This old-style eatery has tons of character, and you'll enjoy stepping in to watch the short order cooks work their magic. If you want to grab a homey breakfast or a burger, have a seat at the counter and place your order. If you want a slice of pie, savor it there, or have it wrapped up for home. They also sell terrific cakes, flaky pastries, and other baked goods, such as brownies and doughnuts. Their coco puffs — something like profiteroles but with the addition of chocolate pudding — are incredible, but unfortunately, they go fast.
This convenient venue offers fresh baked goods during the day, along with deli sandwiches and salads. Cakes and pastries are scrumptious, as are pies that will have your mouth watering with just a glance. They're a perfect complement to the cafe's rich coffee drinks and are ideal for a break from the day.
If you're doing a little sightseeing and need to take a break or wind down a bit, then head to Starbucks. From flavored coffees and caffè lattes to teas and ciders, the menu on the wall has it all. An enticing selection of muffins, biscotti, and pastries is also on display. Frappuccinos and iced coffees are available for mid-day refreshment, or you can choose a hot chocolate, mochaccino, and cappuccino to reward yourself after a long day. Other locations throughout the city.
Famous for its snow cones, this family-owned business has been around for decades and is legendary on the North Shore. Tourists and locals regularly flock to the establishment for an icy, refreshing treat, gussied up with a variety of homemade syrups and flavorings. Among the options you can choose are passionfruit, raspberry, lychee, pineapple, coconut, and strawberry. To mix it up a bit, you can also combine flavors or even tuck a scoop of ice cream (or sweet adzuki beans) beneath the ice. Perfect for a hot day, even with the lines that often form.
Set along the North Shore, this fantastic coffee shop appeals to folks with its laid-back ambience. The rustic venue is adorned with mosaic floors and burlap sacks full of fragrant coffee, and the house roaster adds to the aroma as it prepares the beans for blending and grinding. Hawaiian coffee, naturally, is the specialty, and a variety of light fare is available for those who require a bit of sustenance. A terrific hangout.
One of the most recognized and respected brands of coffee in Hawaii, Lion has been around since 1864. On Kalani Street, you'll find the company's roasting plant (tours available), headquarters, and a retail store. A favorite spot for meetings thanks to Internet access and no usage fee during the week, Lion is also perfect for simply taking a caffeine break during the day. In addition to having a rich, dark cup of java, you can snack on pastries and cookies. A great pick-me-up!
At this fantastic café, you can either step in for a smoothie or a full-bodied cup or coffee, or you can stay awhile and have a light meal as well. Crêpes are a specialty, both savory and sweet, and you can also pick up an omelet, salad, sandwich, or stir-fried dish. Cakes and cookies make an appearance as well, as do some great vegetarian options, including vegan, low-fat, and tofu-based fare. Consider Mocha Java a stop-off while you run errands, or make it a destination for a satisfying, tasty meal.
Looking for an alternative to fast food? Step into Jamba Juice and feel your body perk up at the prospect of all the healthy things you're about to consume. This fun shop concocts smoothies and juice drinks with a plethora of fresh fruits, vitamin-and-mineral supplements, and nonfat frozen yogurt. Drinks are balanced with carbs, potassium, and fiber to make you feel well, and they taste awesome too! Have one as a pick-me-up during the day, or use it as a meal replacement and know that you're eating as you should.
Bogart's is one of those hole-in-the-wall places that is a tried and true reliable joint for locals in search of that perfect breakfast. Whether taken to eat on the go or eaten at one of their small sidewalk or indoor tables, Bogart's is a not to miss place for anyone vising Honolulu. The tiny cafe has an extensive hand written menu on the wall, and although it's quite varied and long, everything is really good. The coffees are also great and they have every type of espresso you could want. A real hit is the breakfast bagel sandwich, can't go wrong with that.
Recommended for Dessert because: Bogart's is one of the top spots for wonderful coffee, breakfast, brunch and lunch that can be eaten in the small cafe or taken to go.
Local Expert tip: It's a good idea to call ahead and order, they can be quite packed in the mornings.