Coffee Talk

I happened in a few times recently to check this place out to determine if there'd been any improvement in the general ambiance and attitude. On my first visit back I noticed a wooden "Ilima" award on the counter. The Ilima flower is the official flower of the island of Oahu (where Honolulu is located). These awards are garnered by businesses who get the most votes from citizenry who bother to fill out lengthy ballot and fax or mail it in. Theoretically one vote is allowed per citizen. I ordered a chocolate brownie with chocolate chips on the top. It was okay. The 'new face' that served me was exceedingly nice. My second visit was pleasant as well. On my third visit, I struck out--encountering a residual 'Ms. Nasty' from the bunch that are "no longer working here". I am afraid that the "Ilima" awards are plagued by the same lack of voter participation as our national political elections. It is time for coffee house consumers to give the truly excellent coffee houses their due and not allow a 'groupie' minority to vote this place in again next year unless of course it changes drastically for the better and actually deserves the award. more

This locale is perfect for people who live within walking distance (or who lack transportation altogether) as parking is limited. If transportation is not an issue and potential patrons prefer a clean, well-maintained, friendly environment, I suggest driving, cycling, or busing past this place. The "funky gigs" Karen L. mentions in her review are a thing of the past. They were offered by a "non profit" organization named "Unity Crayons" who charged $5 (tax free) a pop to throngs of Goth-attired attendees most very well behaved but some of whom participated, on occasion, in "moshing". Moshing is "the act of jumping or bumping into an audience. Sometimes banned because injuries are often a result..." (voodooglowskulls.tripod.com/dictionary.html). There used to be a large glass window on the Waialae side of this "funky little coffee shop" which is missing due to moshing. This former bank is a very nice space whose potential is not fully realized. While the punk gigs and moshing are a thing of the past, the people that allowed, ran, benefited from and/or hosted these poorly organized and supervised events are still around--running the coffee shop. more

This funky little coffee shop at the top of Waialae Ave in Kaimuki is a favorite of locals. The full coffee offerings and accompanying cafe foods are a perfect mix. The painted floors & artsy decor make it a fun place to hang out and chat. Indoor & outdoor seating, a "private" room for quite visiting, and casual seating are bonuses. I've never been, but I've seen a hundred teens/20s in line for music & funky gigs in the night. I asked someone with pierced everything & they said that it was a regular music venue at night. I didn't know I had gotten so old and out of it.... more