Roaster

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.

Honolulu, Oʻahu Google 4.5 (59 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

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.
KopeMaps, field notes
Which one is this?
the roastery branch — better for purists than the beach-side or hotel locations
Where it is
on the sidewalk of Kapahulu Avenue
What's unique
the island's top-tier drip coffee and in-house roasting operation

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. Quick grab

    Walk-up window only; reviews mention 'quick stop' and 'takeout-only' for early hikes/road trips.

  2. Specialty coffee

    High-quality roastery with 'best drip on the island' and 'perfectly texturized milk' for coffee nerds.

  3. Morning ritual

    Local regulars are recognized by name, and it's a favorite 'morning pit stop' for residents.

  4. Bean shopping

    It is a primary roasting operation where customers buy beans to take home.

Receipt

The facts

12oz bean equivalent
$21.95verified April 2026
Size
Tinywalk-up window only, no indoor seating
Wait
Walk right up
Setting
Standalone
Parking
Street parking
Wi-Fi
No
Outdoor seating
Yes
Good for groups
No

Same brand

The other Kai Coffee Hawaiis

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

Kai Coffee — Alohilani Resort

Location 01 · Worth the line Honolulu, Oʻahu

the high-energy Waikiki staple — pick this over the chill Kalama Valley spot or the walk-up window on Kapahulu

Kai Coffee Hawaii

Location 02 · Chill local Honolulu, Oʻahu

the low-key neighborhood spot — skip the bustling Waikiki branches for a slow morning

Kai Coffee — Hyatt Regency

Location 03 · Worth the line Honolulu, Oʻahu

the atrium branch — more seating than the walk-up window or shopping plaza spots

In their words

The story

Kai Coffee Hawaii® is a locally-owned and operated Family Business. Owners, Sam & Natalie Suiter, have over 25 years of industry experience. Our Goal is to source, roast, and provide the finest coffee available for you! The metrics that help us get there are a combination of rich volcanic soil, a warm climate year round and abundant rainfall that adds up to an ideal environment. At Kai Coffee Hawaii®, our daily mission is to ensure that each customer gets a fantastic product in a timely and friendly manner. We believe in serving more than just coffee. We serve Aloha In Every Cup®. Discover the warmth of our Ohana and and the unique Hawaiiana ambiance we've crafted, just for you.

Stewards
Sam & Natalie Suiter
Certified
100% pure Hawaiian coffee beans

58 photos

Photos

KAI Coffee Hawai'i Roastery storefront with a blue sign and two people near the door.
Sidewalk outside Kai Coffee Hawaii Roastery, with a blue sign, a painted mural wall, and a yellow TheBus detour sign.
Roasted coffee beans fill a metal cooling tray around a stirring arm and a perforated screen.
Lidded black Kai Coffee Hawai'i cup on a metal counter in front of a banana bread latte poster.
Exterior wall of Kai Coffee Hawai’i Roastery with a to-go sign, window hours, and a framed drink and food menu.
Framed black menu board for KAI Coffee Hawai'i Roastery on a pale wall, listing espresso drinks, food, and whole-bean prices.
Coffee shop interior with a round table, mug cart, brewing equipment, and a person working at the left counter.
Storefront of Kai Coffee Hawaii Roastery under a blue sky, with a projecting sign, coffee-to-go lettering, a wall menu, and a mural.
Pale blue shop exterior with a walk-up window, two hanging lamps, a menu board, and a side mural.
Kai Coffee Hawai'i Roastery entrance door beside a wooden sidewalk sign for an açaí bowl.
A Kai Coffee Hawaii cup with heart-shaped foam sits beside banana slices, strawberry, and blueberries in a clear container.
Two hands hold a Kai Coffee Hawai'i cup of light brown drink and a clear cup of purple food with fruit and granola.

12 of 58 shown

Common questions

Visiting Kai Coffee Hawaii

What are the hours at the Kapahulu Ave location?

The Kapahulu location is open daily from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM — it closes earlier than other Kai Coffee locations, so plan accordingly.

Is there indoor seating at the Kapahulu location?

This location operates as a walk-up window with no indoor seating. Outdoor space is available, but you'll be standing or sitting on the sidewalk along Kapahulu Avenue.

What should I order at Kai Coffee Kapahulu?

The macadamia nut Kai Latte and drip coffee are standouts here. Açaí bowls are available if you want something to eat alongside your drink.

What coffee origins do they use?

Kai Coffee sources 100% Hawaiian beans, including Kona and Ka'u varieties from the Big Island, artisan-roasted in small batches to a medium level to highlight island flavors.

Is there parking nearby?

Parking is street parking only along Kapahulu Avenue. Plan extra time during busy morning hours as spots can be limited.

Can I buy whole bean coffee to take home?

Yes, whole bean coffee is available at $21.95 per 12-oz bag. Kai Coffee also ships directly for online orders through kaicoffeehawaii.com.

Collections

Featured in

Best Espresso in Honolulu

Honolulu

Where Honolulu pulls dialed espresso — Kakaʻako specialty bars, Kaimukī mainstays, and the walk-up windows worth a detour.

Same island

Nearby Coffee

Kai Coffee Hawaii

Honolulu, Oʻahu
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