If you are like us, coffee is not a “want” but a daily necessity. We’ve got the scoops for you on Kauai’s best local coffee shops in Poipu so that you won’t wake up in a caffeine deficient haze trying to yelp local coffee shops while on vacation. After all, Kauai is home to the largest coffee plantation in the United states.
Here are some of Poipu’s favorite coffee shops when looking for a quick fix:
Lappert’s Hawaii Ice Cream & Coffee
Lappert’s Hawaii doesn’t just serve coffee, they have been roasting gourmet coffee blends right on Kauai for over 30 years. Their state-of-the-art coffee roasting system is located in Kauai’s biggest little town, Hanapepe, where they hand select the best Hawaiian grown coffee beans and blend with other world class coffee beans grown all around the world. With names like Kauai Pie with coconut accents and hints of chocolate and macadamia nuts or the smooth and bold Thunder Chicken with a blend of Kona coffee and South American beans, Lappert’s Coffee is pure decadence in a mug. Lappert’s Hawaii has an ice cream and coffee shop located right in Poipu at the Shops at Kukui’ula and two other locations in Hanapepe and Princeville where you can pick up bags of their premium coffee blends to take home. The best part is you never have FOMO (fear of missing out) because their coffee is also available online through their website. They are open from 6 am to 10 pm daily.
Little Fish Coffee Poipu
There is nothing little about the big bold flavors in a cup of Little Fish Coffee in Poipu. Regular customers swear by the homemade syrups made in this shop, try an iced lavender latte or hazelnut mocha. Another thing that customers can’t get enough of are the bagel sandwiches- stuffed with housemade cilantro pesto schmear, veggies and deli meats. Little Fish doesn’t just stop at americanos and lattes, they also offer blended coffee drinks, such as the Jitterbug with shots of espresso, mexican chocolate and your choice of milk (coconut, almond, regular) and fresh fruit and veggies smoothies that are as satisfying as ice cream on a hot day. Their acai and pitaya bowls topped with a heaping pile of fruit, homemade granola and honey or peanut butter will make you wonder how something that feels so light fills you up so well. If you find yourself on the west side of Kauai, Little Fish Coffee also has its original shop in the town of Hanapepe. Little Fish Coffee Poipu is located right on Poipu Road and open from 6:30 am to 3 pm daily.
Living Foods Gourmet Market & Cafe at Kukuiula Shopping Center
In addition to strong espresso and hot cappuccino, everything you need for your vacation is available at Living Foods Gourmet Market & Cafe. Our personal favorite is to pick up a hibiscus iced tea or pineapple agua fresca from the cafe, locally grown organic salad from the salad bar, and a few snacks before we hit the beach. If you are on Hawaiian time (meaning not in a rush), savor your coffee on their outdoor lanai with a gluten free crepe or pineapple brioche french toast. Located at the Kukuiula Shopping Center in Poipu, Living Foods’s Chef works with local farmers, ranchers and fisherman to offer an array for fresh deli items, locally ranched meats, gourmet cheeses, organic veggies and fruits, and an exquisite selection of wine and spirits. Outside the market, The Juice Bar serves fresh juice blends, smoothies, and nutrient packed smoothie bowls from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm daily. Living Foods offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is open from 7 am to 9 pm daily.
Did you know….
Kauai is home to Kauai Coffee Estate, the largest coffee plantation in the entire United States with over four million coffee trees grown on 3,100 acres. The plantation has been in operation since 1987. Kauai Coffee Estate gives free guided tours of its property every day at 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm and 4 pm as well as a roasting demonstration in the tasting room at 10:30 am. While strolling through the grounds and checking out the different varietals, the tour guides will share the entire process of making Kauai Coffee, from initial blossoming to final roasting, and everything in between. Kauai Coffee’s tasting room allows visitors to try each 100% Kauai grown unique blend of coffee, from chocolate macadamia nut, coconut caramel or toasty banana nut cream, where you can also purchase their coffee that is packaged and sold on property as well.
Who knew that such a little island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean could be such connoisseurs in the art of coffee? Don’t just take our word for it, we welcome you to try for yourself while visiting. Okole Maluna! (bottoms up!)