Kapaa Coffee

“Tucked inside the Hanalei Bay Resort with sweeping ocean views, Positive Coffee shines brightest for its cold brew, which reviewers consistently praise as excellent and worth the visit. The tiny, counter-service setup means you'll want to arrive when staffing is adequate (single-barista shifts can get backed up), but the friendly team and quality espresso drinks make it a worthwhile stop if you're staying nearby or exploring Kapaa's coffee scene. Fair warning: portions are small and prices reflect the resort location, but many feel the Hanalei Bay views and cold brew excellence justify the splurge.”

“This laid-back North Shore spot wins hearts with its creative açaí bowls loaded with fresh fruit and house-made granola, plus inventive drinks like their Thai coffee that locals and visitors genuinely rave about. The chill, welcoming vibe makes it perfect for lingering over breakfast or meeting friends, though coffee purists might want to skip the traditional brews and dive straight into their signature fruit and superfood concoctions instead. It's the kind of place where the energy feels genuinely good and the menu surprises you with options you won't find everywhere else on the island.”

“Tucked inside a supermarket in Kapaa, Island Gourmet Coffee punches above its convenient location with a surprisingly solid breakfast menu—the kim chee fried rice and hash brown glory plate earn genuine delight from regulars. The cold brew and iced vanilla lattes hit the mark when the baristas are on, though quality can be inconsistent, and it's worth ordering a medium cold drink since their sizes run a bit loose with the pour.”

“First Set Coffee Company brings the energy of Kauai's North Shore community into every cup, with baristas who treat each order as a chance to showcase thoughtfully sourced beans and genuine aloha. Whether you're catching the sunrise before hitting the waves or settling in with locals who treat the spot like their living room, the vibe here feels more like visiting a friend's kitchen than grabbing coffee to-go. Their commitment to quality pulls in everyone from serious coffee enthusiasts to families seeking that perfect Kapaa meeting spot.”