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    Top Tea + Espresso

    4.4 (171 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    TOP TEA + ESPRESSO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Top Tea + Espresso

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    Reviews With Photos

    Ube Milk, Ube Taro Milk Tea, and Ube Black Milk Tea
    Generous Y.

    Cozy boba spot tucked around the corner of a Subway. Ample parking because of the entire plaza. Seating is available but no restrooms. We snagged a plethora of drinks but most notably, the ube trifecta. Ube Black Milk Tea w/ Boba - milk tea was light but very refreshing. The ube mixed alright but as ube is a subtle flavor, the overall taste didn't change much. Definitely more aesthetic but I'd opt for another ube option or a classic milk tea.

    2 medium sized Brown Sugar Tiger Milk drinks with boba
    Amber R.

    Came here on Feb. 18th because I was really craving boba so I got 1 for me & 1 for my grandma and its still the absolute best for both of us and she genuinely gets so excited when I ask her if she wants a drink too because she hardly ever comes to this side of the island unless she absolutely has to for something health related so definitely will continue to come here!

    Jasmine milk tea with Oreo
    Lili A.

    Hard to find boba spots with so many options! The Tea was so flavorful and we enjoyed all the drinks. I recommend this spot

    Brown sugar and Ube Taro
    Michelle S.

    This t-shirt might be hard to find but if you look for the Times Supermarket and nice day Chinese restaurant it's just around the corner. A huge assortment of drinks to choose from which you can vary the sugar and Ice level which I appreciate. They also have dairy Alternatives which I definitely appreciate! I got the Ube Taro milk tea with pudding soy milk light ice and zero sugar. My friend got the brown sugar milk tea with boba. The bobaristas were friendly, our drinks came out fast and tasted great! There are some tables outside so you could sit and enjoy your drink and it looks like they also offer a small menu of food but we didn't get any.

    Lava  Flow Smoothie
    Emily L.

    Amazing once again. Everytime I go, I love their drinks. My absolute favorite is the Strawberry Black Milk Tea, half sweet.

    Egg tarts & my Iced Americano
    Hazel M.

    Located around the corner of Times this unassuming shop is my boyfriend's favorite place to get an iced americano. They offer a variety of drinks and desserts and have a few tables inside where you can sit and enjoy their offerings. We're always greeted with a smile and enjoy their service even if it's brief. On our last visit we got to try their egg tarts, they were freshly baked so we tried our best to let them cool before sinking our teeth in them and they were so yummy. Not too sweet & the crust was light & flaky, just how we like them. They participate in Five Stars so make sure you always put your number in to rack up those rewards!

    Personal containers
    Lou C.

    I came here with a group of my former coworkers from almost 20 years ago. One suggested to meet at the boba tea shop at Liliha Square. She didn't tell me the name. I had to coordinate with my other coworkers. She finally revealed the name when she arrived at Top Tea + Espresso next to Subway. I normally research the restaurants before I get there. So, I would know what to order from reading the reviews from everyone local. This time, I did a quick glance at the pictures people posted. There were too many to choose from. I ended up getting my usual Honeydew with tapioca balls aka boba. The drink tasted ok and the price was really reasonable. I was complaining about the weak straw until my local friend told me it was because they used biodegradable straws. Ah ok. It cracked all over the directions. I couldn't use it to suck up the boba. I had to use a spoon to scoop them out. The location is kind of funky. We sat at the concrete table on the walkway. There were transients walking toward the public restroom. Quite a scene that busy night. Oh. One more thing. Don't be mistaken this "Top Tea" with "Tea Top", which is an international franchise from Taiwan and the mainland. This is definitely a locally owned and operated restaurant on Oahu.

    Menu (1/3) as of March 2024
    Rachael K.

    Lately, price of boba is climbing and quality is declining. But Top Tea knows how to make a perfect bubble tea, and their prices are more than reasonable! I'm not in the Kalihi area often but when I am, I stop by Top Tea + Espresso because (1) Their teas and smoothies taste fresh! (2) Their boba is perfectly sweetened and the texture is delightfully chewy. (3) Customer service is excellent. The staff is always kind, friendly and happy! Today, I enjoyed a large mango green tea, 50% sweetness with boba. It was exactly what I wanted. Craving satisfied! My boyfriend enjoyed his mango peach smoothie with boba. Tip: You cannot adjust sweetness for smoothies. Also, you can choose up to 2 flavors!

    Menu April 2025
    Fate L.

    Very neat store and it make the drink in decent time. Is another hidden gem that you don't want to missed it. This is another place you can get nice drink and they also offer ice cream too.

    Thai Tea. 75% sweetness.
    Bella B.

    Patient, kind service. Delicious. Refreshing. Small venue; 4 tables inside; seats about 16. Milk options include whole, almond, and soy. We sat outside tables; posted sign says limited to 1 hour.

    The amount of ice they put is unbelievable, it fills almost the entire cup and leaves very little actual drink.

    ube black milk tea and black milk tea with boba

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    6 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Honestly the staff are imbeciles. Horrible time management, by the time we got our "blended" drinks they were basically juice.

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Average boba place but that doesn't mean it's terrible! Great customer service with a discount for students and locals!!

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    2 years ago

    Tried here for the first time and the drinks were yummy. The lava flow seems like a popular choice. It was tasty

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    6 years ago

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    Page 2 of 5

    Ask the Community - Top Tea + Espresso

    Do you have and sugar free options? I'd love to pay for a black coffee drink with crushed ice, no dairy and no sugar (I'm diabetic). Or tea would work, too. Thank you.

    Yes. We do. You might order Americano which is black coffee. For tea options: plain tea like black tea, green tea or oolong tea. For milk tea options: we use non-dairy… Read more

    What are their current hours of operation?

    We currently open from 11a to 6p daily until further notice. Thank you

    What is "Top's Black Milk Tea"? How does it differ from the regular "Black Milk Tea"?

    It is steeped longer so the tea is stronger in taste

    Do they have brown sugar milk tea and cheese toping?

    Hi there, Yes, we do! Thanks

    What flavor is Okinawa flavored milk tea? Is it a type of brown sugar?

    Hi There, You’re right. Okinawa flavored milk tea is like Okinawan Brown Sugar. It’s slightly different than regular brown sugar taste

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Pacifikool

    Pacifikool

    4.8(25 reviews)
    1.6 miKalihi
    $

    A newly met Yelp friend, Irene M…read more (https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=PtyUDtn4Is6S0TFRW9EOLQ), introduced me to this business when I mentioned my impending KCC farmers market visit. After walking the aisles, I saw their prominent sign at their stand as well as the crowd around it (). We studied the menu as we waited our turn with three people ahead of us. It was an easy decision for me with my propensity for pineapple drinks in ordering the Ginger Kolada (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=emfkmx2ayYTc9WInmUryjA). I was a little worried about the ginger flavor overwhelming the coconut and pineapple flavors but they were quickly dispelled. This was a refreshing drink and the ginger added a crispness to it along with the mint. I would get this again. My friend enjoyed his hibiscus drink. After ordering, we walked to the left of the tent where they made an expediting station. As drinks were made, the attentive gal called out order numbers. After a 6-7 minute wait, we were on our way. It was interesting to watch the mixologist craft the drinks akin to watching a bartender at work. I look forward to stopping here again and perhaps trying a seasonal flavor. If not, that Kolada will do.

    Not being gingerly of how amazing Pacifikool is!…read more Found them at the recent Food and New Product Show at the Blaisdell and the first thing I noticed is how stunning their drinks are :) me and my besties both stopped in our tracks and were just at awe at the same time trying to narrow down our choices to which one to have. As we are very similar in foodie like we both got the Peaceful Gratitude "Matcha Ginger Latte" which had the not of today's special and is the reason for ordering it as if it's not always available you need to try it and come on it's Matcha! Watching the staff put it together is like a bartender magic using 100% pure hand-crafted Hawaiian ginger is exactly something we both need as we both came straight from a long day at work the exhaust we both have was strengthen by this amazing sip we both inhaled...not before we cheers to ourselves lol! The vibe the staff exhume is just incredible so happy, friendly and willing for us to get that pic we really wanted as these drinks are just almost too stunning to sip. You can also find them at the KCC market on Saturday and Thursday nights in Kailua you must give this cool place a try! Thank you!

    Photos
    Pacifikool
    Pacifikool - Making the drinks

    Making the drinks

    Pacifikool - Making drinks

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    Fancy Fresh Food Shop - Power green

    Fancy Fresh Food Shop

    4.8(247 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    The only smoothie spot I will be going to from now on. Recently discovered Fancy Fresh Food Shop…read more(not even through social media) and I don't know what rock I've been living under my entire life lol. My bf and I got the reusable jars so we could come back for $7 refills. This smoothie is such a good deal, idk if you can find fresh fruit smoothies for this price anywhere else on the island. My first time here I got the strawberry lychee, which was super good!! If you want a less sweet option the passion fruit mango has more of a tang/tartness. We got lucky the first time we came (on a Sunday morning), as there was no line. The second time we came there was a wait of about 10 people in front of us!! I'm told that's pretty normal for this shop. While waiting in line the sweet owner handed out samples of the strawberry blueberry smoothie--also amazing and a combination I probably wouldn't have ordered on my own. The strawberry guava and strawberry banana smoothies are also as you might guess SO good. 10/10 I will be coming back with my reusable jar soon!!

    Love me a good ol'fashion mom & pop shop! They don't skimp on fresh in their shop name. Whole…read morefruits, freeze dried fruit, sliced and ready to-go fruit is available for purchase. Menu selection is packed w/ all kine! You can even build your own. $7 for 24oz $10 for 32oz (refillable for $7) Parking is slightly tight and entrance is on S. Beretania right after the shop so drive slow to see it. Reverse parking recommended to make easy exit. Shop owner is a sweet lady! It's just her so be patient and kind. The wait is not long. They use real fruit for their smoothies, non of that fake syrup stuff, you can taste the difference. No sit down area, it's an order to go kinda spot. My faves so far: Freeze dried fruit packet $15, dragonfruit & strawberry smoothie $7. Definitely returning!

    Photos
    Fancy Fresh Food Shop - POWER GREEN Smoothie  papaya * mango * lemon * ginger * mint * kale * honey

    POWER GREEN Smoothie papaya * mango * lemon * ginger * mint * kale * honey

    Fancy Fresh Food Shop - Mango, Strawberry, Kumquat

    Mango, Strawberry, Kumquat

    Fancy Fresh Food Shop - Power Greens Smoothie

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    Nalu Health Bar & Cafe - Veggie wrap with added chicken

    Nalu Health Bar & Cafe

    4.1(455 reviews)
    2.0 miAla Moana
    $$

    Nalu Health Bar & Café is such a solid spot, especially if you're looking for something fresh,…read morequick, and actually satisfying. Parking is super easy with the complimentary structure, and the café is located on the bottom floor alongside other vendors. One thing I immediately appreciated was how well air-conditioned the entire market is--it's nice and cool, which makes sitting and eating there really comfortable. The cashier recommended the turkey pesto croissant, but suggested swapping it onto ciabatta since it's one of her favorites--and I'm so glad I trusted her. It was phenomenal. The flavors were balanced, the bread held everything together perfectly, and it felt like a step above your typical sandwich. I also had what looked like a simple salad, but the vinaigrette and candied pistachios really elevated it and made it feel more thoughtful than expected. The staff across the board were friendly and welcoming, and there's plenty of seating--whether inside the café or out in the open market area. Honestly, the value surprised me the most. I paid under $13 for everything, which is hard to beat for the quality. Definitely a spot I'll be coming back to.

    I've visited Nalu Health Bar several times now, and unfortunately the customer service continues to…read moredisappoint every single visit. This time I placed an online order and came in to pick it up. I walked up to the counter where one of the employees looked directly at me and walked away without a word. Another employee was busy doing something behind the counter, so I spoke up and told her I was there for an online pickup. She grabbed my sandwich and handed it over, but I had to remind her that I had also ordered a Nalu bowl. It shouldn't be on the customer to chase down their own order. The food itself may be fine, but the lack of basic customer service makes it hard to want to come back. A simple acknowledgment, eye contact, or a friendly "I'll be right with you" goes a long way. Sadly, none of that seems to be the standard here. And it's not just me,I've read several other reviews saying the exact same thing: customers being ignored, dismissed, and met with attitudes. When multiple people are leaving the same complaints, that's not a bad day, that's a pattern. Hopefully management takes this seriously, because this place has potential and it's being held back by its own staff.

    Photos
    Nalu Health Bar & Cafe - Logo items for sale

    Logo items for sale

    Nalu Health Bar & Cafe - Ahi wrap

    Ahi wrap

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    Mango colada smoothie

    Hello Again - Banana bread matcha latte

    Hello Again

    4.4(86 reviews)
    0.6 miDowntown

    I came in at 1pm and they were out of matcha even though closing is at 4pm. The barista also told…read moreme she was low on beans and didn't know how much more espresso she could pull... Very disappointed considering this is my first time. The barista ended up being able to make an Americano and latte for me, however the latte was very milk forward not a good ratio of milk and espresso, must be because the was low on beans but okay. The ambiance here is great though! A very picturesque place! There are also cameras on two tables available and they tend to post it on their instagram which I find so cute! There are also books available if you want to read. Overall, very interactive spot and would've been a better experience if more drink options were available today. I'll come again next time to redo my review and give it another try.

    Located in Chinatown, Hello Again is a cute and tiny coffee shop. There is parking on the street…read moreand in lots around Chinatown. There are some tables inside and a counter to order drinks at. The interior is mostly white with a bunch of cute decorations. There are some tables facing the wall, which seem to be good little study nooks with outlets. The other tables are in the middle and others on the other side of the shop. There are some tote bags, books, pictures, and more around. We felt this gave the place an eclectic and cute feeling to it. The menu has some options and did not feel overwhelming. There were some neat options on the menu such as the Tiramisu Latte and some matchas like the Golden Hour matcha. I decided to get the Strawberry Bonbon drink, which was espresso, chocolate, and strawberry. It was this or the Golden Hour matcha, but the matcha would be about $10 for a small. The Strawberry Bonbon was good! It was like a chocolate covered strawberry in a drink. The owner was also very nice, and talked story for a bit while making the drinks. We will definitely try to make it back to try some of the other drinks!

    Photos
    Hello Again - Inside the shop

    Inside the shop

    Hello Again - Haupia Matcha Latte is yummy!

    Haupia Matcha Latte is yummy!

    Hello Again - Iced mocha

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    Top Tea + Espresso - bubbletea - Updated May 2026

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