Hawaii Island】Hawaii Island's BEST 10 recommended cafes

Known as the Big Island.
Hawaii (island)

The Big Island of Hawaii is larger than all of the other islands in the Hawaiian archipelago combined.

For this reason, it is called the Big Island, with an area of 10,430 square kilometers, which is about the size of Gifu Prefecture if compared in Japan.

The Big Island of Hawaii is famous for its beautiful ocean and volcanoes, and is dotted with numerous tourist attractions.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

The Big Island of Hawaii is made up of five volcanoes.

The area has undergone dynamic crustal deformation over its long history, leaving behind a wilderness with a variety of expressions.

It was about 1,500 years ago that the first Polynesians arrived on the island of Hawaii.

Since then, people have settled on the island of Hawaii, and history and culture have developed.

At the end of the 18th century, Kamehameha established the Kingdom of Hawaii. In the 19th century, missionaries and others from the United States moved to Hawaii and the area came under the influence of Western civilization.

At the end of the 19th century, it became a territory of the United States.

The island of Hawaii has become the fascinating island it is today through waves of Polynesian and Western culture set in such a natural setting.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

Kona International Airport is located on the Big Island of Hawaii, and direct flights from Japan operate from Haneda Airport.

Since the only departure point for these direct flights is Haneda and there are not many flights, many tourists come to the Big Island of Hawaii via Honolulu International Airport.

Honolulu International Airport is convenient for departures from Haneda, Narita, Shin-Chitose, Chubu, Kansai, Fukuoka, and other locations in Japan.

The flight time from Japan to Hawaii is less than 8 hours.

Due to the time difference, most flights depart Japan in the evening or night and arrive in Hawaii in the morning or morning.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

The charm of the Big Island of Hawaii lies in its dynamic natural environment and the history and culture of its people.

You can enjoy nature through sports and activities, or get a taste of Hawaii Island culture through city tours, and a variety of other ways to enjoy the island.

 

Spectacular, untouched wilderness

One of the attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii is that it retains a wilderness where you can hear the heartbeat of the earth.

You can enjoy nature with a variety of activities.

 

A powerful volcano

Of the five volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kilauea is currently the most active.

It has erupted nearly 50 times in the past 100 years, with another eruption in December 2020.

Lava flows from the volcanoes often flow out and reach the coast, which causes the island's area to grow a little larger each time.

Tours are offered to view the lava from a safe location or to walk on the cool lava from the past.

 

Beautiful Beaches

Since you are on the island of Hawaii, you want to enjoy the beach as much as you can.

Some of the beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii have been voted among the top 10 beaches in the world.

We recommend snorkeling to take a look under the sea.

The waters are crystal clear, so you can see corals on the ocean floor and tropical fish swimming in schools.

Occasionally, you may see sea turtles or dolphins.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

Some of you may want to enjoy shopping and dining since you are on vacation.

On the Big Island of Hawaii, you can find large stores like Costco, as well as locally owned shopping centers all over the place.

It is fun to pretend to be an islander and go shopping for daily necessities.

For food, there are a variety of restaurants that serve Hawaiian food as well as cuisine from many different countries.

And the Big Island of Hawaii is famous for its Kona coffee.

There are many popular coffee shops that serve Kona coffee, so be sure to visit them.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

It has been about 1,500 years since the Polynesians arrived on the island of Hawaii.

As people live their lives, culture grows and history accumulates.

As Hawaiian culture matured, including Hawaii's unique beliefs and hula, and as immigration from the United States increased, coffee plantations and tourism flourished.

Let's take a look at the history of such Hawaii.

 

Enjoy cafes on the Big Island of Hawaii!

Many people may recall Kona coffee when they think of the Big Island of Hawaii.

Even though it is only found in the Kona area of the Big Island of Hawaii, it has many fans in Japan due to its high quality.

When you come to the Big Island of Hawaii, be sure to enjoy authentic Kona coffee.

 

What is Kona Coffee, popular on the Big Island of Hawaii?

Kona coffee, as the name suggests, refers to coffee grown exclusively in the Kona district of the Big Island of Hawaii.

Less than 1% of the world's coffee production is made up of these beans, making them extremely rare.

Along with Blue Mountain coffee, it is considered the world's best coffee.

It is characterized by low bitterness, soft acidity, and a sweet aroma that is refreshing and clean.

This flavor is created by the soil, rainfall, sunshine, and temperature from Hawaii's volcanoes.

It can be said that the land has exactly the right conditions for coffee production.

It is said that the larger the size of the coffee bean, the better the taste.

Kona coffee is rated from the largest size to "Extra Fancy," "Fancy," and "Lime.

 

Hawaii Island's BEST 10 recommended cafes

Here are 10 coffee shops that you should definitely stop by when you visit the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

No. 10: Paul's Place Cafe

 

Paul's Place Cafe is located in Hilo.

It is fashionable and attracts many visitors.

 

Recommendations

There are only three tables available, so we recommend making a reservation before going.

This is an at-home café that feels like you are visiting the chef's home.

The breakfast waffles are fluffy and very tasty.

 

Store Information

Address] 132 Punahoa St, Hilo, HI 96720

Phone number] +1 808-280-8646

Business hours] 7:00 - 14:00 (Tue - Sat)

Closed on Sunday and Monday

 

Access

It is located in the city of Hilo.

The Hilo International Airport is located on Punahoua Street beyond Wailoa River State Park and the Russell Carroll Bayfront Soccer Field.

It is about 10 minutes away by car.

 

No. 9: Short 'n Sweets Bakery and Cafe

The store has a pastry chef who was once voted the most beautiful wedding cake in the United States.

 

Recommendations

The restaurant opens early in the morning for breakfast menus and Sunday brunch.

Sandwiches made with homemade bread and organic vegetable salads are also recommended.

 

Store Information

Address] 374 Kinoole St, Hilo, HI 96720

Phone number] +1 808-935-4446

Business hours] 7:00 - 16:00 (Sat. 8:00 - 15:00)

Closed】Sunday

 

Access

It is located in the city of Hilo.

The Hilo International Airport is located on Kino'ole Street beyond Wailoa River State Park and the Russell Carroll Bayfront Soccer Field.

It is about 10 minutes away by car.

 

No. 8: Koana Hawaii

It is a small store, just right for a coffee break or take-out.

 

Recommendations

We use only award-winning coffee beans from the Big Island of Hawaii.

It is also good for gifts.

 

Store Information

Address] 18-1325 Old Volcano Rd, Mountain View, HI 96771

Phone number] +1 808-209-4432

Business hours] 9:00 - 14:00 (Tuesday - Saturday)

Closed on Sunday and Monday

 

Access

If you are coming from downtown Hilo, it is on Old Volcano Road, State Route 11.

It takes about 30 minutes by car.

 

No.7:Kohara Coffee Mill

This popular coffee shop is always bustling with customers.

 

Recommendations

Not only coffee, but also goods from the store and other miscellaneous items are available.

One of the most popular items is the Tropical Dome ice cream.

The food is made with local ingredients and made with care.

Sandwiches can be ordered with a fine selection of ingredients.

 

Store Information

Address] 55-3412 Akoni Pule Hwy, Hawi, HI 96719

Phone number] +1 808-889-5577

Business hours: 6:00 - 17:00 (7:00 - 17:00 on Saturdays and Sundays)

Closed] No holidays

 

Access

From Kona International Airport, take Queen Kaahumanu Highway, then HI-270, and you will see it on the right in about 50 minutes.

 

No. 6: 808 Glines Cafe

From morning, the café is crowded with many customers.

One menu item costs $8.08.

 

Recommendations

Open from morning until lunch time.

For breakfast, try the fried rice, and for lunch, try Moco, a Hawaiian dish of fried egg on rice topped with gravy.

 

Store Information

[Address] 75-5660 kopiko st ste c7 kailua kona hi 96740

Phone number] +1 808-936-5909

Business hours】Tuesday～Sunday 7:00～14:00

Closed] Monday

 

Access

From Kona city, turn right on Palani Road at Kopiko Street and it is directly in front of you.

 

No. 5: Waimea Coffee Company

The restaurant is not very spacious, but you can eat outside.

It is only open from breakfast to lunch time.

 

Recommendations

You can enjoy burritos, sandwiches, and other meals that go well with coffee.

 

Store Information

Address] 65-1279 Kawaihae Rd, Waimea, HI 96743

Phone number] +1 808-885-8915

Business Hours] 7:00-15:59

Closed] No holidays

 

Access

From Kona International Airport, a 45-minute drive on HI-19 will bring you to Parker Square.

The store is located here.

 

No. 4: Kona Mountain Coffee

This coffee shop has a 90-acre farm.

The Tokyo Dome is 11 acres, so it is very large.

 

Recommendations

In addition to coffee, the shop also sells original goods and sweets.

Japanese-language product descriptions and Japanese-speaking store clerks are also available.

 

Store Information

Address] 73-4038 Hulikoa Dr #5, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Phone number] +1 808-329-5005

Business hours] Monday-Friday 7:00-18:00, Saturday and Sunday 8:00-17:00

Closed] No holidays

 

Access

It is located in the "Kohanaiki Plaza" about 4-5 minutes south down Hawaii Belt Road from Kona International Airport.

 

No. 3: Daylight Mind Coffee Company

The store is located in Queen's Marketplace, which houses stores familiar to Japanese people such as Crazy Shirts.

 

Recommendations

This seaside cafe serves breakfast from 8:00 a.m.

There are also 10 types of coffee to choose from.

 

Store Information

Address] 75-5770 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Phone number] +1 808-339-7824

Business Hours] 8:00~21:00

Closed] No holidays

 

Access

From Kona International Airport, take HI-19 south and as you enter the town of Kona, Hawaii, turn right onto Balani Road toward the ocean and continue onto Ali Drive.

If you see Hale Halawai Park on your right, it is next to it.

It is about 20 minutes from the airport.

 

No. 2: Coffee Shack

The café is famous for its spectacular view from its lofty, observatory-like perch.

 

Recommendations

You can enjoy chicken sandwiches, ono sandwiches (grilled fish, tomato, and lettuce sandwiches), pepperoni (salami) pizza, and other sandwiches unique to Hawaii.

In addition, reptilian geckos are fed and may be seen while eating.

Jam is placed for Gekko's food.

 

Store Information

Address] 83-5799 Mamalahoa Hwy Box 510, Captain Cook, HI 96704

Phone number] +1 808-328-9555

Hours of operation: 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Closed] No holidays

 

Access

From the Kona International Airport, the hotel is located south on the Hawaii Belt Road, on the edge of Captain Cook's hamlet.

 

No.1:Kona Coffee Cafe

Located in Kailua-Kona, this popular store offers a variety of Kona coffees.

 

Recommendations

There are a variety of beans available, and tastings are available for you to try.

The staff is very knowledgeable about the beans and will teach you all about them as you taste them.

You can have your favorite coffee.

 

Store Information

Address] Kona Coffee Cafe, 75-5744 Alii Dr #123, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Phone number] +1 808-329-7131

Business hours] 7:00-17:00

Closed] No holidays

 

Access

From Kona International Airport, take HI-19 south and as you enter the town of Kona, Hawaii, turn right onto Balani Road toward the ocean and continue onto Ali Drive.

It is located in the Kona Inn Shopping Village, just before Uncle Billy's Kona Bay Hotel.

 

After enjoying the cafe
Enjoy the activity experience!

On the Big Island of Hawaii, you can enjoy the great outdoors with a variety of activities.

After relaxing in a delicious café, activities await you in Hawaii's oceans, mountains, canyons, and waterfalls.

There are also horseback riding, Segway, helicopter tours, etc., which are not easy to experience in Japan, so please give them a try.

 

Three recommended tours

Among the many activities available, here are three tours that are filled with the best of the Hawaiian Islands.

 

Hawaii Island Sightseeing
Kilauea Volcano, Akaka Falls, and 15 other locations + B-class food tour

This tour takes you to 15 destinations on the Big Island of Hawaii at one time, including five of the island's most famous gourmet spots and power spots.

This is a great tour where you can also enjoy B-class gourmet food.

The best guides will introduce the unique natural beauty of the Big Island of Hawaii, including Waipio Valley and Akaka Falls, with their witty storytelling.

 

Wild Dolphins & Kealakekua Bay
Snorkeling Tour

With this tour, you can enjoy dolphin watching and snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay, famous for its clear water.

This half-day tour will take you to two snorkeling spots, so you can enjoy Hawaii's ocean efficiently.

 

Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour

After watching the sunset along the coast, we will go to the best spot for stargazing, located at 1,800 to 2,000 meters on the side of Mauna Kea.

KAI, a 12-year star guide, will provide commentary.

 

summary

We introduced Hawaii's cafes and their charms and the cafes on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Coffee beans are lightweight and make great souvenirs, and they are also useful for immersing yourself in the Hawaiian spirit at home after returning home.

All of the stores are unique, so be sure to visit them here and there during your trip.

Thank you for taking the time to read this to the end.