Coffee Shop

Ali'i Coffee Co.

A cozy Chinatown spot that punches above its weight in both coffee and food, specifically the Lomi Salmon Bagel and the Ube lattes.

Honolulu, Oʻahu Google 4.8 (306 ratings)

Drink hereBuy beansShips directPrices checked
Drink here
Hours listed
Buy beans
Online shopships direct
Farm visit
Not a farm stop
Coffee source
Origin not verified
Character
Worth the line

Prices checked April 20, 2026

Data collected 5 months ago (May 16, 2026). Spot an error?

Outbound booking, shop, and website links may be measured with referral parameters. Paid or sponsored placements do not determine KopeMaps rankings.

The verdict

Field notes

Worth the line Bustling Locals + tourists

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.
KopeMaps, field notes
Which one is this?
the neighborhood-style Chinatown spot — less polished than the hotel or Ward Village branches
Where it is
tucked at the end of Chinatown
What's unique
roasts on-site; try the Lomi Salmon Bagel
When to go
Monday mornings or early for roasting smells

Plan the stop

What you can do here

Drink
Plan a cup or tasting
Buy
Online shop
Tour
Not a farm stop

Who it suits

Best for

  1. Specialty coffee

    Roasts on-site, offers pour-overs and high-quality beans from Maui and Kona.

  2. Bean shopping

    Reviewers specifically mention coming 'mainly to get beans' and the 'lighter roasts' available.

  3. Purposeful outing

    One guest noted they 'made a detour every morning' specifically for the coffee.

  4. Insta moment

    Mentions of 'pretty' latte art, 'cute coffee shop' and unique 'Ube lattes' (purple coffee).

Receipt

The facts

12oz bean equivalent
$28.00verified April 2026
Size
Smalltiny space with about 12 seats
Wait
Some wait
Setting
Standalone
Kid-friendly
No
Good for groups
No

Same brand

The other Ali'i Coffee Co.s

Not every branch is the same. Pick the one that fits the day.

Ali'i Coffee Co.

Location 01 · Boutique Koloa, Kauaʻi

the Kauai outpost — more lowkey and chill than the bustling Honolulu branches

Ali'i Coffee Co.

Location 02 · Boutique Honolulu, Oʻahu

the polished Waikiki retreat — quieter than the bustling Chinatown branch

Ali'i Coffee Co.

Location 03 · Boutique Honolulu, Oʻahu

the design-forward Ward Village spot — more polished than Chinatown, less chaotic than Waikiki

In their words

The story

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.

120 photos

Photos

Covered sidewalk storefront of Ali'i Coffee Co. at 35 S. Beretania, with an open door, window hours, and crate planters.
A hand holds a brown-bread sandwich half with avocado, tomato, greens, and a purple spread.
White paper cup with a brown sleeve printed Coffee + Community + Connections.
White cup of coffee with leaf-shaped foam art and brown flakes on a wood table, blue mural behind.
Cafe interior with a chalkboard menu, counter, two stools, and a wave mural.
A wooden shop counter holds an espresso machine, utensil box, paper bags, and a worker at the order station.
Hanging oval Ali'i Coffee Co. sign beside white glass doors at 35 S Beretania.
Two people work at a wooden counter with espresso machines, grinders, and white shelves of dark bottles.
A toasted flaky pastry layered with lettuce, tomato, and a pale filling sits beside potato chips in a white tray.
A halved flour-dusted roll with egg, melted cheese, pink meat, avocado, tomato, and onion sits beside potato chips.
A tall glass of green liquid with a dripping purple top sits on a wooden table before a colorful mural.
A tall clear glass of light brown iced drink sits on a pale wood table.

12 of 120 shown

Common questions

Visiting Ali'i Coffee Co.

What are Ali'i Coffee Co.'s hours at the Downtown Honolulu location?

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.

Is Ali'i Coffee Co. a good spot to work on a laptop?

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.

What is Ali'i Coffee Co. known for?

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.

Can I buy coffee beans and have them shipped to the mainland?

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.

Where does their coffee come from?

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.

Is there parking near the Downtown Honolulu location?

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.

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Ali'i Coffee Co.

Honolulu, Oʻahu
Directions