Reviews of Kai Coffee Hawaii (Coffee Shop)

Dan Crooks

It's a good cup of coffee, but even Starbucks doesn't charge this much and they're notoriously over priced. Its worth checking out if it's nearby, but don't go out of your way for it.

Ian Dutton

Our favorite coffee in Honolulu opens a new, larger shop a few minutes walk from the original - now with a roaster and classroom in the back and sun-drenched beachfront seats out front. Seriously excellent espresso drinks and cold brew, with a selection of sandwiches and juices. But now I have to choose between the two locations and the friendly staff who remembers us every time we return!

Nikki Pete

Coffee was great. I really felt welcomed here.

john schumacher

A nice location within the Hyatt resort with friendly staff and good drink and food options. There are nice seating options next too an indoor/ outdoor waterfall as well.

Ross Wallis

Best coffee in Waikiki

Karina Bravo

Delicious coffee. Would definitely return next time I'm in Oahu

Don

From an Australian coffee drinkers perspective, this coffee is good and the service was also good. There was frequent Australian patronage which meant that the staff were a little better at understanding out requests. There are breakfast wraps and rolls as well as bagels and banana bread to go with the espresso. If you're staying in Waikiki and need non-burnt espresso, this would be my pick, although if you're down the other end Kona coffee was also good.

Hattori Hanzo

Good coffee but overpriced. I’d rather go to a Starbucks.

Mark Jantzer

Rich, full bodied coffee, friendly, fun service, tasty sandwiched, breads, bagels.

Rick Handley

Great single-source Hawaiian coffee and even better service. After bringing our French Press Kona Peaberry our, the barista brought out a sample of their brewed Kona Extra Fancy which was quite different, still excellent and smart because it guaranteed a return visit. There is a comfortable outdoor seating area where you can engage in people watching.

Body Curious

Great Espresso coffee like it should be and hard to find with outstanding staff.

Heather Stirling

Some of the best coffee we've had, hands down. The service is amazing too. So glad we discovered this gem, and very sad we don't have one at home!

_ E _

Only one location that I know off. Located in the Hyatt in Waikiki. This is stop I usually stop in for good coffee. I usually get their Signature drink iced and has to be a large. Macadamia coffee taste awesome with a chocolate macadamia treat on top of the whip cream. Customer service is great and are always willing to help their customers. Also told me about new locations opening soon. I do come here every time I’m on the island and would recommend vs going to Starbucks.

amanda fales shaw

Nice coffee shop located within an outdoor shopping center. Great selections, great breakfast options (pastries and egg & cheese sandwiches, both are yum!) super friendly staff and very kind service.

ellen mcmanus

Great. Had ham and chess croissant heated with beverage. Tasty. Friendly place!

Adrian Babson

Coffee was average, no complaints there. But what was wrong is we went to get a cheap breakfast biscuit, a guy comes up to you in line and gets your food order to speed up your service, which is good. But the whole time we were looking for the price of the food, which we never found. I told the cashier I dont see a price for the food listed. He said "that's because they arent." ONE small egg cheese ham biscuit was $9.00, it was a frozen pre-made biscuit like you get at Starbucks or McDonalds. From my experience, it is never a good thing when prices are not listed. It usually means there are unfair practices at play. If you go I would suggest to stay away from the food. I checked other coffee shops and the same biscuits are half the price and the price is Actually listed at other locations. Again, I have traveled a lot and when prices are not listed, it means something Not Right is going on.

Dennis Moto Shono

Very nice

Martin Toman

Really good coffee for good prices. Highly recomend everyone!

Peter Carino

Had a really good Cappuccino.

Sophie B

Great coffee and service.

Stephen Friday

Great specialty coffee bar in a mall setting. Friendly staff and tasty pastry options. One of the best spots in Honolulu we've visited yet for coffee.

Evan Peterson

After struggling to find a decent coffee on Maui, we checked out Kai Coffee on a short weekend stay on Oahu. Awesome coffee, awesome service. Really liked these guys. Location and ambience is decent (and good for Waikiki). Highly recommend.

Iris Yona

This place is amazing! Staff is friendly and knowledgeable which is extremely helpful.

David Jens

Very friendly and nice

Linda Rice

If you are from Australia this is one of the few places that makes coffee as we like it!

s0bad

Not too sure about the food, bagels are a dry and flavourless and breakfast wrap is ok but the kai latte is really good.

Tony Lai

REVIEW BY AN AUSTRALIAN I was craving a good coffee so bad and Starbucks is not coffee. This place roasts its own beans and texture the milk like true baristas I am use to back at home. Highly recommended.

Joshua Lafleur

Macadamia iced latte, made with macadamia milk (not syrup), is something special. decent pour overs. You need to leave Waikiki to get great coffee, but this comes close. The staff are friendly and will take time to discuss/inform tasting notes.

Stephanie Bang

Their Kai Latte is a must have! Very nice staff with tasty good coffee drinks.

菅原健一

A little bit sweet KAI coffee is taste so nice.

Amy Jones

Best coffee in Honolulu! It's a staple every time we come, even when it's out of the way.

Agnes Renner

Very expensive for a sandwich. Not that special.

James Welsh

Free sample of Kona coffee was great.

Arthur Li

6 dollar for hot nuts syrup latte. If you usually drink special coffee you shouldn’t try. If just casual drink that will be ok.

Ben Mitchell

A little pricey, but what in Hawaii isn't? It's pretty well worth what you'll pay.

Alla Spivak

might very well be the best coffee i've ever had ...ever. friendly staff and quick service. try the chocolate frappe!

Gerry Murphy

Searched for Australian coffee Waikiki. Thanks Google and Kai Coffee. First decent coffee in 5 days. Nice friendly staff. Nailed the correct temperature for an Aussie, very smooth taste and understand the concept of skinny milk.

Samantha Colden

We were staying at the Hyatt Regency and were most delighted to find such quality coffee right on our doorstep! This place is super popular and lines can be long, but it's worth it for the good coffee and friendly service.

Renee Dee

Great location, great coffee.

Daniela Voda

The best coffee on the island.

R Smith

Great! The Kai latte with macadamia nut milk is so delicious.

Christopher Nelson

They have a selection of coffees not usually available in the USA. Flat whites and long blacks. They were a little rushed with my long black. Threw the shot into the hot water. Nice settings. Inside the Hyatt with palm trees and gardens and running water.

Da-Lan Pham

macadamia nut latte is fire

Andrew Fidler

Ordered breakfast wrap and a small frap coconut,mocha and was super quick, cost me 16 dollars, but I was able to get a table which people move about fast so was easy to grab, sat down enjoyed my breakfast and got some work done. Of course shopping is all around after that so i could stroll around after with a coffee

S smith

So living in the area, I've frequented both locations of this coffee shop and I was pretty disappointed with the customer service at this location. The guy working behind the counter was rude and corrected the other female employee around customers when in fact he should be more concerned with his own sloppy appearance and poor service skills. Even though the coffee was good, there were dozens of gnats in the pastry window and overall, the shop was not as well maintained as the one on the strip.

Wilson Kong

Thanks for the coffees! Thought I wouldn't be able to get a nice one without some thorough searching. But there you were at the foot of the place I was staying. Pros: - nice coffee. - friendly staff. Cons: - doesn't have much food options.

Andy McKee

Open early till late, staffed by fine bunch of baristas and the coffee etc is 1st class... A must do if you're a coffee lover!

Denice Larance

While on vacation, our adult children loved this coffee shop. I bought some to take home for my coworkers. On vacation, some things we do in cash, some on cc. We did the cc here. When I got home and checked, I have an extra, exactly $20.00 charged. So far my kids have said they paid for their own, I haven't yet talked to them all, but exactly $20.00 is an odd amount for a purchase. So my advice would be, pay with cash. The coffee is great though.

levi hudrea

Friendly staff and of course great coffee. Excited for their new location on Kalakaua.

Ty McClelland

Good coffee, good latte. Apple rose and strawberry scone were perfectly warm. Went and watched sunrise surfing with Duke. Local spot before the tourists roll through and show lack of manners. Nice to have a spot where locals and staff know each other.

Ricardo Kyomen

Good coffee shop !

Josh Diepenhorst

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Jess A

We loved the coffee here! in fact we made it our regular stomping ground while staying in Waikiki. The pastries are pretty nice too.

Jen brow

Best coffee, barista & staff since leaving Australia. This company knows what real coffee is all about & what a coffee shop should be. Only issue Hawaii needs more location.

JT Wesley

The Kai Latte with macadamia nut milk was fantastic. So good that I had to get another one as I walked back from the beach. Seriously friendly service and delicious fresh baked goods. I had the prosciutto Swiss roll. Will be back tomorrow.

Mike Mathers

Simply incredible coffee and top notch service they really know what they are doing. The extra fancy pour over is simply amazing. So is the Kai latte with macadamia milk. Really love my coffee and going into this place every day on vacation brought lots of joy.

Mel Bail

Loved it! Amazing flat white, the milk didn’t overpower the flavor of the coffee. The staff is super friendly.

Addam Mason

Good coffee

Luis Corvalan

Best Ozy style coffee around

Jason Raso

I'm currently here on Holidays from Sydney, Australia, and have been to heaps of places in Hawaii for a decent Coffee, and have been disappointed everytime............ Until now. Wow. Finally a Coffee worth drinking. I've been having my morning coffee here now, and I can now start my day happy.

Christian de Meillac

Excellent coffee, great banana break and sandwiches with really friendly, fun service. Opens early, set in the Hayat with a great, casual atmosphere.

John LR

Amazing coffee, had a double shot late, and it was just perfect. Cover blend is beautiful. Definately worth finding if you are looking for great coffee while in Waikiki Hawaii.

Scott Downing

Great coffee and breakfast wrap

Julia A. Melzer

Great coffee and amazing service. Bought some to take home!

Mike HONTUS

Good place, Awesome food and drinks! friendly personal highly recommending!

Adam AlOtaibi

I loved their coffee. The place has a tranquil atmosphere and is very colorful. If you're a coffee admirer, don't miss out on this place.

Michael Petrovich

Best place in Waikiki. The coffee is top notch and the staff is super friendly. Baristas are very skilled and knowledgeable. The people who work here really pay attention to customers. By my third visit the staff knew my name and what my standard order would be. My Cortado w/two sugars is sometimes ready by the time I order it When they are not slammed with customers all employees are willing to share knowledge about Oahu and local coffee.

Mina Kong

Had a cold brew and iced latte with macadamia milk for takeout. I got there at 8am in the morning, but I had to wait 20 mins since there was a long line up. The cold brew is the best one I had in town, and even after a week I came back, I wish I had more of their coffee during my visit. I liked the cold brew more than coffee the latte, but still it was unique, and something to try! Worth the wait!

joe s

Good coffee. Irritated me that the barista guy asked if I wanted whip and I said yes and he didn't add whip.

Peter Ken

Friendly staff. Great coffee. Prefer spicy to sweet Chai.

Mark Stevenson

Nice coffee made by qualified baristas!

Joyce Lin

Very nice coffee shop across the street from the beach. Good selection of coffees, pastries and crepes. Reasonably priced. Friendly service, and drinks were made well despite being a bit busy.

tim farkas

Great coffee. Strong but not harsh

Ivan Kuczer

Definitely the best coffee we've had since we arrived in Hawaii. Way too hot to start with, but the flavor and intensity was spot on

Arash Salamati

When you go to a place everyday for 8 straight days during an 8 day vacation you know there is something special about it. This was the best coffee I have had in recent years. The kai latte was exceptional with macadamia milk. The crepes are also fantastic and the staff are great. Highly recommend going here

Joe Murphy

As a somewhat fussy coffee drinker from Melbourne, this coffee is the best I've had in Hawaii so far.

Melissa Angeles

Can I please order a Captain America? Haha that's what the barista heard (sorry I forgot your name, I'm terrible I know). I was actually after a cafe mocha. I was in Hawaii for a short period of time but this place had the best coffee and amazing service. I already have recommended Kai to my friends travelling there. I'll only buy my coffee from here when I return. Thank you guys for such great service and of course amazing coffee and treats. I hope I gave enough Australian souvenirs for the staff. I should've left more. Until I return again. Keep making those Captain Americas Flash (the barista - he gave himself that name) A truly happy customer Melissa Angeles

kevin aflague

This place was great. Everything is transparent. You can see how everything is made. The coffee beans are grinded down to make fresh coffee. They have cold brew on the menu which is great. The employees are friendly. Everything is open and simple. I had a great experience. The cold brew I ordered was super strong which tasted unique. You put the amount of sugar you want as you walk around the bar.

D B

We came back 3x during our stay. The staff are really friendly and the drinks are delish. We didn’t have any pastry, crepes or sandwiches but they looked great. Recommend the macadamia frappe with coffee if you’re in the mood for something sweet but refreshing! The cold brew was also very tasty and we enjoyed the flat white as well. Nice atmosphere as well with views of the water!

Tai Trinh

If you want a proper coffee and not an American coffee, come to this place! Real coffee drinkers will find solice in this place! So happy and we'll be coming back everyday!

Michael Clark

Been up and down the waikiki strip snd this is definitely my favorite JOE. If your a fan of str8 black / Mocha (hot), Kai's is hard to beat. Plus, great atmosphere tucked away behind the crowded thoroughfare.

Robert Lewis

Finally, a Waikiki spot with good cold brew! My last two purchases at other cafés were awful. I also grabbed. A breakfast sandwich, which I really enjoyed. Friendly, patient, service by the counter staff as well. Will return!

Huy Le

Try out the Kai Latte. Its flavorful without being extremely sweet like Starbucks douses their drinks. The iced green tea matcha latte was also a good blend as well.

William

Great coffee.

susan michael

Very nice place with friendly staff in the Hyatt

Derrick Guzman

We've been coming here everyday for a week and we love the customer service from Steven!!

Charles Hughes

The coffee is delicious. They steered me to what I really wanted as opposed to what I asked for. Super friendly staff. They make delicious flat whites and have excellent service. Helpful not only with menu but about what's out and about as well. Will return!

Teresa Delafons

Never fails to impress! Great coffee and always lovely service. You really feel the coffee is made with Aloha! Thank you Mr DJ

Vinnie Chenzo

These guys know coffee and how to make it. It was so good. They also make great food. The sandwiches are awesome also. Stop by and enjoy this gem at least once during your stay.

JCB

Good coffee. Friendly staff. Good location

Gary Hopps

Great coffee and relaxing atmosphere. Make it a large cup, it's that good!

Rod Wainwright

Great coffee and friendly service. Really knowledgeable about their stuff!

Kugenuma Kaigan

Love the waitresses. Great legs.

Paul Roman

Great place for coffee, a little pricey, but it is Hawaii.

Norman Romero

Decent coffee nice people

Stephania Montoya

Good coffee one day , terrible the next. They need to train all their baristas the same.

Robert Foguth

Kind of pricey, but worth it. Coffee was fresh and really flavorful. The shorter guy serving was probably the best server we had all week even at the finer restaurants. The baked goods are as good as the big name coffee shop.

Harold Bastatas

It was lovely!!!!

Tgit Galloway

Fantastic little shop! Long black and sit by the waterfall (inside or outside)

James Trent

Excellent balanced machiatto. A little sweet, fruity, and very chocolatey . The owner is very nice, has been in the business a good while, and has opinions about coffee on the islands.

Carolyn Abraham

Best , friendly , free Wi-Fi, relaxing atrium with palms and water feature.Deliciously smooth steamed lattes and caramel sweet espresso.

Bob Ruley

The coffee shop is cute if a bit small. There is 1 long high top table inside the shop. There are also a handful of 4-seat wooden tables just outside, as well as a few smaller tables. The smaller tables are right behind a waterfall in the atrium, so conversation was a little difficult. The staff was friendly and quick, which is exactly what I need when I haven't had my first cup of coffee yet. The prices are about on par with Starbucks. Which is to say, a little more than I'd like to spend on a daily basis. The Kai Latte was pretty delicious. It is just sweet enough without the syrupy aftertaste. The chocolate covered macadamia nut on top is a great way to finish off the cup of coffee.

Sukhpreet Singh

Best Cold Brew coffee I've tasted. Get it without the ice though. They have a delicious veggie sandwich with a bean patty which is a must eat! The staff here is very friendly each and every one of them. Love this place.

Teegan colusso

Best coffee I've had in 3 weeks. Decent Aussie style cappuccino. Will be back.

Bailey Parker

Had coffee and frappes here many times and they get better every time! Definitely recommend!

Han-Ping Chen

Coffee is not bad but it’s quite expensive spending $6 on a small size coffee.

Tom Foley

Really good coffee by aussie standards.

Jeff Buster

Absolutely terrific coffee. Rich, not burnt, well frothed milk. Wish I could find this on the main land :)

Tim Trinkaus

Coffee shop located in the Hyatt Regency. We have been here many times over the years and is the best coffee shops we have found in Waikiki

Justin Parus

Coffee from the rich volcanic soil. Free kona coffee samples were great! The employees there were very helpful and it was fun chatting with them.

B K

Best coffee I’ve had in Hawaii although a little pricey

Tom Sokol

I went here multiple times while staying in Waikiki. The coffee shop is on the ground level of the Hyatt Regency, easy to access whether you are staying there or at a nearby hotel. I really liked the hot Kai Latte with whipped cream.

Geoff Bradley

One of the best cups of coffee I have ever had. They have all local Hawaiian beans that are roasted really well. I spent a portion of my trip to Hawaii trying to visit as many local coffee shops as possible and this was probably the best.

c r

The espresso was on point as it should be. Almond late and late drinkers loved theirs too.

Rishi Bhargava

Great spot for local brews. Recommend the Kai latte to go and head straight to the beach!

Kimberly Nichols

Much better coffee than the Hawaiian chains. One of the best in Oahu, and probably the best in Waikiki. Worth finding - it's in a weird mall behind Urban Outfitters. Food is terrible.

Luke Mastrantonio

Our last day on Oahu and we came across this gem! Coffee was great and the closest we found to Melbourne coffee - which is the best coffee in the world . Seriously though, if you want a thicker richer coffee Kai is a must, was a great strength and exactly what we needed after a late night prior!

Honour Nash

This undoubtedly is the only place to go for great coffee the best!! Highly recommend been coming here for years. SAM AND HIS STAFF are great people full of ALOHA along with their coffee!

Yasu T

Good quality coffee

Terry Doyle

Someone told me Australians were coffee stobbs. I guess we are. They also said Kai Coffee under the Hyatt could make coffee we would consider great coffee. Of the handful of cafes we drank coffee at, Kaii was the best, most others I would avoid.

carol vazquez

Awesome lattes and food. Very friendly. The pork crepe was amazing. My first time in Hawaii. So glad I stopped in here. The manager brought my crepe out to me. So nice. I will be back again before I leave.

Khoa Vo

Their signature Kai Latte (6$) is pretty good. It was smooth and flavorful. 6$ for a medium is a bit overpriced but it is Waikiki. I also had their blueberry scones (6$) and that was also pretty good. I would get it again though because it wasn’t worth it. I love how the location is right in front of Waikiki beach. You can just relax right, feel the breeze and look at all the tourist while drinking coffee. That’s true paradise. The staff is nice and the drinks are made quick. I would come again when I feel like paying 6$ for a coffee.

J. Larsen

We went in twice during our stay because the first visit was so good! I got an iced Kai latte, which was delicious and not too sweet! The scone of the day (blueberry) was really tasty and they warmed it for me. The baristas are super nice and welcoming. They have lots of seating, though it still fills up in the morning hours. While we waited for our drinks, we watched one of the workers making crepes. They looked amazing and I really wish I'd tried those as well. All this said, I loved it!

Dan Barbella

Well exceeded my expectations. Come here and try some coffee and I’m sure you will be back each day.

Eric Wright

The coffee here is so good. The pastries and breakfast sandwiches are delicious and the service is amazing. I had a Kai Latte and a scone. Both were great.

Wilson Lin

The best coffee Honolulu's got to offer! Excellent service, food and the staff are amazing! We ended up hitting up this place every day, and we already miss it!

J J

Thier large is what mainlanders call a small. Ask for extra shots! The barrista suggested just that eyeing the horror on my face! He made it right and one cup was all it took! Good crew and fast service. Had a prociutto/Swiss croissant btw and also was yummy!

Anthony Bullen

If you're Australian looking for coffee like we have, come here!!

Calita Llamazares

the best coffe i ever drink. good service and good view. totally recommended.

stephen milos

best coffee for Australian tastes.

kenneth Clark

Best coffee so far...well made. Just saw the review about coffee being bitter. I really feel that is a function of the Kona bean and how they roast it. Every cup of coffee I have had in Hawaii has been bitter. So I am resign to adding a bit of sugar when I typically don’t. But technically this has been the best produced coffee I have had in Hawaii.

Arun Jacob

Best coffee!

Abdullah Bin Ahmed

They have tasty croissant and good coffee. Like it

Guru Prasath Thanigaivelan

One of the best coffee i had in the town.

Hamza Haroon

I didn't try the food, but the coffee is truly top-notch. It's worth giving a shot if you're walking by. Blows the competition out of the water.

Damon

Okay... pop question: you're from Australia and in Honolulu, desperate for your regular coffee and starting to panic - what do you do? You get your A in G and go to Kai Coffee. Hands down the best coffee you'll have on the island, in our case a double espresso (doppio) or a soy flat white (for the missus)... staff are cool and a bloody good chat. Don't feed the pigeons, they have no fear and they'll pinch your bagel!

Andrew De La O

Kai Latte! Can't go wrong ... My favorite local coffee shop.

Caleb Newton

Beautiful and elegant flavor in the kai latte. Great work guys.

David Johnson

Rating my way through Waikiki espresso stops... Kai espresso tasted especially green and sharp for my palette. Bright and highly acidic notes (think ascorbic acid tabs) made this almost undrinkable. I can’t imagine where the high ratings on taste came from. Maybe I simply got a poorly or under roasted batch of coffee. I won’t go out of my way for a bad cup like this again. Seating inside was adequate but there were plates and cups to pick up from the beginning of the visit through my entire double espresso (about 20 minutes). Staff was not particularly busy just didn’t seem a priority.

Oleg Guga

We have been to 3 high rated coffee places in Waikiki and this one is the best on taste service and cost.. Keep it up guys..

Blair Willers

Great coffee and food

Eleanor Sayre

The espresso was weak, like drip. Underextracted with practically no crema. Pastry was good.

Matt McCorkindale

Man, these guys know their coffee. If you're looking for espresso, flat white, cold drip, pour over or all your typical American favourites these guys do it and they do it bloody well! The staff are super friendly. Tony is the man when it comes to making espresso!!! I found Kai Coffee on my first day and went back twice a day for our whole stay.

Dawn Prunty

Best coffee I've had in Hawaii. I tried several coffee shops, but this is my favorite. Yes, it is pricey, but it is very good. Service is fantastic!

David Švehla

Great coffee, delicious sandwiches, very friendly staff, higher prices but average in Honolulu standard.

gavin epple

Best coffee in Hawaii. Breakfast burgers were great too. Always busy and plenty of Aussies have found it.

Phil Ventura

Decent choice for premium coffee in the heart of Waikiki. Flat White was particularly good but the cold brew forgettable. A bit off the main hustle, which is good if you want to linger and sip. If taking to go, there are other stand out options nearby at the price point.

Steve Gorevski

One of the few places in Waikiki that has decent coffee; comparing this to Australian coffee.

Huy Nguyen

Expert advice : Try their Kai Latte

Allan Wollaber

Excellent coffee and service... Every bit of 5 stars

Stephen Muir

Great coffee shop, very clean and well presented with friendly staff.

Craig Stafford

Excellent coffee and food, staff are great

Brian McNeil

Fantastic coffee, ok mall location. Across from a beach and I'd be here everyday!

Ádám Kövér

Kai latte & Nutella crepes...that was the best of Hawaii with smiley people and perfect interior design.

jose montano

They tailored my coffee to perfection. Strong flavorful but not bitter. Just a good pure cold brewed consecrated coffee

Ralph McGranahan

The Kai latte was FANTASTIC!!

Matthew Andersons

Every single time I visit this coffee shop, one cup seems not enough for me. I just don't know why but I have never been like this to other coffee shops. Maybe this is because they have the best-tasting coffees, whether you'd order cafe latte, cappuccino, or other coffee flavors you have in your favorite list or wish list.

Rachel Roszmann

Terrible coffee. Threw it out immediately.