Coffee Shop

Alba's Cuban Coladas

A tiny, passionate owner-led cart in Makawao that delivers a genuine taste of Havana in the middle of Maui.

55 Kiopaa St, Makawao, HI 96768, USA
Alba's Cuban Coladas
Makawao, Hawai'i
At the counter
Closed
Closed
To take home
Beans for sale
Character
Hidden gem
The verdict/Hidden gem·Bustling·Locals + tourists

A tiny, passionate owner-led cart in Makawao that delivers a genuine taste of Havana in the middle of Maui. It's genuinely good for those seeking a potent, authentic Cuban cafecito or a homemade empanada, often praised by Miami locals as being as good as home. If you're looking for a polished cafe with indoor seating, dairy-free milk alternatives, or a reliable 7-day-a-week schedule, this isn't it.

— KopeMaps, field notes
Best for
01Purposeful outing

Customers drive from Kihei to Kula and call it a 'must visit' destination on Maui.

02Quick grab

A 'tiny' cart offering 'take out' coffee and empanadas for a fast caffeine kick.

03Morning ritual

Faithful customers visit 'every Saturday morning' as a 'Saturday morning tradition'.

04Insta moment

Reviews explicitly mention the truck is the 'CUTEST for photo’s' and has 'aesthetic charm'.

Field notes
Where it isacross from the Upcountry Farmers Market
What's uniqueauthentic Cuban cafecito and empanadas praised by Miami locals
When to goearly Saturday mornings before they sell out
Receipt — the facts
SizeTiny
tiny owner-led cart
WaitWalk right up
SettingRoadside
ParkingFree parking
Wi-FiNo
Outdoor seatingNo
The story

Aloha, Hola, Hello! Welcome to Albas Cuban Coladas! Established in 2016. Albas Cuban Coladas has taken the beautiful island of Maui by storm. Being the very first authentic Cuban Coffee and Cuisine, Alba's has brought the sazon (flavor) of Cuba and culture to many of the locals and tourists that visit the island. Cuban coffee is known around the world to be one of the strongest yet most unique espresso there is. Served in small portions due to the strength and potency, a thimble sized shot of Cuban espresso (a buchito) will be enough to get you through a long day, or a long night! Albas Cuban Coladas was named after our grandmother Alba who meant the world to us and her family. FUN FACT : The company logo contains Albas original signature that was postcard from Cuba. She becomes alive again through her recipes we use and through the food we serve. Come have a delicious taste of Cuba.

Photos
Practical
Hours
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: 7:00 AM  1:00 PM
  • Saturday: 7:00  11:00 AM
  • Sunday: Closed
Amenities
Free parking
Address
55 Kiopaa St, Makawao, HI 96768, USA
Verified by KopeMaps 2 days ago (May 16, 2026)Spot an error?
Common questions

Visiting Alba's Cuban Coladas

What days and hours is Alba's Cuban Coladas open?

Alba's Cuban Coladas is open Friday from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM and Saturday from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM. It is closed Sunday through Thursday, so plan your visit on one of those two days.

What does Alba's Cuban Coladas serve?

The menu centers on authentic Cuban-style cafecito and homemade empanadas. It's a small, owner-led cart known for delivering a genuine taste of Cuban coffee culture in the middle of Makawao.

Is there seating at Alba's Cuban Coladas?

Alba's operates as a small cart rather than a traditional cafe, so there is no indoor seating. It's best suited for a quick, grab-and-go visit.

Is parking available?

Free parking is available near the Kiopaa St location in Makawao.

What makes Alba's Cuban Coladas different from other Hawaii coffee stops?

Alba's is one of the rare Hawaii spots serving an authentic Cuban-style cafecito, and it has earned praise from visitors originally from Miami who say it rivals what they find back home. The small, passionate owner-led setup gives it a distinctly personal character you won't find at a larger cafe.

Should I arrive early, especially on Saturdays?

Yes — Saturday hours end at 11:00 AM, so arriving early is important to avoid missing out. Friday hours run until 1:00 PM, giving a bit more flexibility.

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