Rooted in Hawaii
From a tiny roastery to Oahu's favorite coffee destination. Here's how we got here.
It Started With a Farm Visit
In 2014, Kai Nakamura was a software engineer burning out in Silicon Valley. On a vacation to Hawaii, he visited a small Kona coffee farm and everything changed.
He tasted coffee straight from the roaster, beans harvested that morning, and realized he'd never truly experienced coffee before. The flavors were alive, complex, nothing like the stale commodity coffee he'd been drinking for years.
Six months later, Kai had quit his job, moved to Kailua, and opened Kona Brew with a secondhand roaster and a dream: to share the magic of truly fresh, Hawaiian-grown coffee with everyone.
Today, we're proud to work directly with the farmers who inspired us, roast fresh every morning, and serve our community with the same passion that started it all.
Our Values
Quality First
We never compromise on beans. 100% Hawaiian coffee, sourced directly from farmers we know by name.
Fresh Daily
Our beans never sit on shelves. We roast in small batches every morning for peak flavor.
Community Roots
We support local farmers, hire local talent, and invest in the neighborhoods we serve.
Sustainability
Compostable cups, local sourcing, and partnerships with farms using regenerative practices.
The Kona Brew Story
The Beginning
Opened our first tiny roastery in Kailua with a single espresso machine and big dreams.
Direct Trade
Established partnerships with Kona coffee farmers, cutting out middlemen for better quality and fairer prices.
Waikiki Opens
Expanded to our second location, bringing specialty coffee to visitors and locals alike.
Community Support
Survived the pandemic by pivoting to delivery and providing free coffee to healthcare workers.
Chinatown Arts
Opened our third location in Chinatown's arts district, featuring rotating local exhibitions.
Growing Family
Preparing to open our fourth location in Kakaako and launching our wholesale program.
Meet the Crew
Kai Nakamura
Founder & Head Roaster
Former tech worker who fell in love with coffee on a trip to Big Island farms. Left his desk job to pursue the perfect cup.
Malia Chen
Operations Director
Restaurant industry veteran who keeps all three locations running smoothly. Known for her legendary organizational skills.
Jake Williams
Lead Barista Trainer
Certified Q Grader and latte art champion. Responsible for training our baristas to be the best on the island.
Our Farm Partners
We buy directly from Hawaiian farmers, ensuring quality beans and fair prices. No middlemen, just relationships built on trust.
Hualalai Estate
Kona, Big Island
Classic Kona
Makua Coffee
Ka'u, Big Island
Ka'u Reserve
Kualoa Farms
Oahu
Oahu Grown
Come Taste the Difference
Visit any of our three locations and experience what makes Kona Brew special.