Wherever I am in the world, I try to take some time each morning to find good coffee. I did not have to walk far to find great coffee in Honolulu.
We arrived late and spent the first night at the Hyatt Centric in Waikiki. The hotel does not have great coffee, although there is a Starbucks Reserve in the lobby. I view Starbucks Reserve like I view regular Starbucks: mediocre coffee that is not worth the investment. Sure, I love the ambiance of Starbucks Reserve, but the coffee simply lacks the strong, rich flavors available elsewhere.
Honolulu is full of coffee shops and I did not really know where to go…so I just began walking. I came to the Sheraton Waikiki and noticed a Honolulu Coffee kiosk. Honolulu Coffee is a local coffee chain found in 1992 that now has locations all over the Hawaiian islands. But it was my first experience with this brand.
The enthusiastic barista greeted me and told me the coffee was “great” when I asked if it was good. (I know, what else was she going to say…)
She did a great job. The cappuccino was a medium Kona blend with hints of nuts and chocolate.
I walked away satisfied.
CONCLUSION
I am sure there are many great coffee shops scattered over Honolulu and I’d welcome your recommendations for next time. But my first time at the “hometown” chain was a great experience. Highly recommended and a nice alternative to Starbucks or other mainstream chains…
There are plenty of amazing coffee shops in Hawaii, you have to remember Hawaii is the only place in the US that grows coffee if i recall.
Surprisingly there is also a Honolulu Coffee in Vancouver 1 block from the Sheraton Wall Center. A great place for something different
Thanks for the tip. Heading to Hawai’i next month and I know my mom’s going to ask where she can get some strong coffee.
Kona Coffee Purveyors in International Marketplace has amazing baked goods. You may encounter attitude from counter staff.
I second the Kona Coffee Purveyor vote. They have some of the best coffee in Hawaii, while their kougin amann, bostock, chocolate creme croissant, and chocolate chip cookies are my go-to items.