Coffee shops

Kona Coffee & Tea

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

74-5588 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, United States $1–10
4.6
1,695 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Nestled in the heart of Kailua-Kona, Kona Coffee & Tea is far more than your typical coffee shop—it’s a vibrant gathering spot where the rich tradition of Hawaiian coffee roasting meets welcoming community spirit. As a specialty coffee roaster, café, and coffee store, they offer an exceptional experience for both casual sippers and devoted coffee aficionados alike.

Stepping onto their spacious patio, you're immediately embraced by a relaxed, sunlit ambiance, perfect for savoring a moment of calm or catching up with friends. The ample parking and friendly, attentive staff create an inviting atmosphere that encourages lingering — whether you’re popping in for a quick double-shot espresso or settling down to enjoy one of their thoughtfully curated food options sourced from local ingredients.

Customers rave about the café’s distinctive brews, notably their strong, full-bodied double-shot coffee that encapsulates the bold, smoky, and slightly sweet essence Kona coffee is famed for. The brown sugar coconut iced latte, highlighted by a devoted fan, offers a perfectly balanced sweetness and creaminess that is utterly refreshing on a sunny day. For tea lovers, the Ginger Lime hot tea—complete with self-served honey—is described as soothing and revitalizing, an ideal pick-me-up when feeling under the weather.

Beyond beverages, their food menu complements the drinks impeccably. From perfectly toasted bagels to the health-conscious Kona Bullet coffee option, the offerings cater wonderfully to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. The casual vibe mixed with an interesting selection of merch and wines adds layers of charm and appeal, making Kona Coffee & Tea a well-rounded destination for both locals and visitors.

It’s clear from customer testimonials that the Kona Coffee & Tea team strikes the ideal balance of professionalism and warmth, managing busy crowds with patience and grace—even amidst bustling weekends filled with tourists and large groups. Whether you’re stopping by to take advantage of their fast takeout service or savor your drink alongside the gentle Hawaiian breeze on their outdoor terrace, this coffee haven feels genuinely special.

For those craving an authentic taste of the Big Island’s world-renowned coffee culture coupled with a friendly, laid-back vibe, Kona Coffee & Tea delivers an experience that warms the soul and invigorates the senses.

03 Notes from regulars

1,695 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.6
Based on 1,695 verified notes
5 1,294
4 299
3 102
2 35
1 38
All Acai Bowl Outdoor Seating Salmon Lox Inside Seating Ocean View Espresso Chia Pudding Dark Roast Friendly Staff Mocha
Low Law.
2 month ago
Cute local coffee shop with great food options and wines. Plenty of patio space, lots of parking, friendly people.
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Lydia.
2 month ago
Food: Coffee taste wonderful! It’s our first Lona coffee on the Big Island and it’s impressive! The bagel is also very nicely done. All of their coffee comes in double shots so it’s very strong already. Service: the staff is warm and welcoming. They have interesting merch as well. Ambiance: casual and good for takeout or just stand for a quick grab.
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Andrzej Daszkiewicz.
2 month ago
Had hot tea since I felt under the weather. It did not disappoint. I had Ginger lime it was amazing. They have honey you can put yourself as well. Also the price wasn't bad eithe
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Katelynn P.
3 month ago
I get the brown sugar coconut iced latte and it is so good every time!! Can be a little slow at times but still good coffee!
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Michelle Porter.
5 month ago
Being a healthy foods enthusiast, I was delighted to try the Kona Bullet coffee. The shop was super busy, with large groups of people enjoying the outdoor terrace. I was quite impressed with the staff. A team of one girl and one boy were calmly keeping the line moving. They remained patient and polite, even while having to deal with rude tourists. I only had to wait a couple of minutes for my order. During that time, I enjoyed browsing the locally made soaps and scrubs, candles, pottery and hand bags. They even had a wine cooler stocked with some bottles that looked amazing, and were all in the $30 range. And the coffee? Well, it was phenomenal! The grass fed butter made it creamy and gave the foam a nice golden hue. The coconut oil nicely complemented the bright flavor of the Kona Coffee beans. Most importantly, it left me with a sense of well being and gave me a mental boost. Can't recommend enough!
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Bryan Perez.
5 month ago
Their espresso shake is delicious. I also had their breakfast bagel with mango salsa which is absolutely fantastic. The staff is very friendly and great. So if you’re ever in the area and want great coffee this is the place!!!
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Jessi Spruill.
5 month ago
Been coming for years, always great coffee. Love the order ahead feature, so easy and convenient. They have some of the best cold brew around, definitely worth a trip!
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Nikki A.
5 month ago
Probably one of the best coffee spots in Kona that we have tried . And trust me there a few good spots here . Seems popular as there are always an influx of people coming in . Love that they open early on the weekends - smart ! We were up early and driving around for some coffee when we found out this place was open . We ordered a pour over dark roast - oh my gosh - so good ! It didn’t need cream or sugar . It was smooth and delicious . We went back for two more coffees- a flat white and a honey latte . It was all so good we had to end it with a parfait since we saw so many people ordering it ! Great spot - do come by!!
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday 06:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Tuesday (today) 06:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Wednesday 06:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thursday Closed
Friday 06:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Saturday 06:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Sunday 06:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Finding the door

74-5588 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, United States

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

From the business
  • Identifies as women-owned
Service options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Onsite services
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • No Delivery
Highlights
  • Fast service
  • Great coffee
  • Great tea selection
  • Live performances
  • Serves local specialty
Popular for
  • Breakfast
  • Solo dining
  • Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Happy hour food
  • Healthy options
  • Organic dishes
  • Prepared foods
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegan options
  • Wine
Dining options
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • No Table service
Amenities
  • Bar onsite
  • Gender-neutral restroom
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Quiet
  • Trendy
Crowd
  • College students
  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Tourists
  • Transgender safespace
Planning
  • No Accepts reservations
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • Good for kids
Parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Paid parking lot
  • Paid street parking
  • Parking
Pets
  • Dogs allowed outside
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