Kona Heaven Coffee — Restaurant in Hawaii

DAY 2 of Vacation - My mission in Hawaii was to visit as much local Kona coffee shops as I can. We had a big day ahead of us, so we wanted a light breakfast. This spot was located in downtown, and it was on the way to our destination.

Parking: There is plenty of street parking and parking lots. Majority of the parking spots have a fee. There are signs everywhere on how to pay via phone. I asked the barista if they validate. Unfortunately they do not. But the barista told me "they don't really check before 11am." So we didn't pay for parking lol.

Ambiance/Environment: I love the open space. It is a small spot with no indoor seating and very limited outdoor seating. My favorite part was seeing the large coffee maker dripping fresh Kona coffee.

Service: Shout to Jill. She took our order and was patient, quick, and efficient. We received our orders within 10 minutes of ordering.

Food & Drinks:

1. Ham, Egg, Cheese Croissant - This tasted as expected. The ham and egg was cooked well, and the croissant was toasty.

2. Lava Latte - Iced only. This is an iced vanilla latte with vanilla ice cream and Oreo crumbles. This drink was definitely sweet. I like sweet coffee, so I didn't mind. They were very generous with the Oreo crumbs.

3. Hawaiian Monster - Iced only. This is an iced latte with blue curacao citrus flavor syrup. I don't like citrus, but my BIL & MIL really enjoyed this drink. This wasn't overly sweet.

4. Aloha Berry - Blueberry, strawberry, with cranberry juice smoothie. My bf wanted something fresh and healthy. This was recommended to him. He really...

The same experience I had happened to another reviewer named Jordan King about 6 months ago, so it’s validating to know the experience I’m going to share isn’t an isolated incident. I asked if they had Ube flavoring, cashier says yes, so I ask for an Ube latte. When I get my drink it’s flavoring and milk. I ask isn’t this drink supposed to have espresso? To be told, no we make lattes the more “traditional” Italian way with just milk. Now I’ve worked in coffee for many years at many different shops and never once, have I worked somewhere where a latte on the menu didn’t come with espresso. Then I was told to stand back in line to get charged for the coffee that really should have come in it from the get go- especially for a $7 cup of milk. They wanted to charge me an extra $5 to add coffee to my drink. When I exclaimed my discouragement the cashier rudely throws her hands up and says “I’m not dealing with this.” If you’re going to have your menu be more “traditional” when folks, who have worked in coffee mind you, order a latte - maybe clarify with them if they want a coffee based drink or a cup of weakly flavored milk. I guarantee you that at least 95% of your customers ordering a latte want coffee in their drink. As someone who lives on the Island I love to support local, but I can guarantee I will not be back here. Work on either clarifying your menu or customer service, or maybe both would...

The fact that it has a great view makes it two stars. Other than that, family of 4, got 4 breakfast sandwiches and 2 coffees. After tip nearly $70. Communication from staff was poor. Coffee sat at the opposite end of the counter cooling off while I stood at the drink pickup window for 10 minutes being ignored by the workers that were texting. The cashier was not cordial and just kind of blah. Except! If you are a regular or you know them then it’s all smiles and giggles and have a great day! Nice. The breakfast sandwiches are frozen stuff they microwave. I know this because 1) I got a nice freezing cold bite in the middle of the hot sandwich and 2) I’m sitting here right now and I’ve heard the microwave go off at least a dozen times. All that said, this is our first time and we definitely won’t be back. Hope you have enough rich locals or unsuspecting tourists to keep your business afloat. Good luck. You’re making me want to move here and start a competing coffee shop. This is ripe for an investor to come in and eat your lunch.

Edit: Taking down to 1 star because I’m not sure the view even counts for two stars when there are better...