16 Best Coffee Shops in Kauai For a Heavenly Cup of Joe
Are you a coffee lover visiting Kauai for the first time and wondering where to find the best brews on the island?
With so many coffee shops and roasters scattered across the island, deciding where to go for your caffeine fix can be overwhelming.
Fear not, as we’ve researched for you and compiled a list of the top cafes to get coffee on the island. Kauai has everything from cozy restaurants to artisanal roasters, where you can sip on a delicious cup of joe while soaking up the island vibes.
Whether you prefer a bold espresso shot, a creamy latte, or a smooth pour-over, Kauai has something to satisfy your caffeine cravings.
How did we come up with this list? I’m glad you asked! We researched the best restaurants in Kauai and consulted locals about their favorite places. We then took it upon ourselves to try the restaurants and ensure we recommended locations of the highest quality. We also came across some of these restaurants during our hunt to find the best breakfast in Kauai.
Overall Best Coffee in Kauai
Note: The coffee shops in this article are ranked based on location. Here are our top six coffee shops on the island of Kauai, regardless of location.
- Java Kai
- Rainbeau Jo’s
- Eden Coffee
- Small Town Coffee
- Dark Horse Coffee Roasters
- Imua Coffee Roaster
Without further ado, here are our picks for the best coffee in Kauai.
Best Coffee in Lihue and Kapa’a (East Shore of Kauai)
Kicking off our list are two of the most popular towns on the east shore—Lihue and Kapa’a.
(1) Java Kai
⭐RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Location: 4-1384 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Hours of Operation: Everyday: 6:00 am- 2:00 pm
Looking for a comforting cup of coffee served with delicious food and a warm ambiance? Look no further than Java Kai, Kauai’s premier spot for top-notch coffee, breakfast, and lunch.
The atmosphere is modern, cozy, and welcoming, making it the perfect spot to unwind or get some work done during off-peak hours. It’s one of our favorite places to co-work on the island!
The menu features an assortment of specialty coffees, expresso, lattes, and cappuccinos, as well as freshly-baked pastries and food items. The coffee is always fresh, with 100% Kona or Kauai coffee options available.
My favorite item on the menu is the mac nut latte, but you can’t go wrong with any of their coffee creations.
(2) Rainbeau Jo’s
⭐RATING: 4.9 out of 5
Location: 4379 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766
Hours of Operation: Everyday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, closed Wednesdays and Thursdays
Previously a food truck, Rainbeau Jo’s is now a permanent spot on Kauai and arguably the second-best coffee shop on the island.
This cozy cafe offers an intimate atmosphere with lots of seating, delicious pastries, and of course, delicious coffee. Their specialty drinks are made from organic coffee and locally-sourced ingredients.
They offer a variety of coffee creations, including several flavored lattes and mochas. We usually order a cup of Jo or a latte, both excellent. The flavors are bold, and the coffee is always freshly made.
We also highly recommend trying their breakfast options, such as bagels, croissants, and smoothie options. You won’t be disappointed!
This is by far the most fun coffee shop on Kauai. The owners, Jo and Beau, are delightful and are always happy to chat and make sure you have a great experience.
So, if you’re ever in Lihue or Kapa’a, don’t forget to drop by Rainbeau Jo’s for a cup of joe! You won’t regret it.
(3) Small Town Coffee
⭐RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Location: 4-1543 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Hours of operation: Monday- Saturday: 6:00 am- 12:00 pm
If you love food trucks, then you’ll love Small Town Coffee. This quaint cafe is located in the heart of Kapa’a and offers delicious coffee options at an affordable price.
This is our go-to place whenever we want something quick before adventuring out on the island. They offer a variety of espresso drinks, as well as iced and hot coffees.
If you’re looking for something sweet to pair with your cup of coffee, try their blueberry or strawberry muffins! They are simply delicious. I can’t tell you how many times we have ordered them. Also, The mini bacon egg cheese quiches are delicious as well.
The atmosphere at Small Town Coffee is always inviting, and the customer service is top-notch. This is part of the reason why getting coffee here is one of our favorite things to do in Kauai.
Side note: Going to Kauai and need recommendations on a luau? Check out our review of the best luaus on Kauai or the Smith’s Family Luau.
(4) Imua Coffee Roasters
⭐RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Location: 440 Aleka Pl #7, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Hours of operation: Monday – Saturday, 6:00- 12:00 pm; Sunday, 6:00 am – 11:00 am
Imua Coffee Roasters is conveniently located on the Islander on the Beach Hotel in Kapa’a.
They offer various coffee options, from hot and cold brews to lattes and cappuccinos. They also have a great breakfast menu that includes pastries, bagels, yogurt parfaits, fresh fruit, etc.
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with plenty of seating inside and outside. The staff is all amicable and accommodating.
The coffee here is always top-notch, with freshly roasted beans and expertly crafted drinks. It’s no wonder that Imua Coffee Roasters has become one of the most popular spots for coffee on the island. We highly recommend giving it a visit!
(5) Garden Island Coffee
⭐RATING: 4.9 out of 5
Location: 4-1604 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Hours of Operation: Tuesday-Saturday; 7:00 am – 12:00 pm
Located in Kapa’a food truck park, Garden Island Coffee is a must when you are in the area. This family-run coffee shop is stocked with freshly roasted beans, house blends, and a wide variety of breakfast options.
They offer specialty drinks, such as da kine cold brew with sweet coconut cream, lavender cream plus lavender CBD, and many others.
They use cold-brew coffee cubes (unless they run out), which is a plus because your coffee doesn’t dilute with ice.
Our favorite syrup options are macadamia nut and passion fruit. The ube is also delicious and unique. If you want something to go with your coffee, they have tasty, freshly baked pastries. Also, their smoothies are perfect for a hot day.
(6) Positive coffee
⭐RATING: 4.9 out of 5
Location: 4-967 Kuhio Highway, Kapa’a, HI, 96746
Hours of Operation: (Not listed online)
We came across this lovely coffee shack while on our way to the Kapa’a food trucks, and we are glad we found it.
Positive coffee has a wholesome vibe that makes you feel right at home. The owners are friendly and accommodating, always willing to chat with customers.
They offer a variety of coffee from around the world and serve excellent breakfast options as well. The coffee is always fresh and flavorful. Whether you like your coffee hot, iced, or blended – Positive coffee has something for everyone.
During our visit, they were serving Ethiopian pour-over coffee. It was smooth and flavorful, with a hint of citrus notes. The owner did a great job educating us on Ethiopian coffee and ensuring we had a great experience.
Note: The hours on Google say that this coffee shop is closed seven days a week. However, they are open. We aren’t sure of the exact hours as they are not listed online. If you are driving from Kapa’a, keep an eye out for them or email them beforehand to confirm if they are open during your visit. (contact@positivecoffeekauai.com)
Best Coffee in Poipu and the South Shore of Kauai
Next on our list are the best restaurants on Kauai’s South Shore. The Poipu and Koloa area is home to some of the best coffee spots on the island.
(7) Eden Coffee
⭐RATING: 4.8 out of 5
Location: 3477 Weliweli Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday, 6:30 am – 5:00 pm
Eden Coffee is a charming little coffee shop located in the heart of Koloa. We accidentally ran into this coffee shop on our way to a zipline tour with Koloa Ziplines, and we are glad we did.
Eden Coffee offers a variety of hot and cold brewed coffees, as well as teas. They also have specialty espresso drinks, such as the “Hawaiian Dream,” with chocolate and mac nut.
While their menu is smaller than some of the other coffee shops on this list, it’s worth a visit.
We usually come here for their lattes, but if you are a cold brew fan, you will not be disappointed. Try the Eden freeze, a frosty creamy expresso blend, and you’ll thank us later.
Side note: Going to Kauai and need recommendations on things to do? Check out our review of the best sunset dinner cruises on the island.
(8) Dark Horse Coffee Roasters
⭐RATING: 4.9 out of 5
Location: 5521 Koloa Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Dark Horse Coffee Roasters is a cozy cafe located in Koloa town. It’s the perfect spot for coffee, hanging out with friends, or coworking.
They serve freshly roasted coffee, espresso, and a few food items. We recommend the haupia cold brew if you love a cold brew with some sweetness.
The lattes and expresso options are also some of our favorites. Their signature expresso drink, “the champ,” a honey and cinnamon latte, is a must-try! The nitro cold brew also comes highly recommended.
The atmosphere at Dark Horse Coffee Roasters is relaxed and inviting. The staff is always friendly and helpful. They are knowledgeable about the coffee they serve and can answer any questions.
(9) Kind Coffee Company
⭐RATING: 5 out of 5
Location: 3540 Koloa Rd, Kalaheo, HI 96741
Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Kind Cofee is a hidden gem located in the heart of Kalaheo. While not as nig as other coffee shops, their coffee is anything but ordinary. This two-wheel camper coffee shop located in a warehouse is well worth the visit.
The coffee here is outstanding — fresh and flavorful. They source their coffee from local roasting companies, with most of the beans coming from Imua Coffee Roasters located on the island of Kauai. Additionally, their specialty drinks feature locally-made syrups, such as Kauai-grown vanilla bean syrup used in their Hawaiian Vanilla Latte.
If you are an expresso fan, definitely order one here. They are the most popular items on the menu and are highly recommended.
Of course, we also come here for their lattes and cold brews. Also, their avocado toast with locally sourced ingredients is not to be missed if you need food to pair with your coffee.
(10) Little Fish Coffee
⭐RATING: 4.2 out of 5
Location: 2294 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 7:00 am- 1:00 pm
Little Fish Coffe prides itself on serving top-notch coffee and freshly prepared food with the highest quality ingredients. They use fair trade coffee and organic and locally sourced fruits and vegetables.
They offer all the usual coffee options here, including lattes, mocha, and expresso options. Their honey nutmeg latte is one of our favorite items on the menu. If you need something stronger, try their midnight marauder, with four shots of espresso, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla over ice.
Tip: Little Fish Coffee is a very popular breakfast spot in Poipu. Expect long lines from the moment they open. If you are short on time or want to avoid waiting, order online and pick it up in-store.
(11) Kauai coffee company
⭐RATING: 4.6 out of 5
Location: 870 Halewili Rd, Kalaheo, HI 96741
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm; Saturday- Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Have you ever wanted to taste a 100% line Hawaiian, estate-grown coffee? Then Kauai Coffee Company is the place for you. They have about 3100 acres of plantation devoted to growing their award-winning coffee beans. They are also the largest coffee estate in the United States so their selection is hard to beat. This is a great place to learn about coffee and sample the best of Kauai’s offerings.
Kauai Coffe Company offers free self-guided walking tours of their coffee estate. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about how they grow and process their beans and sample some freshly brewed coffee.
In addition to the tour, you can also purchase their coffees to take home.
(12) Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company
⭐RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Location: 2-2560 Kaumualii Hwy, Kalaheo, HI 96741
Price: $$-$$$
Hours of operation: Wednesday-Sunday: 7:00 am- 2:00 pm
Located in the lush mountains of upcountry Kalaheo, Kalaheo Cafe is a cozy and inviting spot to grab a coffee and breakfast.
The coffee here is excellent with all the usual suspects, such as espresso drinks, lattes, cappuccinos, etc. In addition to their signature drinks, they offer some of the best breakfasts on the island. By far, this is our favorite breakfast spot on Kauai.
We also love that this restaurant is a little tucked-away spot in Kalaheo but still close to everything. You order ahead of time and then find a table – it’s very convenient! We love that service is fast and efficient, making this our go-to spot for coffee and breakfast.
Best Coffee in Princeville (North Shore)
Lastly, we have the best coffee in Princeville and Hanalei on the North Shore of Kauai.
(13) Hanalei Bread Co. (Hanalei)
⭐RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Location: 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy #4, Hanalei, HI 96714
Hours of Operation: Daily, 7:00 am – 12:30 pm
While known for its freshly baked pastries and bread, Hanalei Bread Co. also serves some of the best coffee on the North Shore of Kauai. They offer Colombian, Maui/ Peru, and 100% Kona coffee. You can order all your favorite cuppas, such as lattes, cappuccinos, cold brews, and more.
We love the cozy and relaxed atmosphere – perfect for catching up with old friends or just taking a break from sightseeing. The baristas are friendly and welcoming which adds to the overall pleasant experience.
If you have time to stay and relax, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast sandwich or one of their freshly baked pastries.
Tip: Seating might be limited, but spots open up quickly. There were few seats open when we got there, but we found a table a few minutes after getting our food. Be patient, and you’ll be able to grab a seat in no time.
(14) Holey Grail Donuts
⭐RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Location: 5-5100 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
Hours of Operation: Weds – Thurs: 7:00 am – 1:00 pm & Fri – Sun, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm.
If you love donuts and coffee, Holey Grail Donuts is your place. This food truck in Hanalei and Kapa’a serves up some of the best coffee on the island and is one of the best food trucks in Kauai.
Although small, Holey Grail packs a punch and is worth the hype! You won’t regret giving this spot a try – trust us! Visitors and locals alike praise this place for its delicious treats and coffee.
They offer a variety of cold brews that are freshly made and full of flavor. Our personal favorites are cacao latte( draft coffee, manoa cacao, cashew coconut) and the draft coffee (coava coffee custom blend, snap-chilled.)
Holey Grail Donuts is the spot if you’re looking for a place to grab a coffee and a donut (or two!). With excellent customer service, delicious drinks, and treats, you won’t regret it!
(15) The Spot
⭐RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Location: Princeville Shopping Center, 5-4280 Kuhio Hwy Suite C-103, Princeville, HI 96722
Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Sunday 8:00 am-2:00 pm
The Spot North Shore Kauai is situated in the heart of Princeville and is a must when visiting the North Shore of Kauai. The coffee here is fantastic, and the atmosphere is relaxing and inviting.
Their coffee menu includes all the classics, such as lattes, cold brews, bulletproof coffee, and more. Our favorite thing on the menu is Kauai Thai coffee with house coffee, cream, and house-made coconut cream syrup, topped with whipped cream. YUM! You can also have it as a cold brew.
The service here is excellent, and the staff is very friendly.
(16) Lappert’s Hawaii
⭐RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Location: Kukui’ula Village, 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka Rd., Koloa, HI 96756
Hours of Operation: Monday – Thursday 10:00 am-6:00pm; Friday- Sunday 10:00 am- 8:00 pm
Don’t let this ice cream shop fool you. Lappert’s Hawaii also serves some of the best coffee on Kauai.
The atmosphere is excellent and welcoming, with indoor and outdoor seating.
If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy good coffee, Lappert’s Hawaii is the spot! Plus, you get to try their delicious ice cream too. What more can you ask for?
With excellent customer service, delicious drinks, and treats, this cafe is worth a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kauai known for coffee?
Yes, Kauai is known for many things, including its delicious coffee. As mentioned before, the island is home to the largest coffee farm in the US, the Kauai Coffee Company.
They have over 4 million coffee trees spread across 3,100 acres. In addition to Kauai Coffee Company, many cafes, and shops serve delicious coffee on the island.
Is Kauai Coffee Good Quality?
Kauai Coffee is known for its high-quality beans and unique flavor. The coffee beans are grown in the island’s rich volcanic soil, giving them a unique taste that can’t be found elsewhere.
What Coffee is Grown on Kauai?
Kauai Coffee Company is the largest coffee farm in the US, growing many different types of beans. The most popular varieties are the red and yellow catuai making up about 80% of the total production. You can try the catuai in their 100% Kauai coffee.
Is Kauai Coffee Kona Coffee?
No, Kauai Coffee is not Kona Coffee. While both types of coffee are grown in Hawaii, they come from different regions. Kona Coffee is grown exclusively in the North and South Kona districts on the Big Island of Hawaii, while Kauai Coffee is grown on the island of Kauai.
While both are high-quality coffees, they have distinct differences in flavor and growing conditions due to their unique regions.
Kona Coffee is known for its rich and smooth taste with a medium to full body, often described as having a nutty or chocolatey flavor. This coffee is grown in the mineral-rich volcanic soil of the Kona districts, which is ideal for cultivating coffee trees.
In contrast, Kauai Coffee is grown on the fertile soils of the island of Kauai, which is also rich in volcanic minerals but has a different climate and growing conditions that give it a distinct taste. Kauai Coffee is known for its bright and fruity flavor notes, balanced acidity, and smooth finish.
The Wrap Up
There you have it – the best places to get coffee in Kauai! No matter where you are on the island, finding a great cup of coffee is easy.
There’s something for everyone, from strong espresso drinks to smooth cold brews and unique favors.
These cafes offer plenty of delicious coffee alongside treats and snacks. So, if you’re ever in Kauai, check out one (or all!) of these great spots for some delicious coffee.
Mahalo for stopping by! Until next time, Aloha!
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