Coffee Shop

Kohola Coffee

A high-energy, owner-operated coffee truck in Kailua-Kona that excels at creative, local-inspired drinks—specifically the Ube latte with homemade ube whipped cream and fresh fruit smoothies.

Kailua-Kona, Big Island Google 5.0 (80 ratings)

Drink here
Drink here
Hours listed
Buy beans
Check before buying
Farm visit
Not a farm stop
Coffee source
Origin not verified
Character
Hidden gem

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

Hidden gem Chill Locals + tourists

A high-energy, owner-operated coffee truck in Kailua-Kona that excels at creative, local-inspired drinks—specifically the Ube latte with homemade ube whipped cream and fresh fruit smoothies. It's a perfect stop for those who want a friendly, drive-through experience with high-quality espresso and locally sourced ingredients. If you're looking for a place to sit, linger, and work on a laptop, this isn't it; it's a drive-up window for a quick, high-quality caffeine boost on the way to your next adventure.
KopeMaps, field notes
Where it is
drive-up window for a quick boost
What's unique
fresh fruit smoothies and ube lattes with homemade ube whip

Plan the stop

What you can do here

Drink
Plan a cup or tasting
Buy
Check before buying
Tour
Not a farm stop

Who it suits

Best for

  1. Quick grab

    Drive-through window and 'easy in, easy out' parking make it ideal for fast caffeine boosts.

  2. Insta moment

    The 'Ube latte with homemade ube whipped cream' is a visually striking, specialty drink.

  3. Laptop work

    Vibe summary explicitly states 'if you're looking for a place to sit, linger, and work on a laptop, this isn't it'.

Receipt

The facts

Size
Tinydrive-up window
Wait
Walk right up
Setting
Roadside
Parking
Free parking
Wi-Fi
No
Outdoor seating
No
Drive-through
Yes
Kid-friendly
Yes

In their words

The story

Like our seasonal koholē, I’m from Alaska. Unlike our winter friends, I’m here to stay. Hawai’i captivated me from the start with its vibrant ocean life and even more vibrant community. Respect the ocean, land, people, and above all, do it with love.

Stewards
Jeannette Butts
Certified
100% Kona

62 photos

Photos

A hand holds a clear cup of a purple and tan layered drink branded Sustainable Island Products.
Lidded plastic cup of a layered drink with purple cream, a straw, and a Kohola Coffee drive thru sticker.
Navy Kohola Coffee trailer in a parking lot, with a service window, menu board, and whale graphic.
A hand holds a clear cup of red and purple frozen drink with a dome lid and straw.
A worker in overalls makes a shaka in a blue coffee-truck window, with three purple-topped drinks on the counter.
A golden flaky croissant with visible fillings sits on foil in an open white takeout container.
Black Koholā Coffee trailer with a large Coffee & Energy menu board beside the service window.
A clear plastic cup of pink icy drink with a lid and straw, printed with a red bird and teal shapes, sits on a gray surface.
Coffee stand service window with printed menus, handwritten specials, and an espresso machine inside.
Dark iced cup, white lidded cup with a flower, small yellow bottle, and pink blended drink on a car dashboard.
A fingertip lifts toasted bread from bacon, egg, and melted cheese on foil.
Two clear cups of Kohola Coffee drinks with purple topping and straws sit beside plumeria flowers and a potted plant.

12 of 62 shown

Common questions

Visiting Kohola Coffee

What are Kohola Coffee's hours?

Kohola Coffee is open Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM. They are closed on Saturday and Sunday, so weekday mornings are your only window.

Is Kohola Coffee a sit-down café or a drive-through?

It's a drive-through espresso trailer — Kona's first local drive-thru espresso business. There is no indoor seating or outdoor seating area, so it's designed for a quick stop rather than lingering.

What drinks is Kohola Coffee known for?

Kohola is known for creative, locally inspired drinks including an Ube Latte with Ube Whipped Cream, the Mermaid Matcha, and a seasonal 100% Kona Brew. They also serve smoothies made with local, seasonal fruits.

Does Kohola Coffee have wifi or a place to work on a laptop?

No, Kohola Coffee does not offer wifi or workspace. As a drive-through trailer, it's built for fast service rather than sitting and working.

Is parking available at Kohola Coffee?

Yes, free parking is available. As a drive-through trailer on Luhia Street in Kailua-Kona, you simply pull up to the window — no need to hunt for a spot.

Does Kohola Coffee have a community or conservation mission?

Yes — owner Jeannette Butts has a background in marine work and whale disentanglement. The name 'Kohola' means 'whale' in Hawaiian, and the business donates a portion of proceeds to marine conservation with every cup sold.

Collections

Featured in

Best Coffee in Kona

Big Island · Kona

The Kona coffee belt has hundreds of farms. These are the ones worth stopping for — single-estate, on-farm roasters, and the cafés that pour them right.

Same island

Nearby Coffee

Kohola Coffee

Kailua-Kona, Big Island
Directions