4 Cool Cafés at the Island of O’ahu

Nature, native custom, and Hawai’ian-grown espresso collide at those 4 great stores.

BY MICHAELA TOMCHEK
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE

Footage courtesy of Michaela Tomchek

O’ahu’s espresso scene captures the island’s distinctive mix of laid-back surf tradition and deep-rooted native custom. From mysterious group spots serving beans from world wide to fashionable espresso bars that specialize in Hawai’i-grown types, each and every espresso store tells its personal tale of the island’s historical past and population. This information highlights one of the crucial very best of O’ahu’s espresso tradition—the place to search out the easiest cup, the friendliest baristas, and essentially the most scenic spots to linger with a latte. Whether or not you’re a caffeine purist or a aimless sipper, O’ahu trade in a brew for each and every more or less espresso lover.

ARS Café

Honolulu, O’ahu’s bustling capital, brims with tradition, delicacies, and creativity—and nestled alongside the slopes of Diamond Head sits the beautiful ARS Café. With its mahogany wooden external, hand-painted gold signage, and heat radiance, ARS looks like stepping again in age. Opened in 2016, the territory doubles as an artwork gallery, showcasing native artists in a quiet, white-walled annex. Inside of, each and every component is intentional: picket counter tops modeled upcoming English pubs, hand-lettered indicators, and comfortable yellowish lighting fixtures illuminating wood-paneled partitions.

The espresso is as gorgeous because the environment. You’ll in finding moderately crafted seasonal beverages, vintage coffee, and filter out choices, together with Kona coffee served in antique mugs. Pair your cup with a sandwich, toast, or their well-known hand-crafted gelato.

The Curb

Within the full of life group of Kaimuki—identified for its diners, bento stores, and indie retail outlets—sits The Curb, a standout for espresso enthusiasts. Despite the fact that the emblem’s roots hint again to the College of Hawai’i, the flow location opened in 2021 underneath the course of homeowners Ross Uehara-Tilton and his husband, Devin. As considered one of Hawai’i’s few multi-roaster cafés, The Curb brings world forte espresso to the islands, that includes roasters reminiscent of Olympia, Onyx, Black & White, Heart, Sorellina, and Proud Mary.

Bathed in daylight from immense entrance home windows and anchored by way of graceful terrazzo counter tops, The Curb trade in a quiet territory to experience a pourover, coffee, or an inventive seasonal drink. Additionally they grant luminous bites, together with granola, pastries, and quiche. Within the evenings, The Curb transforms right into a herbal wine bar, continuously internet hosting tune and population occasions.

“Hawai’i’s coffee scene is small, tight-knit, and community-driven—not competitive,” Ross informed Barista Book. The Curb embodies that spirit, introducing locals and vacationers similar to the sector past Kona past celebrating Hawai’i-grown espresso in all its nuance.

Kona Coffee Purveyors

If you happen to’re staying in Waikiki and yearning admirable espresso, observe the morning community to Kona Espresso Purveyors. Based in 2008 by way of Raymond Suiter, upcoming promoting his earlier challenge, Honolulu Espresso Corporate, this roastery focuses completely on Hawai’i-grown beans. Running along meals scientist Jackie Suiter, Raymond has increased the craft of native espresso, scorching with precision and help.

The glorious, bustling café is understood now not just for its beautiful espresso but additionally for its partnership with B. Patisserie, the James Beard Award–profitable bakery from San Francisco, Calif. Locals and guests similar series up early for pineapple croissants, kouign-amann, and alternative delights, very best loved with a chilly brew because the Waikiki solar rises.

Morning Glass Coffee

Tucked into the luxurious valley of Manoa, Morning Glass Espresso is a neighborhood favourite: a calm spot surrounded by way of emerald mountains and comfortable raindrops. Then a morning surf or whale-watching travel, this comfortable café is the easiest park to recharge.

For over a decade, Morning Glass has perfected its stability of admirable espresso and comforting meals. They grant beans from each Big Island Roasters and Portland’s Coava Coffee, along a menu of pastries, sandwiches, omelets, and oatmeal. Seize an iced espresso, discover a seat outdoor, and rush within the view for a year of calmness good looks within the middle of O’ahu.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michaela Tomchek reveals espresso an impressive a part of month and the sector. She is an appreciator of the abbreviate, the manufacturer, and the numerous cafés all over the sector serving gorgeous drinks. These days, she writes about espresso, hoping to unfold her pleasure around the globe. 

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