HiCO - Hawaiian Coffee, Kona Coffee
74-5599 Pawai Pl #B3, Kailua-Kona, HI
Crema's Take
“HiCO is a beloved Kona-side institution that sources beans directly from Hawaiian farms, with their signature Kona blend cold brew and creative drinks like the ube white chocolate mocha earning devoted fans who return daily during their vacations. The bright, welcoming space strikes that rare balance of being both a serious espresso destination and a comfortable laptop-friendly hangout where the genuinely friendly staff make you feel at home, whether you're lingering over breakfast or settling in for work. It's clearly become the local gathering spot in a charming area full of other favorites, offering that authentic Hawaiian coffee experience you simply can't replicate anywhere else.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
Very popular coffee, breakfast, brunch spot. I'm a nice area with other local favorites and shops. Good selection of coffee, lattes and specialty drinks. Food looked great and people told us it's great, although I didn't try any. Can be fairly busy but moves along steadily
We have had our morning coffee here every day of our vacation so far, and it has been phenomenal every time. The ube white chocolate mocha is out of this world, and my husband loves the Kona blend cold brew. All the toasts we have had have also been incredible—the banana toast in particular lives rent free in my head. The staff is friendly and welcoming and the atmosphere is a relaxed vibe. 10/10 recommend.
Got the Ube Latte and an Americano and both were wonderful! My only wish was that I asked for my latte extra hot as, it was cooler than I am used to. It wasn’t too sweet and nicely pairs with the espresso. They do up charge for pure Kona Espresso but, it was still well balanced and smooth. They offer baked goods, breakfast foods, and musubi! We opted for coffee only but, everything looked amazing. The atmosphere is your traditional coffee shop vibes/ workspace. Plenty of open seating indoor and out. We opted for take out so we weren’t able to enjoy the atmosphere for long. Prices are about standard for the island. The location is in a great spot! Next to several other restaurants and Kona Brewing. As my husband said “it’s a millennial hipster paradise 😂”
Absolutely loved this spot! It’s such a comfortable place to work from — bright, relaxed, and perfect for settling in with a laptop. The staff are genuinely friendly and super accommodating. They even made the Lily Special for me with unsweetened matcha instead of the regular version, and it turned out perfect. Great coffee with locally sourced beans, and really cute merch as well. Will definitely be coming back for both coffee and work sessions. Highly recommend!
Super cute & local coffee shop sourcing beans straight from the Hawaiian islands, & esp the Kona-grown beans! Kind of bummed that they're only found on the Big Island, & only on the Kona side, but I guess that's what makes them unique! The last time I went there I was smitten, & I made it a point to come back when I came back this time. I will always make HiCo a point to come by any time I'm on the big island. Ube latte was great, but the haupia latte was my FAVORITE.
Crema Reviews
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