Maui is world-renowned for its coffee beans, which are rich in robust flavors, and grown locally all over the island. At Akamai Coffee, they roast their own locally grown beans and use them to craft deliciously fresh and flavorful coffee drinks. Located on Wailea Ike Drive in the Shops at Wailea Village on Maui’s West Coast, you are guided to Akamai Coffee by the intoxicating aroma of roasted coffee beans before you can even see the storefront.
Perched on the second floor of the small, outdoor shopping complex, the building presents a sleek, modern façade. Clean wooden paneling covers the building, surrounding glass doors and large windows. A black wooden overhang and black lettering denote the spot. To one side, there is an inviting, covered outdoor seating area, complete with metal tables and chairs, and simple but decorative overhead lamps. Beyond the patio, catch a relaxing glimpse of the ocean and nearby golf courses.
Inside, soaring white ceilings and a white counter and coffee bar make the small cafe feel airy and spacious. Huge windows let in plenty of bright, Hawaiian sunlight, which reflects off the polished cement floor. The whole establishment is decorated with a variety of lush, colorful potted plants, giving the area a fresh, comfortable feel.
The menu features a variety of beverages and food items. Coffee offerings include brewed coffee, pour-overs, cold brews, a frappe (which is like a coffee-based milkshake,) and several espresso-based drinks, like lattes, cappuccinos, americanos, and café mochas. They also serve matcha, golden milk, Italian sodas, and an assortment of hot and iced teas.
To complement your coffee, they offer a small but diverse menu of breakfast and lunch items. Breakfast seekers can choose from new classics like a croissant sandwich, avocado toast, yogurt and granola, and more. Those looking for lunch options can peruse a small selection of soups and salads. For those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth, they have a variety of freshly baked pastries, ice cream sundaes, and affogato.
We enjoyed sampling several menu items. Here are a few of our favorites:
Latte
It may sound simple, but we found Akamai’s traditional latte to be absolutely delicious. The fresh, bold espresso blended brilliantly with the creaminess of the milk to create a warm, flavorful cup of coffee magic. We certainly recommend giving this one a try, no matter what time of day you visit.
N.O.L.A.
This one’s for you, iced coffee fans. The NOLA cold brew uses a base of New Orleans-style coffee, infused with its signature woody, nutty chicory flavor. Milk, ice, and a perfect amount of sweetness give this refreshing drink a tasty flavor profile you won’t soon forget.
Avocado Toast
Fresh avocado, spring-mix greens, radish, onion, feta, and extra virgin olive oil are piled on a perfectly toasted piece of dense, sweet bread, reminiscent of banana bread. The unlikely combination of sweet and savory marry to create a totally unique riff on traditional avocado toast. To take it to the next level, add an organic, free-range egg.
Croissant Sandwich
Guests can choose from ham and cheddar, or turkey and Havarti to fill this expertly constructed sandwich, built on an impossibly buttery and flaky croissant. Upgrade with an egg to make it feel more like breakfast. Neither combination is exactly reinventing the wheel, but there’s something about the simplicity of this sandwich, the perfect blending of familiar flavors, that makes it tasty, satisfying, and memorable.
Whether you need a morning pick me up, a relaxing breakfast, or an afternoon snack, Akamai Coffee has something to whet your whistle. Let us know what you liked best!
Insider Tips:
-Akamai Coffee offers a rotating menu of unique and tasty drink specials. Be sure to ask what specials they’re offering when you stop in.
-There is often a line to get into the café. It tends to move quickly, but it’s not uncommon to wait for 10 minutes or more to get to the counter.
-The Shops at Wailea Village, where Akamai is located, is a cute, upscale, outdoor shopping area featuring artisan and local shops. After you grab your coffee, you might enjoy strolling through the area.
-There is ample parking available, but if you don’t want to drive, Akamai Coffee is located within walking distance of most Wailea area resorts.