When you want to spend hours enjoying the beauty of Kapaa Beach, there’s perhaps no better way to start the day than a trip on over to Java Kai. In an effort to be so much more than a trendy coffeehouse, they make it their mission to wow you with small-batch, hand-roasted coffee, fantastic food, and friendly service.
Their master coffee roaster, lovingly dubbed The Teej, makes the magic happen on their hand-built Diedrich roaster. When he’s not catching waves, he is dreaming up new ways to elevate the bold coffee flavors in all his beans. Then, the team uses those beans to bring you iced coffee and many other delightful drinks. Beyond that, they serve light breakfast and lunch fare plus tons of amazing pastries and desserts.
As you walk up to Java Kai, the first thing you’ll notice is their chill beachside atmosphere and colorful works of art at every corner of the shop. From there, the scent of fresh-roasted coffee will undoubtedly bowl you over as you gaze in wonder at the menu ahead. Give yourself some time to pour over the options since there’s definitely a little something for everyone on that board. As you do that, don’t forget to peek in the glass display cases to see what pastries and desserts they have on offer that day.
Once you manage to put in your order, you can grab a seat inside or zip on out to the cozy tables out front of Java Kai. Either way, they will promptly bring out your order with a smile, so you can get ready for your upcoming adventures in no time flat. Before you leave, be sure to grab a bag of fresh-roasted coffee beans or sign up for their bean subscription to stay well-stocked month after month.
The top menu items at Java Kai include:
Iced Shark Bite
Available in medium and large sizes, the Iced Shark Bite elevates the rich, robust flavors of their hand-roasted coffee from the first sip to last. This tasty drink starts with espresso and then gets even more shots of espresso before receiving a blast of raspberry syrup. Whipped cream goes over the top to offset the bright berry flavors and help provide a smooth finish.
Bagel + Lox Plate
A star on the breakfast menu, the Bagel + Lox Plate promises to delight your senses with every bite you take. They make this simple yet wholly extravagant dish by toasting up a bagel to a light golden brown and then smothering it with cream cheese. Over that, they add smoked salmon, red onion, fresh dill, and capers to build your sandwich to remember.
Kauai Cubano Sandwich
When it comes time for lunch, you can never go wrong by treating yourself to the Kauai Cubano Sandwich. This dish begins with a homemade ciabatta bun toasted to perfection. To that, they pile on the pulled pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles before slathering on the Rick’s Gold Mustard. Alongside all that, you get your choice of purple potato salad, organic green salad, or chips.
Aloha Bar
Whether you just breeze through for a coffee or have a whole meal, always end your visit at Java Kai with an Aloha Bar. This sweet treat features all the best flavors with its layers of shortbread, macadamia nuts, coconut flakes, and chocolate. Yum!
If you want to share your love for Java Kai with the world, just load up on their merch and show it off everywhere you go. You can go with a basic t-shirt or hoodie emblazoned with their logo or go with a fun hat and tumbler. When you really feel the love, just gear all the way up — complete with a fresh-made drink and pastry in hand — and then, head out on all your Kapaa Beach adventures in style.
Insider Tips:
-In a hurry? Just complete your order online before you head out, and then skip the line and walk right up to the barista at Java Kai for your drinks and food.
-If you sign up for their coffee bean subscription, you’ll automatically get 10% off each order.
-Need to skip the gluten? Ask to sub the bread or tortilla with a gluten-free alternative.