A cozy and inviting atmosphere at local cafés in Hawaii, perfect for studying with a cup of coffee. (Photo by Nagisa Umemoto)

By Nagisa Umemoto | Staff Writer

Honolulu offers a variety of cafes with cozy atmospheres, free Wi-Fi, and great coffee to help boost your focus and productivity. As a student studying at KCC, I often seek out cozy cafes where I can focus on my assignments and relax between classes. Honolulu has so many great places where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and stay productive. I’d like to share a few of my favorite cafes that I visit when I need a good environment to study.

Knots offers a great study spot with fresh air and a view of palm trees, along with their signature homemade lemonade for just $6. (Photo by Nagisa Umemoto)

Knots Coffee Roasters – Waikīkī

In the busy areas of Waikīkī, Knots is a great place for students who want to study comfortably. Since the cafe is open-air, you can enjoy the refreshing breeze of the palm trees while studying. you can feel the pleasant breeze of palm trees. Moreover, it offers free Wi-Fi and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. So how about studying here before school or doing homework after school and then refreshing yourself on Waikīkī Beach afterward? The homemade lemonade served at this cafe is one of its signature drinks. The lemonade is freshly made every day. If you want to get a coffee, you can get them for about $6. Also, there is a kamaʻaina discount, so just show your student ID card and the discount will be applied.

Morning Brew – Kaka‘ako

Morning Brew’s friendly staff and organic coffee make it a perfect place to study in Kaka’ako. (Photo by Nagisa Umemoto)

Their concept is healthy food and the freshest organic coffee in a friendly, welcoming space with the friendliest service on the island. There are many kinds of drinks like cafe mocha, matcha tea latte, and chai latte. You can get these drinks for about $6. My recommendation is the house-brewed coffee because they make it every morning, so you can enjoy fresh and flavorful coffee. Also, it is only about $3. You can customize your coffee however you like with free options like oat milk, almond milk, and simple syrup.

Morning Brew also serves a healthy and delicious selection of food. One of the most popular food items is the morning burrito ($11), which includes country potatoes, onions, tomatoes, spinach, cheese, and scrambled eggs all wrapped in a tortilla. If you want to add steak or bacon, there’s an additional charge. They’re open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday. There’s free Wi-Fi and outlets to charge your devices, so you can stay for a long study session with your drink and food.

Honolulu Coffee Experience Center – Ala Moana

With a roasting machine right in the center, Honolulu Coffee offers high-quality, locally roasted Kona coffee and a relaxing study atmosphere. (Photo by Nagisa Umemoto)

They open from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day and have free Wi-Fi. You can get coffee there for $7 to $8. It’s a little bit more expensive than other coffee places, but it’s worth it because the coffee is high-quality, freshly roasted, and made from locally grown Kona beans. There is not only coffee but also smoothies. My recommendation for smoothies is the Hale‘iwa smoothie, which contains pineapple, mango, and banana blended with your choice of milk. So if you’re not a coffee person, you can still enjoy fresh and delicious options. The smoothies are about $10.

In the center of the shop, there’s a huge roasting machine where fresh beans are roasted daily. How about studying while surrounded by the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans? In the corner, there’s a small shop that sells a variety of products, such as Kona coffee beans and original mug cups, so you can enjoy shopping after studying.

The Curb Kaimukī – Kaimuki 

The Curb Kaimukī offers rotating coffee selections, with prices that are student-friendly, from $4 to $5. (Photo by Nagisa Umemoto)

The Curb Kaimukī is just a 15-minute bus ride (200 Pālolo Valley line or 3 Salt Lake line) from KCC. They are a multi-roaster coffee shop offering a fresh, rotating selection every week. They feature five roasters: Olympia Roasters, Heart Roasters, Black and White Roasters, Onyx Roasters, and Proud Mary Roasters. So you can enjoy a different coffee every week. What is more, the coffee prices are about $4 to $5, so it’s a reasonable price for students. However, since they don’t offer Wi-Fi, you’ll need to use your mobile hotspot.

The Curb is open Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. A unique feature of The Curb is its wine service on weekends, available from Friday to Sunday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. If you’re over 21, you can relax with a glass of wine in this cozy coffee shop.