The Hawaiian island of Kauai is a tropical paradise known for its rainy atmosphere and laidback island vibe. Beyond the beaches and resorts, Kauai also has a thriving coffee culture with local farms producing exceptional Hawaiian coffee. For coffee lovers visiting Kauai, the island’s numerous coffee shops and cafes provide the perfect opportunity to sample the island’s fresh, flavorful brews. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best coffee shops in Kauai, from small local cafes to large coffee plantations.

1. Java Kai

Java Kai has two coffee shops on the island of Kauai, one in Kapa’a and the other in Hanalei.  We love that both of these coffee shops epitomize the laidback surf town vibe of Kauai. Local art decorates the minimalist interior, where you can sip expertly brewed coffee inside or on the back patio. 

Espresso drinks like lattes and mochas star on the menu, along with breakfast sandwiches and lunch foods like acai bowls. Since it’s usually hot and humid when we visit, we stick to the iced mochas and coffees.

Java Kai is that rare Hawaiian coffee shop that has amazing coffee and delicious food choices.  They offer bagels, cubanos, avocado toast, açaí bowl, and smoothies. Fresh-baked goods round out the offerings at this neighborhood gem. The surfer girl breakfast sandwich with eggs, cheese, and spinach on a bagel with a fresh side salad is a great choice to start your day with.

With its welcoming setting and a rotating roster of local artists, Java Kai is a quintessential Kauai coffee shop.

Address: 4-1384 Kuhio Hwy Kapaa, HI 96746

2. Little Fish Coffee

Located in the Poipu area of Kauai, Little Fish Coffee is a rustic shack serving up a great cup of coffee. Their focus is on sourcing exceptional coffee, including varieties from Kauai Roastery. You can get classic espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, along with trendy alternatives like nitro cold brews or homemade chai. 

Little Fish also serves açaí bowls, yogurt bowls, bagels, salads, and breakfast sandwiches. 

Little Fish Coffee has a dedicated parking lot for customers. The beautiful outdoor seating area makes this a peaceful spot to savor your morning brew, but watch out for the chickens.  They are loud, and bold, and will steal your food if they can! Get to Little Fish Coffee as soon as you can because this place is known for delicious coffee and very long lines.

Address: 2290 Poipu Rd Poipu Beach Athletic Club Koloa, HI 96756

3. Kalaheo Café & Coffee Co.

Off the main highway in rural Kalaheo town, this spacious café with indoor and outdoor seating has a casual, welcoming vibe. The drink menu covers all the classics like lattes, mochas, and chai along with teas and lemonades. If you need a morning pick-me-up, try the morning madness which is 4 shots of espresso, steamed 1/2 & 1/2

Pastries, sandwiches, and breakfast foods round out the selections. The rustic wood decor and outdoor garden seating create a relaxing place to sip coffee in Kauai’s countryside. There is a small dedicated parking lot but by the time we got to the shop it was filled so we parked on a nearby street and walked.

Kalaheo Cafe and Coffee Co. roasts their own beans and sells bags of signature blends.

Address: 2-2560 Kaumualii Hwy Kalaheo, HI 96741

4. Dark Horse Coffee Roasters

Nestled just off the main road in Koloa town, Dark Horse Coffee Roasters is our favorite coffee place on the island. This quaint café is housed in a historic building and sources high-quality beans from around the islands, which they meticulously roast on-site in small batches to bring out complex flavors. 

The menu features pour-over coffees, espresso drinks like lattes and mochas, cortados, and nitro cold brew. 

To complement a fresh cup of coffee, Dark Horse bakes goods in-house like muffins, breads, macarons, bagels, and malasada doughnuts. The seating area is small but welcoming, with additional parking available just behind the café. The staff are known for their dedication to the roasting craft and providing an excellent cup of Hawaiian coffee. With its hyper-local, farm-to-cup philosophy and talented baristas, Dark Horse is a must-visit for high-quality coffee in southern Kauai.

Address: 5521 Koloa Rd Koloa, HI 96756

5. Imua Coffee Roasters

Imua Coffee Roasters is a small-batch coffee roastery tucked away in Kapaa, Hawaii, and one of the newest Kauai coffee shops They serve a variety of organic, fair-trade coffee blends, as well as plant-based fruit bowls, granolas, and banana bread. Imua prides itself on roasting its beans with a blended focus of science, intuition, and passion to extract the optimal flavors from the natural minerals and sugars inherent in each varietal.  

The cold brew crush (with added in Uala which is like “Ube” syrup), shaken up with oat creamer is delicious. Their cold brews are refreshing and strong making it one of the best places for cold brew on the island.

As for parking, Imua Coffee Roasters has a private lot with free parking available. They also offer free Wi-Fi and are wheelchair-accessible and covered outdoor patio seating area.

Address: 440 Aleka Pl Ste 7 Kapaa, HI 96746

6. Eden Coffee

Eden Coffee has two small coffee cart locations on Kauai.  Eden Coffee partners with Kauai growers to source premium beans for cold brew, espresso drinks and smoothies. We recommend trying the Hawaiian Dream which has chocolate and macadamia or the Island Bliss which is a chocolate coconut blend.

Eden has a very limited breakfast menu mostly consisting of pastries and baked goods.  

Stop by Eden Coffee for a lovingly crafted cup in a uniquely artistic setting.
Address: 3477 Weliweli Rd Koloa, HI 96756

7. Kauai Coffee Company

The Kauai Coffee Company estate in Kalaheo is a must-visit for an immersive Hawaiian coffee experience. Their sprawling 3,100 acre plantation produces millions of coffee beans annually and it’s the largest coffee farm on the island.

Visitors can take informative tours of the fields and state-of-the-art roasting facilities. At their expansive café, you can sample freshly roasted coffee made from their estate beans, like smooth lattes and refreshing iced coffees.

Cookies, scones, breads, and milkshakes are also available. 

There is ample parking at the visitor center and cafe, which sit perched on a hilltop overlooking the lush coffee estate. With its breathtaking setting, interactive tours, and freshly roasted coffees, the Kauai Coffee Company provides a complete farm-to-cup encounter with Hawaiian coffee culture. If you’re a coffee enthusiast or just curious about how your morning brew is made, we highly recommend this $60 tour–it’s an absolute must-do!

Address: 870 Halewili Rd Kalaheo, HI 96741

8. Sunrise Coffee

For a delicious coffee fix on the go, stop by the Sunrise Coffee truck in Lihue. This coffee shop on wheels brews up locally sourced Hawaiian coffee beans in espressos, lattes, and cold brews. Prices are reasonable, with a 12oz latte around $4.50. They also serve up breakfast sandwiches, acai bowls, and snacks like cookies and banana bread. Our favorite thing is the açaí bowl with bananas and peanut butter!  The energetic staff provides fast and friendly service. 

Parking can be tricky as the truck parks in a small paved lot, but there is additional street parking nearby. With its convenience, hearty portions, and specialty coffee brews, Sunrise Coffee is the perfect place to start your Kauai morning.

Address: 3-3716 Kuhio Hwy Lihue, HI 96766

9. Aloha Roastery

Located just outside Lihue, Aloha Roastery brings the seeds-to-cup process to life. Their modern café sits adjacent to the roasting facility, allowing for super fresh coffee. They serve a range of coffee drinks like espresso beverages, and nitro cold brew on tap, with prices from $3-$6. You can also purchase their artisan coffee beans. Aloha Roastery’s menu items feature baked goods to complement the coffee. 

Parking is readily available in their large lot. The knowledgeable baristas provide coffee education with each cup. With its convenient location, dedicated roasting craft, and a menu of tasty coffee and treats, Aloha Roastery immerses you in the complete Hawaiian coffee experience.

Address: 3-3100 Kuhio Hwy Lihue, HI 96766

10. Ko Bakery + Coffee

For delicious baked goods paired with locally sourced coffee, visit Ko Bakery + Coffee in Lihue. This sunny café serves up the best food with homemade pastries, muffins, and bread baked fresh daily. We had fun tasting all the scones which included pineapple, lilikoi, and banana foster scones. Enjoy your treats with specialty coffee drinks like espresso beverages, and frappes, with prices from $3 to $6. They also offer fruit smoothies, fresh juices, and teas. 

The bright, plant-filled space has limited indoor seating, but there is outdoor patio seating in front. Parking can get crowded in their small lot, but street parking is also available nearby. With its scrumptious baked goods, artisanal coffees made from local roasters, and cheery atmosphere, Ko Bakery + Coffee is a local favorite neighborhood café in east Kauai.

Address: 1611 Haleukana St Lihue, HI 96766

11. Wishing Well Coffee

Located in historic Hanalei town, Wishing Well Coffee is a cozy community café with small-town charm. They use beans from local Kauai farms to craft specialty lattes, cold brews, and more for prices from $3-$6. Tasty treats like cinnamon rolls and lilikoi cheesecake pair perfectly with the coffee. Wishing Well also serves up acai bowls, breakfast sandwiches, paninis, and salads for dining in at their farmhouse-style tables or taking to-go. 

Street parking is limited, but additional public parking can be found just behind the café. With its locally sourced ingredients, quaint interior, and delicious food, Wishing Well Coffee offers an authentic neighborhood coffee shop experience in West Kauai.

Address: 5-5080 Kuhio Hwy Wishing Well Shave Ice Hanalei, HI 96714

12. Rainbeau Jo’s

For a vibrant coffee and breakfast spot in Lihue, visit Rainbeau Jo’s café and bakery. The owners Beau and Jo, came to Kaua’i to bring a great experience and delicious coffee/granitas/pastries onto the island. They use locally roasted beans to prepare specialty lattes, mochas, and iced coffee for  $5-7 per cup. We tried the macadamia nut latte which was delicious and the berry nice smoothie which had a good variety of berries and no additional sugar.

Rainbeau Jo’s homemade muffins, scones, cinnamon rolls, and breakfast sandwiches pair perfectly with the coffee. Their bright space includes high-top tables indoors, as well as outdoor tables. Rainbeau Jo’s is fairly new to the Kauai coffee scene and is the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while watching other visitors hula hoop while waiting for their drinks. 

Parking is readily available in their lot.  With options, artisan coffee drinks, and charming decor, Rainbeau Jo’s is a popular spot for morning coffee or breakfast in central Kauai. The bright white walls and neon pink accents of this island coffee shop immediately catch your eye and draw you into its cheery, laid-back vibe. The minimalist decor lets the spirit of the island shine through. Local artwork and ambient Hawaiian music enhance the tranquil atmosphere. Behind the counter, the friendly staff greeted you with a warm “Aloha!” and genuine smile.  All these are great reasons to stop by Rainbeau Jo’s in Lihue on your Kauai vacation!

Address: 4379 Rice St Lihue, HI 96766

13. Kind Koffee

Kind Koffee is located in a cute little co-op marketplace called Warehouse 3540, and looks like an adorable camper. They offer espressos, lattes, and iced drinks for  $3-5. You can pair your coffee with a limited number of food items like avocado toast.  The coffee cart is always very clean and decorated with outdoor garden seating creating a tranquil vibe. 

Street parking is limited, but additional free public parking lots can be found nearby. Kind Koffee provides more than just quality coffee – their friendly service and positive vibes make it a positive coffee experience. 

Address: 3540 Koloa Rd Kalaheo, HI 96741