It’s a little-known fact that Hawaii is the only place in the United States that is allowed to farm coffee for the purpose of selling—and thankfully so.
Kona coffee is famous universally for its rarity and complexity. With high demands from the student population of the University of Hawaii, and the busy downtown work community, the coffee culture of Honolulu has grown quickly and beautifully.
If you’re one of those Kona coffee purists and on the hunt for the old school blends, be sure make a stop at the Honolulu Coffee Experience Center. This is hands down the OG coffee shop of Honolulu. The family-owned business serves up Kona coffee from their very own farm on the Big Island. To add to the delectable experience, they’ve now opened up an international coffee museum on-site for visitors who want to experience more of the process.
It’s a long wait to get access to this hidden gem in the Manoa valley, but some will say it’s well worth it. After an early morning spent hiking to a waterfall, the unique scone flavors and mac and cheese pancakes are sure to satiate anyone’s appetite. They are famous in the local community for their mocha lattes and offer a variety of breakfast and brunch options. To add to the charm of this local spot, the outdoor seating of the cafe promotes a pet friendly environment.
What started off as a mere coffee truck has now quickly blossomed into three brick and mortar locations around the city. And though the dine-in experience is a bit different from what we’re used to, the quality coming out of this local business still holds strong. Also a local and family-run operation, The Curb is serving the demands of the University of Hawaii student community as well as the general Honolulu population. Come here for the coffee. Stay for the bowties.
You don’t even need to step inside the cafe to smell the aromatic coffee beans being ground. It’s a small, yet cozy space that attracts a very loyal customer base. It’s testament to the quality of their ingredients and their impeccable customer service. Located just downstairs of the landmark Pioneer Plaza building, Downtown Coffee is not a huge operation like the similar establishments nearby. Boasting local blends like Maui Mokka, the people at Downtown Coffee know what they’re doing, right down to their latte art.
If nothing else, come for the Green Eggs and Ham. That’s right. This ambient and bright cafe offers the world famous dish of childhood fiction. The service is fantastic and the free wifi is an added bonus, inviting visitors to spend a morning lounging about with al fresco dining options. With an extensive menu, including options for Hawaiian roasts as well as a number of vegetarian choices, the Morning Brew Coffee & Bistro will leave you wanting to linger.
