Akamai Coffee Co. — Restaurant in Maui

I visited Maui with my family a couple weeks ago and we stayed in Kihei for our trip. I had searched online for good coffee shops close to our condo and found several good ones within a mile or two. But while looking for another coffee shop I stumbled across Akamai, it was kind of hidden in a small office building.

I decided to give this place a try, not doing any prior research online. Something was calling me to give this place a chance, and I'm so glad I did.

My first impression of the inside was very clean and modern, with a touch of green foliage across the wall. It reminded me of some of the coffee shops back home in Seattle. And apparently the barista working that day had lived in Seattle for a short time as well, and that opened up the conversation about their coffee.

I was given a quick introduction to Akamai and how they roast only local Maui grown coffee, which was exactly what I was looking for initially when searching for a good coffee shop nearby. It's all organic and is one of the few growers on the island that doesn't spray their crops, which appealed to me. But once I tried the coffee, I was blown away by the quality and flavor.

I was sold on the first sip, and I went back every morning for the next week to get my morning coffee. I didn't even want to try any other local coffee shops, I had found the best coffee in Maui!!!

I even bought one of their hats to take back home to Seattle, and everyone is asking me where I got it. It's a black Akamai Coffee Co. hat with a pineapple on the front, and it's really comfortable swag. I also grabbed a bag of the Maui Mokka to take back home, which was highly recommended by the barista as her favorite.

Anyways, I highly recommend you give this place a visit next time your in Maui. If you're a coffee connoisseur such as myself, then you will be rewarded with amazing service and the best coffee at Akamai.

Thank you very much for the experience and making my trip to Maui...

I was severely disappointed with the service I received as well as the drink I purchased October 2017. On the first day arriving in Maui, I was excited to try a local coffee shop, and reading the reviews on Akamai, I wanted to give it a try.

Upon entering, I spoke with Kimberly, the owner of the coffee house. Not knowing what to get, being a tourist, I asked her what the most popular drinks were. She responded that most customers know what to get--Her response was not helpful. Once I decided upon ordering the 16 oz "Akamai Features" which was flavored with Macadamias, I requested to have "light ice." What I got in the end was the opposite--the ice filled 3/4 of the cup (please see picture for reference). Although the drink was tasty, it only amounted to a few sips before I finished the drink. For 6 dollars, that's a hefty price to pay.

Instead of being one of those customers that requests for a redo, I just accepted it knowing I wouldn't be back. I am all for supporting local coffee shops and would have returned, but the first experience left a bitter taste in my mouth. In the end, I visited Mill House Roasting Co., further north, on more than one occasion, as the value and service I received was better.

*To reiterate, the quality is there and clearly the shop is popular with a majority of positive reviews. I hope to see them continue in their success, and hope my feedback can prevent my experience from happening with...

Hands down the best coffee I had in Maui! The beans are truly something else, rich, smooth, and full of flavor. You can tell they put real care into what they serve, and it shows in every sip.

We ordered two lattes, one with brown sugar and one with vanilla, and both were amazing. The flavors were balanced, not overly sweet, and complemented the quality of the espresso perfectly. We also shared a cheese danish that my husband absolutely loved. He said it was one of the best he has ever had, and I have to agree -- buttery, flaky, and so fresh.

The shop itself has such a fun, cozy vibe. There's even a swing inside, which adds such a unique and playful touch. It's the kind of place you actually want to hang out in, not just grab a coffee and go.

Service was excellent. The barista was super friendly and even made the cutest latte art, which totally made my day. I ordered a 12 oz and loved that it came in a mug, while my husband got a 16 oz to-go. My only wish is that they would offer mugs for the larger sizes too. It would be a nice way to cut down on paper and plastic and make the experience even better.

Overall, Akamai Coffee is a gem. Between the amazing drinks, delicious pastries, welcoming atmosphere, and thoughtful service, it's the kind of place you'll want to visit again and again. If you're in Maui, definitely make time to stop by. You...