Hi fiction lover! I made a post not too long ago about why writing at the cafe is a must for both concentration and making it seem like a not-so solitary activity. If you ever find yourself in Oahu, or if you live here, these are (in my opinion), the best cafes to write at in Oahu. In fact, I can almost guarantee that inspiration will strike if you give these places a chance.
I have a few criteria for choosing a coffee shop. First of all, I have to see the sky. I get claustrophobic when I’m at a cafe and can’t see any part of the outdoors. Second, it has to have a bathroom—or at least some sort of accessible bathroom nearby. Third, the cafe must be clean and bright. And finally, there shouldn’t be too much of a problem in finding a seat.
The best cafes to write at in Oahu might be different for you. But as a person who’s “lived” in many cafes, these are the ones that get me coming back. In no particular order, let’s get started!
Glazers Coffee
2700 S King St Honolulu, HI 96826
Glazers is such a charming coffee shop. With tons of parking nearby, it’s definitely a contender for a consistent writing spot. Jazz music usually plays in the background, combining a vintage feel with a calming wood theme and charming deco. At Glazers, there are usually several people playing chess, and others are students trying to hammer out their projects. The only downside to the shop is that several times in my visits, all the seats were taken. If this is a concern for you, you will probably like to try the other cafes listed.
Island Brew Coffeehouse (Ala Moana)
1450 Ala Moana Blvd Level 3 Honolulu, HI 96814
Island Brew is a reliable cafe that usually never fails me in finding a seat. I love sitting on the outer portion of the cafe, where I can watch the mall and the sky. With a comforting and friendly feel, it feels very lively and busy. Besides drinks, they also provide lunch, so it’s good for the writer who spends all day at the cafe.
Talk Kaimuki
3601 Waialae Ave Honolulu, HI 96816
Talk Kaimuki is a classic cafe that has a very bright feel. It’s always busy! But usually, finding a seat is possible. Their specialized drinks range from Red Velvet to Cinnamon Roll, so you’ll never get bored of choosing your coffee here. Talk feels the most “open” out of all the shops mentioned, as you get a great view of Waialae Avenue while you sip your coffee and do your work.
Mr. Tea Cafe
909 Kapiolani Blvd Unit A Honolulu, HI 96814
Mr. Tea serves boba along with coffee. It’s a bright and cozy spot that opens late (up to 11 pm!). This aspect is probably the main reason it made this list. Nothing feels better than hammering out a chapter when the whole rest of the city is getting ready for bed. Mr. Tea offers a good change of pace when you get tired of sipping on your cold brews.
TRY Coffee
1200 Ala Moana Blvd Fl 2 Honolulu, HI 96814
TRY Coffee has the most limited hours out of all the cafes listed. However, if you do manage to wake up early, you can snag a seat on the second floor deck and enjoy a great view that will feel nice on more breezy days. I recommend going here on the weekends, when they allow you to sit indoors as well (usually it’s set apart for the coworking space).
Honorable Mention: Kahala Mall
4211 Waialae Ave Honolulu, HI 96816
Kahala Mall gets an honorable mention. Even though it’s not a cafe, there are tons of places to buy a drink. Once you make your selection, you can scope out a seat near the fountain, where you can relax with its aquatic sounds. With a ton of open space, and even a skylight, Kahala Mall offers a good alternative when you tire of coffee shops.
I would love to hear from you. Do you have a favorite cafe on Oahu? If you live somewhere else, what are some of your requirements for a good writing spot? If you enjoyed reading about the best cafes to write at in Oahu, consider checking out my blog for more posts like this one.