Lion Coffee

One of the highlights, as well as something I was waiting for during my trip to Hawaii. They had plenty of parking inside the warehouse. We did the tour and Jasmine walked us through the entire operation. Jasmine was quite detailed and kindly gave us free samples of coffee, tea, and some of the gold Lion clips (that go on the coffee bags). She also showed us some historic Lion items too. The tour ended with samples of their delicious coffee. The barista also handed out samples of the 100% Kona Peaberry freshly brewed via French Press.
We went to café twice during our trip. We purchased beverages (cold pressed coffee, thai mocha latte, and 100% Kona Peaberry). All the beverages were amazing :)
If you love coffee and are tired of the big name brand chains (i.e. Starbucks), then checkout Lion Coffee.
Aloha!

Coffee is amazing and the cheapest I’ve ever seen on the islands! Also the girls are super sweet and friendly

They offer free samples lots to choose from. My favorite is the honey macadamia nuts one ;)

I love this little oasis in the heart of Kalihi. Once you score a good parking – street parking is hard to come by in this area – you’ll really enjoy your stay at Lion Coffee!
I had a hard time finding parking around 8 a.m. on a Thursday morning, in hopes of going to this café to do some work and enjoy quiet time. While I don’t drink the straight-​up Lion Coffee dark roasts, I saw photos of some delicious-​looking blended drinks that I wanted to try.
I specifically came on a Thursday because the «Mocha Latte» was the special of the day. Be sure to check the menu board when you go … there are different featured specials every day, so some of the drinks are available for a discounted price. I’m pretty sure my 20-​oz. cup came out to only $ 2 something! Winner.
The café is on the smaller side, but there are tables that are conducive to studying or hanging out in small groups, or perhaps having a casual business meeting. And, there’s free wifi, so if you’re planning to co-​office, this is a good spot. Plus, they have a bathroom inside the warehouse too, so you won’t have to go far.
The workers were friendly – this was obviously my first time there – and took the time to make some recommendations. In all my excitement to see the coffee options, I forgot to ask for a stamp card, but I know there will be a next time.
I had already eaten breakfast so I didn’t get any pastry during this visit, but there’s an assortment of baked goods available (for cheap), including muffins, bagels and cookies. I’ll definitely have to try some of those chocolate treats next time.
If you’re looking to actually buy bags of coffee, they sell every Lion type under the sun here. Since I went around Christmas, there were even some holiday promotions and specials.
I had a great experience at Lion Café and, if I didn’t have to be somewhere in two hours, I would have stayed here longer. It’s a hidden gem in Kalihi that I’m sure I will revisit … and hopefully my luck finding parking will be just as good.
Here’s what I got:
«Mocha Latte»: I prefer iced drinks over hot ones, and this «Mocha Latte» was no exception. It includes espresso, milk and Ghirardelli chocolate. I made sure I could get almond or soy milk in my drink so I wouldn’t get an upset stomach as a result. Plus, since it was the featured Thursday special, it was cheaper than the normal price of $ 3.60. This drink had a stronger coffee flavor than I expected, but then again, perhaps I shouldn’t have been surprised (it is Lion Coffee, after all). But I did welcome the delicious chocolaty taste as well. I’m glad I got to try this drink and I would order it again in a heartbeat if I feel like having something sweeter (and cold).
«Mocha Frappé Chilla»: This seems like it would be a Frappuccino-​like drink, so I can’t wait to try it one day. I’m not sure exactly what’s in it, but I’m anticipating the same chocolate flavor that’s present in the latte, but probably a little richer and creamier? I definitely look forward to trying this drink one day.
«Mocha Cappuccino»: Nothing beats espresso, milk and Ghirardelli chocolate. If I want a hot drink, I’m for sure getting this one. I would just make sure they have almond milk or soy milk first, but this option is first up on my list if I want something warm.
«Toasted Chocolate Muffin»: I wished I didn’t eat breakfast prior to visiting this café once I saw this «Toasted Chocolate Muffin» in the display case. The pastries here are really cheap, so I wouldn’t feel so bad about ordering this one day. Even though my drink already had chocolate in it, you can never have too much chocolate. The muffin seemed moist, fresh and flavorful, so I look forward to trying it, if it’s available during my next visit.

Unique location with off street parking. Parking is actually inside the warehouse! I wasn’t sure at first, but there are two arrows pointing towards the opening and you’ll see cars inside. I had an iced hazelnut coffee, and it was cheap and delicious. There’s also a decent space to work. And There’s a gift shop – nice.

Loved this find! Staff was beyond nice and friendly. Good cup of coffee. Didn’t buy any beans this trip, but next time for sure!

This place is perfect! My friend from Kalihi made me drive her here one day for a coffee and I never looked back. There’s tons of parking, the coffee is cheap, and the Art Deco 70’s décor is kitschy in a cute way.
I don’t have a favorite drink because I usually order whatever’s discounted that day of the week (which is a glorious system, by the way. $ 2 coffee? I think yes).
The service is always good and the drinks come out quickly. I also love how it never seems that busy– there’s a steady stream of customers, but at a rate at which the place is never packed (though I’ve never been in at prime coffee hours, 6:30−8 am).
By far my favorite place for coffee in Kalihi.

Friendly, comfortable coffee shop with tasty coffee and pastries.
Off-​street parking is available down the block inside the warehouse. The café is also part of the coffee factory and tours are available and recommended. You may even get free samples during the tour.

Great coffee from the source! This is also one of the only places you can find Lion WHOLE BEAN coffee. If you’re like me and think there’s hardly anything better in this life than freshly ground coffee in the morning, then this is a necessity. I’ve come here many times before heading to the airport back to the mainland to pick up several bags of whole beans to take with me for myself and as gifts. They have parking inside, a café, and a bathroom.

Nice café in the warehouse.
Good seating area to relax.
Warehouse tours for the public sometimes.
Come enjoy fresh coffee!
$ 2.95 for a large coconut latte. On the sweet side. Next time I will ask for less sweetener.

If your in the Area LION COFFEE is hard to beat.
The price and quality is fantastic along with great service.
Nice Retail area with a Stuffed Lion to greet you.
Street Parking…

Awesome service! The girls there are the best and very welcoming!
Lion French all the way #likemycoffeedark #icedblackcoffee #coldpress #fastservice #greatcafe

Lion Coffee is one of my favorite places to grab coffee and do work. Located in a warehouse tucked behind Dillingham Shopping Plaza, this little gem is a great stop if you have business around the Kalihi area and you need a little pick-​me-​up or just a place to chill for a while. Stop by for a drink, enjoy a tour of the roasting facility,
sample some of their flavors in their tasting room, or shop their extensive selection of locally brewed and packaged coffees and merchandise!
The best things that keep me coming back here are that it’s a little off the beaten path, it’s never crazy busy like Starbucks is, there is always enough seating available, free wifi, cheap yet adequately tasty coffee, and you don’t freeze your butt off. It’s also quiet enough to get your work done or chat with a friend, and I really appreciate that! The barista’s are always very nice and quick with my orders and if you’re a regular here, they have a loyalty stamp card you can use. Restrooms are available if needed, and there is street parking and reserved parking available as well.

If it’s not yet obvious how great my love for coffee is… well then I’m not trying hard enough. And Lion Coffee keeps my coffee cravings in check for a good price!
I can’t say it’s conveniently located because, well, it’s not. It’s a literal warehouse where they make their coffee which means two things: 1) you’re getting amazing, fresh coffee right from their warehouse and 2) it’s in the middle of no where in Kalihi. That being said, if you can drive on over and find street parking, their café is very vintage-​esq and cute.
You walk in and you’re hit with that fresh coffee smell, which I personally love, and there is an assortment of chairs and tables off to the right to sit and study or chat or just drink your coffee and wonder if the hole in the glass pane is a bullet hole. They also sell their coffees in whole bean and ground in two neat rows and they seem to be super well priced! I got a vanilla mac nut flavored coffee for only $ 6.99 to try brewing at home (although with the amount of times I go out for coffee, who knows if that’ll happen).
They have a big selection of drinks and the best part is their iced coffee comes in multiple flavors! Not just flavors added, but the actual coffee is flavored and they offer like 9 different choices. You don’t get that at Starbucks!
The staff is always friendly and I gotta make it back to try the coffee tour. I wish it was a located somewhere a bit easier to get to by bus (no car problems) and even open a little later, but overall the price and old warehouse ambience is enough to keep me coming back… when Starbucks isn’t cutting it for the day.

I quit drinking coffee, but with the chaos of jetlag life, I found myself coming back to needing a cup of coffee to function on a daily basis. I’ve seen the Lion brand at Foodland so it was cool to check this place out. They provide tours and have lots of merch in the store.
Every day they have drink specials, so I tried the drink of the day: Thai style mocha. I should’ve known better when I saw the condensed milk, but it was way too sweet for me. The regular coffee was pretty good, and having it with a sip of the thai mocha was a nice balance. I do wish there were more pastry/​food options available.

I love coffee but I am not a huge fan of Starbuck’s. Yeah, I said it. I have been to Starbucks enough times to know that it’s just not for me. I know this may offend some, but to me, Starbucks is the McDonald’s of coffee.
Lion Coffee is not fancy or decked out, and they don’t write your name on your cup. I like the casual, low pressure atmosphere of Lion’s coffee. There are places to sit and socialize inside and out (in the warehouse area, but not outdoors), and they have some items to eat such as croissants and bagels.
The parking is not bad. You can either park outside on the street or pull into the small parking lot (maybe about 10 stalls at most). When leaving the parking lot, make sure to heed traffic as there are forklifts and large trucks in the area. The staff is always very genuinely friendly and welcoming. While you wait for your coffee order, you can browse the very wide selection of coffees and teas, and other products such as coffee cups, t-​shirts and cookies. They even have k-​kups now!
I find that Lion coffee is less acidic that Starbucks. And if you are into flavored coffee, they have a plethora. Personally, I am in love with the thai style latte (which is the Tuesday special). My husband always gets a double mocha. We change up as to whether we want it iced or hot, depending on the weather.
If you are wondering if Lion Coffee is worth a trip to Kalihi, I highly recommend the trip!

This place is awesome. It’s literally their coffee factory and you’re buying coffee as fresh as it gets here. They have daily specials for each day of the week and I came here on a Wednesday and got a cappuccino for 2.49! What a steal. They also have a free coffee tour that goes on throughout the day and it’s free. My favorite.

I couldn’t find whole bean Lion coffee so I had to come to the source. It is a warehouse so don’t expect fancy retail store. They do have a café of coffee goodies with spacious sitting area.
I got 3 big bags of whole bean vanilla Mac and got 10%. Ok, I’ll take the discount anytime.
They also do coffee tours.
You can park inside the warehouse. They have about 10 or more stalls. But the entrance ramp is kind of high so drive slow. I don’t drive a low rider but I heard it scratch.
The best part was leaving the place smelling like coffee. I love it!

Seriously. Lion Coffee is one of my favorite coffee shops on the island.
They’re located in a warehouse on Kalani St. right behind Foodland on Dillingham in Kalihi. I was first introduced to this place one year ago because of a friend who shares the same love of coffee as I do. Yeay coffee lovers! Not only was it convenient to stop by (to avoid traffic) but it has everything you’d want in a coffee shop. Coffee available for you to fill yourself, pastries and baked items, sandwiches, free WiFi, coffee by the bag, and little Lions for sale (the stuffed kind).
Their coffee varies from day to day, no two days are the same whenever I get coffee. My absolute favorite Lion Coffee is Vanilla Macadmaia Nut. Did I mention they’re really great on prices?

Before the Starbucks craze hit Nationally, Lion Coffee Roasters have been serving their locally roasted coffee beans. As you approach the warehouse, you’ll be greeted by the aroma of roasting coffee beans. It’s almost as if you’re inhaling your coffee fix then you order your cup of Joe, take a sip then bing… you’re awake! Lion Coffee offers different roasts of coffee that will suit any palate. from light to dark (French or Italian). Their store offers bags of Kona whole bean or ground coffees with popular flavors such as Chocolate Macadamia, Vanilla Macadamia, Kona Gold, and Thai Mocha. I usually come here to buy bags of coffee that aren’t usually found at our local grocery stores for home brewing or gift-​giving.
Their local baristas can «kick it» with the best out there! They’re friendly, have great customer service, and really serve great tasting coffee beverages. Lion Coffee is situated in family comfortable Kalihi that’s perfect for homelike coffee klatch experiences.