Top pick1Better Daze
Kapahulu·Cafe
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Kapahulu punches well above its weight when it comes to coffee. From specialty roasters to laid-back neighborhood cafes, this stretch of Honolulu has enough options to keep even the most dedicated coffee lover busy. I pulled together the 13 spots worth knowing so you don't have to guess.
The list blends Nate's personally vetted picks with the area's most popular and well-regarded spots. Places like Kai Coffee Hawaii Roastery and Knots Coffee Roasters at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel have built strong reputations among locals and visitors alike, while spots like Kaimana Farm Cafe are popular for their locally grown, vegan- and gluten-free-friendly menus alongside their coffee. The Sunrise Shack - Kapahulu and Walking Bean Cafe round out a diverse scene that goes well beyond your standard cup.
Look for the NateEatsHawaii badge on listings throughout this page — those are the spots Nate has personally visited and verified. Whether you're after a quick espresso pull, an ice-blended drink, or a full café experience, Kapahulu has you covered.
The ranking
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3$Casual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.
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6$$Comfy eatery serving locally grown food for breakfast & lunch with many vegan & gluten-free options.
7$$Stylish hangout in the Queen Kapiolani Hotel with unique coffee drinks, light fare & cocktails.
8$$Welcoming coffeehouse with handcrafted coffee, espresso & tea, plus breakfast, lunch & pastries.
9$Coffeehouse chain serving a variety of beverages including its signature ice-blended options.
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12Pai Cafe Coffee & Acai Bowls brings cafe to Kapahulu. Family-friendly casual dining.
13$See every spot on a live map
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FAQ
Kapahulu has a strong local coffee scene with standouts like Kai Coffee Hawaii Roastery, known for its craft roasting, and Knots Coffee Roasters at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel, praised for its stylish atmosphere and unique drinks. Spots carrying the NateEatsHawaii badge are Nate's personally verified recommendations.
Yes — several spots on this list are independent, Hawaii-rooted cafes. Kai Coffee Hawaii Roastery, Kaimana Farm Cafe, The Sunrise Shack - Kapahulu, Walking Bean Cafe, and Pai Cafe Coffee & Acai Bowls are all locally oriented alternatives to chain options like Starbucks and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
This is a curated BEST guide — Nate's personally verified picks are listed first, followed by the area's highest-rated spots based on real visitor ratings collected on NateEatsHawaii. The guide is reviewed and refreshed regularly to keep it accurate and useful.
Kapahulu