Kona coffee promises a true Hawaii experience, but how about enjoying the sights and sounds of Hawaii while you sip your Kona? Join Honolulu Coffee as we enjoy a day at the beaches of Waikiki and explore the trails of the stunning Diamond Head crater!
HONOLULU COFFEE AT THE MOANA SURFRIDER: Breakfast with a View
The Waikiki neighborhood along Honolulu’s south shore is a historic and premier destination in Honolulu, and Honolulu Coffee is excited to be a part of the experience. Once a popular vacation destination for Hawaiian Royalty, at the turn of the 19th century Waikiki was a quiet suburb of the port of Honolulu. The neighborhood was overlooked by the famous Diamond Head (Lē’ahi) crater, one of Hawaii’s most distinctive geological features.
The area that became Waikiki was once a stretch of low-lying farmland for rice and taro root, the source of traditional Hawaiian poi. But the Waikiki shoreline began to get developed and modernized as trade and travel in Honolulu grew. After Hawaii was annexed to the United States in the late 1800s, developers also realized the potential for tourism for the wealthy. With that in mind, the famous Moana Hotel was finished in 1901 and became the first modern hotel to open in Hawaii, and would become the center of modern day Waikiki.
Today, the Moana Surfrider is still the most famous hotel in Waikiki. It's a great blend of old and new. Be sure to check out the 100 year old banyan tree centered in the courtyard, connecting the past with the present. Our cafe is actually located in the north wing of the original 1901 hotel, right on Kalakaua Avenue.
Breakfast at Honolulu Coffee in the Historic Moana Surfrider Hotel is a classic Waikiki Experience, one not to be missed. Grab a cup of 100% Kona Estate coffee and a house-made croissant (one of the best and freshest croissants on our island) and get your day started right. Sip on coffee grown on our farm in Kona and roasted in Waikiki while you take in the view from the rocking chairs on the front lanai. Breathe in the sea and the sky, and let Hawaii fill your spirit--and your stomach!
DIAMOND HEAD CRATER: An Energizing Hike, and a Local Lunch
A little over a mile away, a moderate walk or a short Uber, one of Hawaii’s most treasured and distinctive geological formations rises above Honolulu’s outskirts. If you’re a resident, there’s no charge to enter the park, on foot or with a personal vehicle. And if you’re just visiting, it’s only $5 when strolling in - a fair price for the amazing, scenic views!
From the rim of the crater you can see all of Waikiki to the northwest, and the rest of the city of Honolulu as well. On a good clear day, you can even see past Ko’olina to the west, and to Koko Crater in the East. The impressive view of the expansive sea and sky is paired with the ancient beauty of this once-massive volcano. This view is sure to awe and invigorate you with the spirit of Aloha.
If it’s a Saturday, on your way down from the crater on the opposite side you might chance by the Kapiolani Community College Farmers’ Market. Peruse the many stalls representing local farms and restaurants: you can buy pineapple, banana, kale smoothies, and other snacks and goods from local vendors. There are also many local poke food stalls, the perfect lunch after an energizing hike.
WAIKIKI BEACH: Lazy Afternoon, Tasteful Evening
On your return to Waikiki, wrap your afternoon up with a dip in the surf on the beach. Sip a Mai Tai or two (or three or four, we won’t judge!), sample some of our Lokahi cold brew, or even dare to catch the legendary waves! Then head off into Honolulu to grab an early dinner.
We recommend a (very!) short stroll over to Duke’s Waikiki, a classic surf ‘n turf destination named for one of Honolulu’s best-known mid-century figures, legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku. Here at Duke’s, pick up some top-class carryout (and beverages) and spend the rest of your evening on the beach, watching the stars come out. A killer view, delicious food, and beautiful weather: this is Hawaii. Duke’s currently also offers dine-in, if the evening chill is a bit much!
Aloha!
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