have been here about three times and it’s a much better café than the exterior belies in an adorable side storefront right off Waialae ave. The Ono smoothie is excellent., as is the iced latte with a nut milk - try it with coconut and ube flavoring. I also recommend the fresh baked ube cookies. You can order ahead for pick up about 15 minutes out or they are pretty fast if you show up in person.

There is not much room inside and outside, so I wouldn’t come here with like a group expecting to hang out . There is street parking and off street parking.“

“My husband took a private surf lesson from Joshua. Joshua was so very patient and encouraging, even though my husband was unable to get to a standing position, through no fault of Josh. We highly recommend Big Wave Dave Surf & Coffee for all 1st time surfers.“

“Loved the ambiance and the all vegan baked goods! My matcha latte was good, and just very happy to see a vegan friendly cafe😄some things do come with dairy or honey by default, but just ask the barista, they’re well aware on vegan needs!“

“Staff were efficient. The long Q move quickly“

“Love this place. I've been to a few locations and it's always good! The coffee is amazing, but the real shocker is how great the food is! The local breakfast sandwich, croissantwich and Breakfast Burrito and so delicious, but my favorite by far is the Lomi Salmon Bagel....I crave it!!!!! Highly recommend!“

“Love this place. I've been to a few locations and it's always good! The coffee is amazing, but the real shocker is how great the food is! The local breakfast sandwich, croissantwich and Breakfast Burrito and so delicious, but my favorite by far is the Lomi Salmon Bagel....I crave it!!!!! Highly recommend!“

“Dining at 22 Kailua was nothing short of magical. From the moment we walked in, we were wrapped in a sense of calm elegance—with soft lighting and the gentle hum of happy conversations setting the tone for an unforgettable night. Every dish felt like a love letter to the islands. The ahi crudo was delicate and bright, bursting with flavor in the most graceful way. The butter-poached lobster was rich, soulful, and beautifully balanced—each bite melted like a dream. But it wasn’t just the food. The warmth of the chef, the passion in every plate, and the attention to detail made it feel personal—like a special evening crafted just for us. 22 Kailua isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a culinary experience full of heart. One you’ll remember long after the last bite. Pure love. 5 stars. 🌺“

“Very cool location connected to a climbing gym. The barista was sweet and helpful with her recommendations. Mango banana bread was delicious and the wildflower honey latte was a delightful yet unique drink. Will be back if I'm in the area again!“

“The coffee is delicious and the staff is very friendly. I get coffee shipped home to me every month or two for my Ohana! Mahalo, Fred!😊“

“great sandwich. good service“

“I went to Lilikoi Kitchen with a dear friend for brunch over the weekend and was very pleasantly surprised! We were immediately greeted by Laura who told us about the history of the restaurant and the chef’s dream of owning a cafe, and then introduced us to all of the staff there at the time. She listened to my dietary restrictions and helped me select something that I could eat and would love. Everything we ate and drank (PSL was so good, much better than Starbucks) was exceptional. If they started offering mimosas they would be the perfect ladies brunch locale! We will definitely be back.“

“Aloha. Stopped by & had some awesome java & water(for our Pittie girl🐾) & sat outside talkin story & peeps watchin🤙🤙🤙🤙“

“Get the Spicy Masala Chai tea.... yum 😋.“

“Chicest place in town to catch up with friends or enjoy a cafe treat. What’s better than that? Getting to go shopping afterwards in their attached retail location with selections from local artists and creators. Love this place!“

“Great coffee shop - I love the views!“

“It tasted different from FLORIDA.but other wise it okay“

“Love their coffee design machine! Breakfast sandwiches were great, and the service was as well. Cute little spot.“

“Best coffee, best toast. Best experience!“

“Maleko has the best coffee in all of Hawaii and the Man is a gifted baker too! I highly recommend the pineapple coconut muffins.“

“Best matcha on the island in my opinion! Not too sweet and authentic! If you do love some sweetness, I recommend the strawberry matcha. My husband likes the hapa drink that's half matcha, half hojicha. Parking is kinda small up front, but there is a large paid parking lot across the street 👍 Had to stop by here after we signed our marriage paperwork for a pick-me-up 🤣 Everyone was sweet and made our day 🥰“

“coffee is what should be tried here...☕️ oh, and the cookie 🍪“

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

“We've ALWAYS received excellent service at Ruscello's, and today's visit was no exception. We sat outside for lunch, there was a nice soft breeze, had a bottle of wine (half off on Weds!) and enjoyed the food: salads and French dip - yum! What a great way to enjoy a relaxing afternoon!“

“Love this place. I've been to a few locations and it's always good! The coffee is amazing, but the real shocker is how great the food is! The local breakfast sandwich, croissantwich and Breakfast Burrito and so delicious, but my favorite by far is the Lomi Salmon Bagel....I crave it!!!!! Highly recommend!“

“Amber- the co owner, is absolutely astounding. Super super friendly, and If you have any questions on any of the food she has the knowledge of it all! Location is perfect as there is a bunch of seating area around and always good jams playing in the background. The food taste AMAZING, I recommend trying the B.E.A.S.T DELICIOUS“

“Dropped by NOLA on Saturday morning for a beignet flight. The service was quick and friendly, though they were out of vanilla and offered pumpkin instead. The beignets are made fresh to order, so there’s a bit of a wait, but it’s worth it. The space is big and clean, but the music was a bit loud for 7 AM—maybe not the best spot to relax with a coffee. That said, the beignets were delicious with a great texture, and the filling was generous without being overly sweet. Highly recommend!“

“This place is a serious GEM, the freshest smoothies I've ever had! Upon entering, you will be greeted with a pleasant ripe (fruit) aroma. There will always be two older ladies taking & making orders. Their menu items consist of the best kinds of blends, my fav is the mango/passion mix however, you can pick and choose. Be sure to stop by when in Honolulu.“

“The best High Tea we've had, including The Fairmont in a few key cities. Excellent!!“

“Strong espresso hits straight to the brain. I love that Coral Cafe is the halfway point on my bike ride into work. Wish it was open late for my bike ride home too! Also love when the barista is looking cute and studious with her reading glasses on.“

“Love, love, love! Must do in Waikiki.“

“#HonoluluCoffee
@Honolulucoffee Located in a little Nook Between Chit Chat and ASB, I ordered this large , Black coffee and surprisingly is one of the best coffees I've had in a long time. Not even any coffee grind or grit. Just a smooth liquid, Black Gold. I recommend this place to any coffee lover.“

“Starbucks drive thru!
Actually, when I order here, I always park nearby and walk to pick up the order, but when I went to the drive-thru for the first time, I realized how smooth and convenient it was, and wondered why I had to walk to pick it up...🤪
I thought it would take a while, but it went pretty quickly and the wait wasn't that long!“

“Great staff, great coffee. Try the Kai Latte.“

“Two mocha lattes and a Hawaiian Frost (delicious!) lovely atmosphere, light and airy, not too loud. Service was fast and they were very good about explaining what iced drinks were available. We didn't have anything to eat but the croissants and cakes looked large and fresh, very tempting.“

“The barista spent nearly five minutes preparing my matcha, whisking the ceremonial green powder with the focused intensity of a tea master. This wasn't Starbucks efficiency—it was something more deliberate, more reverent. At Knots Coffee Roasters, tucked into the lobby of Queen Kapiolani Hotel, time moves differently.

This is the first international outpost of a Tokyo-based concept, brought to Hawaii in 2018 as part of the hotel's $35 million renovation. Plan Do See, the Japanese hospitality company behind Knots, chose Waikiki's Diamond Head end strategically, positioning themselves away from the tourist crush but close enough to matter.

The payoff becomes clear on the open-air terrace, where guests sip coffee beneath a pergola overlooking Kapiolani Park's canopy of coconut palms and monkey pod trees. It's one of Waikiki's most serene views, a tropical treehouse suspended between urban energy and natural calm. The retro-chic design—wicker peacock chairs meet Japanese minimalism—feels authentically 1970s Hawaii without resorting to kitsch.

The menu reflects serious ambition: $18 cocktails crafted with local Koloa rum and house-made macadamia orgeat, plus an extensive selection featuring Big Island and Maui coffee roasters. The matcha program showcases Japanese precision, though that five-minute wait can test tourist patience.

Service reveals the operation's main weakness. A single barista often handles the entire café, creating bottlenecks that previous reviews consistently mention. For a concept emphasizing Japanese hospitality, the understaffing feels counterproductive.

Pricing reflects hotel-adjacent expectations: $17 açai bowls and $7.50 specialty lattes position Knots firmly in the premium category. The quality generally justifies the cost, but portion sizes can disappoint.

What makes Knots compelling isn't just the coffee—it's the cultural bridge it represents. Japan transformed from a tea nation to a global coffee powerhouse through patient strategy, and this outpost embodies that same thoughtful approach. While central Waikiki pulses with frenetic energy, Knots offers something rarer: a space designed for actual relaxation.

The grab-and-go offerings serve hotel guests efficiently, while the cocktail program transitions the space from morning café to evening bar. It's an ambitious multi-concept execution that mostly succeeds.

Knots Coffee Roasters works best for those seeking refuge from Waikiki's intensity rather than amplification of it. The view alone—impossible for competitors to replicate—creates an unassailable competitive advantage. Yes, you'll wait longer for your drink, and yes, you'll pay more. But settling into that terrace with properly prepared matcha, watching palm fronds sway against an azure sky, the pace feels exactly right.“

“Our first authentic shave ice and it blew away our expectations! Delicious, fresh, and the best sweet treat!“

“While visiting Waikiki, you see a LOT of Starbucks in hotels. The last thing we wanted was to visit a chain coffee shop in Hawaii. We were lucky enough to find, and be staying about a block away from Banyan Breeze Coffee. From the first visit (we went almost every day after) we were greeted every time with a smile, a "good morning" and a pleasant experience. The iced coffee and chai we selected were excellent, and all staff was great. I would highly recommend grabbing a coffee here anytime.“