If there’s one thing I refuse to compromise on while traveling, it’s my coffee.

I am a big coffee lover—the kind of person who will happily wake up early on vacation to find a great coffee shop, research the local roasters before a trip, and plan my morning around a really good latte.

And after traveling to Hawaii many times, including plenty of time on Oʻahu, I’ve had a lot of opportunities to do exactly that.

One of my favorite things about staying in Waikiki is that you don’t have to go far to find really good coffee. There are coffee shops tucked into hotels, shopping centers and little corners throughout the neighborhood, and many of them feature Hawaiian-grown coffee, locally roasted beans, creative island-inspired drinks and some seriously good breakfast options.

Of course, not every cup of coffee is created equal.

So if you’re heading to Waikiki and wondering where to get the best coffee in Waikiki, I’ve done some very important research for you.

This is my guide to the best coffee shops in Waikiki, including my personal favorite, the places I’d send a fellow coffee lover, where to find Kona coffee, and which spots are worth adding to your Hawaii itinerary.

The Best Coffee Shops In Waikiki At A Glance

If you just want the short list before we get into all the details:

☕ Best Overall: Island Vintage Coffee
🌺 Best Hawaii Coffee Experience: Island Vintage Coffee
🥐 Best Coffee + Pastry: Kona Coffee Purveyors
✨ Best Trendy Coffee Stop: ARVO
🏨 Best Hotel Coffee: Honolulu Coffee at Moana Surfrider

Now let’s get caffeinated.

1. Island Vintage CoffeE (My PERSONAL FAVORITE)

Best for: Kona coffee, açaí bowls and the quintessential Waikiki morning

Let’s start with my personal favorite.

Island Vintage Coffee has become one of those places I look forward to visiting every time I’m in Hawaii. It’s located inside the Royal Hawaiian Center, right in the middle of Waikiki, which makes it incredibly easy to work into your morning. *We love staying at the Royal Hawaiian and it’s super close to it so it’s a win-win!

But convenience isn’t why I keep coming back.

It’s the combination of really good coffee + really good breakfast/and or lunch + that unmistakable Hawaii feeling. Plus, they have a wine bar next door and a shave ice cart outside and I highly recommend both!

Island Vintage specializes in 100% Kona coffee and serves everything from classic brewed coffee and espresso drinks to cold brew and specialty beverages. And then there’s the food.

Their açaí bowls are practically a Waikiki institution.

I love starting a Hawaii morning with an iced Kona coffee and an açaí bowl loaded with fresh Hawaiian fruit, granola, house-made almond butter and delicious Hawaiian honey. It’s fresh, tropical and exactly what I want to eat when I’m somewhere warm and beautiful.

The coffee shop can definitely get busy, but I think it’s worth it!

What I’d order: An iced Island latte (with 4 espresso shots) + a Cacao Moana açaí bowl.

G’s Tip: Go earlier in the morning if you want a more relaxed experience. And if you love the coffee, grab a bag of beans to bring home and a cute mug. Nothing makes post-Hawaii life a little better than having Hawaiian coffee stocked in your pantry.

2. Kona Coffee Purveyors (Named BEST coffee BY FOOD & WINE)

Best for: Serious coffee lovers and incredible pastries

If Island Vintage is my go-to for the complete Hawaii breakfast experience, Kona Coffee Purveyors is where I’d send you when you want to focus on the coffee…and possibly indulge in one of the best pastries in Waikiki.

Located at International Market Place, Kona Coffee Purveyors specializes in Hawaiian-grown coffee and pairs it with James Beard award winning pastries from b. patisserie (in San Francisco)

And this is where things get dangerous.

You walk in thinking, I’ll just get a coffee.

Then you see the pastry case.

Suddenly you’re leaving with a kouign-amann, a croissant and absolutely no regrets.

The combination of quality Kona coffee and beautifully made French pastries is what makes this stop stand out. Current travel guides continue to rank it among Waikiki’s top coffee destinations, particularly for its Kona coffee and pastries.

What I’d order: Iced Vanilla Latte (with 4 espresso shots) + a Black Sesame Kouign Amann

G’s Tip: If you’re a pastry person, don’t skip this one. A kouign-amann on vacation because vacation calories don’t count….that’s just science.

3. Honolulu Coffee at the Moana Surfrider

Best for: Coffee in a beautiful historic Waikiki setting

If you want your morning coffee to feel a little more special, head to Honolulu Coffee at the Moana Surfrider.

The historic Moana Surfrider is one of those Waikiki landmarks that deserves a visit anyway, and grabbing coffee here gives you a chance to slow down and actually enjoy the setting.

This is the coffee stop I’d choose when I don’t want to rush.

Grab your coffee, find a beautiful spot, take in the atmosphere and let yourself have one of those I’m in Hawaii moments.

Because sometimes the experience surrounding the coffee is just as important as what’s in the cup.

What I’d order: Iced Island latte (with 4 espresso shots) + Lilikoi scone

G’s Tip: This is especially nice for a slower morning when you’re not trying to cram five activities into the first three hours of the day.

4.ARVO

Best for: Trendy vibes, creative drinks and a stylish coffee break

If your ideal coffee shop is just as much about the aesthetic as the coffee, add ARVO to your Waikiki list.

ARVO has a modern, Australian-inspired café style and is known for specialty coffee, colorful drinks and a menu that makes you want to photograph your breakfast before you eat it.

And yes, I’m guilty of this too.

Sometimes I want a serious coffee experience.

Other times I want a really good latte in a beautiful space with something delicious to eat.

ARVO is for the second category.

It’s a fun option when you’re exploring Waikiki and want to make your coffee stop part of the experience rather than simply grabbing caffeine and moving on.

What I’d order: Iced vanilla latte (4 espresso shots) + Smoked salmon toast

5. The Sunrise Shack

Best for: Coffee, smoothies and a healthy Hawaii breakfast

Okay, technically I’m bending the rules a little here because The Sunrise Shack is more than a coffee shop.

But we’re talking about Waikiki, Hawaii and vacation breakfasts, so I think it belongs.

This is the kind of place where you can grab coffee alongside smoothies, bowls and other fresh, tropical breakfast options.

If you’re looking for something lighter before a beach day, this is a fun alternative to a traditional coffee-and-pastry stop.

Some mornings call for a cappuccino and pastry.

Other mornings call for an iced coffee and something fresh and fruity.

Hawaii allows both.

What I’d order: Iced hazelnut latte (with 4 espresso shots) + Monkey bowl or Monkey toast

G’s Tip: This is a great stop before heading to the beach. Keep it casual, grab your coffee and go.

Final Sip: Which Waikiki Coffee Shop Is Worth It?

If you’re only going to visit one coffee shop in Waikiki, I’d choose Island Vintage Coffee.

It’s the combination of everything I love about Hawaii: good coffee, tropical flavors, fresh breakfast, açaí bowls and that relaxed vacation feeling.

But if you have a few mornings in Waikiki, don’t stop at just one.

Try Kona Coffee Purveyors for the coffee-and-pastry experience.

Try Kai Coffee for Hawaiian-grown coffee and specialty drinks.

Stop at Honolulu Coffee for a classic island coffee experience.

And explore somewhere like ARVO or Knots if you want to switch things up.

Because let’s be honest…

One coffee shop is never enough.

Especially when you’re in Hawaii.

Looking For The Best Matcha in Waikiki?

#1. Nana’s Green Tea

Best for: Matcha (& Hojicha) soft serve, parfait’s, matcha latte’s and feeding your matcha obsession.

Okay, this isn’t technically a coffee shop, but I cannot write a guide to the best drinks in Waikiki without talking about Nana’s Green Tea.

Because I still dream about this place.

Seriously.

If you love matcha even half as much as I do, put Nana’s Green Tea on your Waikiki itinerary. Located in the lower level of Waikiki Shopping Plaza, Nana’s is a Japanese matcha café specializing in matcha and hojicha drinks, soft serve and Japanese-inspired desserts.

My absolute must-orders are the matcha latte and the matcha soft serve. Nana’s describes its matcha as coming from premium Japanese teas developed with tea merchants in Uji, Kyoto, and matcha is truly the star of the menu.

And if you’re feeling extra? Add shiratama mochi and azuki (red bean) to the soft serve. Or go for one of their matcha parfaits, which layer matcha with things like mochi, red bean, soft serve and other toppings.

There is a reason this little spot has become such a favorite among matcha lovers in Waikiki, and it has definitely earned a place on my Hawaii must-eat list.

What I’d order: Matcha soft serve or Matcha swirl soft serve.

G’s Tip: Do not make the mistake of thinking you’ll “just get the latte.” Get the soft serve, too. Or go back later for dessert. I fully support making two Nana’s stops in one trip.

Gina