Why Locals Love Kona Coffee & Tea
Nestled in the heart of Kailua-Kona, Kona Coffee & Tea is far more than your typical coffee shop—it’s a vibrant gathering spot where the rich tradition of Hawaiian coffee roasting meets welcoming community spirit. As a specialty coffee roaster, café, and coffee store, they offer an exceptional experience for both casual sippers and devoted coffee aficionados alike.
Stepping onto their spacious patio, you're immediately embraced by a relaxed, sunlit ambiance, perfect for savoring a moment of calm or catching up with friends. The ample parking and friendly, attentive staff create an inviting atmosphere that encourages lingering — whether you’re popping in for a quick double-shot espresso or settling down to enjoy one of their thoughtfully curated food options sourced from local ingredients.
Customers rave about the café’s distinctive brews, notably their strong, full-bodied double-shot coffee that encapsulates the bold, smoky, and slightly sweet essence Kona coffee is famed for. The brown sugar coconut iced latte, highlighted by a devoted fan, offers a perfectly balanced sweetness and creaminess that is utterly refreshing on a sunny day. For tea lovers, the Ginger Lime hot tea—complete with self-served honey—is described as soothing and revitalizing, an ideal pick-me-up when feeling under the weather.
Beyond beverages, their food menu complements the drinks impeccably. From perfectly toasted bagels to the health-conscious Kona Bullet coffee option, the offerings cater wonderfully to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. The casual vibe mixed with an interesting selection of merch and wines adds layers of charm and appeal, making Kona Coffee & Tea a well-rounded destination for both locals and visitors.
It’s clear from customer testimonials that the Kona Coffee & Tea team strikes the ideal balance of professionalism and warmth, managing busy crowds with patience and grace—even amidst bustling weekends filled with tourists and large groups. Whether you’re stopping by to take advantage of their fast takeout service or savor your drink alongside the gentle Hawaiian breeze on their outdoor terrace, this coffee haven feels genuinely special.
For those craving an authentic taste of the Big Island’s world-renowned coffee culture coupled with a friendly, laid-back vibe, Kona Coffee & Tea delivers an experience that warms the soul and invigorates the senses.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Identifies as women-owned
- Outdoor seating
- On-site services
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Fast service
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
- Live performances
- Serves local specialty
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
- Good for working on laptop
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy-hour drinks
- Happy-hour food
- Healthy options
- Organic dishes
- Prepared foods
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Gender-neutral toilets
- Toilet
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Casual
- Cosy
- Quiet
- Trendy
- Family friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safe space
- University students
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
Real Reviews from the Community
- Mar 28, 2026
Cute local coffee shop with great food options and wines. Plenty of patio space, lots of parking, friendly people.
- Mar 21, 2026
Food: Coffee taste wonderful! It’s our first Lona coffee on the Big Island and it’s impressive! The bagel is also very nicely done. All of their coffee comes in double shots so it’s very strong already. Service: the staff is warm and welcoming. They have interesting merch as well. Ambiance: casual and good for takeout or just stand for a quick grab.
- Mar 20, 2026
Had hot tea since I felt under the weather. It did not disappoint. I had Ginger lime it was amazing. They have honey you can put yourself as well. Also the price wasn't bad eithe
- Mar 7, 2026
I get the brown sugar coconut iced latte and it is so good every time!! Can be a little slow at times but still good coffee!
- Jan 8, 2026
Being a healthy foods enthusiast, I was delighted to try the Kona Bullet coffee. The shop was super busy, with large groups of people enjoying the outdoor terrace. I was quite impressed with the staff. A team of one girl and one boy were calmly keeping the line moving. They remained patient and polite, even while having to deal with rude tourists. I only had to wait a couple of minutes for my order. During that time, I enjoyed browsing the locally made soaps and scrubs, candles, pottery and hand bags. They even had a wine cooler stocked with some bottles that looked amazing, and were all in the $30 range. And the coffee? Well, it was phenomenal! The grass fed butter made it creamy and gave the foam a nice golden hue. The coconut oil nicely complemented the bright flavor of the Kona Coffee beans. Most importantly, it left me with a sense of well being and gave me a mental boost. Can't recommend enough!
- Jan 3, 2026
Their espresso shake is delicious. I also had their breakfast bagel with mango salsa which is absolutely fantastic. The staff is very friendly and great. So if you’re ever in the area and want great coffee this is the place!!!
- Dec 30, 2025
Been coming for years, always great coffee. Love the order ahead feature, so easy and convenient. They have some of the best cold brew around, definitely worth a trip!
- Dec 21, 2025
Probably one of the best coffee spots in Kona that we have tried . And trust me there a few good spots here . Seems popular as there are always an influx of people coming in . Love that they open early on the weekends - smart ! We were up early and driving around for some coffee when we found out this place was open . We ordered a pour over dark roast - oh my gosh - so good ! It didn’t need cream or sugar . It was smooth and delicious . We went back for two more coffees- a flat white and a honey latte . It was all so good we had to end it with a parfait since we saw so many people ordering it ! Great spot - do come by!!
