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Where to Get a Good Jolt in Waikiki

April 16, 2024

Everyone needs a pick me up. For some, it’s a morning pleasure to start their day. For others, it’s a necessity throughout the day. And if you happen to have an electric vehicle, it’s about every 200 miles.
 
Whatever category you fall in, Waikiki Beach Walk has you covered.
 

MOLTO BENE!

Il Gelato’s claim to fame is its dedication to rich, sumptuous, true artisan, handcrafted gelato the way it is done by the finest gelato masters in Italy.
 
A cup of coffee with latte art, a glass of iced coffee, and a glass of affogato in front of a blurred beach scene, with the text "IL GELATO HAWAII - Authentic Italian Ice Cream."

However, the Italians also revere good coffee, and here again Il Gelato honors its roots with a mouth watering choice of hot and iced espresso, cappucino, latte, hot teas and delectable coffee specialities, including Affogato and Mocha Frappe. Not to mention their superb houseblend of Illy.
 
For those who don’t know, Illy wrote the book on espresso. Literally. It was started by an Italian cat named Francesco Illy who founded illycaffè in 1933, and revolutionized coffee preperation with the invention of the illetta in 1935 which is considered the blueprint for modern espresso machines.
 
But that’s not all. Because of illycaffè's 80 years of producing coffee excellence, the company established the Università del Caffè, and institution that has been promoting quality coffee preparation through training, research, and innovation since 1999.
 
So they not only wrote the book, but conduct the classes.
 

DAWN PATROL

A vintage coffee sign with the words "Coffee Fine Aroma Hits the Spot" and an arrow pointing to "Fresh Hot" above a shelf displaying several white coffee mugs with "Big Wave Dave Waikiki" written on them, and a Big Wave Dave Honolulu, Hawaii Waikiki logo on the picture.
Like Il Gelato being famous for gelato, Big Wave Dave is known for being the best surf shop in Waikiki, with a huge selection of superb beach gear for rent in Waikiki, including of course, the best surfboards to rent in Waikiki, and of course, Waikiki’s best surf school, run by one of the most renowned watermen in Hawaii (that’s Dave).
 
Hawaii in general is full of early risers, and surfers specifically are known for early runs on the waves ...often beginning just as the light of dawn starts breaking. This is known by surfers as “the dawn patrol” and who better than one of the most experienced surf instructors in Waikiki to determine the best brew to get you going?
 
That’s why Dave takes this seriously, and why he proudly named his shop Big Wave Dave Surf & Coffee.
 
And for those stopping in for a brew, they are in for a treat, as Dave has a fabulous menu of special signature lattes handcrafted to order. The delectable choices include such delightful and imaginative creations as The Honey Girl, with almond milk, honey and coconut; Lo Tide, with coconut milk, agave & lavender; and Kula Nalu, with oat milk, brown sugar and raw honey. The 3 other scrumptious recipes easily make Big Wave Dave the best selection of latte in Waikiki.
 
Even a simple cup of joe is special at Dave’s, as you can get a handcrafted Pour Over serving of rich, 100% Kona Coffee to brighten your day and amuse your tastebuds.
 
You can amuse your other buds as well, as the Big Wave Dave 100% Kona Roast is available for purchase by the bag to take home and share.
 
Or keep it all for yourself. We won’t tell.  
 

WHEN YA GOTTA GO YA GOTTA GO

Takeaway coffee cup with the Beachwalk Cafe logo sitting on a table with palm trees and a building in the background.
Of course, some people don’t have the time to relax and enjoy a brew with delicious gelato from Il Gelato or a pastry from BWD. They just want to get out into the fun of Waikiki.
 
Good thing Beachwalk Café has a modest espresso machine with an interesting choice of flavored espressos and teas for a great grab’n’go.

And for those who just want to brew their joe at home, ABC Stores has a fabulous selection of coffee you can brew at home or gift to loved ones.


 
An aisle in an ABC store filled with various flavors and brands of coffee on shelves. On the floor, there's the ABC Stores logo and text "The Store With Aloha - OAHU . MAUI . KAUAI . KONA".
ABC Store at Waikiki Beach Walk has a large selection of local and gourmet coffee choices   
 

A DIFFERENT KIND OF JOLT

A parking area with multiple electric vehicle charging stations, illuminated with green lights, and a sign that reads "RESERVED PARKING ELECTRIC VEHICLES ONLY."
Waikiki Beach Walk now has more charging options for EVs. There are all new Tesla chargers available at both our parking locations at Embassy Suites and Wyndham (directions below)
 
These are 32-amp chargers the cost is $15 for 3 hours and $30 for overnight. Charging cost is separate from the public parking rates. Hey, it’s Waikiki!


 

ANOTHER ELECTRIFYING THOUGHT: COMPLIMENTARY PARKING IN WAIKIKI!

Waikiki Beach Walk has complimentary valet parking from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a $10 purchase from any Waikiki Beach Walk merchant or restaurant! (Regular parking rates apply after 3 p.m.) Just make sure to present receipt to the valet!
 
Map with labeled streets such as Kalakaua Ave, Saratoga Rd, Lewers St, Kalia Rd, and Royal Hawaiian Ave. Two designated parking locations are marked with "P" symbols. Text below reads "Parking Locations: Validated valet parking located at Embassy Suites Porte Cochère or Wyndham Vacation Ownership. $4 per 1/2 hour after 3 pm."#BestEspressoWaikiki
#BestCapuccinoWaikiki
#BestLatteWaikiki
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#GrabnGoCoffeeWaikiki
#BestIcedCoffeeWaikiki
#BestGelatoWaikiki
#IlGelatoWaikiki
#BigWaveDaveSurf&CoffeeWaikiki
#BestLatteWaikiki
#BeachwalkCafeWaikiki
#ABCStoreWaikikiBeachWalk
#EVChargingStationsWaikiki
#FreeParkingWaikiki
 
PHOTO CREDIT
All photos courtesy of Waikiki Beach Walk.