Oahu] The BEST 10 recommended cafes on Oahu.

Oahu, Hawaii's most popular resort island

An everlasting summer paradise, Hawaii is a popular resort destination that is always warm all year round!

What do you know about the island of Oahu, the center of Hawaii?

In fact, the land of Hawaii is an archipelago of more than 130 islands, eight of which are inhabited, and Oahu is the most prosperous island, not Hawaii Island, which is also the name of the state.

Within Oahu is the metropolis of Honolulu, which is responsible for most of Hawaii's various functions, including politics, economics, and tourism.

Because the island attracts many tourists, it also offers a wide variety of gourmet foods, especially fashionable and cute cafes, where many popular restaurants are lined up!

In this issue, we would like to provide you with information on sightseeing in Oahu and cafes that are great for sightseeing.

 

What is Oahu like?

Oahu is 1,545 square kilometers, one size larger than the main island of Okinawa, and has a population of approximately 980,000, about the size of a government-designated city in Japan.

It is a very large community for an island, and the fact that it is dotted with several popular tourist destinations, including Haleiwa and Kailua as well as Honolulu, is a major attraction.

The Hawaiian Islands are the 50th state of the United States, and their cityscapes are basically similar to those of the United States.

However, it is not only the color of the United States that is strong, but the culture and spirit of the Hawaiian Kingdom, which existed until 1893, is still inherited and well mixed in the area.

The Hawaiian language, represented by the greeting phrase "aloha," is still used everywhere today, and one can sense the remnants of a prosperous kingdom.

 

How to get to Oahu

Oahu is an island in the Pacific Ocean, so access by plane is essential.

The gateway to Oahu is Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

Also called Honolulu Airport, it has air connections from Japan to six other airports, including Narita and Haneda Airports, as well as to various regional cities.

There are a variety of flight options, including not only major airlines such as ANA and JAL, but also LCCs and local airlines, making it easy to choose the price range and time to suit your needs, and accessibility is excellent.

Incidentally, there is a difference in the time required, approximately 7 hours for the trip to and 9 hours for the trip back, which is due to the jet stream.

There is a time difference of about 19 hours, so you will want to take this into account in your time schedule upon arrival.

 

Attractions of Oahu

What elements come to mind when people think of Oahu and Hawaii's attractions?

The beauty of the seaside, especially Waikiki Beach, the progressive cityscape of Honolulu, the favorable environment of the North Shore, and the natural beauty found throughout the area are too numerous to list on just two fingers.

If one were to venture to pick out the most attractive of them all, one would have to mention its mild climate.

The average temperature on Oahu is around 24 degrees Celsius, and the average maximum temperature is a whopping 25 degrees Celsius even in the middle of winter.

When the sun is shining, Oahu is an extremely favorable resort environment that can be said to be in summer almost all year round.

Many people from all over the world visit Oahu in search of such warmth.

In the wider world, Oahu's favorable environment is a rarity.

 

Beautiful beaches and vast wilderness

Oahu's natural environment, supported by a temperate climate, offers outstanding scenery on both land and sea.

Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches on the island, but there are also many other unique beaches scattered along the coast in different directions, from east to west, north to south, and in different directions.

Several of these beaches have been awarded top honors in the Best Beaches in the U.S., a ranking that is based not only on Oahu and the Hawaiian Islands, but also on the entire United States, where you will find outstandingly beautiful scenery.

The sea, decorated with coral, tropical fish, and various other creatures, sparkles like a jewel box, and the sight of it combined with the white sandy beach is a sight to behold.

There are also scenic spots on land with a wide variety of scenic views, from hills and mountains with great vistas to rainbow-colored rainforests.

It is safe to say that the blessed natural environment is a major part of Oahu tourism.

 

One of the world's leading resorts

In a typical year, the number of tourists visiting Oahu for vacation exceeds 10 million a year.

With that many people coming to the area, the tourism industry will inevitably grow.

From accommodations and commercial facilities to tourist services such as theme parks and various tours, Oahu's tourism industry has been refined by welcoming many visitors and has reached a world-class high standard.

The bright sun, refreshing ocean breezes, and spirit of hospitality colored by the word "Aloha" will surely lighten the hearts and relax the minds of those who come to visit.

 

Shopping and restaurants are also recommended

Another major feature of Oahu is its excellent shopping environment.

Very large commercial facilities such as Ala Moana Center, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, and North Shore Marketplace have been built throughout the island.

These are not just boxy department store buildings, but facilities that are fun just to look at, such as an atrium that gives you a sense of Oahu's favorable environment and a mall that takes advantage of the oceanfront scenery.

Because the site is so large, there is a wide range of products in a wide price range, from well-known high brands to unique local products and inexpensive supermarkets.

And as mentioned at the beginning of this article, Oahu is also a land of a wide variety of culinary delights.

The restaurant offers a large selection of gastronomic delights, from local specialties such as loco moco, garlic shrimp, poke salads and acai bowls to gourmet delicacies from around the world.

The prices are slightly higher than those of Japanese restaurants, but you will find great satisfaction in return.

Also, chain stores from all over the world have opened their stores, and many stores from Japan have also expanded, so it may be fun to visit them and compare the differences with those in Japan.

 

Let's enjoy cafes on Oahu!

One of the best parts of sightseeing on Oahu is visiting the stylish cafes throughout the island.

Oahu's location is well-known for its beauty, and there are many great cafes throughout the island that take advantage of this.

From cutting-edge restaurants with outstanding visual appeal to adult restaurants with a chic mood, the variety of stores is sure to lift your spirits!

 

Oahu's BEST 10 recommended cafes

Now let's check out the actual recommended cafes on Oahu.

We will be presenting the results in a ranking format from 10th to 1st!

 

No. 10: Honolulu Coffee

Tenth on the list is Honolulu Coffee, which offers an in-depth look at Hawaii's coffee culture!

The Hawaiian Islands are the only land in the United States where coffee is grown, and coffee has taken root as part of the culture, not just a crop.

Honolulu Coffee is proud to offer one of the finest quality Kona coffee from the Kona district on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Recommendations

Honolulu Coffee has several locations around the country, but one of the best is the Honolulu Coffee Experience Center, located between Waikiki and Ala Moana.

The restaurant boasts a unique storefront that is pure white and shaped like a dome, and the interior is also beautifully decorated with white as its base color.

A major feature here is that visitors can learn about the coffee culture that has been cultivated in Hawaii through exhibits and a coffee-related lab, where they can deepen their coffee knowledge from multiple perspectives.

How about learning about Hawaiian coffee here as a prelude to a tour of cafes?

Of course, there is also a spacious and pleasant cafe area where you can taste the highest quality coffee.

 

Store Information

This store is basically open all year round.

Hours of operation are from 6:00 to 18:00.

 

Access

The Honolulu Coffee Experience Center is located about a 20-minute walk west of Waikiki toward Ala Moana.

It is located across the street from the Convention Center, a prominent building, so you will not get lost, and if you are coming from Waikiki, it is recommended to include it in your walking tour.

The parking lot is also suitable for access by rental car.

Also, if you use the bus, you can take bus No. 13 or 2L.

 

No. 9: Honolulu Museum of Art Cafe

Next in ninth place is the Honolulu Museum of Art Café, where you can enjoy café time while experiencing the artistic atmosphere!

This café operates in the courtyard of the Honolulu Museum of Art and is unrivaled in terms of mood quality.

It is very popular not only among tourists but also among locals, and reservations are a must.

 

Recommendations

The Honolulu Museum of Art has a reputation for the quality of its collection, which includes paintings by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, and other great artists whose names you may have heard even if you are not familiar with art.

The building is as beautiful as the exhibits, and the beauty of the path from the museum entrance to the courtyard is sure to lift your spirits.

The restaurant used to focus on snacks and drinks, but since the menu was redesigned in 2018, you can now enjoy authentic cuisine as well.

The menu focuses on Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, and you can taste delicious dishes that have been carefully prepared and presented.

Of course, you can also use the restaurant just for a light meal such as a sandwich or salad and a drink, so be sure to make a reservation and visit the restaurant!

 

Store Information

Since the Honolulu Museum of Art is closed on Mondays, this restaurant is also closed on Mondays.

Open from 11:00 to 14:00.

Keep in mind that it is only open during lunch hours.

 

Access

When accessed by rental car from Waikiki, the Honolulu Museum of Art is about 1 km away via Ala Wai Boulevard, Kalakaua Avenue, and Beretania Avenue.

If you are taking the bus, board the No. 2 bus from the mountain side lane of Kuhio Avenue.

 

No. 8: KAI COFFEE

No. 8 is KAI COFFEE, a popular store offering quality coffee in a great location in front of Waikiki Beach!

Of the several locations that KAI COFFEE has opened on Oahu, one of the best to visit is the store on the first floor of the Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach Hotel.

Opened in 2019, this still-new location offers the best coffee while enjoying the beautiful view of Waikiki Beach.

 

Recommendations

KAI COFFEE is a coffee shop run by Mr. and Mrs. Suter, who have a deep love for coffee, and since its opening in 2014, it has been gaining recognition and has quickly become one of the most popular coffee shops.

The owner, Sam Suter, is a hardcore coffee connoisseur, and he makes no compromises in the quality and roasting of the beans he uses.

All coffee orders are full of flavor, and if you order a latte, you will be delighted with the wonderful latte artwork, which is perfect for Insta-watching.

The restaurant also offers a full menu of meals, including hearty sandwiches and crepes and other sweets.

Come visit the up-and-coming KAI COFFEE and experience the cutting edge of Oahu's coffee scene.

 

Store Information

KAI COFFEE is open year-round.

Hours of operation are from 5:30 to 11:00.

 

Access

Waikiki Beach is 3 kilometers long, and is made up of eight areas, of which the Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach Hotel is located in the area in front of Kuhio Beach.

The location is easily accessible from anywhere in Waikiki, so visiting on foot is highly recommended.

 

No. 7: Coffee stores 831

Following in seventh place is Coffee Shop 831, a popular store with a delightful organic selection!

This coffee shop has a strong commitment to Hawaiian-grown beans, and you can compare beans from different regions of Hawaii, such as Maui and Molokai, which are finely divided into different regions.

The healthy and natural menu will surely relieve the fatigue of travelers.

 

Recommendations

Each menu item containing milk, including latte-type items, is one of the café's main attractions, as well as a great photo opportunity.

However, those who cannot drink milk due to constitutional problems tend to be limited in what they can order when they visit a café.

In this regard, Coffee Shop 831 focuses its menu on soy and almond milk.

It is not just a milk substitute, but after studying the balance of flavors, they have made it taste as good as milk.

The ingredients for the food and sweets menus are also carefully selected, so you can enjoy a safe café time!

 

Store Information

Keep in mind that this café has irregular hours of operation.

Tuesdays from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm and Wednesdays from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Thursday and Friday from 7:00am to 9:00pm and Saturday and Sunday from 7:00am to 1:00pm.

Also, we are closed on Mondays.

 

Access

This café is located on the first floor of the Waikiki Pearl Hotel, facing Kuhio Street in the heart of Waikiki.

The building is easily accessible from anywhere in Waikiki, as it is located on Kapahulu Street and Nahua Street.

 

No. 6: Olive & Oliver (closed)

No. 6 Olive & Oliver was originally a popular select store in Kailua, an upscale residential neighborhood in eastern Oahu.

Olive Boutique is a boutique for women and Oliver Men's Select Shop is a select store for men, both of which are popular for their unique and light selection.

Olive & Oliver has expanded to Waikiki in response to the long-awaited demand for such a restaurant.

The coffee bar attached to Olive & Oliver's Waikiki location is the café I am introducing here.

 

Recommendations

Originally a fashion boutique, Olive & Oliver's café has a very stylish interior.

While the bright colors unify the entire space, they also convey an adult mood that is never overly fussy.

Don't be fooled by the fact that it is not originally a coffee shop, the coffee served is also carefully selected and first-rate.

Drip coffee is the mainstream in Hawaii, but here you can enjoy espresso with a crisp, deep bitterness.

The cups decorated with flowers and pineapple patterns are also very photogenic and popular, and the store is designed to satisfy not only the taste and aroma, but also all five senses.

 

Store Information

Olive & Oliver is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

Hours of operation are Thursday through Sunday from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm.

 

Access

This restaurant is located in The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club in Waikiki.

Located off Kuhio Street on Lewers Street, it is also in the central area of Waikiki, making it extremely accessible.

 

No. 5: Cafe Lani (closed)

Next, in fifth place, we would like to introduce you to Cafe Lani, a popular restaurant because it is a café and can fill anyone's stomach!

This Café Lani opened in 2016, and its interior is impressive with a spacious, open-air mood.

And the best feature of this restaurant is the all-you-can-eat freshly baked bread.

 

Recommendations

Many food samples of bread are displayed in the storefront of Café Lani, which will heighten your anticipation for the meal.

When you enter the restaurant and take a seat, the staff goes around to each table with a tray of freshly baked bread in hand, from which you can take and eat as much bread as you like.

There are more than 20 different kinds of breads, from mealtime to sweet, and no matter how full you are, you won't be charged extra for them!

Also, since the name of the restaurant is "cafe," the coffee is brewed with a special siphon method.

Although the highest quality beans are used, once you order, you can have as many refills as you like for free, making this a store with a conscientious system for your wallet.

 

Store Information

Café Lani is open year-round.

Hours of operation are from 6:30 to 22:00.

 

Access

Cafe Lani is located in the Ala Moana Center, a large commercial complex.

If you follow the oceanfront west from Waikiki Beach, you can reach Ala Moana Center.

Also, if you are traveling by bus from Waikiki, take the #8, #19, #20, #23, #24, #42, or Route E from the mountain side of Kuhio Avenue.

 

No. 4: Morning Glass Coffee

We are pleased to introduce Morning Glass Coffee as No. 4!

This is a very popular store known for being created by Eric Rose, who was an executive in the founding days of Starbucks Coffee.

It is a coffee shop that has caught the attention of coffee connoisseurs around the world, and is probably one of the stores at the center of the coffee scene not only in Hawaii, but around the world.

 

Recommendations

Eric Rose's devotion to coffee is so great that it is said to have reached the level of philosophy.

The coffee beans from Hawaii are purchased in their uncolored state, and the entire process of aging and roasting is thoroughly controlled.

The facilities and staff are of the highest quality, and you can enjoy the best coffee in the world.

The food menu, including pancakes and scones, is also well received, and of course goes great with coffee.

The interior is also very stylish, making it a must-stop for coffee lovers!

 

Store Information

Morning Glass Coffee is closed on Sunday and Monday.

Business hours are from 8:00 to 13:00 on Tuesdays through Saturdays.

 

Access

Morning Grass Coffee is located in Manoa, a 15-minute drive from Waikiki.

If you are going by rental car, first take Kalakaua Avenue in the direction of the mountains.

Follow South King Street, Punahou Street, and Manoa Road, and the store is in the opposite lane where you see Starbucks.

If using a bus, go to Ala Moana Center and board the No. 6 bus.

 

3rd: Sunny Days

Now it is time to announce the top three.

Sunny Days won third place among the many cafes on Oahu!

This café is popular as a place to enjoy Oahu's unique sweet treats, including delicious pancakes at a reasonable price point for its convenient location.

 

Recommendations

The most popular menu item is Hawaiian pancakes, which have become popular in Japan.

Called Sunny Days Pancakes after the restaurant's name, this menu item is a sumptuous treat, garnished with whipped cream and copious amounts of berries and bananas.

The pancakes are exquisitely textured, not too heavy and not too light, and are perfectly satisfying, so everyone is guaranteed to be very satisfied!

Acai bowls, known as Sunny Bowls, and voluminous plate lunches are also attractive menu items.

If you want to enjoy a wonderful meal in a relaxing and chic restaurant, come to Sunny Days!

 

Store Information

Sunny Days is closed only on Thursdays.

Other days of the week, open from 7:00 to 17:00.

 

Access

Both renting a car and walking, turn onto Monsarrat Street with the Honolulu Zoo on the east side of Waikiki as your landmark.

Located next to Waikiki Elementary School, it is relatively easy to find.

If you are heading there by bus, take the number 2 bus from the ocean side of Kuhio Street.

 

No. 2: Island Vintage Coffee (Ko Olina Store)

The second place we would like to introduce to you is Island Vintage Coffee!

There is another store in the same family in Waikiki, but this time we would especially like to recommend the store in the Ko Olina district, a resort area that stretches across the western part of Oahu.

Located in Ko Olina Station, a shopping center in Ko Olina, you can enjoy the Hawaiian-style menu while relaxing and unwinding.

 

Recommendations

Island Vintage Coffee is one of the most popular coffee shops on Oahu, and there are several affiliated stores on the island, but because of its popularity, the store in Waikiki is very crowded, making it difficult to relax.

I mention the Ko Olina Station store specifically because it has the great advantage of being relatively less crowded than the one in Waikiki.

Island Vintage Coffee is known not only for its delicious coffee, but also for its acai bowls, one of Hawaii's most popular healthy food items.

Have you ever wondered what an acai bowl looks like, and how it can be good for you, but not so appetizing?

If so, Island Vintage Coffee's acai bowls will surely change your mind.

The exquisite mix of multiple ingredients will make your taste buds let out a groan of admiration.

 

Store Information

Island Vintage Coffee's Ko Olina location is open without regular holidays.

Open from 6:00 to 15:00.

Although we mentioned that the crowds are moderate, it is still a popular restaurant, so it will be crowded during peak hours.

I recommend visiting early in the day.

 

Access

When visiting Ko Olina, take the H1 freeway westbound toward Waianae.

Eventually you will see the Ko Olina exit, and after exiting it, continue on to reach the Ko Olina Station.

The Ko Olina area is closer to Honolulu Airport than to Waikiki.

If you are looking for Island Vintage Coffee, you may want to set it as your first destination when you first arrive at the airport.

 

No. 1: Coffee Gallery

Now, this is the last cafe ranking, which has been presented in order from No. 10.

The winner of the prestigious first prize is Coffee Gallery, the North Shore's most prestigious and well-known restaurant!

The Coffee Gallery offers a wide selection of rare beans, from local Hawaiian coffees such as those from Waialua to coffees from around the world that are considered masterpieces.

The excellence of the lineup is such that it is no longer an exaggeration to say that this is a coffee theme park!

 

Recommendations

Coffee Gallery is well located and is situated in Haleiwa, one of the most beautiful locations on the North Shore.

Haleiwa is known as one of the best food spots on Oahu and is famous for its garlic shrimp and shave ice.

The Coffee Gallery stands proudly in one of these rows.

From single origin coffees to cleverly thought-out blends, and even flavored coffees that are a delight just from the aroma alone, the selection of coffees is so large that you could go back again and again and still not be able to get enough of it.

If you are a coffee lover, you must visit this cafe at least once to enjoy the best of Hawaii's coffee culture!

 

Store Information

Coffee Gallery is not closed on regular holidays.

Hours of operation are from 6:30 to 18:00.

 

Access

If you are traveling by rental car from Waikiki, take the H1 freeway to H2 and then Kamehameha Highway.

Eventually the streets will become fuller and you will reach the center of Haleiwa. When you see a street called Atiu Lane on your left, the Coffee Gallery is located on the right side of the street.

On the other hand, if you are traveling by bus, you can take the 52 bus from Ala Moana Center and go directly to Haleiwa.

 

After enjoying the cafe
Take part in an activity experience!

Along with a full range of café tours, we encourage you to participate in a wide variety of activity tours!

There are many exciting activities available that are sure to get your heart racing.

If you enjoy the quiet atmosphere of Oahu with a cup of coffee and the vivacious side of the island with activities, you may call yourself an Oahu Freak!

 

Three recommended tours

Among the many activity tours available, we have selected three that we highly recommend.

In order to enjoy an unfamiliar overseas trip, it is advisable to take advantage of various tours that take the hassle of travel and procedures off your shoulders.

All of these plans are very attractive, so please take a look at them along with the links provided.

 

Experience Diving Departing from the Phantom Island Kaneohe Bay Sandbar

This tour takes you to Sandbar, a spectacular spot known as the "Island of Illusions," where you can try your hand at diving.

Sandbar is a very small island, but its entirety is formed of beautiful white sand, and its nickname, "the island of illusion," comes from the fact that it is only visible at low tide.

The surrounding ocean is also decorated with numerous corals and tropical fish, making it one of the best diving environments on the entire island of Oahu.

It is also nice that the instructors are Japanese, so you can concentrate on the activities without worrying about the language barrier!

 

skydiving

If you want to experience something extraordinary on Oahu, you should definitely try skydiving.

The free-fall to the ground from an unimaginable altitude of more than 4,000 meters, the beautiful view will be burned into your eyelids with a sense of floating and exhilaration.

Although courage is required when jumping off, the emotion gained is many times greater.

This is a safe tour with a long record of no accidents and no violations, so why not take the opportunity of your trip to Oahu to try it?

 

zipline

Ziplining is an activity that allows you to enjoy the great nature of Oahu as if you were bathing in it with your whole body.

This is done by stretching wires between tall trees and sliding between the trees at high speed by means of pulleys along the wires.

It is a great pleasure to kill two birds with one stone, or even three birds with one stone, as it does not require any physical strength or skill, but allows you to feel exhilaration beyond your imagination and to view the great outdoors to the fullest.

The beautiful nature of Oahu makes this a must-do activity!

 

summary

In this issue, we have focused on cafes on the island of Oahu, where coffee culture is thriving, and have provided a variety of tourist information.

Oahu's cafes and coffee shops are diverse, ranging from those strongly geared toward tourists to those beloved by local residents.

From coffee lovers to those who want to focus on food and sweets, everyone will find their own enjoyment.

Of course, there are many photogenic restaurants and menus, so those of you who want to look good in photos will be well catered for.

When you visit Oahu, we hope you will find your favorite café!