The Unassuming Hawaiian Coffee Shop That's One Of The Best Places To Eat In America
Megan Shute
Author
If there’s one beverage Hawaii is known for, it’s coffee. After all, Hawaii is the only American state with land that is able to grow the beloved berries. And while we love Hawaii Island’s famous Kona Coffee as much as the next person, we’re pretty enamored with the coffee shops in Hawaii that you’ll find scattered throughout the state’s other main islands, especially this one. Nestled in the heart of Honolulu, Ali’i Coffee has won accolades not only for its java, but for its food, as well. Ready to learn all about what makes this unassuming gem so remarkable? Let’s find out!
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Ali’i Coffee also has locations in Ward Village and Waikiki. Visit Ali’i Coffee’s website for more about the shops’ hours and food offerings. For additional information, check out the coffee shops’ Facebook page.
For a fantastic cup of coffee on the other side of Oahu, head to this one-of-a-kind chocolate and coffee farm or check out these other unique coffee shops in Hawaii.
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Coffee In Hawaii
Why is there such a culture of coffee in Hawaii?
The culture of coffee in Hawaii has to do with the fact that it's the only U.S. state where the crop can be grown, as well as its long history as an agricultural product in the state. The coffee we know today as Kona coffee actually began as a Brazilian variety that cultivators tried growing on Oahu in the early 1820s. It didn't do so well there, but by 1830, folks were growing it with much more success on the Kona side of Hawaii Island. So, the history of coffee in Hawaii goes back more than two centuries.
Near the turn of the 20th century, growers began experimenting with a Guatemalan varietal that has evolved into the Kona coffee that we know today. State regulators passed laws to protect Kona coffee from posers and counterfeiters - like bourbon in Kentucky and Champagne in France - and by the 1980s, our state's certified java enjoyed global renown for its richness and robust flavor.
With the state pride that came with growing and sharing such an amazing product with the rest of the world, plenty of kamaʻāina have also become connoisseurs of coffee in Hawaii. This is why you'll find so many incredible and unique coffee shops scattered throughout the state's islands, like Ali'i Coffee, which we talked about above. Some of our other favorites include:
- Chadlou's, Kailua
- Surfers Coffee Bar, Wahiawa
- Java Kai, Kapa'a
If you're interested in doing more of a deep dive into Hawaii's coffee culture, beyond just enjoying a cup of it, you may also want to visit:
- Honolulu Coffee Experience Center, Honolulu
- Heavenly Hawaiian Farm, Kona Coast
- Lyman Kona Coffee Farms, Kona Coast