Koana

Excellent coffee and Brian the owner is super friendly. During my visit he took the time to talk and share his experiences explaining the complexities of each coffee while having a steady stream of customers coming through the door.

The customers were also extremely friendly and easy to strike a conversation with. It was like being in your favorite bar with friends. If you haven't been go now and enjoy, you won't be disappointed!

And for those of you concerned about COVID19, I witnessed Brian wiping down each table and spraying each chair with disinfectant so your visit will be safe.

One of my all-time favorites coffee experiences. The store owner was very nice and explained all of his coffee very well.. You could tell that he’s absolutely loves coffee and wants to share it with people. Highly recommend going here.

Excellent customer service, amazing quality drinks. Thanks to Becca for making me one of the best Mocha’s I’ve ever had. Fire roasted marshmallow. I wish there was a place like this in California. Will for sure be coming back 🤘🏼

We were told by locals that this is the best coffee shop in Hilo. The visit was a true local experience more than just coffee. Brian knew his gigs so well, and offered us a curated tasting “tour” where we got to sniff and sample different beans. It’s chill, low key, professional, eye-opening and filled with fragrance, stories and laughs. We ordered two award winning iced coffee and both were truly amazing that we ended up buying the beans too.

We spent some time at the coffee shop and saw local people coming in and out, dropping by to chit chat. Brian brought out his twist of hot chocolate, the cold brew he made for himself, and gave us a piece of stone cookie, all on the house.

On our way back, we kept talking about the amicable, close knit community culture. We felt some magic that kept people here.

I wish I had taken more photos! 🥲

This place is a real treat! Lots of local beans, primarily focused on pour over black coffee for bean tasting. They also have tasting chocolate and a few other things that I didn’t get to try. Also some yummy banana bread. The owner was friendly and highly knowledgeable about coffee. This, and Paradise, were the two best coffee spots I found during my week on the island.

What a hidden gem! You definitely probably will not see this place unless someone recommends it and tells you about them but if you love coffee this place is a must when you're on the island. Brian definitely is an expert in his craft and you can tell he is passionate about this. If you're looking for a quick Starbucks type coffee this place is definitely not it. But if you want quality craft coffee I highly recommend this place. Each cup is brewed to perfection. He weighs and measures the brands prior to grinding them. Heats up the water to the exact temperature then times each cup to brew. The results is outstanding smooth delicious coffee! Even the dark roast is smooth! He has other things in the shop as well. So if you love coffee and not in a hurry I HIGHLY recommend Koana. You cannot visit the Big Island without coming here!

Awesome. Coffee fan here. Precisely brewed coffee with evident pride and love. Best mocha my wife and I have ever had. The pour over coffee was so good that it didn't even need milk or a sweetener. It's both buying a coffee and an experience. Cute cafe too.

Prices are a bit scary walking in, but just go into it knowing you'll enjoy some of the tastiest coffee you'll ever have. Got to talk with some of the employees for a while, friendliest folks you'll ever meet, and knowledgeable too. Drinking chocolate was amazing as well, highly recommend. Look forward to recommending to buddies on the mainland! (Bakery next door is a great pairing too)

5 stars doesn’t do this place justice. From the coffee sourcing, intelligence, and brewing of Brian, to the conversation with those gathered, to him graciously offering recommendations to all travelers, this is a hidden gem. Anyone who travels from Volcanoes National Park to/from Hilo needs to make it in their plans to stop by here for a coffee (pour over, plenty of options) and enough time for a conversation. The awards that have been earned by this coffee house are clearly well-deserved. Try the chocolate lava drinks too! Yum.

Wow, what a special coffee experience. I only have positive things to say: the beans are fresh and delectable, the owner takes extreme care making the drinks, and the process behind the drinks is thought out and well-crafted.

I especially recommend a plain cup, although it is anything but plain in flavor and subtlety.

The owner really knows what he’s doing, and clearly cares very deeply for the community. 10/10