Mālama Coffee
74-5555 Kaiwi St, Kailua-Kona, HI
Crema's Take
“Mālama Coffee is a thoughtfully run neighborhood spot in Kailua-Kona that genuinely seems to prioritize what locals actually need—fair prices, quick service, and quality espresso drinks that don't skimp on flavor or overdo the sweetness. Their signature creations like the Mauna Kea Frappe showcase real care in balancing richness with refreshment, and the drive-thru setup makes it perfect for grabbing something excellent on the go, while their quieter vibe and curated music playlist offer a more intimate alternative to busier coffee shops in town. It's the kind of place where you'll sense the owner's hospitality and genuine investment in the community.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
Wonderful, quality coffee. We ordered chocolate macadamia nut iced lattes and it was perfect. Not too much ice, not overly sweet or milky, but great flavor. Fast and friendly service in a drive through!
You can tell that Malama understands there is a shortage of affordable and quick coffee spots for locals to go to on their way to/from work (or any other time). I appreciate their fair prices and fast service. Drive through only but they are only a couple blocks from Ola A’s if you want to take your coffee and enjoy the ocean views. Mahalo Malama!
On a hot Sunday afternoon, the Malama Coffee drive-thru was a welcome sight! I got the Mauna Kea Frappe and it was so refreshing! The flavor was delicious. Rich, but not overly sweet. And the texture was also perfect. So smooth and creamy! I have to add that the young lady who waited on me was one of the sweetest and most genuinely happy people I have ever met. This is the best place in Kona to get your caffeine boost and also a refill on positive vibes!
This may be my first negative review I’ve made…but the experience I had here was not good. The service was surprisingly rude. The iced lattes hardly have any ice. If you like milk then you will enjoy it. Very sweet, even when asked for it to be lightly sweet. Maybe the coffee is good under the milk and sugar? Hard to tell. I just wouldn’t recommend it. I really wanted to like it! at least it was open on a holiday.
Cute little hidden spot! We were able to speak with the owner, very kind and hospitable. Quiet option compared to busier spots like Hico and Arise. Nice music playlist, and comfortable temperature. We were so pleasantly surprised by the quality of coffee. 1. Iced Ube Latte 2. Specialty Honey Latte 3. Ube Malasada 100% recommended for a quick morning coffee or nice spot to work!
Crema Reviews
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