10 Best Coffee Shops in Honolulu

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As someone who’s visited Oahu countless times and even spent a summer living there, I can confidently say Honolulu is home to some of the best coffee shops on the island. If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I can sniff out the cutest coffee spots like a pro!

As someone who’s always seeking out the best local spots (and staying heavily caffeinated), here’s my list of the best coffee shops in Honolulu that you need to check out! From cute cafes to some seriously delicious lattes, there’s no shortage of spots to fuel your adventures.

Best Coffee Shops in Honolulu

1. Ars Cafe

Ars Cafe is one of the most charming coffee shops in Honolulu! It’s the perfect post-hike stop after conquering Diamond Head (one of the best free things to do on Oahu)! This cafe offers more than just coffee—they serve up delicious homemade gelato and double as a unique art gallery.

If you’re craving a bite, they’ve got breakfast options to pair perfectly with your coffee. Whether you’re looking to unwind with a creative vibe or fuel up for the next adventure, Ars Cafe is a must-visit!

2. Island Vintage Coffee

Island Vintage Coffee has several locations, with multiple of their coffee shops in Honolulu! For me, the Royal Hawaiian Center location is my favorite! It has the best views and a second-floor patio to soak up the fresh air.

You have to go hungry—the menu is packed with amazing options, including plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices. For coffee lovers, their macadamia nut cappuccino or latte is a must-try. Plus, don’t leave without grabbing one of the best acai bowls on Oahu!

3. Local Joe

For a serious coffee fix and creative flair, Local Joe was hands down my favorite coffee shop in Honolulu! Not only is the coffee amazing (hello, macadamia nut flavor!), but their latte art is next level—check out their Insta for proof. We tried both the macadamia nut latte and a vanilla cappuccino, and both were pure heaven.

Pro tip: If you’re driving, parking can be a bit tricky due to construction, but don’t worry—just check out their handy parking map!

Related read: Check out Must Eat Foods on Oahu

4. Hideout Coffee

Hideout Coffee is the perfect little coffee nook tucked inside The Laylow, offering an adorable, cozy, and inviting setup. Their vanilla cappuccinos are perfection, and the fact that their syrups are made in-house adds a special touch.

If you’re craving more than just coffee, you can also check out their small breakfast menu!

5. Arvo

Not only does Arvo serve some of the best coffee in Honolulu, but it’s also one of the most Insta-worthy shops on the list! Enjoy your coffee in the most adorably designed outdoor area.

The seating areas are so fun— one even has a disco ball above! The coffee and avocado toast are great, but for a switch up I also recommend getting their strawberry guava mint iced tea. And this is coming from someone who normally does not enjoy iced tea!

6. Da Hi Brew

Da Hi Brew is the best coffee I had in Waikiki! This cafe in Honolulu offers hand-crafted artisan espresso coffee and snacks. They have all of the cold and hot coffee beverages you could possibly want to choose from, along with smoothies and several breakfast and lunch bites.

My breakfast bagel sandwich was delish, but I did get a little envious witnessing the table next to ours enjoying their waffles with fruit!

7. Coffee Talk

We stopped at this Honolulu coffee shop on our way to hike the Wiliwilinui trail, and it was the perfect pick-me-up to get me through that 4.7-mile trail. While we were grabbing our coffee for the road, Coffee Talk really had a great work environment if you wanted to be productive!

Aside from your basic latte flavors, they have several unique and fun latte options such as red velvet, cinnamon roll, and cake batter just to name a few!

Their food and pastries are made fresh daily and include popovers, scones, sandwiches, and croissants. Flavors and varieties change regularly, so you’re always in for a surprise!

8. Cafe Daisy

At Cafe Daisy, you’ll find a unique mix of teas, juices, and coffee drinks that are sure to shake up your usual order. Try fun options like taro lattes with matcha foam, ube cheesecake lattes, tiramisu cold brews, and fruity lattes like strawberry or blue ocean. I had a tough time choosing, and I definitely wish I had more time to visit and try them all!

Trust me, you’ll be glad you ventured out of your comfort zone here!

9. Knots Coffee Hawaii

Knots is located inside the Queen Kapiolani Hotel in Waikiki/Honolulu. Bonus points because they’re dog-friendly! We unfortunately only made a semi-quick pit stop here just to try the coffee, but man I wish we would’ve gone hungry!

Everything on their food menu sounded absolutely delicious. And, if you have someone with you who isn’t a huge fan of coffee, no worries, they also offer beer, wine, and cocktails!

For my locals reading this, they offer a monthly membership that is $35/month for unlimited coffee!

10. Surfers Coffee

Okay, this one isn’t actually in Honolulu, it’s in Wahiawa near the North Shore— but it’s super cool! So if you make your way over to North Shore I definitely recommend making a pit stop at Surfers Coffee. They pride themselves on focusing on community as much as they do coffee. It is a non-profit owned and operated by Surfing The Nations.

Surfers Coffee gives Local Joe a run for its money as the spot for the best coffee on Oahu. I ordered the strawberry shaka off of their underground menu and it was unlike any coffee drink I’ve ever had! This shop is so cozy and homey, making it a great place to work for the day.

Related read: Check out the Best Things to Do in Kaneohe and Kailua!

Which Honolulu coffee shop would you stop at first?

From unique lattes to tropical-inspired brews, there’s no shortage of amazing coffee shops in Honolulu to fuel your adventures. So next time you’re in Oahu, make sure to grab a cup (or two) at these local gems—you’ll find more than just great coffee, you’ll discover the heart and soul of Honolulu, one sip at a time. If you have another favorite that I missed let me know in the comments!

Be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out my other Hawaii posts! If you’re island hopping check out these posts:

2 weeks island hopping in Hawaii

Maui 3-Day Itinerary

Big Island 4-Day Itinerary

Things to do in Lahaina