As we are hitting the middle of Spring semester, I cannot help but find each day harder than the last when it comes to waking up and heading to those early morning classes. If it were not for coffee, I don’t think I would be able to make it through half of my classes. Throughout college, I have come to the conclusion that coffee is not just something I drink in hopes of waking up a little more for class, but it is a drink that I find myself craving even in mid-afternoon and in the evening. Today, one of the new fads that I have noticed both on and off campus is the fact that more and more people are beginning to hangout out at coffee shops.
The patio at the campus Starbucks is just as packed as a normal Starbucks location would be, like at Ala Moana. It could be the atmosphere that coffee shops tend to give off or the obsession with coffee art in lattes but one thing is for sure, coffee shops are here to stay. All over the island new coffee shops have popped up, especially within the past couple of years. In this article, I want to take you on a little trip to a few locations that are close to campus and provide not just coffee and tea options, but delicious foods and unique locations/vibes as well.
Glazer’s Coffee
Walkable distance from campus.
This smaller coffee shop has become quite the study choice for numerous college students throughout the years. This coffee shop tends to have a relaxed Seattle coffee shop type of vibe once you walk inside. From numerous art pieces along the walls to the different areas to sit, this coffee shop offers a quiet space for those who need to focus on their tasks at hand while enjoying a cup of coffee on the side. Glazer’s offers multiple types of specialty coffees as well as freshly brewed teas if you are not a coffee person. Glazer’s coffee shop can be located at 2700 S King St, Honolulu, HI. From campus, it is about a mile away, usually around a 20-25-minute commute if you are walking.
The Front of Glazer’s Coffee and the inside atmosphere.
9Bar HNL
Bakery/Coffee shop.
9Bar HNL is one of the newer coffee shops that has opened their doors to the island. Although it is new and many would assume it is constantly busy, there are plenty of times where this coffee shop can be found with minimal people hovering around. Unlike Glazers, this coffee shop gives off a “modern industrial” atmosphere which can be seen from the interior of the building to the location of the shop itself. 9Bar HNL is located in the new SALT area of Kaka’ako, at 685 Auahi St. #118 Honolulu, HI. Along with delicious espresso drinks, 9Bar also has a more modern menu as well. From breakfast bowls to fresh bakery goods, like the “scuffin” which is a cross between a scone and a muffin, I’m pretty sure you will be able to find something that sounds tasty enough to try.
A look at the inside and entrance to 9Bar HNL.
Morning Brew Coffee House – Bistro
Most food options I’ve seen at a coffee shop yet.
Morning Brew is a coffee shop that not only provides a wide variety of coffee and tea options but has an extensive food menu that is both healthy and satisfying. From pancakes, French toast, scrambles and egg burritos, to salads, vegan burgers and vegetarian options this coffee shop will leave you wanting to come back for more. If you are in need of an area to study or just a place to meet up with some friends on the weekend, Morning Brew offers two floors of seating as well as outside tables to do just that. Morning Brew has two locations, one is located in Kailua at 600 Kailua Rd, Kailua, HI. The other is also located at SALT in Kaka’ako at 685 Auahi St. #113 Honolulu, Hi.
An example of one of Morning Brew’s dishes and sitting areas outside.
Morning Glass Coffee + Cafe
Located in our own backyard, Mānoa Valley.
Morning Glass Coffee is a quiet, open air coffee shop that lets you experience the beauty of Mānoa Valley while enjoying a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Morning Glass Coffee creates their food from scratch whenever possible, from Macaroni + Cheese Pancakes to Tuna sandwiches. They focus on locally sourcing their ingredients to give their customers the tastiest eating experience they can. Morning Glass Coffee is located at 2955 E Manoa Rd. Honolulu, HI. Next time you are on the way to Safeway or Longs Drugs store, consider traveling a little further to check this place out!
A look at the entrance of Morning Glass Coffee as well as their Macaroni + Cheese Pancakes.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I just want to try something new and refreshing. Although I love Starbucks, going out and discovering local coffee shops has become one of my new favorite things to do on weekends. So maybe this weekend, when you are out or find yourself needing a study break, go and visit one of these coffee shops! You may find a new place to satisfy your coffee craving this midterm season.