Maruwu Seicha

Maruwu Seicha opened a second location on Oahu in Mo'ili'ili. Their first location is in Waikiki. Their drinks have a very strong tea taste. I prefer the hojicha over matcha because I like the toasted taste and I don't enjoy the bitter aftertaste from matcha. For some of their drinks, it comes with whole milk and you can't substitute it for a non-dairy option. They also have matcha sodas, soft serve, and cheese tarts. I recommend the Hokkaido cheese tart. It was creamy with a buttery crust and went well with my black sesame hojicha. The drink prices range from $8 - $10.

The Mo'ili'ili location has indoor and outdoor seating but it gets busy. A lot of people are there studying so they stay long. If you can get a table inside, stay and hang out for a bit because the AC is nice and cold. For parking, the Mo'ili'ili location offers free parking in the Hale Mahana structure. For Waikiki, it's metered street parking or parking in a structure that does not offer validation. 

Mo'ili'ili
2615 S King Street
Honolulu, HI 96826

Waikiki
260 Beach Walk
Honolulu, HI 96815

Iced Matcha Latte (iced)

Black Sesame Hojicha Latte (iced)

Hokkaido Cheese Tart

 

Broome St General Store - CLOSED

There is a pop-up cafe inside Broome St. General Store that serves coffee, matcha, and pastries. They are located at Ward Village in Kakaako near Whole Foods Market. I enjoyed the miso caramel latte since that's not a drink I've seen anywhere on the island. The olive oil lemon cake and the chocolate banana mascarpone loaf were also delicious. The toasts are photogenic but they're $13 each. The whipped ricotta toast comes with jam and they have a bunch of different flavors. You can choose 3 jams and make it a "rainbow style" toast for an extra $1.50. The pastries are about $8 each. The drinks range from $4 - $10 depending on what you add in (espresso shots, oat milk)

If you are in the Kakaako area, this is a nice spot to hang out at since they have outdoor seating. There are 2 tables that have an umbrella and the rest are partially shaded or might be in the sun depending on the time of day you go. They do get busy and you'll see the line coming out the door but it's worth the wait for the drinks and pastries. If you eat there, I'm not sure if we're supposed to clean up our own table but we did. Some customers don't clean up and just leave their dirty cups and plates and another customer does it so they can use the table.

For more information about the cafe at Broome St. General Store, visit their Instagram @broomestgeneralhawaii.

310 Kamakee St B
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 480-9031

Whipped Ricotta Toast

Olive Oil Lemon Cake

Chocolate Banana Mascarpone Loaf

Avocado Beet Hummus Toast

Iced Aina Cloud Latte

Iced Miso Caramel Latte

Iced Ube Horchata

 

Junbi Waikiki

Junbi is a shop that serves matcha (green tea) drinks. They are in Waikiki at the Royal Hawaiian Center next to the stage. They have drinks that are exclusive to Hawaii which include guava, POG, yuzu, or lilikoi. I recommend getting something with guava if it's your first visit. I did notice the matcha flavor was light and if you want a stronger matcha taste, consider adding a shot to it. Some drinks don't allow you to customize sweetness so you may want to add more ice or just let the ice melt before drinking it.

Depending on the time of day you visit, there might be a long line, but the line moves fast. They have 2 kiosks at the shop that are self-service, and you pay with a credit or debit card. If you're paying with cash, let the staff know and they'll take your order at a different register. They have other teas and non caffeinated drinks. In 2023, they added soft serve to the menu. The drinks are priced between $5 - $9 and soft serve is $10 - $12. You can get a parking validation if you purchase $10 or more.

Royal Hawaiian Center
2301 Kalakaua Ave
Building C, Space 102
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 892-1221

Guava Matcha Fresca w/ Lychee
(Hawaii Exclusive)

POG Refresher w/ Lychee and Aloe
(Hawaii Exclusive)

Guava Matcha Fresca w/ boba

Locals Delight

a la maison by MAnYU Flowers - CLOSED

à la maison by MAnYU Flowers is a boutique shop in the McCully area that sells unique teas, floral arrangements and home decor. They also have a barista in the shop who makes tea lattes. Their tea tasting menu offers matcha latte, hojicha latte, chai tea latte, and pour over coffee. Each drink is priced at $4. The drink I recommend is the hojicha latte which is made with oat milk and sweetened with brown sugar. While you wait for your drink, you can shop around and see the different items they sell. If you rather watch the barista, you can have a seat at the table and watch your drink being made. They accept cash and credit card.

The shop is located on the 2nd floor above Wagaya, it's the same complex as Mama Woo's BBQ. There is a sign at the gate to go upstairs, call the number on the sign and the shop staff come down to let you in. They have a few parking spaces in the lot but if none are available, you can park in the metered spaces on South King Street.

2080 S King St., Unit 203
Honolulu, HI 96826
(808) 638-1876

Iced Hojicha Latte

Iced Matcha Latte

Nanzan GiroGiro

Nanzan GiroGiro is located near Ala Moana Center. They offer a kaiseki (multi-course Japanese dinner) which consist of 6 items. The restaurant has bar style seating and the kitchen is in the center. While you eat, you can watch the chefs and staff prepare your next course. The chefs and staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. There are a few of them who also speak fluent Japanese.

If you plan to dine here, you must make reservations in advance. The kaiseki is $50 (dessert not included). If you want the dessert, it's $58. Their menu changes every month. For parking, they have a few spaces in front of the restaurant and some parallel spaces across the street on Pensacola.

One unique thing about this restaurant is that all the bowls and plates your food comes in are made by the owner. Some of the pieces are very detailed and photo worthy. There is a small gallery on the side that showcases more of the owner's work if you wish to buy them.

560 Pensacola St
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 524-014

Uni, Potato Sauce, Bonito Soup Jelly, Cooked Bonito,
Micro Amaranth Edamame, Mini Tomato Pickles, Wasabi Soy Sauce,
Micro Nalo Greens

Yuan Grilled Short Rib, Grilled Eggplant Soup, Cucumber, Salt,
Wasabi, Shiso Leaf, Ayu Bone Cracker, Bell Pepper Pickles

Ayu Somen, Junsai, Yuba (soy milk paper), Tat Soi,
Yuzu Kosho Pepper, Lime

Yuan Grilled Sea Bass, Green Beans, Mizuna mixed w/
Sesame Sauce, Brown Rice, Kale & Watercress Smoothie

Anago Tempura, Foie Gras, Gobo, Mashed Taro Tempura,
Egg Ankake Sauce, Ginger, Zuccini, Green Onions

Hamo Tempura, Hamo Broth & Maitake Mushroom Rice,
Nori, Wasabi, Bubu-Arare

Sweet Red Bean, Pine Nuts, Cocoa Cake
Peach Ice Cream, Sweet Potato Sauce
Honey & Apple Macaroon

Matcha