The Coffee Shack
About
Coffee With a Kona Coastline View
Perched precariously on the edge of the Kealakekua Bay cliffs, The Coffee Shack offers a breakfast experience defined by the vast Pacific blue stretching to the horizon. This Captain Cook staple feels like a local secret, despite its popularity. Expect a brisk breeze that carries the scent of roasted beans and damp tropical foliage, often accompanied by the distant, rhythmic crash of waves against the rocks below.
The Morning Ritual
Most visitors arrive hungry for the signature 100% Kona coffee, grown right on the slopes of the surrounding volcanic terrain. The menu leans heavily into local produce; the papaya boats and banana bread are legendary for a reason, often sourced from neighboring farms in the South Kona district. If you visit on a weekend, prepare for a line that snakes toward the entrance, as the limited seating on the breezy lanai is highly sought after by hikers and travelers heading toward the nearby historical sites.
A Quirk of South Kona Dining
While the atmosphere is laid-back, keep in mind that the parking lot is compact and can become a bit of a puzzle during peak mid-morning rushes. Navigate the tight turns with patience, and you will be rewarded with a view that arguably outclasses any five-star resort in the state. Whether you are fueling up for a snorkel trip or simply watching the clouds roll over the hillside, this open-air café captures the rugged, unpretentious soul of the Big Island.
Amenities & Features
Location
83-5799 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, Hawaii, 96704-8306
More to Explore
More cuisines in Captain Cook
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 1458 community reviewsEric SperoGoogle Maps
Recently
Amazing food with high quality ingredients and large portions but not so large that you have to throw away some of your meal. The check-in process was a little rough because the person at the counter had clearly had enough. We got our food as takeaway. The wait time was reasonable. Beautiful views. Tight inside with limited seating. Yummy dessert case absolutely stocked with what looked like homemade desserts.
Mia VossGoogle Maps
Recently
Fabulous food, wonderful views and great service! The Luau bread is a MUST! Super soft and yummy. Like a pillow for your mouth (yes, I said it) I had the Ono Fish Sandwich and Hubby had the Reuben , so delicious! Our server Jenn was a delight ❤️ Out of this world views on the patio ! Parking can be challenging since it's right off the highway and the lot is small.
S HernandezGoogle Maps
Recently
This little gem is tucked away in a nondescript area. If you blink you'll miss it. Patience is key when coming here. Parking can be challenging. Wait time can be mor ethan 40 minutes. For some places its all hype. But this one is well wprth the wait. Our server was very personable, attentive,. The food was generous and tasty. I ordered the ono benedict and the fish was not overpowered and blends seamlessly with the sauce. Papaya boat was delish. The view? Awesome. Highly recommend.
Kyle RembisGoogle Maps
Recently
Can’t beat the view here. Great food and service. They make all their breads and make great coffee. No complaints with what we got: cinnamon roll, eggs Benedict, and French toast. The French toast bread was one of a kind. Our favorite thing we tried was the cinnamon roll, then cream cheese icing was the best I’ve ever had. The views from the table make this a special spot. Only downside is the waitlist. Called around 10 am on a Sunday and was told there was an 1hr+ wait. No reservations so be sure to call ahead on the phone and check in to ensure you get on the waitlist. You can drive to the beach or hit the farmers market while you wait. Overall it was worth the wait! We wish we had another chance to come back and try one of their sandwiches. There’s also a small parking lot in front.
Encompassing Birth Services & Midwifery (Midwife Shanlee)Google Maps
Recently
Stopped by on a local friend's suggestion. So pleased we did. Beautiful views off the balcony, and every table has a view. Got the Ono Benedict and it was a favorite of everyone there. The fish was fresh and beautifully poached eggs blended together for a belicious protein breakfast. The hollandaise was beautiful. We had wonderfully spiced and roasted sautéed potatoes and hearty rice. Another tasty option is the Ono Sandwich. We snagged a Lilikoi (passion fruit) cheese cake to go and should have gotten another. It was creamy with a hint of the tropical fruit tang to balance it. Paired with the syrup for a sweet tart it disappeared too fast. The portion was perfect for one, and we had planned to split it.
Barry SullivanGoogle Maps
Recently
We hadn't been here in a long time, but it is as good as ever.... Maybe better Parking is a challenge.... Be patient! The view is simply breathtaking from inside the restaurant. Jeffrey, out server was wonderful. The food was exceptional. Full of flavor, and a delight to eat This is a must stop restaurant!
Кудесница лесаGoogle Maps
Recently
Such a wonderful breakfast place on the way to volcanoes! Enjoy watching the shadows disappear as the sun rises while waiting for your food. Speaking of the food… it was too greasy for my liking. But I would still come here again just for the view, coffee and dessert.
Shweta PalandeGoogle Maps
Recently
Great food and beautiful views! Ordered the papaya special and Ono benedict. Papaya special comes inside a bowl made out of fresh papaya which was so sweet and juicy, the coconut pound cake that comes with it was good too. Ono fish was amazing and the side potatoes very delicious. I would come and these 2 dishes here again.
Maneesh JGoogle Maps
Recently
This was our favorite place on our Big Island trip. Amazing food paired with incredible views makes it hard to beat. The veggie omelette was outstanding, with smoked vegetables that added so much flavor, and the potatoes were perfectly seasoned and roasted. The sandwich was good as well. The lilikoi cheesecake was the standout dessert, and the coffee was excellent. The views were truly breathtaking, with the restaurant located right at the edge of a cliff. Service and atmosphere were both on point. It is a great spot to stop for breakfast when driving from Kona down south. Parking can be a bit tricky, but if the lot is full, someone usually leaves fairly quickly, so it is worth waiting. Since it is directly off the highway, be cautious when pulling in and out.
Kevin FoleyGoogle Maps
Recently
Recommend by a friend who’s dad is a local.. this place did not disappoint! The view is spectacular (you would never know from the road), and the food and service are a match. I had the breakfast sandwich with sausage, and my wife had the ono fish eggs Benedict.. both were awesome. While we were waiting for our food and enjoying the scenery, we had a couple of geckos stop in for a visit.. one was brave enough to lick sugar off my finger. Super sweet. Would highly recommend this place to anyone who is visiting the big island.. we loved it so much we came back the next day!
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