The Prettiest Coffee Shop on Big Island Hawaii
So my friend Tasha traveled to the Big Island last week, & I got a text from her asking about some of the best things to do on the island. My first response was, “GO TO THE COFFEE SHACK!!” I also told her to snorkel at Two Step after, as they’re located close to each other. Then I texted my brother, who goes to the Big Island almost every year: & his first two recommendations were exactly the same! Why, you might ask, is a coffee shop a must-do? Simply because, The Coffee Shack is one of the prettiest establishments I’ve been to anywhere: & it’s certainly the “The Prettiest Coffee Shop on Big Island Hawaii.”
No coffee shop on the Big Island has a prettier view than The Coffee Shack.
The Coffee Shack’s setting on Hwy 11 (also called Mamahaloa Hwy), perched high above the ocean, with green trees & a beautiful plateau below it: is simply stunning.
Where is The Coffee Shack?
The Coffee Shack is located off Hwy 11 in the Captain Cook area of the Big Island; from Kailua-Kona, it’s about 30 minutes south. Starting in downtown Kona, take Palani Rd north to Hwy 11 & turn right. Follow the highway for about 14 miles, through the town of Captain Cook, & you’ll see The Coffee Shack on your right-hand side, just after Captain Cook.
Kona
The Coffee Shack
Info about the Coffee Shack
- How to Get to the Coffee Shack: Find detailed directions by the map above. But bottom line is, it’s located about 15 miles south of Kona. Public transport is limited on the island, so to reach the Coffee Shack (& many other attractions): you’ll need to rent a car. My brother always rents a car right at Kona International Airport, typically for the entire stay ~ which he says makes everything easier, & is quite affordable.
- What Hours are they Open? The Coffee Shack is open from Thursday – Tuesday, 7AM – 3:30PM; closed on Wednesdays. This is a breakfast & lunch place only.
- What are Some Sample Menu Items? Omelettes, Eggs Benedicts, & Hawaiian French Toast are some breakfast options ~ while sandwiches, pizzas, & salads round out their lunch menu. Breakfast is served until 1PM. Their Kona coffee is served all day, as are homemade desserts, such as Carrot Cake, Cinnamon Rolls, & Lemon Coconut Bars.
For their full menu, click here.
- What is the Coffee Shack’s View Overlooking? From their lanai, you overlook 26 miles of the Kona coastline: specifically, Kealakekua Bay. This is the spot where explorer Captain James Cook first landed when he arrived in the Hawaiian Islands; hence the neighboring town’s name. As you look down the mountain from the restaurant, you’ll be able to see some of their 85-year old coffee trees that line the mountainside, providing a beautiful green backdrop to the distant ocean.
- Can You Buy Their Coffee to Take Home? YES!! They sell 8oz bags of whole bean or ground coffee for $28, & 1lb bags for $52.
- What is There to Do Nearby? If you’re coming to The Coffee Shack from Kona, or further north resorts such as the Mauna Kea: you’ll probably want to make a day of it. Drive 10 minutes towards the coast to reach amazing snorkel spot Two Step, where you’re likely to see dolphins & sea turtles; visit local coffee plantations, like nearby Kona Bliss Coffee Farm, Koa Coffee Plantation, or Konalicious Organic Coffee Estate. You can also go hiking at Captain Cook Monument Trail, or bring your beach gear to pretty Manini Beach.
Photos of the Coffee Shack
No other coffee shop on the Big Island has views as staggering as the Coffee Shack’s.
From inside, your view is of tall trees with a side of ocean breeze..
Sitting on over TWO acres, The Coffee Shack grows their own coffee beans directly below the outdoor lanai.
The inside is very informal: no need to dress up here.
The Shack has “rustic charm,” & a nice, casual atmosphere ~ perfect before or after a beach day. Photo by Love Big Island.
Take a little tour around the Shack not only for great “jungle” photos ~ but for a closer look at some of their 85-year old coffee trees.
Renting a Car on the Big Island
To visit The Coffee Shack during your Big Island stay: renting a car is pretty much essential. It will also help you make the most of your stay ~ from trying different snorkel spots, to visiting coffee plantations, getting in some good hikes, or even heading up to the Mauna Kea observatory. For any of these activities: you’ll need a car. Distances on the island are simply too far, & while you may be able to Uber right in Kona & other populated areas ~ it’s harder & harder to Uber the further out you travel on the island.
Plus, you may end up spending more money on Ubers then you do on renting a car!
Search for the best rental car prices here.
xoxo Noelia
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We love the Coffee Shack!! Every time we go to the Big Island, we make a point of stopping here. Views are to die for. Have never tried snorkeling at Two-Step, but adding it to our bucket list for this trip!
Great to hear, Amanda! You won’t regret it : ) xoox
Our family visited the Coffee Shack before an afternoon of snorkeling at Two Step, and it was the best day of our vacation!! Thanks for the recommendations, and appreciate the effort you’ve put into this site.
That’s great to hear, Cindy!! It’s pretty much a perfect day being able to visit BOTH the Coffee Shack & Two Step in the same day : ) xoxo
Our family loves this coffee shop. We visit every time we’re on the Big Island.
It’s such a great spot, Kathleen! xoxo