One of the best ways to fuel up for a day of exploring or recharge after a long day at the beach is with a delicious cup of coffee from one of the many amazing local coffee shops here in Hawaii. With enticing options all around, I love to visit new shops to try their homemade specialty drinks with locally grown beans. After many years of tasting, I've found there are a few shops that always keep me coming back for more! Here are my top 5 favorite coffee shops across the Hawaiian Islands.

Hawaii Island: Kona Coffee & Tea

Located on the Kona coast of Hawaii Island, Kona Coffee & Tea simply serves the best coffee I have ever had. Every coffee beverage on the menu tastes like heaven and the first sip will be so smooth and flavorful that you'll truly understand why Kona coffee is world-class. I highly recommend returning many times to try out every item that catches your eye and make sure to grab a few bags of coffee beans to bring home with you to keep the high-quality coffee memories of your trip fresh in your mind and mug!

Kauai: Java Kai

When on Kauai, Java Kai is my number one destination for caffeination. With two locations, Java Kai in Kapaa and Kai Bar in Kilauea, you can swing by as soon as you arrive on island and pop in again later in the day on your way to or from the north shore. The specialty drink menu has creative flavor combinations that are fun to try, and they even have an amazing breakfast and food menu. The decor, designs and atmosphere of Java Kai are all curated in a way that infuses the coffee shop experience with aloha.  

Maui: Maui Coffee Roasters

Maui Coffee Roasters is located right near the airport in Kahului and is the perfect first stop when you arrive in Maui. The well-crafted drink menu makes it exciting to experience new coffee concoctions, and I've found the honey latte and cold brew coffee are two of my favorites here. Whether you dine in and enjoy the colorful artwork displayed on the walls or grab it to go and head off on a hike, Maui Coffee Roasters will start your day in Maui off right!

Oahu: Coffee Gallery

The North Shore of Oahu will elevate your senses as you gaze with wide eyes upon its stunning natural beauty and sip from a hot mug of artisan coffee from Coffee Gallery, savoring every flavorful moment. Located in Haleiwa, Coffee Gallery provides an indulgent coffee experience where you'll be captivated by the aroma of the coffee and enchanted by its taste. The Sea Salt Caramel Latte, cold brew coffee and pastries infused with local flavors such lilikoi and macadamia nuts are among my favorite menu items here.

Oahu: Morning Brew

Morning Brew is one of the first places I take friends or family that visit Oahu.  The coffee is always fresh and delicious, and they offer many different varieties of locally grown coffee beans that serve as a tasty introduction to the smooth and rich flavor of Hawaii's coffee. Morning Brew's breakfast menu is also impressive and pairs perfectly with a warm or iced coffee – before or after your sunrise on the beach! Visit both locations in Kailua and Kakaako to explore different menu items and find your favorites!