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Kailua·Cafe
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Kailua punches well above its size when it comes to coffee culture. From the specialty roasts at ChadLou's Coffee Roasters — a casual coffeehouse known for its ice cream sandwiches, outdoor seating, and WiFi — to the colorful counter at Morning Brew, where freshly-roasted Hawaiian beans set the tone for the day, this windward town has a café scene that rewards exploring.
This is a curated BEST-of guide, meaning I pulled together the spots worth knowing across Kailua's 19 qualifying coffee shops — combining standout local favorites with the area's best-rated options. Where Nate has personally visited a spot, you'll see the **NateEatsHawaii badge** on the listing, so you always know which recommendations come with firsthand backing.
Whether you're after a quick espresso before hitting Kailua Beach, a leisurely breakfast at a neighborhood café like Kalapawai Cafe & Deli, or a juice-forward pick-me-up at Nalu Health Bar & Cafe, this guide covers the full range of what Kailua's coffee scene has to offer.
The ranking
Top pick1
2$
3$Casual coffeehouse with ice cream sandwiches & specialty beverages, plus outdoor seating & WiFi.
4$$Eatery offering sandwiches & salads before 5PM & contemporary dinners with table service at night.
5$Freshly-roasted Hawaiian coffee beans, breakfasts & sandwiches served in a colorful cafe & shop.
6$$Juice blends, açaí bowls & wraps incorporating local ingredients in a cheery, counter-serve space.
7
8$$Welcoming coffeehouse with handcrafted coffee, espresso & tea, plus breakfast, lunch & pastries.
9$$Welcoming coffeehouse with handcrafted coffee, espresso & tea, plus breakfast, lunch & pastries.
10$Coffeehouse chain serving a variety of beverages including its signature ice-blended options.
11
12$$
13Cafe fare in Kailua. The Sunrise Shack - Kailua draws a steady crowd.
14
15$Low-key coffeehouse turning out a variety of breakfast, lunch & brunch dishes in a simple setting.
16$
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18$See every spot on a live map
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FAQ
Kailua has a strong local coffee scene, with standouts like ChadLou's Coffee Roasters and Morning Brew earning consistent praise for their specialty drinks and locally roasted beans. Check each listing for the NateEatsHawaii badge to see which spots come with Nate's personal stamp of approval.
Absolutely — Kailua's coffee culture leans heavily local. Spots like ChadLou's Coffee Roasters, Morning Brew, Cafe Kopi, and Rise & Grind Coffee Bar are all independent, neighborhood-rooted options that give the area its distinctive café character compared to the chain offerings also available in town.
This guide is reviewed and refreshed regularly as new spots open and visitor ratings on NateEatsHawaii accumulate, so you can count on it reflecting the current best of Kailua's coffee scene.
Kailua