The Top 10 Cafés & Coffee in Honolulu

The malasada institution — a Portuguese-Hawaiian bakery on Kapahulu Ave frying hot, sugar-dusted doughnuts since 1952. Open daily 5:30am-7pm; a filled malasada runs about $2.70. The line looks scary but moves fast. One honest note: eat them within minutes, in the parking lot — they don't travel.

A health-forward cafe and cold brew bar that blends specialty coffee with superfood smoothies, acai bowls, and plant-based bites. Their nitrogen cold brew is a must-try, and the wellness-oriented menu makes it a standout for those who want more than just caffeine. The vibe is clean and modern, fitting perfectly into Kaka'ako's creative district energy.

A specialty coffee shop in Waikiki focused on 100% Kona coffee and pastries, with a strong reputation for quality. Get the Black Sesame Kouign Amann, Nitro Kona, or pour-over coffee—reviewers consistently praise the smooth, excellent coffee and flaky pastries. Expect significant waits during morning hours; come in the afternoon or pre-order on weekdays to skip the line.

A perennial local favorite inside Market City Shopping Center known for its creative, indulgent breakfast and brunch plates. The fluffy pancakes loaded with fresh fruit and the eggs Benedict variations are standout dishes that keep regulars coming back. Waits can stretch over an hour on weekends, so a weekday visit is strongly recommended.

A specialty coffee shop in downtown Honolulu where the baristas treat coffee-making as a craft, with pour-overs made to order and carefully sourced beans. Get the Americano, strawberry matcha, or the Drip Royale specialty drink—reviewers rave about the quality and precision. The main caveat: it's a small, cozy spot that can get busy, so expect potential waits during peak hours.

A 7-acre family-owned coffee farm in Wahiawa with over 3,000 Arabica trees, daily roasting, and a cafe serving espresso drinks and seasonal teas. Try the Mocha Freeze, iced coffee, or hibiscus cooler, and take advantage of free samples and self-guided farm tours with mountain views. Fair warning: it gets quite busy and crowded on weekends.

A neighborhood coffee shop on Waialae Avenue that anchors Kaimuki's thriving dining and cafe scene with excellent espresso and a relaxed, community feel. The rotating single-origin offerings and skilled baristas make it a destination for serious coffee drinkers, while the laid-back atmosphere welcomes lingerers. Parking on Waialae can be tricky during peak hours.

Chef Lee Anne Wong's island-style brunch spot in Kaimuki, beloved for cornflake French toast and the breakfast bibimbap-style 'dumplings all day.' Brunch daily until 2pm (from 7am Fri-Sun, 8am otherwise), plus dinner Friday-Monday. Weekend waits get real — go on a weekday or put your name in early.

A skilled bakery and specialty coffee shop on Kalākaua Avenue with genuine pastries and exceptional espresso drinks. Order the caramel latte, pain au chocolat, or turkey and pesto panini—reviewers consistently praise the quality and care. Note that coffee sizes run on the smaller side, though the cozy space makes it worth lingering.

A small, cat-themed Japanese-style coffee shop in Liliha with excellent cold brew and matcha drinks, plus bottled options you can take home. The hojicha latte and strawberry matcha are standouts, and staff will let you sample before buying. It's genuinely tiny with limited seating, so expect to grab a table only if you're lucky—most people order for takeout.

A health-conscious cafe and restaurant in Waikiki that emphasizes locally sourced, organic ingredients in its breakfast and brunch offerings. The acai bowls, smoothies, and egg dishes are fresh and thoughtfully prepared, offering a genuine farm-to-table experience rare in the tourist corridor. Service can be slow during peak brunch hours but the quality justifies the patience.

A neighborhood coffee shop in Kaimuki known for excellent matcha lattes and solid espresso drinks, plus breakfast items like quiches and frittatas. The space is bright and spacious with good music at a comfortable volume, fast friendly service, and free wifi. No specific caveats emerge from the reviews, though it's popular enough that timing may matter during peak hours.

A small, cozy coffee shop in Nuuanu that doubles as a quirky trinket and gift boutique. Order the iced mocha or lavender coffee latte, pair it with a veggie banh mi or pumpkin scone, and browse the craft-fair-style knick-knacks while you settle in. Note: they don't open until 10am, so plan accordingly.

Better Daze is a small, locally-focused coffee hut on Kapahulu Ave with house-made syrups and creative drink options that reviewers consistently praise as among the best coffee on Oahu. Try the macnut latte, rose cardamom latte, or cold brew with coconut cold foam—the baristas are known for customizing drinks and going above and beyond. It's a tiny operation with limited seating and a few parking spots, so it's best for a quick stop rather than lingering.

A small, focused matcha café in Honolulu where regulars come multiple times a week for consistently excellent drinks. Get the Hapa Matcha Latte, hojicha, or classic matcha—all made with care—and they sell matcha powder to take home too. Fair warning: parking is very limited and seating is tight, so expect a squeeze on busy mornings.

A bright, locally-loved coffee shop on Ala Moana with creative specialty lattes (the taro ube latte is a standout) and solid breakfast options like acai bowls and bagels. Staff are genuinely friendly and the space has both indoor and outdoor seating with nice murals. Fair warning: pastries don't quite match the quality of the coffee.

A hidden neighborhood cafe on Waimanu Street serving fresh pastries, smoothies, and coffee drinks with a loyal local following. Get the Aloha Bread (stuffed calzone sandwiches), croissant breakfast sandwiches, scones, or their signature smoothies—reviewers rave about the Mango Pineapple and Banana Honey. One caveat: their coffee and matcha drinks are inconsistent, with some reviewers finding them bitter or overly milky.

A beloved neighborhood cafe tucked near Manoa Valley with a warm, lived-in atmosphere and serious coffee chops. Order the pour-over with locally sourced beans and pair it with their housemade pastries or avocado toast. The space fills up fast on weekends, so arrive early or expect a wait for seating.

An Australian-inspired cafe in the heart of Kaka'ako that helped define Honolulu's third-wave coffee scene. The flat white is exceptional and the all-day brunch menu — especially the smashed avo and grain bowls — draws a stylish, design-conscious crowd. It gets very busy on weekend mornings and the small space means limited seating.

A bright, welcoming cafe on Kapahulu Ave known for excellent açai bowls and specialty coffee drinks like their cloud cold brew. The staff treats regulars like family and the owner is genuinely warm and kind. Prices are reasonable, though the place is popular enough that you may encounter a wait during peak times.