Best Espresso in Honolulu
17 places ranked editorially · curated by the kopemaps team
Honolulu's espresso scene has matured without much fanfare. The interesting action isn't in Waikiki — it's in Kakaʻako, where precision bars pull shots for a neighborhood that actually lives there, and in Kaimukī, where regulars have been showing up for good coffee long before specialty became the word people use. The city also grows its own beans, which changes the conversation in ways mainland coffee towns can't replicate.
This list is built around espresso quality — not ambiance, not WiFi, not whether a place photographs well. We weighted spots that dial in their shots consistently, source traceable beans, and have earned repeat visits from people who live nearby. Skip the ones pinned in every travel guide. The places below are what we recommend when someone actually asks where to drink coffee in Honolulu.
How to choose from this list
Compare the stops by route fit, visit format, coffee origin, and whether you can buy beans direct from the farm or roaster.
| Place | Area | Best for | Access | Coffee focus | Beans |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
01 9Bar HNL4.7 rating, 229 reviews | Honolulu, Oahu | Specialty coffee | Walk-in cafe | Coffee program | Ask in person |
02 The Curb Kaimuki4.7 rating, 423 reviews | Honolulu, Oahu | Specialty coffee | Walk-in cafe | Coffee program | Ask in person |
03 Drip Studio HNL Specialty Coffee5.0 rating, 111 reviews | Honolulu, Oahu | Specialty coffee | Walk-in cafe | Coffee program | Ships or sells online |
04 Bean About Town Artisan coffee roasters4.7 rating, 206 reviews | Honolulu, Oahu | Specialty coffee | Walk-in cafe | Ka'u, Kona | Ships or sells online |
05 Bean About Town Artisan coffee roasters4.7 rating, 151 reviews | Honolulu, Oahu | Specialty coffee | Walk-in cafe | Ka'u, Kona | Ships or sells online |
06 Ali'i Coffee Co.4.8 rating, 306 reviews | Honolulu, Oahu | Specialty coffee | Walk-in cafe | Kona | $28 per 12 oz snapshot |
07 Downtown Coffee Honolulu4.8 rating, 91 reviews | Honolulu, Oahu | Specialty coffee | Roaster counter | Ka'u, Kona | Ships or sells online |
08 TRY Coffee4.6 rating, 114 reviews | Honolulu, Oahu | Specialty coffee | Walk-in cafe | Coffee program | Ships or sells online |
09 Ali'i Coffee Co.4.6 rating, 104 reviews | Honolulu, Oahu | Photos and design | Walk-in cafe | Kona | $28 per 12 oz snapshot |
10 Cafe Villamor4.8 rating, 156 reviews | Honolulu, Oahu | Quick stop | Tours available | Coffee program | Beans available |
Start with the neighborhood
Pick the stop that fits your route first, then use the table to compare coffee focus, seating style, and bean availability.
Check the tour format
Owner-led and reservation-only tours usually go deeper; larger farms are easier for last-minute visitors and mixed groups.
Read the coffee label
Look for 100% origin language, named farms, roast dates, and whether the bag is a blend before paying a Hawaii premium.
Check the practical details
Hours, parking, seating, and lines matter more than ratings when you are trying to use a cafe repeatedly.
If you only have time for three
9Bar HNL
A high-precision espresso bar in Kaka'ako that's genuinely good for those seeking a perfectly pulled shot or one of their signature 'scuffins'—a hybrid scone-muffin that's a local favorite. The staff are knowledgeable and the black sesame latte is a standout. If you're looking for a quiet, spacious place to linger over a book or a full breakfast menu, this isn't it; the footprint is tiny and the seating is limited.
The Curb Kaimuki
A high-energy, design-forward spot in Kaimuki that's genuinely good for those who want a precision-crafted espresso, a silky cortado, or a creative specialty drink like the Vog. The pastry selection—especially the almond croissants and Portuguese egg tarts—is a huge draw. If you're looking for a quiet, wifi-enabled workspace to hide away in for hours, this isn't it; the vibe is more about the community buzz and the transition into a natural wine bar in the evening.
Drip Studio HNL Specialty Coffee
A design-forward specialty shop in the heart of downtown Honolulu that excels at rotating single-origin pour-overs and high-quality matcha. The baristas are genuinely passionate and will guide you through an 'adventurous' menu of beans from around the world, making it a great spot for those who love the craft of coffee. If you're looking for a quiet, long-term workspace with plenty of outlets and comfortable seating, you'll find the fit here is a bit tight.
Everywhere else worth your morning
Bean About Town Artisan coffee roasters
A polished, European-style sanctuary in the heart of Waikiki that's genuinely good for precision brewing, high-end Hawaiian pour-overs, and their signature Shakarato. It's a peaceful retreat from the beachfront chaos, perfect for those who want a quiet spot to work or a sophisticated pastry like the canelé. If you're looking for a high-volume, fast-paced counter where you can grab a coffee and go without a service charge for sitting in, this isn't the fit.
Bean About Town Artisan coffee roasters
A high-precision specialty shop that punches way above its weight in a tiny, unassuming storefront. It's genuinely good for those who want a perfectly pulled espresso, a rotating list of pour-overs, and a rare find like a French-style canelé. If you're looking for a place to settle in for a long study session or a group hangout, the limited seating makes this a better fit for a quick, high-quality pick-up or a quiet moment on the patio.
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. 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.
Downtown Coffee Honolulu
A dedicated roaster in the heart of downtown Honolulu that's genuinely good for those who want high-quality, locally grown beans roasted on-site every Saturday. The owner-led experience and the variety of Hawaiian-grown roasts—like the 100% Kona or Waialua—are the real draw here. If you're looking for a place to linger over a laptop for hours or a spot with easy parking, this isn't it; it's a quick, efficient stop for a serious coffee lover's brew.
TRY Coffee
Tucked away on the second floor of Ward Center, this is a sanctuary for the true coffee enthusiast who wants a rotating menu of world-class roasters from Japan, Europe, and the US. The lanai seating is a beautiful, plant-filled escape from the city, and the baristas' deep knowledge of coffee science is a real draw. If you're looking for a full breakfast menu or a place to work all day on free Wi-Fi, this isn't it—the space is primarily a coworking membership, so the internet is a paid pass. Go for the high-end pour-overs and the breezy balcony.
Ali'i Coffee Co.
A polished, design-forward spot in Ward Village with a high-end feel and a strong focus on house-roasted beans. It's genuinely good for those seeking a creative signature drink—like the Taro Ube latte—or a high-quality lox bagel paired with a balanced espresso shot. If you're looking for a budget-friendly, no-frills coffee run or a place to linger for hours on comfortable seating, this isn't it.
Cafe Villamor
Tucked away inside a rock climbing gym, this is a high-protein sanctuary for those who want a nutrient-dense açaí bowl or a perfectly frothed cortado without the crowds. It's a wonderful spot for a post-workout recovery drink or a low-calorie option that doesn't sacrifice flavor. If you're looking for a polished, high-capacity seating area with dedicated parking, this isn't it—it's a small, intimate space that's better for a grab-and-go or a quick, quiet visit.
Kona Coffee Purveyors
This is the place for world-class pastries—specifically the Black Sesame Kouign Amann—paired with smooth Kona coffee. It's a high-energy, high-volume spot where the payoff is a James Beard-level pastry and a quality cup, provided you're okay with a line that often stretches out the door. If you're looking for a quiet, slow-paced morning or a place to linger over a book, this isn't the fit for you today; head to a neighborhood spot instead.
Hawaiian Fresh Roast Coffee
A specialized micro-roastery tucked away in the Dole Cannery, where you can watch the rare Japanese air-roaster in action and chat with the owner, Fred. It's genuinely good for the coffee purist who wants a custom roast level or a unique siphon brew, and the Kona Freeze is a surprising hit for those wanting something sweet. If you're looking for a polished, design-forward boutique cafe or a reliable 24/7 open-door policy, this is a better fit for a destination visit than a daily driver.
Kai Coffee Hawaii
This is a high-quality roastery operation where the focus is on the beans and the brew, specifically the nutty, rich flavors of the Kai Latte and their highly-regarded drip coffee. It's a perfect stop for those who want a top-tier espresso drink to go, or a quick açaí bowl before heading out. If you're looking for a place to linger, a cozy lounge, or a place to avoid the sun while you wait, this isn't it—it's a walk-up window only, and you'll be standing on the sidewalk of Kapahulu Avenue.
ARS Cafe and Gelato
A moody, dark-academia aesthetic with local art on the walls and a genuinely great espresso pull. It's the perfect post-Diamond Head hike stop for a high-quality caffeine hit and a hearty breakfast bagel. If you're looking for a quiet, welcoming atmosphere with high-touch service or a place to plug in and work with Wi-Fi, this isn't it.
Honolulu Coffee at Moana Surfrider
Tucked into a beautiful courtyard at the Moana Surfrider, this spot is genuinely good for a polished, high-quality espresso experience—specifically the Hawaiian Latte, which is a local favorite. The baristas are exceptionally knowledgeable and take the time to dial in their shots, making it a great choice for those who { "//": "Wait, I want to actually sit and sip quietly in a beautiful setting. I'm looking for a high-quality latte art piece.」} If you're looking for a quiet, neighborhood neighborhood spot with free parking, this isn't it—parking in downtown Honolulu is a difficult find and the premium location reflects in the price.
Ali'i Coffee Co.
Tucked inside the Courtyard Marriott, this is a polished, high-end spot for those who want a truly great latte in the middle of Waikiki without the chaos of the main strip. The Taro Ube Latte is the standout star here, and the breakfast sandwiches are hearty and fresh. If you're looking for a quiet, long-term workspace or a budget-friendly quick stop, this isn't it—the space is small and the premium pricing reflects the location and quality.
Kai Coffee Hawaii
A high-energy Waikiki staple known for its rich espresso and the signature Kai Latte with macadamia nut syrup—perfect for a pre-beach pick-me-up or a morning walk. The quality is consistently high, even for the 'coffee snobs,' and the beach-side stand is a great hack for shorter lines. If you're looking for a quiet, slow-paced sanctuary to hide from the crowds, or a place with a huge seating area to work for hours, this isn't it.
Things people ask
Which cafés in Honolulu are known for the most precisely pulled espresso?
9Bar HNL in Kakaʻako and Drip Studio HNL downtown are the two names that come up most often when precision matters. Bean About Town runs close — the Waikiki location's Shakarato has a following among people who care about extraction. The Curb Kaimukī dials in consistently and has the neighborhood traffic to prove it.
Where can I find a great cortado or espresso bar atmosphere in Kakaʻako?
9Bar HNL is the obvious answer — a small footprint, knowledgeable staff, and a black sesame latte that has become something of a local signature. Ali'i Coffee Co. in Ward Village is worth knowing too, with house-roasted beans and a menu that balances the creative with the straightforward. TRY Coffee at Ward Center rotates roasters from Japan and Europe if you want something more adventurous.
What's the difference between 100% Kona coffee and a Kona blend?
100% Kona means every bean in the bag comes from the Kona district on Hawaiʻi Island — a protected designation with strict growing conditions. A Kona blend only needs to contain 10% Kona coffee by law; the other 90% can be anything. Several spots on this list, including Downtown Coffee Honolulu and Kona Coffee Purveyors, source and sell the real thing, which is worth trying at least once.
Is Honolulu a serious coffee city, or is it mostly tourist-facing roasters?
Both exist here, and the difference is real. Tourist-facing spots lean heavily on Hawaiian branding and gift-shop packaging. The serious bars — 9Bar, The Curb, Bean About Town, Drip Studio — operate like any good specialty shop would anywhere, and happen to source from local farms when the quality holds up. Honolulu is genuinely interesting partly because the best spots ignore the tourist infrastructure entirely.
Are most of these espresso bars open early enough for a before-work visit?
The majority open by 7 or 8 a.m. Kai Coffee Hawaii on Kapahulu is a walk-up window that runs early and moves fast. The Curb Kaimukī and 9Bar HNL both open in the morning and handle quick service well. Check hours before heading to Downtown Coffee Honolulu or Hawaiian Fresh Roast, as their schedules can vary.
Where do locals in Honolulu actually go for their daily espresso?
Kaimukī and Kakaʻako are where most regulars land. The Curb has a loyal morning crowd that knows the baristas by name. 9Bar and Cafe Villamor — tucked inside a climbing gym — both run tight repeat-visitor loops that don't depend on foot traffic. Waikiki has good options, but the spots with genuine local regulars are almost always in the neighborhoods east and west of it.