Kihei Coffee

“Tucked into Kihei's laid-back surf town vibe, Early Bird Coffee operates out of an adorable vintage camper that serves some of Maui's most inventive coffee and matcha creations. Their signature drinks—think ube coconut lattes, black sesame Vietnamese coffee, and taro lattes—showcase a creative approach that goes well beyond typical espresso bar fare, earning consistent raves from visitors who've tried coffee shops across the entire island. The warm, welcoming staff and focus on bold, unexpected flavors make this a must-stop for anyone craving something genuinely different in their morning cup.”

“This charming Kihei spot has mastered the art of thoughtfully crafted crepes with an impressive dedication to dietary inclusivity—their gluten-free batters and vegan options taste so intentional and fresh that they've won over even the most discerning crepe lovers. The owner's passion for quality ingredients shines through in every bite, paired with a genuinely warm, island-chill vibe that makes you feel at home while you linger over your meal. Whether you're craving a decadent tempeh crepe or a strawberry chocolate dream, this is the kind of place that leaves you feeling nourished in every way.”

“Tucked into a lush garden setting in Kihei, Da Green Coffee Bar is a serene hidden gem where skilled baristas craft both traditional favorites and inventive signature drinks that locals rave about. The outdoor space dotted with greenery and a charming pond creates the perfect backdrop for lingering over a dirty chai, matcha latte, or their creative breakfast offerings, making it feel less like a quick coffee stop and more like a peaceful escape.”

“This oceanside café captures the essence of a Hawaiian breakfast ritual, where smooth, well-balanced coffee pairs perfectly with standout dishes like macadamia nut waffles and generous breakfast burritos that keep visitors returning day after day. The efficient order-at-counter system keeps the line moving fast despite the crowds, and the casual outdoor seating right by the water makes lingering over your meal feel like the whole point. It's the kind of place where families, tourists, and locals all seem equally at home, united by genuinely good food and coffee that tastes like it actually matters.”

“Tucked in Kihei, this beloved corner cafe has perfected the art of the açaí bowl—their Molokai and lilikoi bitter are so exceptional that visitors return multiple times during their stay. The owner is genuinely present and passionate about the spot's story, and her warmth sets the tone for a staff that makes every visit feel like catching up with friends, whether you're stopping by for an expertly crafted coffee, matcha, or one of their creative specialty drinks.”

“Tucked into Kihei, Hawaiian Moons is a natural foods market that doubles as a genuine destination for fresh, made-with-care bowls and sandwiches, with their açaí bowls and vegan burgers earning devoted repeat visits from locals and travelers alike. The shop strikes that rare balance between a quick grab-and-go spot and a place worth lingering, where you can pick up groceries, sip a cold brew or matcha tea, and feel like you've stumbled onto something real rather than touristy. Fair warning: the service can be inconsistent, but when the team is on, they put real care into every order.”

“This beloved Kihei breakfast destination has earned its loyal following with exceptional açaí bowls and creative cold foam lattes like their standout ube version that keep visitors returning multiple times during their stays. Beyond the Instagram-worthy shave ice and smoothies, Beach Street excels at the full breakfast experience with hearty sandwiches and quality espresso drinks, all served with genuine warmth in a casual outdoor setting that captures the relaxed island vibe. Fair warning: prices reflect Maui's premium positioning and lines can build during peak hours, but the consistency and care across their menu make it worth the wait.”

“Run by two genuinely warm brothers, this espresso-focused truck in Kihei delivers some of Maui's most memorable coffee with a smooth, robust touch that even light roast loyalists rave about. It's the perfect pit stop if you're passing through to Lāhainā—quick, affordable, and blessed with valley and ocean views that make your caffeine break feel like a moment. The fact that visitors are literally trying to buy their beans online says everything about how seriously they take their craft.”

“Kraken Coffee transforms a casual Kihei stop into a vibrant local gem where espresso drinks like the legendary Kihei Kicker compete with silky matcha lattes that keep visitors returning day after day. The laid-back, curious atmosphere and genuinely warm staff—regulars rave about the baristas by name—make this feel less like a caffeine pit stop and more like catching up with friends who happen to make exceptionally crafted coffee.”

“Kalia Cafe is a beloved Kihei gathering spot that opens early and delivers genuinely excellent, bold coffee alongside hearty breakfast sandwiches and creative pastries like bubble waffles. The friendly staff manages a constant stream of locals and visitors with grace, offering both cozy indoor seating and pleasant outdoor spots perfect for lingering over an espresso or cold brew. Whether you're catching breakfast on a rainy morning or grabbing a fresh-made latte before exploring the island, this is the kind of place where quality ingredients and genuine hospitality make all the difference.”

“Kraken Coffee's Kihei Market location brings genuine aloha to every order, with barista Seth earning repeated praise for his warmth and welcoming energy that makes regulars feel like ohana. Their espresso-focused menu shines in creative signature drinks like the rich, chocolatey Mochawao and the balanced Dirty Chai, with the flexibility to customize sweetness levels and shot counts to suit your taste. Whether you're grabbing a quick drive-thru coffee or settling in with family, this food truck spot delivers that perfect balance of bold, skillfully-pulled espresso paired with smooth milk and thoughtful flavors.”

“The Frontroom in Kihei is a genuine community gathering spot where thoughtful service and quality ingredients shine equally—their matcha rivals specialty shops across the island, and their pastries (especially those butter croissants) are made with real care. Beyond the excellent coffee and smoothies, what keeps people returning is the warmth of the team and standout house-made items like their carrot cake, which locals swear rivals homemade versions. It's the kind of place where you can linger over breakfast, feel genuinely welcomed, and leave knowing you've discovered something special that goes beyond typical tourist coffee stops.”

“Home Maid Cafe is a beloved local breakfast spot in Kihei where Portuguese-Hawaiian comfort food takes center stage, particularly their legendary malasadas that keep visitors coming back long after their honeymoon ends. The casual, bustling atmosphere draws both island regulars and travelers who come for the generously stuffed spam and sausage breakfast sandwiches, French toast, and breakfast mocos made with genuine warmth from owners who treat strangers like ohana. It's the kind of unpretentious neighborhood gem where simple, excellent food and genuine hospitality make you feel like you've stumbled into a cherished local secret.”

“Island Vintage Coffee in Wailea is a beloved local breakfast destination that's earned its reputation for impossibly gorgeous and generously portioned açai bowls—reviewers rave about the quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations like their signature passion fruit Iilikoi bowl. The counter-service setup keeps things moving quickly despite the frequent lines, and the friendly staff happily customize orders, making it an accessible spot for both coffee lovers and health-conscious travelers looking for something beyond standard resort fare. Their espresso drinks and matcha lattes round out an impressive menu that punches well above what you'd expect from a quick-grab spot.”

“This beachfront gem in Kihei has mastered the art of the perfect morning stop, with locals and visitors alike making it a daily ritual thanks to their genuinely welcoming staff and standout offerings like the Ube Mocha frappe and coconut gelato. Just steps from the sand, it's the kind of place where you can linger over a breakfast bagel or açaí bowl with an ocean view, striking that rare balance between casual coffee shop comfort and special-occasion-worthy treats.”

“This intimate spot has locals and visitors alike raving about its genuine Italian gelato and expertly pulled espresso, with one patron declaring it "Italian approved." Beyond the stellar coffee, you'll find an impressive lineup of breakfast options—from spam breakfast sandwiches to mango bread—and a genuinely welcoming vibe that makes you feel at home, whether you're a black coffee purist grabbing their $1.99 drip or diving into their full menu.”

“This beloved Hawaiian institution shines brightest for its house-made ice cream rather than coffee—think rich, locally-inspired flavors like macadamia nut and coconut paired with impossibly fresh waffle cones that fill the Wailea shopping center with irresistible aroma. While the cold brew can be hit-or-miss, the affogato-style approach of spooning espresso over creamy scoops has earned loyal repeat visits from vacationers, and the patient, friendly staff makes lingering in line feel like part of the island experience. Come here for the cream, not the coffee, and you'll understand why people keep coming back.”

“This airy, light-filled café in Kihei has earned a devoted following for its expertly pulled espresso drinks and homemade pastries, especially their legendary Argentine cinnamon rolls that visitors return for again and again. The warm, inviting atmosphere and genuinely friendly staff make it the perfect spot for lingering over a perfectly crafted specialty drink, whether that's a Banana Mocha Cooler with an extra shot or a traditional espresso, paired with hearty breakfast fare like French toast or creative lunch options. It's the kind of neighborhood gem where families feel comfortable, conversations linger, and the coffee is simply better than what you'll find anywhere else.”

“Tucked right at Wailea Beach, this spot is perfect for grabbing creative specialty drinks and quality pastries without abandoning your beach day. While the seating can get tight during peak hours and prices run on the steeper side (specialty drinks and espresso cocktails can hit $19), regulars rave about their signature creations like coconut ice cream with toasted coconut and thoughtfully crafted cold brews that pair beautifully with fresh pastries. It's the kind of place where families linger over their morning coffee and lunch bowls, making it a genuine hidden gem if you time your visit right.”

“Tucked within the Grand Wailea Waldorf Astoria, Loulu shines brightest for its genuinely attentive staff who remember regulars' names and greet you with authentic warmth each morning. The standout creations like their Love and Lava sundae and specialty drinks justify the premium pricing, though the experience can be uneven depending on staffing levels and kitchen consistency. It's an upscale spot perfect for leisurely morning coffee and pastries with that rare blend of Hawaiian hospitality and resort-quality care.”