A store front advertising a Item pick up location, branches of a tree cover the store front a little, reflections of surrounding buildings can be seen in the glass

.. may be that you are getting your caffeine fix from a large chain coffee shop. This is a bold statement I just made, but one I’ll stand by. I know, it is probably not the biggest mistake to make while on O’ahu, but trust me, if I tell you to skip your favorite large chain coffee shop while on the island. I say this with only your best interest in mind.

O’ahu is home to incredible good coffee shops, from south shore to north shore, east side and to even a couple of excellent spots on the west side with the majority conveniently located in Honolulu, Waikiki and Kaka’ako.

Many of these small independently owned hidden gems will not only serve up an excellent brew, but contribute to the neighborhood and greater communities of the islands. In a lot of these shops is where plenty of social interaction is happening. Many shops do invite you to sit, maybe read a book or even borrow one of the board games or card games that can be found in plenty of shops. You are served aloha in your cup and are invited to sit and relax for a little while. Sitting and enjoying, that may be an island thing. No one is in a rush here and that’s for good reasons. Coffee also almost always tastes better over conversation, and those are plenty to have in a local shop.

But that’s not all, many independently owned shops do take pride in sourcing their beans from ethical suppliers and a good amount of shops even support coffee farming in the islands by sourcing beans from the Hawaiian islands. This commitment to environmental stewardship serves the consumer a delicious cup of coffee and weaves the local economy in its very delicate fabric. And while coffee and conversation may already be a selling point, that’s not it. Its the pastries, breakfast and other meal that shine bright.

Independently owned coffee shops not only often ethical source beans and support local coffee farming, they also support local farms, local bakeries, eateries and other makers and creators in the community. The very delicate fabric of a local economy, I had just mentioned. Your breakfast sandwich likely will be freshly made, not just heated up in a little oven after it had been prepared weeks ahead and has been shipped to O’ahu.

Coffee bags on a shelf
A vase of white faux flowers is in the foreground with a barista in a red scarf being in the background
Barista wearing a red scarf and white clothing frothing up some milk.
A display of pastries under a glass dome
A white porcelain cup on top of a white saucer on top of a table

On one of my days in town I visited a recently opened coffee shop, got myself a flat white and a Kouign-amann. I just love a good pastry with a cup of coffee, what can I say. The shop is still new and is still finding its rhythm, and it was the shop that inspired me to write some words on the importance of visiting a local coffee shop while on O’ahu. Not far from any local shop is also almost always a large chain store and that’s where, especially in Waikiki, many people get their caffeine fix. There is of course nothing wrong with it, but chances are the same coffee and reheated pastry will be available at the chain shop in your neighborhood back home.

A elderly woman and two elderly man photographed through a window in a coffee shop
An elderly woman ordering coffee. She is smiling at the barista, wearing black shades, dangling earrings and a purse across her shoulder.
A window display of hawaiian made coffee syrups. A green plant is on the tray of syrup bottles behind them for decoration

The coffee shop captured through my lens is Common Ground, located at 1111 Bishop St, Honolulu. Charming little shop. I hope my words and photos will encourage you to venture out and find a local coffee shop, on O’ahu, or where ever you are located.