5 Best Coffee Shops in Honolulu in 2023

Smoothies, acai bowls and shave ice are wildly popular in Hawaii, but you’d be surprised that some of the best coffee can be found right here in Honolulu. Here are our picks for the five best coffee shops in Honolulu that are known for their chill atmosphere, good vibes and of course, a truly excellent and addictive cup of joe. If you want to meet up with a friend, get some work done or even just take a breather from busy tourist spots, check out our picks.

Did you know? The world-famous Kona Coffee is grown on the slopes of a volcano! The nutrient rich soil is one of the most important ingredients in developing this very popular coffee variety. 

Morning Brew

Located at SALT at Our Kakaako, Morning Brew is everything you’d want in a coffee shop and more. Folks come here for the airy atmosphere with high ceilings, plenty of tables, free Wifi, solid lattes and an extensive breakfast menu that goes beyond your typical café fare. Try the green eggs and ham – house-made pesto on toast topped with fresh spinach, grilled ham and two eggs; or the simple avocado and egg toast – an elegant breakfast dish with avocado, baby greens, sprouts topped with an egg served on sourdough bread with a goat cheese garnish. With a second location in Kailua, the Kakaako café pulls from the hip vibe of the neighborhood, bringing together families, writers, videographers, artists and creatives into the shop. 

Morning Brew, Kakaako location, 685 Auahi St., #113, Kailua location, 600 Kailua Rd., Ste. #120, morningbrewhawaii.com

Morning Glass Coffee

This charming coffee shop in Manoa Valley is a chill open-air shop burrowed deep in the neighborhood. The coffee here hails from all over the world. Try coffee from Honduras, Peru, Guatemala, Ethiopia, and of course, Hawaii – definitely try the Big Island Coffee Roasters coffee that’s brewed to order. Customers especially love the housemade sodas, egg sandwiches and hefty mac-and-cheese pancakes. The atmosphere is relaxing and intimate, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and the perfect place to talk story for a few hours while surrounded by nature.

Visit Morning Glass in the morning and chat with the many locals who get their day started there. Pro tip: Morning lines can get long so order online before arriving :)

Morning Glass Coffee, 2955 East Manoa Rd., morningglascoffee.com

The Curb

What started out as a roaming coffee truck often found at street food festivals is now a small shop tucked away in the heart of Kaimuki. The owner Sumner Ohye takes his coffee seriously – you’ll find him always travelling, learning and studying the precise art of brewing coffee and meeting with different roasters. The Curb is the perfect spot for both coffee connoisseurs and folks who want to grab their caffeine fix and go. Also, make sure you pick up their chocolate chip cookies – arguably some of the best on the island! 

Can't find an open seat inside? Take your coffee outside and have a seat on the curb that the coffee shop is named after. 

The Curb, 3408 Waialae Ave. #103, thecurbkaimuki.com

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Arvo Café

This aussie inspired café is located in SALT at Our Kakaako, Arvo Café serves up a relaxing atmosphere with hanging plants and bright florals. The café menu offers a mean loaded avocado toast and smoked salmon toast. For an authentic Aussie experience, try the Vegemite Toast, too. Unique drink offerings include the lavender latte (note, the lavender is strong, so be sure it’s something you like) and if you’ve got a tropical preference, the strawberry guava mint iced tea. Arvo is the ultimate millenial coffee shop with drinks and dishes served up instagram ready, just bring your iphone or camera and post away!

Arvo Café, inside SALT at Our Kakaako, 324 Coral Street, arvocafe.com

TRY Coffee

Located inside Box Jelly, an airy coworking space in Ward Village with cool wooden furniture and lots of plants, TRY Coffee has seating available both inside and outside and boasts some incredible views. The drink menu is simple, but there’s some of the best coffee found on the island here. Try the espresso soda – a unique combo of carbonated water and coffee. Add some syrup for an almost gin-like flavor. The coffee shop is proud to feature a new international roaster every month – in the past, they’ve offered Manhattan Coffee Roasters, SEY Coffee and Momo’s.  

Come here for coffee in the morning and budget some time to wander around the beautiful master-planned neighborhood of Ward Village. Some of the best lunch spots in all of Honolulu are found in Ward Village. One of my favorite lunch spots in all of Honolulu? Try Merriman's, an upscale eatery serving up American food with a local flare. 

TRY Coffee, 2nd floor of Ward Center inside BoxJelly Coworking Studio, 1200 Ala Moana Blvd, try.coffee

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