Ala Moana Coffee Lover's Guide: Hawaii-Grown Coffee Gems in the Mall

Coffee lovers rejoice! Inside Honolulu's famous Ala Moana Center (the world's largest open-air mall) are a few homegrown coffee spots that bring the taste of Hawaii's coffee farms right into the shopping center. Skip the ubiquitous chains – this guide is all about three local favorites within Ala Moana: Honolulu Coffee, Island Brew Coffeehouse, and Island Vintage Coffee. (Yes, there are also a couple Starbucks locations in the mall, but that's not what we're about here – we're all about promoting local businesses and authentic Hawaiian coffee!) Each of these cafés focuses on Hawaii-grown beans (like Kona, Ka'u, and Maui coffees) and offers a unique vibe. Whether you're a tourist looking for an authentic brew or a local in need of a caffeine fix, read on for my honest review of what to expect at each spot. I've spent countless hours exploring these coffee shops to give you the real scoop on ambiance, coffee quality, seating, and crowd levels. So grab your reusable cup and let's talk Aloha coffee!

Ala Moana Center - The world's largest open-air shopping mall

Honolulu Coffee – Farm-to-Cup Paradise Upstairs

If you're searching for the best overall coffee experience in Ala Moana, Honolulu Coffee is the clear winner. Tucked away on the 3rd floor (Ewa Wing) of the mall, this café is a bit off the main drag – but it's absolutely worth seeking out. In fact, Honolulu Coffee prides itself on offering the "complete Hawaiian coffee experience," even running its own coffee farm in Kona to ensure top quality beans. This direct farm-to-cup approach shines through in the flavor; they grow and roast their own 100% Kona coffee, giving you an authentic taste of Hawaii with every sip.

The spacious and relaxed interior of Honolulu Coffee on the 3rd floor

Despite its somewhat hidden location, the vibe here is wonderful. The café has a spacious, pleasant upstairs seating area with plenty of tables, making it a great place to chill out. Even on a packed day, I've found Honolulu Coffee Ala Moana feels "very laid back" with a relaxed atmosphere, and the friendly staff only add to the aloha spirit. In other words, it can be bustling yet still calm – the aroma of freshly brewed (sometimes even freshly roasted) coffee often wafts through the air, drawing you in.

The signature Hawaiian Latte - a decadent blend of Kona coffee, coconut, and macadamia nut

Of course, the coffee is the star. Honolulu Coffee serves a range of drinks from classic espresso favorites to island-specialties. A popular choice is their Hawaiian Latte, a decadent Kona coffee drink sweetened with coconut and macadamia nut – I absolutely love the iced Hawaiian Latte, which is "super delicious". They also do excellent pour-over Kona coffee, among other gourmet options. With plenty of seating and a mellow vibe, you can sip and stay awhile. I can confidently say that "Honolulu Coffee at Ala Moana…is one of the best coffee shops in Oahu", featuring high-quality Hawaiian coffee and an iconic local feel. In short, this is a must-visit for coffee aficionados – an oasis of calm caffeination above the mall's hustle and bustle.

Island Brew Coffeehouse – Cozy Newcomer with 100% Hawaiian Beans

Coming in as our second favorite, Island Brew Coffeehouse offers a great mix of vibe and truly local coffee. This newer cafe is located on the mall's top level (near Bloomingdale's) and, like Honolulu Coffee, it benefits from being in a quieter corner of Ala Moana. Many describe it as a little "oasis away from the hectic crowds". The shop itself is on the small side, but it has an open seating area in the mall corridor upstairs, so you can relax and enjoy your drink in a breezy space. It's not unusual to see people with laptops here – the ambiance is cozy and great for getting some work done or studying while enjoying your coffee.

Island Brew's cozy atmosphere perfect for working or studying

What really sets Island Brew apart is its commitment to 100% Hawaiian coffee. Their menu proudly features beans from across the islands: you can get Kona, Ka'u, and even Maui coffee varieties here. In fact, Island Brew partners with local award-winning roasters (like Rusty's Hawaiian) and serves only Hawaii-grown coffees, from a smooth Kona pour-over to a bold Maui Mokka Peaberry. If you're a coffee nerd wanting to taste the different Hawaiian regional brews, this is the spot. They also have fun signature drinks and seasonal flavors – I absolutely loved their haupia (coconut) latte and found the baristas are super friendly in explaining the unique menu items. The staff's warm, welcoming attitude contributes to the great atmosphere, and you'll often see smiles all around.

A variety of 100% Hawaiian coffee beans from different islands

Because it's relatively new, Island Brew Coffeehouse is less touristy than the other options, which I really appreciate. It has quickly become a popular spot for students and young professionals; I've found it's a "popular spot to study, work, or relax" thanks to the combination of delicious coffee and the comfortable, laid-back setting. The seating is first-come, first-serve and can fill up during peak times, but generally it's easier to find a seat here than at other cafés. If you're mall-cruising and need a caffeine boost, Island Brew's vibe and all-Hawaii coffee selection make it a fantastic choice. It's truly the runner-up gem of Ala Moana's coffee scene.

Pro Tip: Visit the Hawaii Kai location for the ultimate Island Brew experience. While the Ala Moana location is great, Island Brew's Hawaii Kai location is absolutely spectacular and honestly the main reason I rank Island Brew so highly overall. Located at the marina, this flagship spot offers a stunning view of the water and boats, plus much more spacious seating both indoors and on their outdoor deck. The Hawaii Kai location is another must-visit – you can enjoy the same excellent 100% Hawaiian coffee while watching the marina activity and soaking in those beautiful ocean breezes. If you have time for a short drive, this location provides the full Island Brew experience in a much more relaxed, scenic setting.

Island Vintage Coffee – Great Coffee, But Cramped at Ala Moana

Our third pick is Island Vintage Coffee, a beloved local brand known for excellent 100% Kona coffee and amazing açaí bowls. While I love their coffee, the Ala Moana Center location comes with some caveats. This little shop is located on the mall's ground level near Center Stage, smack in the middle of high foot-traffic. As a result, the Ala Moana cafe is tiny and often crowded – frankly, it can feel pretty cramped. There's a small seating area with just a few tightly packed tables, and the line frequently spills out into the mall corridor. I've noticed the space is so limited that "the area for the line to form is pretty cramped, as is the space itself", making it a bit awkward to navigate once you've ordered. It's not uncommon to wait in a long queue here; long lines are basically standard at Island Vintage Coffee, especially during the breakfast rush or on weekends.

The cramped but popular Island Vintage Coffee location at Ala Moana

That said, if you do endure the wait, you'll be rewarded with top-notch coffee. Island Vintage Coffee has been serving gourmet Kona coffee since 1996, roasting their beans daily for freshness. Their menu of creative lattes and specialty drinks (like the popular Hawaiian Honey Latte) gets my highest praise – I consider the honey latte "one of the best ever" and love all their other drinks as well. The baristas here know what they're doing, and you can taste the quality of the beans in each cup. The shop also doubles as a little retail nook, selling bags of their coffee, plus local snacks and merchandise (so it's a nice place to pick up gifts for coffee lovers). It's just the tight space and crowds that bring the experience down. While Island Vintage's offerings are tried-and-true favorites, I have to say "this isn't the best [Island Vintage Coffee] location" in terms of comfort. This sentiment is one I share with many who love the brand but prefer their other branches.

The famous Hawaiian Honey Latte - one of Island Vintage's signature drinks

Pro Tip: Visit the Waikiki location instead. If you're keen to enjoy Island Vintage Coffee to the fullest, I suggest taking a 10-minute trip to their flagship café at the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki. That location offers a much better experience – it's more spacious, with a beautiful second-floor porch overlooking Waikiki (yes, you can sip your Kona coffee with an ocean view). It still gets busy (it's super popular, with lines out the door at times), but at least you can bask in the Hawaiian breeze while you wait. Plus, the Waikiki shop is an "obligatory stop" for Island Vintage's famous açaí bowls and has an adjacent Island Vintage Shave Ice kiosk serving some of the best shave ice on O'ahu. (The shave ice line is usually formidable, but the homemade fruit syrups and soft, fluffy texture are worth it – I definitely recommend saving room for a Heavenly Liliko'i shave ice topped with fresh fruit!). In short, for the full Island Vintage experience, the short trip to Waikiki is worth it – you'll get the same great coffee without the claustrophobia, and bonus treats like shave ice in a quintessential Hawaii setting.

The much more spacious Island Vintage Coffee Waikiki location with ocean views

Island Vintage's famous açaí bowls - a perfect complement to their coffee

Heavenly Liliko'i shave ice - a must-try Hawaiian treat

Conclusion: Savoring Hawaii-Grown Coffee at Ala Moana

Ala Moana Center isn't just a shopping mecca – it's also a mini paradise for coffee lovers seeking true Hawaiian flavors. To recap our casual rankings: Honolulu Coffee is the top pick for an all-around awesome experience (farm-fresh Kona coffee, relaxed vibe, plenty of seating), Island Brew Coffeehouse is a close second with its 100% local coffee selection and cozy atmosphere, and Island Vintage Coffee serves stellar coffee but falls short on space (making their larger Waikiki café a better option for that brand). Each of these spots highlights the unique appeal of Hawaii-grown beans, from smooth Kona and robust Ka'u to exotic Maui blends. They prove that you can find genuine local coffee culture even inside a busy mall. So next time you're at Ala Moana and need a caffeine fix, skip the usual chains and give one of these homegrown cafés a try. Whether you're inhaling the rich aroma of roasting Kona beans upstairs or cooling down with a honey latte and shave ice, you'll be treating yourself to a true taste of Aloha. Happy sipping, and aloha!

Quick reference map: Where to find each coffee shop in Ala Moana Center