Surf Camp Coffee Waimea — Restaurant in Hawaii

Surf Camp Coffee has been, in general, a really lovely addition to Waimea. They offer a clean and bright interior atmosphere and there’s a lovely porch out back with umbrellas to take advantage of sunny Waimea days. The staff is all amazing. The food is all very good and coffee is well made. All that being said, there are a few things to be wary of.

The coffee and food prices are on the high side, putting this establishment out of reach to many community members, and the coffee itself is not from Hawai’i, which is disappointing for visitors and locals alike.

THE red flag for me, and many locals of Waimea, is the owner of Surf Camp Coffee. He has, on regular occasion, critiqued and ridiculed the other local coffee establishment in Waimea. He speaks openly about his distaste of the other shop and often interjects himself into private conversations just to end up bad mouthing other businesses in Waimea. That type of behavior is childish and not going to get you long standing local support. We are a very tight community that thrives on the support of one another. While I do regularly stop in for a coffee or matcha, I tend to leave if I see the owner - he gives me the ick. The apparent Oahu style of hungry competition and trash talking has caused me to give a warning to those who are interested in trying it out - Like I mentioned before, I think the staff is so so kind and the space and coffee/food is all good, but the owner is rude and acts like he was sent from the gods to somehow save Waimea from itself.

I hope this mentality changes and I can edit my review...

If you’re a coffee-fiend and appreciate a proper espresso made with properly roasted beans; that is not oily, then make the trip here. It’s worth the journey. And you can get delicious sandwiches and pastries.

This is only the second real coffee spot I’ve found on the Big Island. And ironically it was recommended to me, as the only other good coffee spot on this island, by the owner of Ka Lea in Puna. The family raises Kau coffee which I find has a deeper flavor than Kona. Seems like coffee-fiends learn where to go.

Most of the Kona coffee I’ve tasted works for pour over, but not espresso. And many of the roasters on the coffee farms don’t seem to know how to roast. They roast oily coffee, even the medium roasts, and they add flavors.

As a result, I’ve come to the conclusion Kona coffee at $29 for an 8 oz bag ($3.63 per oz) is over rated and no where near worth the premium price.

This shop uses Sight Glass coffee, from L.A. Calif. It’s delicious, makes great espresso and a 12oz costs...

Honestly, I wouldn't bother getting coffee from any other place in Waimea. If you really LOVE espresso beverages, Surf Camp's got you! I ordered the Black Sesame Latte. One sip and there was no doubt that I was experiencing a truly exceptional beverage. The quality of the espresso and the execution of the drink were both premium. The flavor was bold yet smooth with zero bitterness or acidity. And the foam was so luxuriant, with a velvety-smooth consistency! I paired it with a soft chocolate chip cookie which was ooey-gooey perfection in taste and texture.

The cafe is extremely clean, open, airy and brightly lit. There is ample seating both indoors and outdoors. The patio seating was shady and looked really inviting.

Side note: I found the music playing during my visit godawful. (Probably because I am old and this business seems to be targeting youngsters.) Mature customers may want to get their...