Ali'i Coffee Co.
the Kauai outpost — more lowkey and chill than the bustling Honolulu branches
Coffee Shop
A cozy Chinatown spot that punches above its weight in both coffee and food, specifically the Lomi Salmon Bagel and the Ube lattes.
Prices checked April 20, 2026
Data collected 5 months ago (May 16, 2026). Spot an error?
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The verdict
A cozy Chinatown spot that punches above its weight in both coffee and food, specifically the Lomi Salmon Bagel and the Ube lattes. It's a high-quality, neighborhood-style cafe where the baristas are genuinely warm and the roasting happens right on site. If you're looking for a quiet place to work for three hours or a spacious lounge, this isn't it—the seating is very limited and the morning rush is real. Go for the high-turnover roasting and the local flavors, but grab your order to-go if you're avoiding a crowd.
Plan the stop
Who it suits
Specialty coffee
Roasts on-site, offers pour-overs and high-quality beans from Maui and Kona.
Bean shopping
Reviewers specifically mention coming 'mainly to get beans' and the 'lighter roasts' available.
Purposeful outing
One guest noted they 'made a detour every morning' specifically for the coffee.
Insta moment
Mentions of 'pretty' latte art, 'cute coffee shop' and unique 'Ube lattes' (purple coffee).
Receipt
Same brand
Not every branch is the same. Pick the one that fits the day.
the Kauai outpost — more lowkey and chill than the bustling Honolulu branches
the polished Waikiki retreat — quieter than the bustling Chinatown branch
the design-forward Ward Village spot — more polished than Chinatown, less chaotic than Waikiki
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In their words
Ali¡i Coffee Co. was born in a humble garage in 2014, fueled by a passion for exceptional Hawaiian coffee and quality. We started small, brewing at local events and farmers markets across Oahu, connecting with our island community one cup at a time. In 2018, we opened our first coffee shop in Downtown Honolulu, bringing our signature craft coffee to the heart of Oahu. Since then, Ali¡i Coffee Co. has expanded to three Oahu locations and one in Kaua¡i, becoming a favorite local spot for both residents and visitors looking for the best coffee in Hawaii.
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Common questions
The Downtown Honolulu shop is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. They close early afternoon every day, so plan your visit for the morning.
Not really — seating is very limited and the morning rush can get crowded. It's better suited for a quick coffee stop than a long work session; grabbing your order to-go is a practical option.
They're known for sourcing and roasting 100% Hawaiian coffee in-house at their Chinatown roastery using small-batch techniques. Their signature Taro Ube Latte and rotating draft cold brews are local favorites.
Yes, Ali'i Coffee Co. sells whole bean coffee and ships directly. A 12 oz bag is $28; order through their website at aliicoffee.com.
Ali'i Coffee Co. sources 100% Hawaiian coffee, including Kona beans, and roasts it in-house at their Chinatown roastery on Oahu. They work directly with local Hawaiian farmers and use small-batch roasting to preserve each bean's character.
The shop is at 35 S Beretania St in downtown Honolulu, where street parking can be limited. Nearby parking garages are available, and the location is also accessible by public transit.
Collections
A curated guide to the best coffee on Oahu — Kakaʻako roasters, Kaimukī mainstays, Kailua bean programs. Where locals drink, not where tourists are pointed.
Where to get cold brew on Oahu that isn't an afterthought — the bars actually steeping for 24+ hours and pouring it cold and concentrated.
Where Honolulu pulls dialed espresso — Kakaʻako specialty bars, Kaimukī mainstays, and the walk-up windows worth a detour.
100% Kona coffee — not the 10% blend Waikīkī sells. Traceable, single-estate, on-farm. Where to drink it, where to buy it, how to spot the fakes.
Beyond blends — the Hawaiian growing regions worth knowing (Kona, Kaʻū, Hāmākua, Maui, Kauaʻi) and the cafés and roasters pouring them clean.
Honolulu coffee, neighborhood by neighborhood — Downtown, Kakaʻako, Kaimukī, Mānoa, Ala Moana — find a great cup wherever you are.
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Same island
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