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Kai Coffee Hawaii

3.8 (44 reviews)
Open • 6:30 am - 9:00 pm

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Iced Banana Bread Latte
Tina K.

Tried the iced banana bread latte & it was so good! It had the perfect amount of sweetness. The service was great too, friendly & welcoming. Definitely one of those places I'll be coming back to whenever I'm in the area.

The flavors were off. I took one bite and that was enough.

I love Kai coffee and I get the wrap and Mac nut latte every time I come to Honolulu. Today was the first time I didn't eat the food I bought though.

Small iced Kai Latte was very bland
Jessica S.

Came here craving a good coffee one of the first days my husband and I were in Hawaii. The location is convenient because it's right inside the Waikiki Shopping Plaza, but overall, the experience was just okay. I ordered the Iced Kai Latte ($7.00 for a small), which is their signature macadamia nut-flavored drink. It sounded unique and promising, but I found it pretty bland and not nearly sweet enough for my taste. I barely tasted any nut flavor at all. It might be a better fit for someone who prefers more subtle or lightly sweetened lattes; for such an expensive specialty drink, I expected a lot more, especially because many other places around here have amazing flavored coffee. They do have plenty of drinks on the menu, including espresso drinks, cold brew, teas, and frappes. They also have food options, but we didn't try any of the food, so I can't comment on those options. They offer breakfast sandwich options and crepes on their menu. The cafe has seating with tables and chairs, but we just grabbed our drinks and walked along the street. It was super quiet when we visited, and there was no line and very empty overall. Not a bad place if you're in the area and need a quick caffeine fix, but I personally wouldn't go out of my way for it. Definitely a decent stop for convenience, but the flavor didn't wow me.

Jen D.

Decent coffee but I wouldnt say it's the best I've had. Located inside the Waikiki mall, it had tables and chairs for customers. Service was good. They also offer ice cream, pastries, and sandwiches.

Meat breakfast wrap
Emma F.

Overall, I'd skip this spot. Staff is very friendly and location is nice. Tried the lemon poppy seed bread, the meat breakfast wrap, and a small cappuccino. The line is much shorter than Kona Coffee Purveyors but it costs just as much and the quality isn't the same. The lemon poppy seed bread was good but I'd skip the meat breakfast wrap.

Matcha latte & cold brew
Sarah K.

Ventured to Kai coffee for a caffeine fix and was surprised to find it on the street level of a shopping plaza. It was located right in the middle, nearby Sephora. We ordered the matcha latte (sweetened, macadamia nut milk) and a black cold brew. I enjoyed the matcha latte as it was nicely sweetened and was complimented by the macadamia nut milk. My bf got the cold brew and it wasn't anything to write home about. Service was quick and there is some seating nearby to drink your beverage or eat some of the available pastry options.

Kai Latte with oat milk
Linda D.

I had Kai Coffee as one of my go to places to try when I visited Hawaii and although they have many locations, this location was particularly close to me from my hotel. They are located near Sephora just pass the STIX Asia sign and can be accessed from the street if you're just walking. I came early when they opened and there was only 1 barista that was setting up the chairs, tables, signs while also making my drink. My order was their signature Kai Latte which has a macadamia nut syrup. Got mine with oat milk and iced. Unfortunately, this coffee didn't live up to the name nor hype. It was very acidic and sour which is not at all what I like in coffee. Also, I could hardly taste the macadamia nut. It wasn't worth the price for what I paid for. I'm not sure if it's just this location that made bad coffee or overall this is how it's supposed to taste. I don't think I will be returning to this location because it felt like the barista was not welcoming. It just felt like she was there to make her shift or perhaps she didn't expect anyone to come so early. Also, the coffee felt over pulled. It wasn't good at all. There was so much seating for this one coffee stand so I wonder, how busy do they get during the day. I had planned to sit but it felt awkward in the open mall with no one around. I may try their other locations but this particular location missed the mark for me.

James L.

Are you in Waikiki looking for somewhere to sit down and relax? Want to take a break from all the shopping and people? This hidden gem local artesian coffee place located in the center of Waikiki Shopping Plaza offers a nice retreat from paradise. Have a seat, spend your hours rejuvenating yourself with my favorite baristas to talk with: Lora, Rex, Lia, and Noel! They provide such an amazing coffee session and the aloha spirit! Order the cold brew and the Kai latte for my favorite drinks! (Kama'aina does get 25% if you mention!)

Matcha latte with oat milk. Light sweet
Mapu F.

The service was lovely! Ordered the matcha latte. Made to how I like the matcha. Added oat milk. Ambiance is a good location. Tables available to enjoy drink

small mocha frappe (coffee added) and chocolate chip cookie
Alyssa G.

I've been here a couple times before and thought I'd make a review today while I'm sitting here and waiting for an event. The area surrounding the coffee stand was pretty loud today due to construction. Hopefully this isn't a common occurrence! I usually like more quieter areas if I'm at a coffee shop. Today, I ordered the small mocha frappe with coffee (came out to a little over $4 with kamaaina discount) with a chocolate chip cookie ($3.50). The prices listed on the menu are a little high, but it makes sense considering it's in Waikiki where I expect prices of items to be a little higher than usual. The employee working there was really friendly and tried to engage in conversation with me, which was really nice. If I was a tourist, he would've made my view of Hawaii 100x better! He asked me if I wanted to try the macadamia milk in my drink, and said it would be free of charge since I had mentioned that I've never even heard of it being a thing before! 10/10 customer service because he let me try something that I've never tried before. Things like this really impact whether or not a customer comes back to the establishment and I think he did a great job! The drink I got had a nice light coffee taste to it and wasn't overly sweet. The chocolate chip cookie was very crumbly and I kinda wish I was able to hold it in one piece instead of it breaking in pieces every time I tried to hold it. Both tasted really good, though!

Kristelle B.

I've been a fan of Kai Coffee since 2021 and have bought their signature iced Kai coffee (with macadamia nut syrup) several times before, but it's usually from their other two locations across the beach. My first time in this one, located inside the mall, however was very disappointing. I knew from the get-go my coffee looked darker and less creamy than usual. It also tasted very acidic and didn't taste any hint of the syrup at all. The lady who was singlehandedly working there was kind enough to either offer me a refund or re make my drink. Sadly, it tasted the same after the second try. Not sure if I'll be coming back given any coffee in the area at this point can easily cost you $9 and it was such a waste of money.

David H.

order: matcha latte the matcha here was ehhh :( the matcha latte didn't rlly taste like matcha n kinda just tasted like flavored milk. asked for extra extra vanilla syrup n that made it better but still not the best. kinda sucky, don't get the matcha here maybe the other drinks r better yummy rating: 4/10

Matcha Frappe
Irene M.

It's a perk to see Kai Coffee here... What a delightful scene to see local small biz thrive and to see Kai Coffee open another location here on the first floor in the Waikiki Shopping Plaza is a great sign. Once back in the day it was the place we go for all things food when I used to work in Waikiki. Don't expect any fancy drinks here...with the standard offerings of espresso drinks, frappe and teas I got the Matcha Frappe and it was okay not really much of a matcha flavor which it comes in two sizes and I got the large. They are more known for the coffee which they roast their own at the Kapahulu location I really wasn't feeling like coffee and thought this would be a more gentle sip. It's nice to see they have a few seating along with the breeze makes it a great place to chill and relax. With that I thought I get a sandwich...Caprese and I wouldn't recommend any of their sandwich as you look at their menu it has no price on them at all and when I got it it was SO small little cheese, veggies were sparse the pesto aioli was runny it was a hot mess. The staff was nice though just the basic service nothing that impressive I was disappointed with it all as it cost $21.20.

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9 months ago

Really good breakfast and coffee here, earliest breakfast we could find open at 6:30 am before a day tour pickup at 7 am.

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11 months ago

Had a killa coffee the other day when I stopped in for the first time. Shout out Kayla for good coffee and some good hike recommendations!!

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2 years ago

The macadamia nut latte was tasty, friendly staff, and they had a nice seating area outside by the waterfall.

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Bean About Town Waikiki

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4.5(125 reviews)
0.1 mi•Waikiki
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I've known about their Kaimukī location for a while, but finally made an effort to visit the one in…read moreWaikiki. It's located inside the DFS, and has a large area at the back of the mall. The coffee shop can be entered from the mall or outside; they also have outdoor seating where you can order on your phone. Indoors is cozier and more fun, with bar seating, tables, and oversized chairs to relax. They have a lot of merchandise to go, including beans. If you're stopping in for a refreshment, they have a nice menu of hot and cold coffee drinks, teas, sodas, etc. They also have baked goods- I tried the 'ulu banana bread and really enjoyed it. I also had an iced cold brew, which was strong and creamy. Prices were reasonable for the quality and being in Waikiki. They can pour your drinks for dine in or disposable to go. This is definitely a recommended coffee shop in Waikiki!

Solid coffee shop serving pastries, Açaí bowls and sandwiches. I had a macademia nut latte which…read morewas good. Açaí bowl was solid 7/10, have had better on the island. I wish they would've added more almond butter. My 3 star review mostly coming from the fact that they don't have a bathroom available until 11am because it's shared with the duty free store next door. Not even sure if that's legal, but a bathroom should absolutely be available during their opening hours. Had to leave rushing to find a bathroom nearby. However, good for working with good WiFi and ample seats.

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Bean About Town Waikiki
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Downtown Coffee - Store front

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4.5(148 reviews)
3.0 mi•Downtown
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Stopped by this morning to try the coffee because I wanted to experience a great coffee shop. That…read moreis exactly what I found. Not a bakery or breakfast joint with coffee on the side. Coffee was their jam and it was a great experience. I ordered a decaf mocha latte. It was nice as it wasn't too sweet. The amount of milk was balanced and imparted a perfect creaminess. So, it tasted like a perfect cup of hot chocolate, but that is what you would expect for ordering a mocha latte. The mouthfeel was nice, medium in my opinion; just right. The steam wand was purged and cleaned straightaway. The art on top of the drink was nice until I messed it up by letting it slosh around too much before taking the picture. Next time I'll do the espresso to see how the unadulterated flavors of the coffee hit the palate. I want to taste the flavor notes of the coffee itself. The shop is clean and tidy and the menu is straightforward. The owner helped me at the counter and the way he interacted with me by providing options, opinions and asking my preferences clearly showed his passion for his business and for his coffee, which I definitely appreciated. If you want a nice cuppa joe with knowledgeable and friendly service, check this place out and give it a try. While I usually brew my own espressos and other coffee drinks, I'll gladly stop by here again to sample some more local grown, roasted and brewed coffee with some aloha to go with it.

Authentic little coffee shop in downtown Honolulu, walkable in distance if you work downtown. The…read moremenu is no-fuss and simple. None of those hipster crafted beverages. If you like simple like me, this place is for you. I went first thing this morning to get my matcha fix. The gentleman working the front counter was welcoming and soft spoken. I ordered an iced matcha latte with oat milk and a magic bar. The matcha is whisked in a bowl in front of you. I could tell they make their beverages with care. The matcha latte was smooth and creamy, unlike Starbucks where it's sometimes chunky and chalky. The magic bar was a nice little treat to start my morning off right. Will definitely be back again. Skip the big corporate companies and support this local small business.

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Downtown Coffee - Ambiance

Ambiance

Downtown Coffee - Exterior, December 2022

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Downtown Coffee - My hot gingerbread ka'u latte with an extra shot. YUM. Next to a cute holiday decoration

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Local Joe - Breakfast croissant & lox for us  Local Joe be there for us when we need a break from fluorescent light.

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4.6(628 reviews)
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Kai Coffee Hawaii - coffeeroasteries - Updated October 2026

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